Each situation is different. Our attorneys are here to answer questions about your accident. Reach out to us if you’ve been:
- Hit and injured by a vehicle – car, truck, bus, van or work vehicle, bike or other.
- Sustained an injury do to unsafe road conditions.
- Struck by a pedestrian, another bike or scooter.
- Injured as a result of a police action or chase.
Medical Attention: Always prioritize your health. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, it’s vital to get checked by a medical professional immediately. Some injuries might not manifest symptoms until later, and having a medical record from the time of the accident can be crucial for any subsequent claims.
Here are some important details if you’ve been involved in a bicycle, e-bike or scooter accident.
- Keep important evidence when pursuing compensation.
- Photos of the accident scene.
- Photos of your injuries.
- Contact information of witnesses.
- Contact and insurance information of the other party involved.
- Police report, if they were called to the scene.
- Report the accident to the police. In NYC, the police will usually complete a collision report, which will be important when pursuing a claim.
Keep Records: Make sure to keep all medical bills, prescriptions, and other related expenses. Document any lost wages due to the accident. Maintain a journal detailing your recovery, medical visits, and any pain or challenges you face.
File a No-Fault Claim: New York is a no-fault state, meaning that your own car insurance, or the car insurance of the vehicle that hit you, should cover your medical bills and lost wages up to a certain limit, regardless of who was at fault. You have a limited time to file this claim (typically 30 days). It’s called a Personal Injury Protection (PIP) claim.
Lawsuit: If your damages exceed what is covered by the no-fault insurance, or if you have suffered serious injuries, you may have the right to pursue a lawsuit against the at-fault party. This can include compensation for pain and suffering, and other damages not covered by the PIP benefits.
Statute of Limitations: Remember, New York has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This means you have a limited time frame (usually three years for personal injury claims) from the date of the accident to initiate a lawsuit.
Stay Engaged: Whether you’re dealing with insurance companies or a lawsuit, remain engaged in the process. Respond to inquiries, attend required medical evaluations, and stay in communication with your attorney.
It’s essential to prioritize your recovery both medically and mentally.
EEP Law can help you understand your rights, potential compensation, and navigate the complexities of the legal process with cyclist injuries.