DEAR ABBY: A month ago, my 7-year-old son was struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle in a crosswalk. He is fine now. His injuries were minor, although frightening. The police and paramedics responded quickly and I took my son to the hospital for a full examination.

Later that day, a police officer came to our house with a new bicycle for our son, purchased by the driver of the vehicle. He gave us a piece of paper with the driver’s insurance information and said something like, “Her address is there too, if you want to thank her for the new bike.” It was really nice of them. I was shocked that he said that.

I guess it was a nice gesture, but she hit my son with a car! The driver admitted to being distracted. At the scene, she said she thought she had hit a dog. I could go on, but suffice to say the driver was 100% at fault.

I stored the new bike in the garage. My son saw it there and wanted to ride it. I held out until our insurance claim was accepted and we went for a ride today. The new bike isn’t as good as the old one, but he was excited about it because it’s a different color. I am so grateful that he is doing well and is no longer afraid to ride his bike. My question is: should I write this thank you note? If so, can you please give me the words? — BIKE MOM IN WASHINGTON

DEAR MOM: I can think of a few choice words, but no rule of etiquette requires you to thank the woman for the bike that was destroyed because of her carelessness.