A bike accident injury lawyer can help you navigate your legal options. Bicyclists are incredibly vulnerable to serious injuries when struck by automobiles on the roadway. Drivers have a layer of metal protecting them, while cyclists are exposed and often left with catastrophic injuries or even killed. A skilled attorney will investigate your crash, examine the police report, speak with eyewitnesses, seek out area surveillance footage or traffic camera videos, and consult accident reconstruction experts to determine if a negligent driver caused your accident.
You must see a doctor immediately after your crash bicycle accident injury lawyer, even if you believe your injuries are only minor scrapes and bruises. This will generate evidence that you need for your case and may reveal the extent of your injuries. Seeing a doctor also allows you to be sure that your injuries are not contagious or will not manifest symptoms at a later time, which can make your claim more compelling with the insurance company.
Insurance companies try to minimize or deny your claim and assign you a share of fault in the accident. Your lawyer is a strong negotiator and can level the playing field against the insurer by establishing that you were not at fault for your accident. A lawyer will also negotiate with the other parties involved, and their affiliated insurance companies, to ensure that you are getting the maximum amount of compensation available under New York law.
The right lawyer can protect your rights as a cyclist and ensure that you get the financial compensation you deserve to cover medical bills, lost wages, property damage and pain and suffering. When choosing an attorney, ask about their experience with bicycle accidents and personal injury cases in general. Ask to see their portfolio and review their record of settlements and awards. Reputable attorneys will never ask you to pay them upfront for their services and instead work on a contingency basis, meaning that they are paid only after your case is won or settled.
New York state laws require motorists to exercise a high degree of care in the operation of their vehicles and to yield to cyclists on the roadway. Failure to do so results in harsher penalties for drivers who cause crashes with vulnerable road users. This can include fines, jail time or a misdemeanor charge for repeat offenders.
It is crucial to hire a New York City bicycle accident injury lawyer who is familiar with the relevant state and local laws and understands how they apply in bicycle accident cases. A good lawyer will have a track record of success in winning large damages awards for their clients. They will also be well-versed in the laws that apply to bicycle accidents, including New York’s comparative negligence insurance laws.
After an accident, you should avoid speaking to anyone other than the police and your medical team. Anything you say could be used against your claim, and it is best to let your lawyer handle all communications with the insurance company and other involved parties.