How To Proceed After A Bike Accident

Despite its reputation as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the United States, if you’re in New York City when an accident happens, it’s important to know what to do next. Currently, there are more than 54 miles of dedicated bike paths throughout the city to help protect cyclists from risky road situations. This effort has helped reduce the number of fatalities each year among bicycling enthusiasts, though this year has seen a 25% increase, going from 10 in 2018 to 15 so far.

So what steps should one take if involved in a collision with a vehicle or pedestrian while riding their bike? Consider some of the advice below to help you navigate what could potentially become a legal nightmare without an experienced accident attorney by your side.

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Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident in New York

Whether it’s a minor collision with a motorist that leaves you slightly bumped and sore, or a life or death situation with major injuries after someone carelessly turned without looking and struck you, accidents are serious matters in NYC. It’s vital to follow the below steps after suffering a bicycle accident while riding around New York.

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Try to Get Out of Further Harm’s Way

Just like a car accident, if you’re not severely hurt, try to move out of the way of any other danger. This is especially true for those who experience a collision in the street where there is still moving traffic around them. If you are injured, try to get someone to call an ambulance on your behalf and do whatever is safe to avoid further injury by oncoming traffic.

Notify the Authorities Right Away

Accidents of any kind are extremely fluid situations, and it’s important to contact the authorities as soon as you or someone with you are able to. Documenting the circumstances is essential, so try not to delay doing this. The police will provide an official report which can corroborate your side of what occurred.

woman calling car accident lawyers in new york city after a bike accident

Notify the Authorities Right Away

Man taking pictures of a broken car after an accident. A driver in a reflective vest in the background calling car accident injury attorneys

Take Plenty of Photos

After an accident, the shock of the moment will slowly fade, and your memories of what happened will also lose important details. Taking photos of the damage, your visible injuries, street signs, positioning of your bicycle and the other involved party is critical. Photographs are often one of the most important pieces of evidence to back up your account of events and help you not forget the key details.

Get Contact Information from Witnesses

The Big Apple is a hub of activity with people passing on a near-constant basis. It’s likely if you experience a collision while riding your bike, someone saw it happen. If possible, try to call over those who saw what happened and get their information right away. This isn’t always possible if you’re seriously hurt, so try to find out if the accident location had surveillance cameras.

witness to a car accident talking with the police officer with victim of the car accident in the background

Get Contact Information from Witnesses

Get the Other Party’s Contact Information

While this might seem like an obvious step, sometimes crash victims are too wrapped up in the damage they endured and forget to exchange information or simply assume they can get it from the police. While you will eventually get these details through an accident report, it can take a few days to get it. Don’t wait and try to immediately ask for the following:

Driver’s License Number
Names
Insurance Information
Phone Number
Make, Model, Color of Vehicles
Vehicle Registration
License Plate
Address

If your injuries make it impossible for you to get this crucial information right away, try to ask someone to take a photo of the other person’s license and phone number. You will need these for your insurance claim later.

Speak with a Prominent New York Bike Accident Lawyer

An equally important step that usually follows a bike accident is contacting a New York lawyer who has demonstrated success in handling these types of cases. Don’t let your injuries caused by another’s negligence devastate your finances, physical health, or future. You deserve justice for the hardships you have suffered because of their reckless actions. Let the New York bicycle accident lawyers with The Barnes Firm bring their years of experience and a solid reputation for success to your case.

We build your personal injury claim by gathering all the facts surrounding your case and show the court how you received your injuries, and why you deserve financial relief. From medical bills to wrongful death, we are here to represent you and affected family members during this challenging time. Not only are we recognized Super Lawyers, but we are also members of the Million Dollars Advocates Forums because of the large compensation amounts our clients have been awarded in their cases. Don’t delay learning more about what actions are available to take in response to your severe injuries. Contact us for a free consultation.

The Barnes Firm (800) 800-0000

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