What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
In 2018, 857 bicyclists were killed in traffic accidents in the U.S. When bicycle accidents occur, the results can be especially devastating to the bicyclist. In New York, cyclists have rights and duties on the road, including the right to pursue compensation after a serious accident-related injury.
At William Mattar, helping people is what we do. We have handled thousands of personal injury claims to help victims get the compensation they need. Our bicycle accident attorneys can put their knowledge and resources to work for you. If you’ve been seriously injured in a bicycle crash, our legal team is standing by 24/7 to hear your case. Call (844) 444-4444 today.
The Moments After a Bike Accident
In the moments after a bike accident, you may be disoriented. If you’ve been hit by another vehicle such as a car, and you may be in shock or in serious pain.
What you do after an accident may affect your claim for financial compensation. Here are a few things some bicyclists do in the immediate aftermath of a bicycle collision:
- Seek medical attention right away if you suspect you may have suffered an injury.
- Give a statement to the police officer that arrives at the scene—they will file an official report on the accident.
- Obtain information concerning the driver of the vehicle that struck you, including name, address, phone number, and driver’s license number.
- Document the accident as best you can, including taking photos of the crash scene, your bicycle, and other vehicles involved.
The Days After a Bicycle Crash
After a bicycle accident, it may not be a good idea to throw away, replace, or repair the damaged bike, especially if it’s been damaged in the collision. The condition of your bicycle may be important evidence that can be used in your favor.
If you suspect you are injured, you should also consider seeing a medical professional in the days following your accident. There are many reasons to see a doctor after a bicycle crash. For one, your doctor can give you a thorough physical examination to identify and treat any injuries. This will also rule out internal injuries that may not be readily apparent.
A medical professional can prescribe pain management, further care, or physical therapy for your injuries. They will also keep an official medical report, detailing your condition and symptoms, which may help prove the severity of your injuries if you choose to file a claim.
Finally, if you’ve sustained a serious injury, consider reaching out to an experienced bicycle accident lawyer who can provide legal guidance and advice on how to proceed after your bicycle crash.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Because of the nature of a bicycle crash, riders can suffer severe or even life-threatening injuries. This is especially true for accidents involving larger vehicles such as cars and SUVs. Bicyclists are exposed to their surroundings, making them more vulnerable. For this reason, certain injuries that bicyclists sustain may not happen to motorists as often. For instance, a bicyclist may suffer a wrist fracture from breaking their fall before hitting the ground.
Here are some other common types of injuries suffered in bicycle collisions:
- Head trauma
- Spinal injuries
- Facial injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal damage
- Contusions
- Abrasions
- Lacerations
- Death
In New York, helmets are required for all bicyclists under the age of 14. However, some counties in the state have made bicycle helmets mandatory for people of all ages, including Erie County, which requires every person operating a bicycle within the boundaries of an Erie County Park to wear a protective safety helmet. Regardless of whether helmets are required where you live, it’s a good idea to take precautions and protect your head while bicycling. Wearing a bike helmet can help reduce the risk of a major head injury, such as a concussion, skull fracture, or other traumatic brain injuries.
Compensation for a Bike Crash
A bicycle accident injury can greatly impact one’s life. If you’ve suffered a serious injury, you may be struggling to keep up with the basic tasks you once completed with ease. You may also be reeling from the physical and emotional pain associated with your injury. That’s where compensation for a personal injury comes in.
You may be entitled to receive compensation for any monetary damages that can be directly attributed to your injuries. These losses comprise out-of-pocket expenses, which can include lost wages or income and medical expenses, such as hospital costs and treatment. Some economic damages may be paid by the no-fault insurance company in your case—while other damages may be paid by the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Non-economic damages involve compensation for the pain and suffering that can result from a serious injury. This can include chronic pain, physical limitations, mental anguish, and a diminished quality of life. A claim for pain and suffering is often brought against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. A personal injury attorney can help determine which sources of compensation may be available to you.
Speak to a Bicycle Accident Attorney
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If you’ve been seriously injured in a bicycle crash, contact William Mattar Law Offices. Our personal injury attorneys will fight for you to receive the compensation you deserve. We know the toll a serious bike injury can take, and we want to help you obtain maximum compensation. Call (844) 444-4444 today, or submit our free initial consultation form to speak to a qualified attorney.
