Thread: I did hit a cyclist coming wrong way on a one way road : NO injuries

Location : Indiana.
Few hours back, I did hit a bicycle rider, coming wrong way on a one way street at the apex of a left turn(150 degree).

It was dark.
Cyclist had no reflective clothing.
No Reflector. No lights. No horn.
It was a BMX cycle.
There was nothing I could have done as he was dead invisible it felt.

Thankfully I didnt hit him, but just my mirror hit him and he lost his balance.
I stopped for him, but he was perfectly fine. He kept saying that his back is hurt. I asked him if I can take him to medical center but he said give me $50 and we will be done. I had $15 cash so I just gave him in case he needs a cab or so. But he took my phone no. and insurance no. Now this guy calls me again and says I should give him $500 or he will go to police.

I am little confused. What should I do? Should I first go to police myself or wait. I am an international citizen, working on H4 here and I feel law might be little biased towards him since he was on bicycle. Am I thinking right? Or should I just go ahead and make a report.

My driving license, # plate, insurance, everything is valid and clear.
Any help/pointers would be highly appreciated.

Ya you are right.firstly you go to police and tell them everything.i hope you have no any mistake.

If you think the law is being biased,then you gonna hesitate to proceed to the authority, but I think the police will extend their help, just give them info of the incident; So You won't be bothered by him asking you for some amount. Good luck!

As you didn't make mistake & the person have no injury you can go to police first. I am sure that they will help you.

Whether you should have called the police is sometimes a tricky proposition. I'd always say, it is better to call the police than not. If anything, they will fill out an incident report which exchanges information.

Any criminal charges are unclear because you stopped and rendered aid.

The police might be interested in the fact that the man is now trying to extort you. To be perfectly honest, the whole situation sound like a scam: Bicyclist carries a stick with him and as car passes he extends the stick to hit the car. Then the cyclist "falls into a ditch." The cyclist then extorts as much money as possible out of victim.

I would definetly go to the police and thell them what is going on, maybe record the person to have proof that he is extorting you.

Originally Posted by josh@riversidui

If you think the law is being biased,then you gonna hesitate to proceed to the authority, but I think the police will extend their help, just give them info of the incident; So You won't be bothered by him asking you for some amount. Good luck!

I think also...

I think you need to go to a Police Station....Because you have no mistakes..Tell them everything truely....

It seems you are being harassed by that cyclist; taking money from you even it seems to be his fault. Better consult a personal injury lawyer to know what is your course of action for this situation.

you know you had made a big mistake,you might had called the police imemdiately and inform to them about the incident,i think the fellow is looking for some ransom,but justice will be yours,try to consult a lawyer and discuss about it or else just sit and relax dont be tensed have some food and sleep,then think about the resolution calmly am sure you will definetly get an answer.