According to data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), most bicycle deaths occur in urban areas. In a crowded city like New York, bicycle accidents are common, resulting in thousands of injuries each year. But when you’re in a cycling accident and injured due to the negligence of another cyclist or driver, you may be eligible for compensation. After a bike crash, reach out to a personal injury attorney like those at Shaevitz & Shaevitz! We offer free case reviews to assess what your injuries may be worth and help earn you fair compensation.
What To Do After a Bicycle Accident
A bike crash, especially one involving a motor vehicle, is incredibly dangerous for the cyclist.
Unlike a driver in a car, a cyclist is not protected by seatbelts or a metal frame. At most, you have a helmet and some padding, which hopefully save you from the worst injuries. But bike accidents are still dangerous, even with protective gear.
The first step after a bike crash is to assess whether or not you can move. If you’re able to, get yourself and anyone involved out of the road and away from oncoming traffic.- Next, call emergency services. Not only will first responders make an official record of the accident, but they’ll also administer any necessary urgent medical care.
- Afterward, take pictures of the scene and your injuries. If you’re unable to, try asking a witness to do so for you.
- Finally, we recommend contacting a bike crash attorney.
Why Call a Bike Crash Attorney?
Some people may try to handle bicycle accidents on their own, but these cases can be complicated. You’ll likely want a legal expert on your side to take on your case.
The following factors can complicate a case:
- Determining fault: New York State is a comparative negligence state. This means fault is often shared between parties, including you! But even if you’re partially at fault, you’re still eligible for compensation at a reduced rate. When a bicycle accident involves a motor vehicle, the cyclist may also be eligible for no-fault benefits. These are paid for by the insurance of the car that hit you, and cover up to $50,000 in economic damages.
- Calculating compensation: Most non-lawyers aren’t qualified to estimate an appropriate amount. And while you could trust the insurance company to set an amount for you, we wouldn’t recommend that. It’s better to let a lawyer calculate what your injuries may be worth.
- Negotiating insurance: Insurance companies are trying to save money, which means potentially paying you less than you deserve. Agents are even trained to use minimizing tactics when speaking with victims, trying to get them to admit fault or accept an unfair payout. When you let a lawyer handle the negotiations, you protect your insurance from lowball offers.
After a bike crash, you won’t want to handle these things alone. It’s better to trust an experienced lawyer with your case while you focus on recovery.
As your attorneys, the team at Shaevitz & Shaevitz will build your case. We collect evidence like surveillance footage, witness statements, and police reports to demonstrate another party’s negligence. Then, we calculate your compensation, protecting you from anyone who wants to pin the accident on you.
Finally, we’ll negotiate with the insurance company or even take your case to court if necessary.
Book a Free Consultation After a Bike Crash in Queens, NY
In a busy urban area like New York City, bicycle crashes aren’t uncommon. But it’s important to take these cases seriously, especially when you suffer a significant injury. If your injuries are due to the negligence of another party, we recommend you book a free consultation with a bike crash attorney! During your case review, we will determine how much your case may be worth. Then, if you choose to move forward, we will build your case and protect your compensation from minimizing tactics.
Don’t handle a bike crash on your own. Contact an experienced attorney in Queens, NY, for legal assistance.
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