OP, what will work best for you, mostly depends on the amount of damages to you. If the damage to you bicycle, helmet, cycle gear (add every penny in), if you commute by bicycle - rent a bicycle to continue commutes at drivers expense, and all of your current and future likely medical cost are less than you can collect in your states small claims court, then file a small claims against the driver for the full amount.
If your damages are over the small claims limit, they still may not be high enough that a lawyer would take you case on contingency. Then file with your own insurance providers, let them pay you less deductible and let them go after the driver.
If you have large medical bills and any chance of permanent medical or disfigurement, get the lawyer.
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