A significant portion of New York’s population cycles either regularly or from time to time. Individuals might opt to ride a bicycle to work, to school, for exercise, for sport, or for fun. Unfortunately, cycling is a hazardous activity. Far too many bike riders sustain injuries and are killed in accidents involving motor vehicles each year. “Share the Road” is a great concept, but isn’t always taken seriously. When accidents happen, it is important to consult with a New York, NY bike accident lawyer as soon as you possibly can. As time progresses, your legal options may become increasingly limited.
What should I do after a bicycle accident?
There are a few steps that you should take if you’ve been hit by a motor vehicle while riding a bicycle:
- Contact the police so they can file an official report
- Take as many photos of the accident as possible
- Seek out medical attention for your injuries, even if you “feel fine”
- Retain all medical and repair bills related to your accident
- Consult with a New York, NY bike accident lawyer immediately while the details of the accident are still fresh
Am I able to file a lawsuit?
Whether or not you can file a personal injury lawsuit will depend on the specifics of your accident. Most importantly, your attorney will need to work with you to determine where (or to whom) the fault lies. If you were struck by a distracted or otherwise negligent driver, you may be able to file a personal injury suit against them. However, it will be virtually impossible to determine the best course of action for your situation without first contacting a reputable New York, NY bike accident lawyer.
Should I accept the settlement the insurance company offered me?
You should not accept the initial offer from the insurance company or sign any papers following your accident until you have consulted with a New York, NY bike accident lawyer. Insurance companies like to try to have you sign away your rights to file a lawsuit or even a claim, so it’s essential to contact your lawyer before signing anything. The same advice applies to initial offers from the insurance company, particularly because they tend to be significantly less than what your case is actually worth.
What if I was partially at fault for my accident?
Even if you believe yourself to hold some of the blame for your accident, don’t tell that to anyone else – especially the police or other party involved before you have spoken with a New York, NY bike accident lawyer. You can seriously hurt your ability to get a full settlement from the insurance company if you admit you were even the least bit responsible for the accident before being advised by your attorney.
A bicycle accident is a traumatic event that can not only leave you physical injured but emotionally and psychologically scarred as well. Please don’t suffer alone. Please consider scheduling a consultation with the team at , Oddo & Babat in order to discuss your case and clarify your legal options today.
I consulted with David the first time a couple of years ago on a serious matter that affected a very close member of my family. Not expecting a good experience from this serious situation coupled with an attorney consultation, the entire thing surprised me as it was pleasant, professional, and completely successful. We found him clear, direct, generous and extremely knowledgeable throughout the process. I give my very strongest recommendation
