Protecting Your Rights After a Bicycle Accident Injury
Bicycle accidents often result in painful injuries, medical appointments, lost income, and the stress of figuring out what comes next. However, you may also face confusion about who’s responsible for the accident and how you can protect your rights.
At The Eskesen Law Firm, I have experience helping individuals injured in bicycle accidents pursue personal injury claims. My goal is to assist you in gathering evidence, evaluating liability, and protecting your rights while taking action against the at-fault party.
Located in New York City, New York, I serve clients throughout Kings County (Brooklyn), Queens County, New York County (Manhattan), Bronx County, and Richmond County (Staten Island). If you’ve been hurt in a bicycle accident, contact my firm today to schedule a free consultation and explore how I can help you stand up for your rights.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can occur for many reasons, and they often involve preventable factors tied to driver behavior or unsafe conditions. Identifying the cause of the accident is an important step in building a personal injury case.
Failure to share the road responsibly: This can include failing to yield, making unsafe turns, or failing to check blind spots.
Distracted driving: Even a brief lapse in attention can result in serious injuries for cyclists.
Poor road conditions: Potholes, debris, and poorly maintained streets can pose hazards to cyclists.
Poor signposting: In some cases, unclear signage or inadequate bike lane markings can contribute to accidents.
Identifying the cause of the crash makes it easier to determine who may be responsible, and this information will typically serve as the foundation of a strong personal injury claim.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Bicycle Accident
What you do after a bicycle accident can have a significant impact on your health and your ability to pursue a personal injury claim. Acting quickly can help protect your rights and preserve important evidence. The primary steps you should take after a bicycle accident to preserve your right to compensation include:
Seek medical attention: Get evaluated as soon as possible by a medical professional, even if injuries seem minor. Follow all treatment recommendations and keep records of your medical care.
Document the scene: Take photos of the accident location, your bicycle, and any vehicles involved. Capture the road conditions, traffic signs, and weather conditions, and record the time and location of the incident.
Report the accident: Contact law enforcement and file an official report. Provide accurate information about what happened and request a copy of the report for your records.
Collect witness information: Gather the names and contact details of anyone who saw the accident. Ask for statements if possible, and keep a record of their accounts.
Avoid early statements to insurers: Be cautious when speaking with insurance companies. Avoid admitting fault or speculating about the incident, and do not make any statements without first speaking to an attorney.
Taking these steps can help you build a strong foundation for your personal injury case. An experienced New York bicycle accident lawyer can discuss these steps with you to make sure you protect your rights moving forward.
How Is Liability Determined in a Bicycle Accident?
In personal injury cases, liability is based on whether someone failed to act with reasonable care and caused harm. To determine liability in a bicycle accident, the court will examine the actions of the parties involved.
Drivers are often found at fault when they violate traffic laws or fail to pay attention to cyclists. For example, failing to yield at intersections, opening car doors into bike lanes, or driving while distracted can all contribute to accidents.
However, liability isn’t always limited to drivers. In some cases, municipalities or property owners may be responsible if unsafe road conditions contributed to the accident. Cyclists themselves may also share some responsibility if they fail to follow traffic rules.
An experienced lawyer can help evaluate the details of your case and identify all potential sources of liability. This process is critical in building a personal injury claim that reflects the full scope of what happened.
Potential Compensation for a Bicycle Injury Claim
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the losses you’ve experienced. New York Personal injury claims are designed to address both financial and non-financial impacts of an accident. The common types of compensation that you may be eligible to pursue include the following:
Medical expenses: Including the costs of emergency care, hospital stays, and surgeries, ongoing treatment such as physical therapy, prescription medications, and medical equipment.
Lost income: Wages lost due to time away from work, reduced earning capacity if injuries affect your ability to work, and missed opportunities for career advancement.
Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain caused by your injuries, emotional distress and mental strain, and the impact of your injuries on your quality of life.
Property damage: Compensation for the repair or replacement of your bicycle, damage to personal belongings, and the costs associated with the accident.
Every bicycle accident case is unique, and the compensation available will depend on the specifics of your situation. An attorney can help you evaluate your losses before pursuing a personal injury claim.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney in New York City Today
Recovering from a bicycle accident can feel like an uphill battle. You may be dealing with physical pain, emotional stress, and financial uncertainty all at once. It’s not just about healing; it’s about finding a way forward and protecting your future.
At The Eskesen Law Firm, I have experience helping my clients build strong personal injury claims after bicycle accidents. Located in New York City, New York, I serve clients throughout Kings County (Brooklyn), Queens County, New York County (Manhattan), Bronx County, and Richmond County (Staten Island)
If you’ve been hurt in a bicycle accident, you don’t have to face this situation alone. Contact my firm today to schedule a free consultation and learn how to protect your rights while filing a personal injury claim.