New York Bicycle Accident Lawyers
At William Mattar law offices, we handle motor vehicle accident cases involving one or more vehicles, including those involving bicycles. Because bicycles are so much smaller, and offer less protection, than cars and trucks, bicyclists often suffer serious injuries after colliding with a motor vehicle. When there is serious injury or death, immediate action needs to be taken. If this is your situation, our personal injury lawyers are available 24 hours a day to help you with your case.
After the shock and trauma of an accident, it can be hard to know what to do. If you have been injured in a bike accident, there are several options for you to consider, including contacting a personal injury lawyer who focuses on bicycle accidents. The bicycle accident attorneys at William Mattar can help protect your rights so you can concentrate on healing from your injuries.
10 Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident
Following these 10 steps after a bicycle accident may help you develop a strong legal claim:
- Call the police
Wait for the police to arrive at the accident scene and remain there while they file an official police report. The police will make note of any important accident details, including the time, date, location of the bicycle crash, and the contact information of all involved parties. In New York State, you are legally able to obtain a motor vehicle accident report after a collision. - Make sure the police report includes your account of events
Tell your side of the story to police so it can be included in the official police report. Be sure to describe any injuries, even if they seem minor at the time. - See a doctor
Even if you wear a helmet and proper gear, you can suffer serious injuries when another vehicle hits your bicycle. That’s why it’s important to seek immediate medical attention to have your injuries treated and documented by a professional. Some injuries may not be apparent right away. They may be “progressive,” or slowly worsen over time. A medical provider can keep a record of your injuries, pain and symptoms, and how they may develop. - Don’t negotiate with the motorist or anyone else
To protect your legal rights after a bicycle accident, it’s best not to discuss who is liable for the accident, or to accept any blame for the accident. You can leave that determination up to the police and your attorney - Collect contact information
If you can, don’t leave the scene of the accident without writing down the name, phone number, address, and license plate number of the driver who hit you. This may be important to your claim and case. - If possible, take photos
Photographic documentation of damages to your property or person may be helpful later on. You can take photos of the accident scene, the vehicles (including your bicycle) involved, and any other noteworthy aspects of the collision. - Write down the details of your accident
It’s a good idea to write down your account of the accident with as much detail as possible. In fact, the sooner you record these details, the better. The reason for this is that your memory of the incident could change or become blurry over time. - Preserve evidence
You may want to protect physical evidence in the aftermath of a bicycle accident. As an example, you should avoid having your bike or any other damaged property repaired. Instead, take photos of the damaged items and put them aside until your attorney says that you can undertake repairs. - Notify your insurer
As soon as you can, file a report with your insurance company so that they can start a file for your claim. Some insurance companies may require that you notify them of a potential accident within a certain timeframe. - Talk to a bicycle accident attorney at William Mattar
Our firm focuses on motor vehicle accident cases, including bicycle crash cases. We know what to look for when investigating your claim, and we know how to help build a strong case for you. Let us stand up for your rights and help get you the compensation you’re owed.
Get Help Now
William Mattar is passionate about the rights of bicyclists, and we believe you deserve to be compensated for your injuries following a collision with a motor vehicle. Our bicycle accident attorneys know the applicable laws and are experienced in these types of cases. If you’re a bicyclist who has been hit by a car in New York State, contact us today. You can fill out a free initial consultation form or dial (844) 444 - 4444 to tell us about your case. Our personal injury attorneys are available to help 24/7.
Bicycle Accident FAQ
Can I file a personal injury claim for a bicycle accident?
Like motorists, bicyclists have rights if they are injured in collisions with cars or other motor vehicles. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, a car collision attorney may be able to help you file a bicycle injury claim to get compensation for your:
- injuries
- medical care
- lost wages
- pain and suffering
- other accident-related expenses
At William Mattar law offices, our personal injury attorneys have experience helping clients with bicycle accident claims. If you’ve been injured, speak with a member of our legal team today by calling (844) 444 - 4444 or filling out our free initial consultation form.
What are the most common causes of bicycle accidents?
Common causes of bicycle accidents can include:
- bumps and broken pavement
- collisions with vehicles that fail to keep safe distances
- drivers of motor vehicles not paying attention
- loose gravel
- traffic failing to yield right of way at intersections
- uneven or slippery terrain
- wet road surfaces
What are some common types of bicycle accident injuries?
Bicycles offer little physical protection during accidents involving cars. This can lead to severe injuries, such as:
- Broken Bones Contact with motor vehicles, barriers, and road surfaces during bicycle accidents can cause arm, leg, and joint fractures requiring surgery or other medical procedures to correct.
- Soft Tissue Injuries In many cases, bicyclists suffer serious soft tissue injuries from bicycle accidents, including muscle damage, serious cuts and abrasions, and even permanent scarring.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) TBIs can occur during a bicycle accident even with the protection of a helmet, potentially affecting victims’ thinking, sensations, language, and mood.
Do I have a case if the driver who hit me fled the scene?
You may still be entitled to compensation for your bicycle accident if the driver who struck you fled the scene. If a police report wasn’t filed at the scene of your accident, make sure to report your hit and run as soon as possible. Then call William Mattar to protect your legal rights. Our hit and run attorneys have the resources to investigate your claim and determine whether or not coverage is available for your personal injury and related expenses.
How can I prevent a bicycle accident injury?
Making yourself more visible to motorists can help prevent a bicycle accident. Increase your visibility by wearing light-colored or reflective clothing while riding at night or during bad weather and by installing bright front and rear lights on your bicycle. Our bike accident lawyers encourage all cyclists to wear helmets regardless of their ages or skill levels. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety cites research stating that helmet usage can reduce head injury risk by 85 percent.
How common are bicycle accident injuries?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 52,000 cyclists were injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2010, with the majority of cycling accidents occurring in urban areas and in non-intersections. Check out our bicycle safety tips for some safe riding habits to help keep you safe on the road.