Do I Need a Police Report after an NYC Bicycle Accident?

You need a police report after an NYC bicycle accident to file a no-fault insurance claim. It is essential to note some injuries do not surface right away. Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, at Douglas & London, we still strongly advise that you file a report. It will protect your legal interests of pursuing financial compensation for your damages.

You May Not Feel any Pain at the Accident Scene

Bicycle accidents can be traumatic. However, adrenaline may mask the pain when the police arrive. Several hours later, you may begin to realize that this might be more serious. For example, some soft tissue injuries– such as whiplash—may not materialize until days later.

What is a PAR?

By obtaining a police report, you ensure that the accident is documented. The NYPD is required to complete a Police Accident Report (PAR) that has caused a personal injury, fatality, or property damage of more than $1,000. At Douglas & London, we recommend that you wait until the police arrive and make sure to notify the officer(s) that you have been injured and you want a PAR.

If you do not mention that you have been injured and the police do not notice your injuries, they are not required to complete a one. 

Information Contained in a PAR

Some of the details that will be included in the PAR include the following:

  • The condition of your bike and any other vehicles involved in the accident
  • The weather
  • The location of the crash
  • Any injuries sustained by you, or others involved in the accident
  • The identity of the other vehicle’s driver and insurance provider
  • A sketch of how the accident transpired
  • A description of the accident by the responding officer
  • Statements by the parties involved and/or eyewitnesses

Injuries Commonly Suffered in Bicycle Accidents

Unfortunately, many NYC bicycle accidents cause serious– and sometimes life-changing injuries. Some of the more common ones include the following:

  • Bone fractures and breaks
  • Lacerations and cuts
  • Burns
  • Internal injuries
  • Nerve or ligament damage
  • Head, neck, back, or spine injuries
  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
  • Permanent scarring or disfigurement
  • Amputations
  • Paralysis
  • Death

Damages Available in Bicycle Accident Cases

In general, the more severe your injuries are, the more you will recover financially for your damages. You may be able to pursue the following:

  • Medical costs such as transportation by ambulance, hospital visits, surgeries and procedures, doctors’ visits, physical therapy, assistive devices, prescription drugs, and in-home care.
  • Lost wages and loss of earning capacity if you are forced to miss work or have had your wages reduced as a result of your diminished physical or mental capacity caused by the crash
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of consortium or companionship

Delays Can Be Costly

The sooner you consult with an experienced bicycle accident attorney in New York, the sooner you will discover your legal rights and the steps to take regarding your claim. The statute of limitations for bicycle accidents in New York City is three years– to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover financial compensation for your injuries.

If you miss the deadline, you may forfeit any legal rights to this claim, although an experienced NYC attorney may know of some exceptions that apply to your case.

The Right Attorney Can Make All the Difference

If you have been seriously injured in a bike accident, your whole world may have changed—physically, financially, and emotionally. Fortunately, there are experienced attorneys who can step in and do the heavy lifting in the pursuit of justice– so you can focus on healing. That is one reason we recommend that you consult with an experienced New York City personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

Having earned over $18 billion on behalf of our clients since 2002, we are committed to providing the zealous advocacy that injured New Yorkers deserve.

Call Today to Book Your Free Consultation

If you have questions about police reports after an NYC bicycle accident, call Douglas & London today to schedule your zero-cost consultation. You will not receive a bill for legal services unless you win your case.