Suffolk County Bicycle Accident Lawyer

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2014, two percent of fatal crashes involved cars colliding with bicycles.

If you are a cyclist and have been the victim of a negligent driver, contact a Suffolk County bicycle accident lawyer to assist you with your case. An experienced injury attorney in Suffolk County can gather the elements of your claim to help produce a successful outcome on your behalf.

No-Fault Statute

New York laws require that all motorists carry no-fault insurance. No-fault insurance means monetary payment may be made for injuries regardless of who is at fault for the accident. No-fault insurance provides coverage for medical bills and lost wages, up to at least $50,000. To best understand the process associated with the no-fault statute, contact a bicycle accident attorney in Suffolk County.

Types of Damages 

Due to the disparity in the size of a motor vehicle and bicycle, as expected, when an accident occurs between the two, the damage is usually greater for the cyclist.

The injuries for the cyclist tend to be more significant, and sometimes fatal, than with other types of accidents that a car may be involved in. Some of the types of monetary damages that a cyclist may recover include compensation for:

  • Medication
  • Medical bills
  • Rehabilitation
  • Physical therapy
  • Psychologist visits
  • Permanent injuries
  • Property damage
  • Lost wages (limit of $2,000 per month)

The minimum coverage a driver is supposed to have is $50,000 for no-fault insurance. If the driver is uninsured, or if there is a serious injury above $50,000, there may be additional avenues in which to recover damages.

A Suffolk County bicycle accident attorney is beneficial to assist in the recovery of damages that might not be entirely covered by the no-fault insurance coverage. For instance, cyclists may be able to file a claim with the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC).

Additionally, people may be able to make a claim through household members of the driver. Finally, a bicycle accident attorney in Suffolk County can bring a civil case against the negligent driver.

After a Bicycle Accident

After a crash occurs, a victim of the negligent driver might be injured, confused and distraught. Anyone who has been involved in an accident wants to remember to do the following:

  1. If the person is injured or thinks they might be injured, seek medical attention as soon as possible
  2. Do not give any statements regarding current health status, except to state that medical attention is necessary
  3. When possible, remain at the scene of the accident until the police arrive
  4. Do not speak with anyone except to provide name, license, and insurance information
  5. Contact a Suffolk County bicycle accident lawyer immediately
  6. Speak with an attorney before giving any statements
  7. Take pictures of the scene of the accident, the vehicle(s) and bicycle involved, witnesses, the driver(s), passenger(s), and any injuries claimed
  8. Take pictures of any injuries and preserve any evidence
  9. Obtain the other party’s full name, date of birth, address, phone number, license plate number, driver’s license number, insurance information, make, model, and year of the car involved and note any injuries on the driver and damage to the vehicle
  10. Record the names, addresses, phone numbers, and other contact information of any passengers or witnesses

These steps can be most accurately presented using a Suffolk County bicycle accident lawyer.

Contacting a Suffolk County Bike Accident Attorney

If you have been injured in an accident, contact a Suffolk County bicycle accident lawyer immediately. An attorney can discuss with you the facts and the best way to proceed in your case to ensure you are fairly compensated for your injuries.

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