New York Hit & Run Bicycle Accident

Some of the most common bicycle accidents occurring in New York are hit and run accidents. This is because the roads of New York are full of aggressive and negligent drivers. Whether they are talking to someone else inside the vehicle, not paying attention to the road or on their cell phone, it is common for drivers to collide with the increasing number of bicycle riders. To figure out who is responsible, make sure you consider your options to collect evidence before filing an insurance claim.

Being involved in an accident like this can be overwhelming for anyone, but it is often the victim who ends up paying the price in the form of severe injuries and not being sure how to proceed with their future. When a driver gets shaken by the experience of striking a bicycle rider, driving away from the scene is not the legal thing to do, but it may seem tempting to the driver in the heat of the moment.

A hit and run bicycle accident lawyer can tell you that many of the injuries sustained in bicycle accidents have the potential to turn your life upside down. There are no protections afforded to bicycle riders because they are exposed to the elements. While someone inside a car may benefit from a seatbelt or an airbag, a bicycle rider has no similar protections and may be thrown into other objects or into traffic. When the driver leaves the scene of the accident and is eventually caught, he or she may be facing criminal as well as civil consequences.

Although negligent drivers often realize that they have the responsibility to stop after an accident, many continue to driver after hitting a cyclist. For a cyclist, it can be shocking to realize that someone negligently struck you on a New York road, but it can be even more overwhelming to realize that they left the scene of the accident. While some bicyclists may be able to recover damages in full from their auto mobile insurance carrier, the police and the insurance company can sometimes make this recovery difficult. Filing a police report even if you are not sure of the identity of the driver is strongly recommended.

There may be witnesses in the area who can provide you with further information about the identity of the driver or the type of car he or she was driving. Your insurance company will almost always request that you file a police report anyways, so it is strongly recommended to pursue this option when you hire your NY hit and run bike accident lawyer.

Notify both your health insurance company and your car insurance company about how the accident happened. Your insurance policy may be your only avenue for recovery if you are not able to identify the other driver, so it is important to follow all of their rules very specifically. Get medical attention immediately even if you are not yet sure of the extent of your injuries. Some of the catastrophic injuries affecting riders in a hit and run bicycle accident are not easily spotted, such as a traumatic brain injury. Seeing your doctor immediately can ensure you get the proper tests to figure out what is wrong with you. Do not be alarmed if your symptoms continue to evolve or change after being struck in a hit and run bicycle accident. After this has happened, it is not uncommon for symptoms to surface days or even weeks after the accident has occurred. Getting the contact information for any witnesses may be one of the most important steps you take in your injury case. This is because witnesses may hold the clue to assist you with putting together a personal injury claim and recovering maximum compensation. Although it may feel overwhelming to pursue a personal injury claim, hiring a hit and run bicycle accident attorney in New York may be one avenue for recovering as much compensation as possible. You do not need to worry about your future when you have placed it in the hands of a dedicated bicycle accident lawyer, who cares about your rights. Bicycle accidents can be difficult, particularly, if you have experienced physical, emotional and cognitive problems because of the injuries you have sustained. Having a lawyer who is in your corner and working as hard as possible to recover maximum compensation is a must.