Bicycle accidents involving cars can be traumatic, leaving cyclists with serious injuries and a need for immediate guidance. If you’ve been hit by a car while riding your bicycle in New York, knowing the right steps to take can help protect your health, legal rights, and potential compensation. Here’s what you need to do in the aftermath of such an accident.
1. Ensure Your Safety and Assess Injuries
Immediately after being struck, your first priority should be your safety. If you’re able to move, carefully get to a safe area away from traffic to avoid any further danger. Take a moment to assess your physical condition. Even if you feel fine, you might have sustained internal injuries that aren’t immediately apparent due to adrenaline. Look for any visible injuries, and if you’re in pain or suspect you’ve been seriously hurt, do not move further until emergency services arrive.
Call 911 immediately if you or anyone else is injured. Emergency responders will be able to provide medical assistance and transport you to the hospital if needed.
2. Call the Police
After ensuring your immediate safety, it’s essential to involve the authorities. New York law requires drivers to report accidents involving injury or significant property damage, and a police report is a critical piece of evidence for any future insurance claims or legal action.
When the police arrive, provide a detailed account of the accident, including the driver’s actions, any traffic violations, and the conditions on the road. Make sure the officer documents your account in the police report. If you’re unable to speak due to your injuries, follow up with the police later to ensure your version of the events is accurately recorded.
3. Collect Information
If you’re physically able to do so, gather as much information as possible at the scene of the accident. This information will be crucial if you decide to pursue legal action or file an insurance claim. Here’s what you should collect:
- Driver’s Information: Obtain the driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number, and insurance details.
- Vehicle Information: Take note of the make, model, and license plate number of the vehicle that hit you.
- Witnesses: If there were any witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact information as well. Witness statements can be invaluable in corroborating your account of the accident.
- Photographs: Take pictures of the accident scene, including your bicycle, the vehicle involved, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. These photographs can serve as important evidence in determining liability.
4. Seek Medical Attention
Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident. Some injuries, such as concussions, internal bleeding, or fractures, may not present immediate symptoms but can become serious if left untreated.
A thorough medical evaluation will not only ensure that you receive the necessary treatment but also provide documentation of your injuries, which will be critical for any insurance or legal claims. Make sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations and attend all follow-up appointments.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company
New York is a no-fault insurance state, which means your own insurance policy will likely cover some of your medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who was at fault. However, if your damages exceed the limits of your insurance policy or involve significant pain and suffering, you may be entitled to file a claim against the driver’s insurance.
Contact your insurance company promptly to report the accident. Provide them with the details of the crash and any documentation, such as the police report, medical records, and photographs. Be careful when speaking with insurance adjusters and avoid making statements that could be used to minimize your claim. If you’re uncertain about how to proceed, consider consulting with a lawyer before discussing your case with the insurance company.
6. Consult with an Attorney
If you’ve been seriously injured, consulting with an experienced bicycle accident attorney in New York can help you understand your legal rights and options. An attorney can help you navigate the complexities of insurance claims, gather evidence, negotiate settlements, and represent you in court if necessary.
A knowledgeable lawyer will also be able to assess whether you have a valid personal injury claim against the driver who hit you. In New York, if the driver’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Conclusion
Being hit by a car while riding your bicycle in New York can be a frightening and overwhelming experience, but knowing the steps to take after the accident can make a significant difference in protecting your health and legal rights. By ensuring your safety you can focus on your recovery while taking the necessary actions to secure the compensation you deserve.
