When a bicycle is involved in a collision with an automobile, the damages are serious and sometimes fatal. More New Yorkers ride on bicycles to avoid traffic congestion and bumper to bumper traffic. More than 10% of New Yorkers ride on bicycles. Even though various governmental and non-profits keep sensitizing motorists and road users regarding safety of bicyclists, collisions happen regularly leading to injuries, loss of property, and life.
You should do your best, if possible, to start collecting facts and evidence right after your bicycle accident.
If you are injured in a collision with an automobile on the road, you can file a personal injury claim for damages. In order to strengthen your claim, you may have to establish liability through evidence. Here is how you can strengthen your claim immediately after an accident:
Call 911
Report the accident to police immediately by calling 911. You would want the accident to be recorded and documented so that you can produce proof of evidence in the form of police reports and photographs. Collect the reference number of the police report. You may collect the copy of the report in a couple of days after the accident.
Collecting Important Information
Collect driver’s personal information including:
- Name
- Address
- Telephone
Collect driver’s insurance information including:
- Name of the insurance company
- Phone number
- Policy number
You need the insurance information to file an accident claim with the driver’s insurance company.
Witness Information
If witnesses are available, report them to police so that they can record their observations & statements. These records will be incorporated in the police report and can be invoked at a later stage if and when the case goes to trial. If you are unable to speak, seek help of a passerby.
Medical Attention
Immediately after accident, if you are injured, seek medical help to treat the injuries. If you need to go to the emergency room, cooperate with the paramedics. They need to stabilize your vitals and arrest blood loss, if any. Try to relax and stay calm. Stress increases adrenalin flow and numbs pain that can mask occult injuries. Continue with the medical treatment as advised by the doctors. If required consult with your primary physician.
Never Discuss Your Intentions
Collect essential information and refrain from discussing fault with the driver. Narrate your experience to the police who will record your statement.
Photographs of the Scene
Use your cell phone to capture accident spot and scenes. Take as many photos as possible and include a detailed view of broken and strewn parts, skid tracks, long, and distant shots with reference to landmarks such as sign posts, sidewalks, etc. If possible, capture photos of your injuries.
Collision with Other Objects
If your accident occurred due to fault of local roadways or poor government maintenance, you can sue the concerned department for negligence. In case you collided with an object such as broken sign post or if you fell in a broken pavement filled with water, make note of the place of accident by capturing a nearby identifier/reference such as street signs, landmarks, and store names.
If you were injured in a bicycle accident involving an automobile, call our New York City personal injury attorneys at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff, & Wolff (RMFW) who have law offices located in Astoria, Queens, New York City, and two locations in Brooklyn.
Call RMFW attorneys and find out how much your case is worth. Are your bills piling up? Do you the money to pay for lost work time and everything else that has been lost? This is not your fault, someone else should make these financial sacrifices, not you. Call 212 697 9280 ASAP. What do you have to lose?
RMFW is not paid until they help you win your case.