NYC Cycling Accident Lawyer
Many New Yorkers opt to use bicycles as their main form of transportation, as opposed to crowded subways. While cycling can be a faster method of travel in some cases, there is a potential for a cyclist to be injured due to a negligent driver. If you or a family member was injured in a serious cycling accident, contact an experienced NYC cycling accident lawyer today.
At Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP, we recognize how a severe cycling accident can impact your life, and we can help you pursue compensation for your injuries. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your claim, contact Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP at (718) 843-0300, or contact us online.
What to Do After a Cycling Accident in NYC
A cycling accident can occur under a variety of circumstances. If you were injured due to the negligence of another party, there are steps you should take that can help you seek compensation in the future.
Contact Emergency Medical Services and Law Enforcement
If you were injured in a cycling accident in NYC, you should contact emergency medical services to have your injuries evaluated. It is unwise to assume that you did not suffer an injury as you could exhibit symptoms of an injury days or weeks after the accident.
Additionally, you should contact law enforcement to investigate the scene of the accident. A police report detailing the accident can help you when making a claim for injuries to an insurance company.
Exchange Information with the Negligent Driver
If the negligent acts of a motorist caused your injury, you should be sure to exchange information with that individual. You should request that the negligent motorist provide you with the following information:
- The negligent motorist’s name and driver’s license
- Proof of insurance and registration
- Make, model, and license plate of their vehicle
If your injuries are so severe that insurance is not enough to cover your injuries, exchanging information with the motorist that hit you is vital if you are considering a personal injury lawsuit.
Gather Evidence Regarding the Accident
Gathering evidence to help prove your injury claim is also important. For example, you should take photographs of the injuries you sustained as a result of the accident. Other valuable forms of evidence include:
- Photos of the street or intersection where the injury occurred
- The weather at the time of the accident
- The circumstances that caused the accident (e.g., the driver ran a traffic light)
- Whether other factors contributed to the accident like a zone of construction
- Damage to the vehicle that struck you
Additionally, if other people witnessed your accident, you should speak with those individuals to determine whether they would provide you with a statement. Be sure to request the name and contact information for any party that agrees to provide you with a statement.
Contact Your Insurance Company
If you possess insurance that covers accidents that occur on a bicycle, you should contact them to report your injury. However, if your injuries are extensive, compensation from an insurance company may not be enough to cover your medical bills and other expenses.
It is important to note that if you suffered a serious injury, you could pursue the driver that caused your injury directly. There are multiple types of injuries that qualify as a serious injury:
- Bone fractures and crushing injuries
- Loss of a limb
- An injury that causes a loss of sensation or function in a certain area of the body
- Disfigurement
- A severe injury that could take weeks or months to rehabilitate
Contact an Experienced Injury Attorney
If you wish to file a personal injury lawsuit after a cycling accident, you should waste no time in speaking with an experienced attorney. In NYC, personal injury lawsuits have a filing deadline of three years from the date of the accident. Waiting too long to speak with an attorney could have a negative impact on your case.
To learn more about filing a personal injury lawsuit after a cycling accident, you should continue reading and speak with an experienced attorney.
Common Injuries After a Cycling Crash
NYC bike riders are susceptible to serious injuries as their bodies are exposed typically without much protection aside from a helmet. As a result, a cyclist could suffer a serious injury if they are even struck slightly by a vehicle.
One common injury that may result from a cycling crash in NYC is a bone fracture. Impact with a vehicle or concrete could easily cause a bike rider to break a bone. For example, if a bike rider is cut off by a vehicle at an intersection, they could ride directly into the vehicle or even become hooked on the vehicle.
Head injuries are another common type of injury sustained during bike accidents. Head injuries can happen under a variety of circumstances while cycling. For example, if a cyclist strikes a car door that was opened suddenly, they could suffer a serious head injury like a concussion or similar injuries.
Many times, a bike rider could be run over by a vehicle. As a result, bones and organs could be crushed due to the immense force. This type of injury is devastating and could take weeks to rehabilitate.
Work with Our Experienced NYC Cycling Accident Attorneys Today
If you or a family member was the victim of a cycling accident, you should consult with an experienced NYC cycling accident attorney today. The legal team at Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP, possesses a wealth of experience litigating a variety of personal injury claims, and we would be proud to work with you. To schedule a free case evaluation, contact Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP at (718) 843-0300.