Should You Call the Police After a Bicycle Accident?
It’s a serious offense to drive recklessly around cyclists in Buffalo. Bicycle riders have the same right to share the road as motor vehicle operators. They can even receive tickets for violating New York traffic laws. The state requires all parties involved in a motor vehicle crash that causes more than $1,000 in damages, including personal injury damages, to obtain or file a crash report. Even one visit to ECMC can cost over $1,000.
Although cyclists are not always required to call the police after a Buffalo bicycle accident, failing to do so might significantly impact their ability to obtain personal injury damages. If you did not call the police immediately after a bicycle crash, you might still have time to file a report. Connect with a Buffalo bicycle accident lawyer for free to discuss the necessary next steps.
Serious Injuries Sustained in Buffalo Bike Crashes
Most cyclists injured in bicycle accidents, especially by negligent drivers, suffer from significant threshold injuries causing more than $1,000 in damages. This often occurs because, unlike vehicle passengers, cyclists are subject to double-impact injuries. They may sustain an initial injury, such as spinal cord trauma, from the vehicle strike and a second injury, such as a broken hip, upon striking the pavement.
If you suffered from any of the following threshold injuries in a Buffalo bike accident, you should contact the police and a local personal injury attorney:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Slipped/herniated discs
- Paralysis
- Broken hip
- Dislocated shoulder
- Fractures
- Friction burns resulting in disfigurement
Lawyers might immediately help cyclists obtain lost wages and medical benefits from their no-fault insurance companies. Cases involving serious injuries, such as fractures, might also qualify cyclists to demand personal injury damages from the negligent driver’s liability policy.
The Importance of Obtaining a Police Report After a Buffalo Cycling Accident
Not only are traffic reports required after car-bicycle accidents, but you might also need to file a New York bicycle accident report if the crash did not involve a motor vehicle. If you suffered from a serious physical injury in any Buffalo bicycle accident, you should immediately contact the police. Police officers might prepare this report for you and investigate the accident scene. They may document any dangerous conditions on the roadway, such as a pothole or debris, and certify that you indeed sustained serious injuries.
Obtaining a police report protects your right to sue negligent property owners, potentially including the City of Buffalo, for your injuries. A personal injury attorney might also bring product liability claims against negligent bicycle manufacturers or repair shops if your chain suddenly snapped.
Discuss Your Buffalo Bicycle Accident with a Lawyer
Having a neutral law enforcement officer document the scene is often critical for demanding compensation after bicycle crashes. This is especially true if you sustained a serious injury or the accident involved another motor vehicle. If you didn’t call the police, don’t worry. An experienced Buffalo bicycle injury attorney from the Steve Foley Law Firm can help you file traffic accident reports and obtain personal injury damages from liable parties. To schedule your consultation, contact us online or call (716) 356-4432 today.