Ms Jing said she was in so much pain that she could not walk, so she called the police, who called an ambulance for her.

She did not make a police report about the accident, nor did she get the driver's particulars. She said she was not aware she should do so when an accident involves injury, or when a cyclist is involved.

At the hospital, she had an X-ray done, and was given medication. She claimed she was advised to do a scan for her head and neck but did not do so as she did not have enough money.

Still, Ms Jing's hospital bill came up to almost $330, and she was given a week's medical leave. She said she could not walk for almost one month.

Said Ms Jing, who came to Singapore two years ago: "My monthly salary is $1,500 with overtime pay and my rent is about $400 a month. With the hospital bill, I was really struggling."

Lost contact number

For a few weeks, she tried in vain to contact the driver. She later lost his contact number, she said.

Ms Jing had given up on finding the driver who hit her - until 30 Apr, seven months after their first encounter.

She was walking to Ang Mo Kio Hub with a friend when she saw the driver, who was alone. She recognised the man, who looked to be in his 40s, as he was balding and wore a unique pair of spectacles.

She confronted him and asked if he recognised her.

But he stared at her for a while before brushing her aside.

Ms Jing said he knew who she was, which made her even more angry.

The feisty woman then told him: "It's okay if you don't recognise me. I recognise you. It's bad luck for you to meet me again.

"I said he was irresponsible. And then he ran away."

Ms Jing told her friend to call the police while she gave chase.

Passersby were stunned when she and the man weaved through the crowd at Ang Mo Kio Central. As they ran, Ms Jing shouted at him to stop.

But he kept running.

Throughout the chase, Ms Jing was on the phone with her friend, updating her on her location.

Finally, after running "a big round around Ang Mo Kio", they ran into a church at Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1.

Both panting, the pair glared at each other.

The police arrived shortly after.

A police spokesman confirmed a report was lodged. The man was later issued summons and fined for careless driving.

Ms Jing, who is returning to China on Tuesday for good, said she has engaged a lawyer to help her claim compensation from the man.

Her lawyer, Ms Catherine Lim, said that she has been instructed to claim about $400 from the man for Ms Jing's medical fees.

Lawyer Kasturibai Manickam said Ms Jing should have made a police report because she was injured, though it is not an offence for failing to do so.

"She should have also taken down his vehicle registration number," Ms Manickam added.

She said Ms Jing can take up a civil suit against the driver for damages.

Ms Jing said she didn't want to get him into trouble, as all she wanted was to be compensated for her medical bills.

"But he was irresponsible."

YOU should make a traffic accident report if the accident involves:

1. A government vehicle or damage to government property; or

2. A foreign vehicle; or

3. A pedestrian or cyclist; or

4. Injury

5. A hit-and-run.

In other cases, there is no need to lodge a police report.

Instead, the parties should exchange particulars and lodge a General Insurance Association motor accident report with their respective insurance company.

This article was first published in The New Paper.