A bicycle accident can result in serious, catastrophic injuries. Often, these injuries can affect a person’s ability to hold employment, earn income, and even have a healthy relationship with loved ones. Therefore, after a bicycle accident, it’s important to know what steps to take. The failure to take appropriate action after a bicycle accident can have physical, legal, and financial consequences. On the other hand, if you take the proper steps after being involved in a bicycle accident, you increase your odds of a healthy recovery and financial compensation. In this article, we discuss what to do immediately after a bicycle accident.
Remain at the Scene and Call the Authorities
The first thing you should do after a bicycle accident in New York is remain at the scene and call the authorities. There are several reasons for this. For one, the police will ensure that you receive medical care at the scene if necessary. The police will also create an accident report, which can be useful should you seek financial compensation for any injuries you suffered in the accident. Finally, depending on the circumstances, leaving the scene of an accident can have legal ramifications, so it’s always a good idea to remain at the scene until you are told by the authorities that you may leave.
Gather Evidence
Next, you should gather as much evidence as possible. Valuable bicycle accident evidence includes:
- A personal statement detailing your recollection of the accident
- Witness statements
- Witness contact information
- Photos and videos of the scene of the accident
- Photos and videos of any visible injuries
- Photos and videos of any property damage
- Medical records
- Police reports
- Insurance information
Seek Medical Care
Even if you receive a medical evaluation at the scene of the accident, you should seek follow-up medical care. And this applies even if you don’t believe you’ve been injured. Some injuries, such as head injuries and internal injuries, can take days or even weeks to exhibit symptoms. Therefore, it’s a good practice to see a medical professional as soon as you can after a bicycle accident to identify any serious injuries. In addition, seeking medical care and following your prescribed treatment plan can benefit you if you decide to file a legal claim.
Contact a New York Bicycle Accident Attorney
Finally, if you’ve been hurt in a New York bicycle accident, you should contact an experienced bicycle accident attorney immediately. An experienced bicycle accident attorney will review the facts of your case, conduct an investigation, plan a case strategy, and aggressively seek financial compensation on your behalf. At Bornstein & Emanuel, P.C., our experienced bicycle accident lawyers have the knowledge and experience to effectively represent you in your bicycle accident case. When you come to us for help, we will do everything in our power to ensure that you obtain a fair resolution to your situation. Please contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced bicycle accident attorney.
