USA Today recently featured the story of a 25-year-old man who was hit by a car while cycling in New York and paralyzed. According to the article, the cyclist was on his regular Sunday morning ride when the bike accident happened. In fact, he was only a couple of blocks from his home. The accident happened when a parked car opened its door as the cyclist was passing it. The door hit the man’s bicycle and forced him and his bike into the road where a car crashed into the man and his bike. The man broke his spine in the wreck, paralyzing him. In addition, his arms were broken and he suffered six broken ribs. He had to undergo five surgeries following the accident.
Since the bicycle accident, which occurred in October 2020, the man has learned to use forearm crutches to walk again. He has worked his way up to walking 1.5 miles at a time and aspires to participate in the Paralympics someday.
What Should a Cyclist Do If They’re Involved in a Collision with a Vehicle?
While the USA Today story had an inspirational ending, it is tragic what that cyclist has had to endure because of his accident. Unfortunately, many cyclists have been the victims of similar crashes, and in some cases, drivers are at fault for these wrecks. If a cyclist is hit by a vehicle while riding their bike, they should do the following:
- Call 911 and seek immediate medical attention
- Stay at the accident scene until police arrive
- Get the names and insurance information of any drivers involved in the incident
- Get the names and contact details of any witnesses
- Take photos of the damage to the bicycle, any injuries, any damage to the vehicles involved, and the accident scene
- Give the police a statement and ask how you can get a copy of the accident report
- Do not speak with the insurance companies of any of the drivers involved in the wreck without consulting with an attorney first
In some cases, a cyclist may not be able to complete some or any of these tasks because of the injuries they suffered in the accident or other factors, such as a driver fleeing the scene of the crash. In addition to completing the tasks listed above (if possible), a cyclist should talk to an experienced bicycle accident lawyer about their situation as soon as possible. An attorney can examine the details regarding the accident, determine if the cyclist has grounds for a legal claim, and help them pursue the best option for their situation moving forward.
Schedule a Free Consultation with an Experienced Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Bicycling is a fun activity with several health benefits. Unfortunately, cyclists can sometimes be the victims of reckless drivers. When a bicyclist is hit by a car, it often results in the cyclist suffering severe injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, and even paralysis.
At Belushin Law Firm, P.C., we’ve been helping bicycle accident victims and their families hold negligent drivers accountable for causing their accidents and injuries for 20 years. We understand what it takes to prove negligence in these types of cases and secure the most favorable outcome possible for our clients. Since 2002, Belushin Law Firm, P.C. has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. For a list of our case results, click here.
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If you need to speak with our experienced bicycle accident attorneys about your situation, call us at (888) 918-9890 or reach out to us online to schedule a complimentary consultation. We have offices in Brooklyn and New York City.