Bicycle accidents can have serious consequences for cyclists, often resulting in injuries, property damage, and time-consuming legal issues. Proper actions taken immediately following an accident are crucial for protecting one’s health, rights, and potential legal claims. A Long Island bicycle accident lawyer can help you understand the essential steps to take after your injury.
At Levine And Wiss, a Long Island personal injury lawyer on our team of attorneys, benefits from our 100+ years of combined experience in bicycle accident cases. We can help handle the intricacies of New York traffic laws, insurance claims, and personal injury litigation related to cycling incidents. Our experience ensures you receive proper legal representation and potential fair compensation for injuries and damages.
Wait for the Police and Medical Professionals to Arrive
After a bicycle accident, your safety and well-being should be your primary concern. Remain at the scene and call 911 to report the incident, even if you believe your injuries are minor. Adrenaline can mask pain and symptoms, potentially leading to delayed diagnosis of serious injuries if left unchecked.
While waiting for first responders, try to move to a safe location away from traffic, but avoid moving if you suspect a head, neck, or back injury. Staying put also helps preserve the accident scene, which can be crucial for the subsequent investigation. Remember that leaving the scene of an accident, even as a cyclist, can have legal repercussions.
When medical professionals arrive, allow them to conduct a thorough examination. Be honest about any pain or discomfort you are experiencing, no matter how slight it may seem. Certain injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions, may not manifest immediate symptoms but can lead to severe long-term complications if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
Avoid Negotiating with the Motorist
In the heat of the moment, you might feel inclined to discuss the accident with the driver involved. However, resisting this urge and avoiding negotiations or admissions of fault at the scene is crucial. Instead, limit your interaction with the motorist to:
- Exchanging contact and insurance information
- Ensuring they remain at the scene until police arrive
- Refraining from discussing fault or details of the accident
Remember that emotions can run high after an accident, and what you say at the moment may not accurately reflect the true circumstances of the incident. Your statements could be misconstrued or used against you later in legal proceedings, so let your bicycle accident attorney in Long Island speak for you and answer any FAQs you have in mind. It is best to let the police report and any subsequent investigation determine the facts of the case.
Get the Driver’s Information
While avoiding detailed discussions about the accident, you should obtain essential information from the motorist involved. This information will be vital for any future insurance claims or legal actions you may need to pursue. Be sure to collect the following pieces of information to get the most out of your case:
- Driver’s full name and contact information
- Vehicle make, model, and license plate number
- Driver’s license number
- Insurance company name and policy number
Use your smartphone to take photos of the driver’s license, insurance card, and vehicle registration if possible. This ensures you have accurate information and provides a backup in case of any discrepancies later. You should also note the exact location of the accident, including street names and any nearby landmarks.
Check to See if There Are Any Witnesses Around
Witness accounts can play a major role in reiterating your version of events and establishing liability in a bicycle accident case. Look around the accident scene for any bystanders who may have seen what happened. These individuals could include pedestrians, shopkeepers, or even vehicle passengers.
If you identify potential witnesses, approach them calmly and see if they are open to sharing their contact information. Explain that their account of the incident could be important in ensuring a potential fair resolution.
Collect their names, phone numbers, and email addresses, and ask if they would be comfortable giving a brief statement to the police when they arrive.
Remember that witnesses are not obligated to get involved, so be respectful if someone declines to provide information. For those who are willing to help, express your gratitude for their time and cooperation. Their testimony could prove invaluable in supporting your case, especially if there are conflicting accounts of the accident.
Make Sure the Police Take Your Report
When law enforcement arrives at the scene, ensure they create a comprehensive police report. This official document serves as evidence in any subsequent legal proceedings or insurance claims. Provide the officers with a clear, concise account of the accident from your perspective, sticking to the facts as you remember them.
Be sure to point out any relevant details about the accident scene. This includes road conditions, visibility issues, or traffic signal malfunctions that may have contributed to the incident. If you noticed the driver engaging in dangerous behaviors before the collision, such as texting while driving or running a red light, mention these observations to the police.
Remember to get a copy of the accident report or obtain the report number before leaving the scene. This information will be essential when filing an insurance claim or consulting a personal injury lawyer in Long Island. Remember that the police report is an objective third-party account of the incident and can carry significant weight in determining fault and liability.
Contact Levine And Wiss Today
Do not let insurance companies or negligent drivers take advantage of your situation. It is common to make an innocent legal mistake after your accident. This is why it is vital to have proper legal representation.
Contact a Long Island bicycle accident attorney for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Our dedicated attorneys will provide knowledge about us and guide you through every step of the process. We can gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, represent you in court.
