The bustling streets of New York City see hundreds of thousands of avid cyclists annually. However, no bike rider can feel 100% safe while cruising across local roads. The recent New York bicycle accident statistics prove the opposite — 5K bicyclists were injured in 2024.
While the odds may feel overwhelming, they do not mean that you should go back to your favorite activity. They mean that you must be well aware of what to do after a bike accident in NYC should it occur. That is why our experts have compiled a list of practical steps to take after a bicycle crash to strengthen your future legal proceedings and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
Key Takeaways
- Your health is of utmost priority.
- A strong NYC bicycle accident claim is built on palpable evidence.
- Existing local ordinances can impact the final settlement.
- A field expert can help you maximize your compensation.
- Insurance companies will try to reduce your settlement or convince you to accept a lowball offer.
Get to Safety Promptly
The stress of the situation, topped with instincts, may propel you to get up and move away from the road. While that is rational, you should also listen to your body. If you are in pain or observe any serious visible injuries, you may want to ask for assistance and slowly relocate to a safer place. However, in case of substantial traumas, it is best to stay put and wait for the emergency services to arrive. Yet, you should make sure that you remain visible and no further harm can come to you.
Seek Medical Attention ASAP
It is challenging to evaluate your condition in the first moments after a New York City bike accident. The wave of adrenaline may mask some traumas, so it seems like you are unharmed. However, such severe injuries as concussions or internal bleeding often have delayed effects or hidden symptoms.
That is why it is critical to seek medical care after a collision. Keep in mind that delayed treatment can also weaken your case since the insurance company will question the medical expenses you want to recover. At the same time, detailed and timely medical records can serve as reliable proof when you proceed with your bicycle accident claim.
Alert the Police Immediately
No matter how minor the bicycle accident is, New York cycling laws recommend that you notify local authorities about it immediately. Police officers arriving at the scene will assess it on every level and document all the details. They will interact with possible witnesses and coordinate medical care if required. Even if you are an apparent victim of the incident, you shouldn’t leave the scene before you talk to the police officers and provide your version of events. Just like detailed medical records, police reports will help you solidify your insurance claim when it comes to it.
Avoid Compromising Your Claim
There are a few things that can compromise your NYC bicycle accident settlement claim, and most of them depend on your primary words and actions after the crash. Some cyclists rush to apologize for the incident even when they know that they haven’t initiated or contributed to the accident. While you view it as mere politeness, other parties involved, law enforcement, and surely insurance providers may treat it as an admittance of fault.
Even though in the state of New York, it is possible to recover compensation if you are partially to blame for the collision, the reimbursement will be reduced based on the percentage of confirmed fault. So, you should do your best to refrain from admitting your fault when you interact with any party at the accident scene.
Exchange Contact Details to Strengthen the Case
It would be best if you exchanged contact and insurance information with the drivers, passengers, and other parties after a New York City bicycle accident. You may want to request the following details:
- Full name
- Address
- Phone number
- Insurance number
- Driver’s license details
- License plates
You can also write down the make and model of the vehicle, if any. However, in case the driver or any other involved party seems to be aggressive, you shouldn’t approach them so as not to escalate the situation. The police officers will document everything and share the information with you upon request.
Capture Short-Lived Evidence at the Scene
One of the main reasons why you shouldn’t leave the scene of the bicycle accident immediately, unless advised to do so, is to collect critical evidence that will solidify your future claim. You may want to take photos and videos of the following:
- Your injuries
- Damaged property
- Location and driving conditions
- Weather and lighting conditions
Moreover, you can inspect the area to detect any surveillance or security cameras that may have captured the incident. Gathered evidence may play a pivotal role in your case, especially if the other party disputes your claim.
Record Witness Version of Events
People who have seen the accident can provide an unbiased version of the events that can later support your claim, too. You can question anyone in the vicinity. Whether it is a pedestrian, a fellow cyclist, a motor vehicle operator, or a nearby business owner, ask them the following:
- Did you see the accident?
- Has anything unusual happened that you think has led to this bike crash?
- Did you notice any traffic violations from either involved party?
- Would you be willing to share your contact information in case your witness statement is required later?
Record every bit of information you receive. However, steer clear of even indirectly convincing the eyewitnesses to take either side of the dispute.
File a Formal Report to Protect Your Rights
You shouldn’t be afraid to talk to the police and make an official statement. You may want to share the following details with the officers:
- Your personal information, including full name and contact details
- Bike accident details that you know of. For instance, the time and date as well as the location of the incident.
- Provide gathered information from the parties involved.
- Provide a primary assessment of your injuries, damages, and other potential losses.
- Share gathered statements from the eyewitnesses.
Once the police document these details, you can inquire about a copy of the police report.
Notify Your Insurance Provider Without Delay
It is essential to let your insurer know about the bike accident. New York City does not have a precise timeframe for when you must do it, but it would be wise to do it as soon as possible. As you report the main details of the incident, such as your name, time, and location, an insurance agent will guide you on what else may be required to file the claim. A delay may jeopardize your right to fair compensation. The same goes for any admittance of fault. Provide a detailed layout of the situation, but keep away from making any assumptions.
Consult an Experienced New York City Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Often, accident victims tend to underestimate the help that a well-versed New York City bicycle accident lawyer can bring to the case. Not only can a trained personal injury attorney assess your case from angles you haven’t known existed, but they can also take over the investigation, negotiation, and even litigation should your claim transform into a bicycle accident lawsuit.
Lastly, law firms like Bicycle Accident Lawyers Group work on a contingency fee basis that rules out upfront fees and hidden charges. All it takes is to contact our team for a free consultation, and we’ll take over the case so that you can recover and regain your strength without compromising available financial compensation!
If you’re a cyclist who has been in an accident, call today for a free initial consult about your legal claim. We’re here to help with your legal questions. Contact our law firm for coast-to-coast bike accident and personal injury representation.
Get answers to commonly asked questions about our legal services and learn how we may assist you with your case.
Can I Handle the Case Without a Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
It is possible to deal with a bike accident case on your own. However, the risk of jeopardizing the claim and agreeing to a minimal settlement is high. Most legal experts work on a no-win, no-fee basis and offer free case evaluations these days. A mere phone call can change the final outcome of your case.
What Are the Time Limits for Claiming a Settlement in a Bike Accident?
Every state has a specific statute of limitations for a bicycle accident claim. The timeframe varies from one to four years. In New York, the deadline for a personal injury claim is three years from the date of the incident.
When Should I Contact a New York Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
There isn’t a precise period within which you must consult a legal representative on the case. Yet, early legal advice will ensure that you are aware of your rights and claim-related deadlines. Moreover, timely consultation will rule out a chance of potential mistakes that can negatively affect your case.
Since his academic days at the UC Berkeley School of Law, Robert Goldwater has remained a committed advocate for victims of other people’s negligence. His tort law background, together with his unquenchable thirst for justice, helped young Robert found a now-successful law firm – Bicycle Accident Lawyers Group, gathering same-minded and promising attorneys from all over the country.
