With the growing popularity of bicycles as a means of transportation in Yonkers, there has been a concurrent increase in accidents caused by careless drivers. These accidents can result in devastating consequences for bicyclists, who are often left with severe injuries that require prolonged periods of recovery.
If you were injured in a bicycle accident due to a negligent driver, our lawyers are here to assist you in recovering compensation. Yonkers has many long stretches of shoreline paths and roads that cyclists have the right to use. It is crucial to seek medical treatment right away after an accident and then contact our team to begin your case and safeguard your rights.
Our bicycle accident lawyers can provide you with a free case evaluation by calling The Martello Law Firm, PLLC at (914) 685-6950.
What You Should Do After a Bicycle Accident in Yonkers
Navigating a bicycle accident can be challenging, but there are steps you can take to increase your chances of holding those responsible accountable. Calling 911 and taking photos of the scene are crucial to documenting the incident. Seeking medical attention promptly is also essential. Once you feel better, do not hesitate to reach out to our bicycle accident lawyers for guidance on what to do next. The following are important steps you should take after getting injured in a bicycle accident:
Call the Police
In the event of an accident, it is crucial to contact law enforcement promptly. They can assist in securing the area and preserving any evidence that might be lost otherwise. Additionally, all parties involved in the accident will provide statements to the police, and witnesses will share their accounts of what occurred. This information is vital when seeking compensation through an insurance company or pursuing a personal injury claim against the at-fault party.
Exchange Information with the Other Party If Possible
It is crucial to exchange information with the other party involved in an accident after contacting the police. This includes providing names, addresses, insurance companies and policy numbers, driver’s license numbers, vehicle registration information, and contact details of any witnesses present at the time of the collision.
However, if the other driver flees the scene of the accident, it might be impossible to obtain this information. In such cases, you should still attempt to collect information from any witnesses who remained on the scene and contact the police immediately. Our firm can aid in the investigation of your hit-and-run accident once the police open a case.
Gather Evidence
After ensuring that all immediate medical needs have been addressed, it is crucial to gather evidence at the site of the bike accident through the use of pictures or video, if possible. This evidence should be preserved as it can greatly assist in seeking compensation from the driver who caused the injury. Remember, every piece of evidence counts when making a case for compensation.
Seek Medical Care Immediately
Getting medical attention immediately after a bicycle accident is crucial. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, it is essential to seek care. Often, victims are transported to the emergency room by emergency medical services due to the severity of bicycle accidents. However, injuries might not be apparent until later, so seeking medical attention is still necessary. It is vital to begin documenting your case and proving your injuries to recover compensation, so it is crucial to receive medical treatment as soon as possible.
Contact Our Firm
If you have been involved in a bicycle accident due to the negligence of another driver or due to other reasons such as defective equipment or inadequate road conditions, there are legal remedies available for you to claim compensation for your losses. Our team is here to help you with the recovery process, gather more evidence to strengthen your case and find witnesses who can testify on your behalf.
How Bicycle Accidents Typically Occur in Yonkers
Yonkers bicyclists often face negligence from drivers on the road. These drivers tend to ignore the presence of cyclists and disregard their right to use the road. Luckily, our team of bicycle accident lawyers is available to help you seek justice if you are injured due to a driver’s actions. Some of the most common types of accidents resulting in bicycle injuries in Yonkers include the following:
Speeding
Many bicycle accidents in Yonkers happen because drivers are speeding. Oftentimes, drivers will speed up when they approach a turn or stop sign to save time. Unfortunately, this can lead to a dangerous situation for cyclists. A driver who is speeding might not see a cyclist until it is too late to avoid a collision. Due to their lack of control at higher speeds, drivers who are speeding are more likely to be involved in a collision with a cyclist than those who are driving more slowly.
Distracted Driving
In Yonkers, bicycle accidents are frequently caused by distracted driving. Drivers who are distracted by their phones or occupied with other tasks are less likely to notice cyclists on the road. In many cases, these drivers are unable to react in time and avoid accidents, resulting in severe injuries.
Running Traffic Lights and Stop Signs
Running a red light or stop sign by drivers can lead to devastating injuries for cyclists as they lack protection from car impacts. Drivers often presume they have the right-of-way while driving. Therefore, it is advisable for cyclists to ensure their safety by adhering to all traffic signals at all times.
Illegal Lane Changes
One of the leading causes of bike accidents is when drivers illegally change lanes in front of bicyclists. This reckless behavior often occurs when drivers are driving in a bike lane and suddenly make an illegal lane change, either entering or exiting the bike lane. Such a dangerous maneuver can have severe consequences, including a devastating collision with a cyclist. It is essential for drivers to be mindful of their surroundings and avoid any actions that could jeopardize the safety of others on the road.
Improper Turns
Responsibility for the safety of all vehicles involved lies with the driver who makes an improper turn. To prevent collisions, drivers must yield to bicyclists before turning and avoid sudden movements. Unfortunately, some drivers fail to give the right-of-way to cyclists, resulting in accidents. To avoid such incidents, ensure that the driver is aware of your presence before attempting a turn.
DUI
Bicyclists face a grave danger on the road from drivers who have consumed alcohol or drugs. Such drivers are prone to being inattentive and might end up colliding with a bicyclist without realizing it. The consumption of alcohol leads to slower reaction time and impaired judgment, which makes it imperative for cyclists to exercise greater caution while sharing the road with intoxicated drivers.
Our Yonkers Bicycle Accident Lawyers Can Help
For a free assessment of your case, contact our bicycle accident attorneys at The Martello Law Firm, PLLC today at (914) 685-6950.
