Under New York Law, bicyclists have the same legal rights AND responsibilities as drivers on the roads. Yet despite sharing the same rights, bicyclists are some of the most vulnerable people on the road – especially when drivers can be easily distracted or fail to give them the proper attention and space when traveling.
What causes most bike accidents?
- Drivers making turns across bike lanes without checking
- Passengers failing to check for bikes when opening doors
- Drivers failing to keep a safe distance
- When a bicyclist is forced into traffic because there is no bike lane
In too many of these cases, the bicyclist can get blamed even when a driver clearly may be at fault. Here at Brown Chiari, our goal is to protect bicyclists and have them feeling confident on the roads again.
DID YOU KNOW…
What do you do in the first 10 minutes after a crash can affect your ability to recover damages? Bicyclists often suffer serious injuries in crashes, and many will forget that they have the same rights as the driver! If you have been hit while riding, here are the first steps to protecting yourself.
Find Medical Help
It is extremely important to seek medical attention after the crash. The adrenaline can mask your injuries in the moment. Be sure to file a police report at the scene and save as much evidence as possible. Never say you are fine or okay after the crash. You may not even be aware of the extent of your injuries! Stick to the facts when speaking to the police and do not speculate.
Getting information
Be sure to get the driver’s license of the person with whom you were involved in the accident. Be sure to get their name, number, and contact, as well as their license plate number. Do not forget to ask for their insurance and take that information down as well. Do not let the driver convince you that you should handle the matter privately and off the books.
Take Photos
In the aftermath, be sure to document the entire scene. Take pictures of your bike and the gear you were wearing, as well as any visible physical injuries. Take pictures of the license plate of the vehicle, but also the vehicle itself and any scuff marks it may have on it. Many people think this is all you need but also make sure to take pictures of the surrounding areas, the road conditions, and signs. These can be critical to any case involving the roadway. All this evidence can be used later to prove your case.
Call us
Even “minor” accidents can lead to costly medical bills, missed work, or even long-term injuries.
An experienced attorney at Brown Chiari can help you navigate times like these. Our personal injury attorneys can help investigate the crash, protect your rights, deal with insurance, and pursue full compensation for any damage you have incurred.
If you or someone you know or love has been involved in a bicycle accident, contact Brown Chiari today for a free consultation.