Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for pedestrians to be hit by negligent bikers in NYC. If you’ve recently been struck yourself, it’s important to know what to do next.
If a negligent biker has recently hit you in NYC, there are several things you should do. First, inform law enforcement officials. NYC police officers can complete a report detailing your injuries and a negligent biker’s actions. Then, take photographs of your injuries and any apparent damage. Next, speak to eyewitnesses and get their contact information. Finally, hire an attorney who can use all the available evidence to build a strong claim against a negligent biker. Acting quickly is important, as the statute of limitations to file a claim against a negligent biker in NYC is just three years. Not to mention, the sooner you file a lawsuit, the sooner you can recover compensation.
We’re here to help pedestrians get the justice they deserve against negligent bikers. For a free case evaluation with the Bronx pedestrian accident lawyers at The Carrion Law Firm, call today at (718) 841-0083.
What Should Pedestrians Do After Being Hit by a Biker in NYC?
After being hit by a negligent biker as a pedestrian in NYC, there are several things you should do. First, call the police. Officers can file a report so that there is documentation of your injuries and a negligent biker’s actions. Next, take photos and speak to eyewitnesses. Victims should also visit the hospital as soon as possible, as medical records can be invaluable evidence in a lawsuit against a negligent party.
Call the Police
Getting struck by a bicyclist as a pedestrian in NYC can result in serious injuries. While victims might think calling the police is only necessary after a car accident, that’s not the case. If you were recently hit by a bike while walking in NYC, it’s important to inform law enforcement officials. This is especially true if you have been injured and require compensatory damages from a negligent biker.
Police officers in NYC can create a report of your incident, a report that can ultimately help your Buffalo pedestrian accident lawyer when building a case against a negligent biker. In a report, law enforcement officials can include any pertinent information, including a negligent biker’s contact information and an account of the accident’s events. Even if your injuries do not appear serious at first, call the police. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and inform law enforcement officials so that they can document your accident.
Take Photos
Whether you were clipped by a biker or hit head-on, a collision can result in serious injuries. If there is damage to your person or property after being hit by a biker in NYC, take photos. If you cannot photograph your injuries because of their severity, ask first responders or eyewitnesses to do so for you.
In addition to taking pictures of your injuries, photograph the entire scene. If there is any damage to a negligent party’s bike, photograph it. An experienced NYC pedestrian accident lawyer can use such photographic evidence to piece together an accident’s events and prove a negligent bicyclist’s fault.
Speak to Eyewitnesses
Bike accidents in NYC can happen fast, and it’s not uncommon for bicyclists to keep riding after hitting a pedestrian. Because of this, it’s important to speak to eyewitnesses after a biker strikes you in NYC. Do your best to get their contact information. If you cannot retrieve this information at the scene, your Harlem pedestrian accident lawyer can access it from law enforcement officials in the future.
Proving fault in bike accident lawsuits can be very challenging. Eyewitness testimony can be invaluable evidence in a compensation claim against a negligent biker, ultimately helping pedestrians recover the damages they deserve. Because of that, it is important that victims speak to eyewitnesses and get their contact information for future reference.
Seek Medical Attention
Pedestrians hit by negligent bikers in NYC can sustain serious injuries. Common injuries from such collisions include lacerations, sprains, broken bones, soft tissue injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. Victims can also sustain concussions and spinal cord injuries when hit by negligent bikers in NYC. Because of this, it is crucial that pedestrians visit the hospital immediately after getting hit by a negligent biker in NYC.
Even if you appear uninjured after getting hit by a bike, seek medical attention. Your medical records can be crucial evidence in a lawsuit against a negligent biker. Without such records, you may have difficulty recovering the compensation you deserve.
Hire an Attorney
Holding a negligent biker accountable in NYC can be difficult. These collisions often happen quickly, and negligent bikers might flee the scene after the fact. Because recovering damages can be difficult for pedestrians hit by bikers in NYC, it is important that victims hire an attorney.
To prove a negligent party’s fault, a dedicated NYC personal injury lawyer can pool together all available evidence and documentation, such as police reports, medical records, eyewitness statements, security camera footage, and photographs. With the right experience, skill, and resources, your lawyer can help you recover the compensatory damages you deserve.
Act Quickly
If a biker has struck you as a pedestrian in NYC, it’s important to act quickly. The longer you wait to inform law enforcement of your injuries or seek medical attention, the more harm you may do to your future compensation claim.
Generally speaking, pedestrians hit by bikers in NYC have just three years to file a lawsuit against a negligent party. While that may appear like a long time at first, hospital bills and lost wages may soon begin to affect you and your family. Therefore, acting quickly and taking the necessary steps immediately after being hit by a biker in NYC is important. If not, it may be more difficult for you to heal physically, financially, and emotionally after an accident.
Call Our Attorneys if You Were Hit by a Biker in NYC
If you were recently hit by a negligent biker as a pedestrian in NYC, our attorneys can help. For a free case evaluation with the Huntington personal injury lawyers at The Carrion Law Firm, call today at (718) 841-0083.