How Do Bike Injury Claims Work in NY?
What happens if you’ve been hurt in a bicycle accident in New York? When a cyclist is struck by a motor vehicle, personal injury protection (PIP) insurance should cover your expenses related to medical treatment, lost income, and other accident-related costs. If the driver who hit you or someone else was at fault for the accident, you may also pursue legal claims or lawsuits against that party. An experienced New York City bicycle accident attorney from Finz & Finz, P.C. can pursue all available claims for compensation on your behalf.
Compensation in Bicycle Accident Claims
Depending on the circumstances of the bicycle accident, injured cyclists could be entitled to compensation for the following in a personal injury claim:
- Costs of medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Costs of long-term care for prolonged or permanent disabilities
- Emotional trauma or distress
- Lost earning capacity while disabled from work or on modified duty
- Lost wages and other income due to taking time off work
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life caused by disabilities or disfigurement
- Bicycle repair or replacement expenses
Steps to File a Bicycle Accident Claim
There are several steps involved in pursuing compensation in a bike crash claim. Here’s what to do:
- Report the accident to law enforcement and obtain a copy of the police accident report if an officer responds to the crash scene.
- Get the driver’s insurance information, as their PIP policy serves as your first avenue for pursuing compensation.
- Take photographs and videos of the scene of the accident and the damage to the vehicle that struck you, as well as your bicycle.
- Seek prompt medical attention to document the bicycle accident injuries you sustained in the crash and begin treatment.
- Follow your doctor’s treatment recommendations and recovery plan.
- Request copies of your medical records.
- Notify your car insurance company about the accident if you have an auto policy that may provide coverage (this may provide coverage even though you were not driving a car at the time of the accident).
- Gather any bills, invoices, or receipts for expenses you incur during your recovery.
- Find copies of your pay stubs or income statements to calculate any lost wages you incur.
Finally, contact a bicycle accident attorney from Finz & Finz, P.C. as soon as possible for help handling your bicycle accident case.
Why You Need a Bicycle Accident Attorney
Negligent drivers and insurance companies can make it challenging to recover the compensation that cyclists deserve after bicycle accidents. A New York bicycle accident attorney can help you by handling the details of your legal claims so you can focus on getting better. Let the team at Finz & Finz, P.C. fight for the financial relief you need by:
- Obtaining and securing evidence from the accident that proves the driver or other party’s fault, such as surveillance video footage and witness statements
- Documenting your injuries and losses using medical records, bills, invoices, receipts, and expert testimony
- Evaluating your legal options for financial recovery, including determining which insurance policies apply to the accident
- Handling communications and negotiations with adjusters, defense lawyers, and other parties to take the stress of the claims process off your shoulders
Contact our NYC Bicycle Accident Law Firm for Help
If you’ve been hurt in an NYC bike accident, get the legal help you need to pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact Finz & Finz, P.C. today to speak with a bicycle accident claims attorney at no upfront cost or obligation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.