I just took another cyclist to task for not stopping at the scene of an accident in this thread. (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=105899) So now I'm going to play hypocrite and ask "Should I have stopped?"
Here's the situation: moderate traffic, driver of a light blue Ford Focus hooks me and my tire bumps something plastic on his car and grab his hood. No harm no foul so I just push away and keep going down the street.
The motorist is at fault, damage to me or my bike is nothing, damage to the Ford might be some marred paint, though I doubt even that happened. Placing the motorist at fault might be subjective -- the motorist passed me, swerved right within inches of me, slowed to less than my speed to make the turn, then STOPPED right in front of me, probably anticipating that I would pass on the inside of him (which I would not do).
Am I legally obligated to stop and exchange information with the motorist? Would you have stopped?
RFM
rs_woods
05-10-05, 12:00 PM
This happened to me the other day. A guy was trying to get an opening on fourth street in which traffic was completely stagnant due to a draw bridge. A person let a gap form so the car could get through, but they were so eager to grab it that they didn't notice a cyclist passing right in front of them. By the time their car met my bike, I was almost past and they just nudged my back tire. I kept going, figuring he'd rather have his place in line that bother with me.
It was the motorists fault for being too edgy, but according to law I should be fined up to $100 for not stopping and at least talking to the guy. Go figure.
AverageCommuter
05-10-05, 12:00 PM
Legally? I'd say you're probably supposed to stop at any accident in which you are involved. Ethically? Tough call, considering how many times motorists have gone as far as even killing somone without stopping I'd have a hard time getting too concered over a little paint. If you kill the motorist while riding your bike definitely stop. :D
Guest
05-10-05, 12:05 PM
I was passing a van at a light and hit the door as I passed (accident of course). I just figured if they were really mad, they'd come up to me and we could settle it. There wasn't any damage to it. Anyway, the van never confronted me or anything. I looked directly at him, and he just shrugged, so I kept going.
If there's no damage, I don't see a problem. But if you see a problem, just stop and see what you can do.
Koffee
H23
05-10-05, 12:12 PM
Sometimes its hard to tell if there has been damage. Getting hit is a deeply disruptive experience. Its hard to get back into a rational mental state. Better to stop and ask the driver to exchange info in a friendly way.
Even so, I did just that when I got sideswiped a while back. I kindly asked the driver to exchange contact info. She said okay and then promptly turned into a parking lot and burned rubber out the other exit. My impression was that she most likely was high as a kite and did not want to be busted if I called the cops.
Since then, I have resolved to take the license plate of any car that has an incident with me. I'm not sure if this will work because it is hard to perform even simple logical tasks when you are in a "fight-or-flight" mode.
ofofhy
05-10-05, 01:33 PM
I just figured if they were really mad, they'd come up to me and we could settle it.
Or run you down! :eek:
I have hit many a mirror with my bag, and not even looked back. The one time I did rear end a lady ( a pedestrian bolted out in front of her) I stopped, and she was more concerned that I was OK. I told her there was a smudge on her bumper from my tire, but she let it go without even looking at it.
I got doored, and my bike flew into another car. It left a big scrape mark on his door, but he drove off while I was still confronting the doorer. Too bad for him, I guess.
richardmasoner
05-10-05, 02:03 PM
Getting hit is a deeply disruptive experience. Its hard to get back into a rational mental state.
A real smack will do that to me -- fly over the hood hit the windshield roll over and land on the ground and I'm so pumped with adreneline I can't think straight. The normal jostles and bumps of urban traffic, though, doesn't have much effect on me.
RFM
lilHinault
05-10-05, 02:10 PM
I'd not worry about it........
Dutchy
05-10-05, 08:25 PM
If the car is at fault then I wouldn't bother stopping. It's not like I am going to pay for the damages. More than likely if the driver is at fault they won't stop anyhow.
A long time ago a driver pulled in front of me and came to an abrupt stop. I had no-where to go and slammed straight into the back of her car. I just got up and kept riding. If that happened today I would report them to the Police, then keep riding:D.