That's why the laws in all jurisdictions of which I'm aware require as a minimum that cyclists riding at night have a front headlight and a rear reflector (many require a rear light and some require additional reflectors). Bike lights these days are so inexpensive and effective that there isn't much of an excuse for not using them.

My only somewhat similar experience as a cyclist was when a motorist pulled out from a driveway directly into my path. I hit the brakes but still hit his front fender and went sliding over his hood. He initially demanded to know if I had a light but switched to apology mode when I just pointed at my bike on the ground with the headlight still shining brightly. Not sure why he didn't see me since I had clearly seen him in the driver's seat illuminated by my headlight. There were some cars a ways behind me and maybe he thought my light was from one of them. No injuries but the front fork of my bike was bent and his auto insurance paid for a replacement.