- Call the police
- Request medical attention from EMS
- Record the names and addresses of any witnesses
- Take pictures of any vehicles or roadway conditions that you believe were involved in your accident
- Go to the hospital for an evaluation even if you don’t believe you have serious injuries
Even if you are not thinking about a legal claim for your injuries, taking the above steps will protect your health as well as your rights if you later decide to bring a claim for damages.
Protecting Yourself After a Bicycle Accident
After getting hurt in a bicycle accident, you may be unsure of what actions you can take at the accident scene to benefit your interests and future. First and foremost, be careful what you say at the scene of an accident or later. Statements of fault can be used against you in your claim.
Do not give any statements to representatives of the at-fault party or parties until you speak to a lawyer in order to protect your rights. Additionally, after a bicycle accident, the following actions serve both to protect your physical well-being as well as your legal interests:
Contact Law Enforcement to Report the Accident
If your accident involves a collision with a motor vehicle, it is usually a good idea to call the police even if the driver suggests that the police not be involved. The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NYDMV) requires that following an accident that results in injury, death, or property damage of more than $1,000, the incident must be reported by a vehicle operator to law enforcement.
Very often, a driver will suggest that the police not be involved. To be safe, always call the police and ask the driver to remain at the scene. A police report of your incident, if involving a motor vehicle, may do the following:
- Connect your injuries to the accident
- Compel law enforcement to write a police report, which could contain useful pieces of information, such as who was involved and who was at fault
- Document the occurrence of the accident itself, which could prevent the other party from denying involvement or liability
Request Medical Attention at the Accident Scene
Following the accident, you may be tempted to refuse medical attention from the paramedics that arrive or fail to ask that paramedics come to the scene of your incident. This may not work in your best interest—especially if you sustained hidden injuries, like spinal cord trauma or a traumatic brain injury.
By accepting medical attention at the accident scene, you begin a paper trail of your injuries. You also can assert from the very beginning that you were injured as a result of the accident, making it more difficult for the other party to contest certain aspects of your claim.
Follow-Up Care
In the days following the accident, you should also follow through with your healthcare team’s recommended course of treatment. For instance, if physical therapy could help you regain a range of motion in an affected body part, you should keep up with those appointments.
Record the Names and Contact Information of All Witnesses
If possible, identify all witnesses to your accident and record their contact information. Witness statements can be crucial in establishing liability.
Take Photographs at The Scene of Any Vehicles or Roadway Defects Involved
Whether your bicycle accident involved a vehicle or a roadway condition, take photographs at the scene if possible. These photographs could become quite helpful in proving your claim.
Get Checked Out at the Hospital
Even if you are not sure that you have sustained any serious injuries, it is always a good idea to go to the hospital after a bicycle accident. Hidden injuries like concussions or internal bleeding must be dealt with early before they worsen.
Review Your Case With a Lawyer
After a crash, you should consult with a bicycle accident lawyer in NYC. A legal professional can review the details of your accident, establish who is at fault, and help you collect compensation for your damages.
The Attorneys at Dansker & Aspromonte Associates LLP Fight for Bicycle Accident Claimants
If you or a loved one was injured in a bicycle accident, our team is determined to secure the best possible recovery in your case. We can help you secure fair and just financial compensation for your pain and suffering, healthcare expenses, and lost income.
We’ve successfully represented clients in a variety of personal injury cases, from car and construction accidents to serious injuries and wrongful death.
