Hit by a Car While Riding Your Bike in Cheektowaga? Here Is What to Do Next

Key Takeaways:

  • Medical care comes first, since adrenaline can hide serious injuries after a bike crash.
  • No-Fault insurance pays your medical bills up to $50,000, regardless of who caused the crash.
  • You may sue the driver for pain and suffering if your injuries meet New York's serious injury threshold.

If a car hits you while riding your bike in Cheektowaga, call 911 right away and get medical care, even if you feel fine, because injuries often show up later. Get the driver's name, license plate, and insurance information, and ask police to file a report. New York's “No-Fault” system covers your initial medical bills, and you may have grounds to pursue additional compensation for your bicycle accident from the driver.

Your Immediate Priority: Safety and Medical Care

Move to a safe spot if you are able, then call 911 so police and medical help arrive. Take photos of the vehicle, your bike, and any visible injuries while the details are fresh. Adrenaline often masks pain, so get checked by a doctor even if nothing seems wrong at first.

Talking to the Driver After a Bike Accident in Cheektowaga

Ask the driver for their name, license number, and insurance information, and take a photo of their documents. Avoid apologizing or saying the crash was your fault, since those words can be used against you later. If the driver flees, note the vehicle color, make, and any part of the plate you remember, then report the hit and run to police right away.

Filing a Police Report: Cheektowaga PD and Erie County Sheriff

Crashes within Cheektowaga are typically handled by the Cheektowaga Police Department, while incidents near township borders may fall under the Erie County Sheriff's Office. Request the report number before leaving the scene, since insurance companies will ask for it later. If an officer downplays the crash, follow up at the station and ask that your account be added to the file in writing.

New York No-Fault Benefits for Cyclists: What Applies?

Cyclists struck by a car in New York are covered under the driver's “No-Fault” insurance policy, which pays up to $50,000 in medical costs and lost wages. This applies whether the crash happened on Genesee Street, Harlem Road, or a quieter street off Cleveland Drive. Benefits kick in regardless of fault, so you do not need to prove the driver caused the crash to receive coverage.

Compensation Beyond No-Fault: When Can You Sue the Driver?

Once your injuries meet New York's “serious injury threshold,” such as a broken bone, permanent scarring, or a disability lasting more than 90 days, you may file a claim against the driver directly. This type of claim can cover pain and suffering, which No-Fault does not pay for. Future medical costs and long-term rehabilitation, including care near facilities around Sisters Hospital, are also factors a lawyer can help calculate.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is it safe to bike on Union Road or Transit Road in Cheektowaga?

Both roads carry heavy traffic and limited shoulder space, so cyclists should stay alert at intersections. Quieter routes near Losson Park are safer alternatives.

How long do I have to file a claim after a bike crash?

New York generally allows three years from the crash date to file a lawsuit against the driver. No-Fault claims have a much shorter window, so report the crash to insurance promptly.

What if the driver was not insured?

You may still recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage if you carry auto insurance. A lawyer can review your policy and the police report to determine your options.

Our Experienced Cheektowaga Bicycle Accident Lawyers at Dan Chiacchia Injury Attorneys Fight for the Compensation You Deserve if You Have Been Injured While Riding Your Bike

If you were hit by a car and injured while riding your bike, contact our Cheektowaga bicycle accident lawyers at Dan Chiacchia Injury Attorneys. For a free case review, call today at 716-648-3030 or complete our online contact form. Located in Hamburg, New York, we proudly serve clients in the surrounding areas.

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