In the USA, the total number of bicyclists who died in 2018 was 857. In a city like New York, every cyclist is entitled to pursue compensation in case there are injuries due to accidents.
Sullivan & Galleshaw in New York can help you by providing the services of their experienced personal injury lawyer, who can help you get compensation for your injuries. You may visit the website at sullivangalleshaw.com or contact them by phone.
What should you do after a bike accident in New York?
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance with no-fault coverage is a requirement for all New York drivers. PIP is designed to give a driver quick medical coverage without first having to address any issues regarding who was at fault for the collision.
PIP often only covers the policyholder (the driver) and their passengers. However, the wounded party is also covered in a cyclist or pedestrian collision.
If you can manage to stand on your feet, then please take the following steps if your bicycle is involved in a car collision:
Call the police.
An accident report will be useful as proof for your case if you need to file a lawsuit, even if your injuries seem minor. Due to the fact that the DMV receives a police report automatically, it also satisfies the DMV reporting requirements.
Get a medical evaluation.
Injuries like back or neck pain and concealed head trauma may not manifest immediately after an accident. Seeking prompt medical evaluation, whether at an E.R., urgent care, or with your regular physician, is crucial to documenting injuries and establishing their connection to the accident, preventing potential complications in the future.
Gather contact information of the witnesses.
Gather contact information for witnesses at the accident scene, such as:
Other drivers
Bystanders
Nearby individuals.
Their observations can be valuable for investigations, even though you don’t need to request formal statements on the spot.
Obtain the driver’s information.
Obtaining the driver’s information is also crucial. Get the following information:
Name
License number
License plate number
Insurance card information
Motorist registration.
Additionally helpful are the vehicle’s color, make, and model details.
Take photos at the scene.
The more information you can obtain regarding the accident’s potential contributing factors, including the following:
Road’s state
Signs
Traffic signals
Debris
Any other variables
Take pictures of the scene’s visibility, road markings, your bike, the car, and any other damaged property.
New York mandates helmets for cyclists under 14, with some counties, like Erie, enforcing helmet use for all ages in specific areas. Wearing a helmet is advisable everywhere to reduce the risk of a head injury while bicycling.
