Despite being more physically vulnerable than drivers, cyclists can suffer serious and permanent injuries from even a minor bicycle collision. This can result in extensive medical bills, lost wages from missing work, and emotional trauma. A seasoned Bike Collision Lawyer can help you secure the maximum amount of financial compensation available to cover all of these costs and provide for your future needs.
Whether the injury was caused by a reckless or distracted driver or a defective bicycle, victims of bike accidents can recover damages to pay for past and projected medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and more. This financial support can ease the burden on an injured victim and their family and help them get back to a normal life following a cycling accident.
When a bicycle accident occurs, the first thing you should do is see a doctor as soon as possible. This will establish the extent of your injuries and document them for later use in a personal injury claim. In addition, you should take pictures of the scene if possible, as well as collect the driver’s insurance information and the officer’s report. It is also a good idea to get the license plate number of any vehicle involved in the crash, and try to record a short video of the driver. If the driver panics and tries to drive away, this video could be vital in identifying them.
In New York, the at-fault party’s no-fault insurance can cover a cyclist’s medical expenses in most cases, but this does not always cover all of the injured person’s financial needs. In order to receive full compensation for your injuries, you may need to sue the other party or their insurance company. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses that do not prosper by paying every claim, so they will employ a wide range of strategies to deny or reduce your claim. An experienced lawyer can anticipate these strategies and ensure that you are not taken advantage of.
Another type of accident that can be devastating for a cyclist is the side-swipe, which happens when a driver opens their car door without checking for passing bicycles. This can cause the cyclist to be thrown off their bike and run over by the vehicle. The most severe side-swipes can be fatal.
Finally, if you were hurt while working as a bike messenger or delivery driver, you can file a lawsuit against your employer. This is because New York law states that employers must provide their employees with helmets, safety vests, properly functioning lights and bells, and other safety equipment. Bringing in an experienced lawyer can greatly improve your chances of receiving a fair settlement that will meet all of your needs. A lawyer can also help you determine the appropriate amount of compensation for your injuries, as it can be difficult to estimate the value of your suffering on your own. This is especially true if the at-fault party’s insurance company is trying to lowball you.