What Should I Do in the Days Following a Bicycle Accident?

In the days following a bicycle accident, you should tend to any injuries you suffered and contact a lawyer who can determine if you have a valid case against another party, such as an at-fault driver. The decisions you make in the days following a bicycle accident could potentially impact your ability to recover compensation. Read on to learn more about what your next steps should be.

Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident in New York

Like motorcyclists, bicyclists are more susceptible to suffering serious or life-threatening injuries due to a lack of protection when involved in an accident. According to the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC), one of the most common types of injury that bicyclists suffer is a head injury, which could lead to a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Other injuries can include broken or fractured bones, road rash and even fatal injuries.

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In addition to taking care of yourself and following doctor recommendations after a bicycle accident in New York, you are also encouraged to do the following:

Take Photos of Your Injuries

Because many bicycle accidents are serious in nature, you may not have been able to get photos of your injuries at the accident scene. If this is the case, you can still photograph your injuries in the days after the bicycle accident while they are still fresh.

These photos will likely be beneficial later, should you decide to pursue a claim against the responsible parties and their insurance companies for compensation for your injuries.

Speak to a Lawyer Before Talking to the Insurance Company of the Person that Stuck You

Insurance company adjusters will often try to contact an accident victim immediately or within a few days after the incident in order to obtain a statement that can later be used against you in evaluating your claim.

Insurance adjusters frequently offer settlements early on when they know the company is liable for paying a claim. While it might sound enticing or convenient to receive a quick settlement when you cannot work or have already accrued thousands of dollars in medical expenses, most insurance companies provide victims with low and unjust offers.

Keeping this in mind, it is best not to say much to the insurance company until you have spoken with a lawyer. The better practice is to let your attorney handle all insurance-related matters so that you do not have to.

Obtain a Copy of the Police Report

Police reports can generally be obtained a few days after an accident occurred. Your report will contain important information such as the date and time of the accident, contact information for all parties involved, insurance information and more.

Usually, you can obtain a copy of the accident report by contacting your local police precinct or by requesting it on-line. Your attorney could also obtain the police report for you.

Write Down Important Information

Write down important information that you obtained at the accident or shortly thereafter before your memory fades. This can be especially true if you suffered a head injury.

You should record the following items of information:

• Names and contact information of any witnesses
• The name of the insurance company for the vehicles involved in the accident and any claim numbers
• The name and location of any hospitals where you were treated and the dates of treatment
• The names, addresses and dates of treatment for all medical providers who treated you for your injuries following the accident, including facilities where you had diagnostic testing

Documenting all of this as it occurs can be useful later, especially if you decide to pursue a claim and initiate a personal injury case against the responsible party (or parties) involved.

Keep Doctor Visits

If you plan on filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit in an effort to recover compensation for your injuries and losses, you will need to show that you are entitled to compensation.

One way to do this is to show that you have suffered injuries that require medical attention. If you miss appointments or skip therapy, it could potentially impact your case as the other party will question and try to minimize the seriousness of your injuries..

Contact Dansker & Aspromonte Associates LLP After Your Bicycle Accident

If you suffered injuries in a bicycle accident in New York and need to know if your condition warrants compensation for pain and suffering, lost income, mental anguish, and more, contact Dansker & Aspromonte Associates LLP today.

If you want a firm working on your side that is going to protect your rights as a bicycle accident victim and fight for justice to obtain full, fair and just compensation for your injuries and damages, call Dansker & Aspromonte Associates LLP.

Call or text (646) 692-0204 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form.