A 25-year-old man paralyzed after being struck by a car while cycling in New York was recently profiled by USA Today. According to the article, the young cyclist had been “riding in the bike lane on University Place near 12th Street” when he was hit by a driver who fled the scene. 

The cyclist had undergone 5 surgeries with “a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed from the chest down.” This tragic story serves as a sobering reminder of how dangerous cycling can be, especially in a city like New York, where drivers are often reckless and impatient. 

What Should Cyclists Do If They Collide with a Car? 

When cyclists are out on the roads, they are susceptible to accidents with motor vehicles. The most common type of accident is the bicycle and car collisions. While no one answer fits every situation, there are general guidelines that all cyclists should keep in mind if they find themselves in this situation.

If you are hit while cycling and injured in a car collision, staying calm and assessing the situation is important. Try to get out of traffic and ensure you are not obstructing traffic. If you are injured, ask someone to call an ambulance. If you can move, try to collect any evidence at the scene, such as photos of the damage to your bike or helmet, license plate numbers of any cars involved, etc. 

Common Injuries by car collisions when cycling

Bicycling is a fun activity with several health benefits, but unfortunately, cyclists can sometimes be the victims of reckless drivers. When a bicyclist is hit by a car, they can suffer from common injuries such as road rash, broken bones, and head injuries. To reduce your risk of being injured while cycling, always wear a helmet and stay aware of your surroundings. If you are involved in an accident with a car, make sure to seek medical attention immediately.

Loss of joy in life 

If you are a cyclist who has been injured in an accident, you may find that you are unable to complete some or any of the following tasks:

• Completing household chores
• Working
• Looking after your children
• Looking after yourself
• Going about your daily activities.

This can be very difficult and frustrating, especially if you are used to being independent and able to do things for yourself. However, you may be able to get some compensation for the injuries you have suffered. This compensation can help cover the costs of any help or assistance you need.

Contact a personal injury lawyer

No one knows when an accident might happen, but it’s important to be prepared if you’re a cyclist. If you are involved in a bicycle accident, you should first talk to an experienced bicycle accident lawyer. They can assist you in comprehending your rights and the next course of action. 

Bicycle accidents can be serious, and it’s important to have someone on your side who understands the law and can help guide you through the legal process. An experienced bicycle accident lawyer will be able to help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. 

Don’t discuss anything with the insurance company unless the lawyer present

If you are involved in a car accident, it is important to speak with an attorney before speaking with the insurance companies of any drivers involved. Insurance companies are looking to protect their interests and will often try to get drivers to admit fault or make statements that could be used against them in a lawsuit. Working with a lawyer can help you better understand your rights and safeguard your interests.

Get a copy of the accident report

You will be asked to provide a statement about what happened by the police. Be sure to include all the details you can remember, including the time, date, and location of the accident, as well as the names and contact information of any witnesses.

Additionally, you are entitled to obtain a copy of the accident report. The police will provide you with a copy free of charge. The report may take some time to be finalized, so be patient.

Conclusion

If you are a cyclist involved in a vehicle collision, your priority should be to seek medical attention. After that, you should call 911 and report the collision. Be sure to give the dispatcher as much information as possible about the collision, including the location, time of day, and direction of travel for both you and the other vehicle. If you can, remain at the scene until law enforcement arrives. Also, contact an injury lawyer to represent your case and get maximum compensation.

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