Bicycle accidents can be catastrophic, resulting in substantial injuries that can lead to a lifetime of physical and emotional pain. Unfortunately, most bicycle accidents are caused by drivers who don’t see the cyclist or ignore their right of way.
According to the New York City Department of Transportation, there were 4,397 bicyclists injured and 24 killed in collisions with motor vehicles in 2019. That’s why it’s essential to seek legal advice after a bicycle accident in New York.
New York State law protects cyclists by holding drivers responsible for accidents caused by their negligence or recklessness. However, insurance companies may try to deny or minimize claims made by injured cyclists who don’t have legal representation.
Therefore, if you’re involved in a bicycle accident, it’s crucial to have an experienced personal injury attorney on your side who understands the intricacies of New York State’s laws and how to protect your rights. In this article, we’ll walk you through the specific steps you need to take after a bicycle accident and explain why seeking legal advice is so important for your case.
What to do after a bicycle accident
Seek medical attention and document injuries
The first thing you need to do after a bicycle accident is to seek medical attention. Even if you think you are okay, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor.
Some injuries, such as concussion and internal bleeding, may not show symptoms right away. Additionally, be sure to document your injuries by taking photos and keeping all medical records.
Gather information from witnesses and the driver involved
If possible, gather contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident happen. This can be crucial later on when filing a claim or lawsuit. Additionally, get the driver’s contact and insurance information, including their license plate number.
Take photos of the scene and damages
Take photos of the scene of the accident including any damage done to your bicycle or other property. Make sure to get photos from multiple angles so that they can be used as evidence in court if necessary.
Report the accident to the police
In New York State, it is required that any motor vehicle accidents involving injury or property damage greater than $1,000 must be reported to law enforcement within 10 days. However, it is best practice to report any bicycle accidents regardless of injury or damage because this helps establish an official record of what happened. By following these steps after a bicycle accident in New York City, you will have valuable evidence that can support your case if you seek legal action against the responsible party later on.
