The last month saw a 10 percent increase in bicycle accidents from the same time period last year. All of this means that bicycle injury lawyers are in high demand. If you need one, it is important that you find a lawyer who can explain the intricacies of the law.
How Does a Bicycle Injury Lawyer Make Sure my Bills are Paid?
If you are in a bicycle accident, you are going to need a bicycle injury lawyer. First, the lawyer will walk you through the process of how you are able to pay for medical bills and lost wages.
In New York, if You are Hit by a Car While Riding a Bicycle, the No-Fault Law Applies.
No-fault insurance coverage is something that each driver in New York is required to have. It is part of the basic package. In New York, it is impossible to buy car insurance without a no-fault provision. This provision is designed to allow someone hurt in, or by, a car to get medical help right away. If you have been injured by a vehicle while your bike, you bicycle injury lawyer will explain that all of your treatment should go under the no-fault of the driver that hit you. It is important to note that the driver, nor their insurance company have to admit that they were at fault for the accident. Rather, once the accident happens, the no-fault coverage kicks in.
No-fault coverage will pay for your medical expenses following the accident. Sometimes the initial application is done at the hospital. However, your bicycle injury lawyer should fill out an application for you. If this is not done within 30 days of the accident your claims can be denied. In addition to your medical bills, your no-fault will cover 80% of your last wages. Your employer will have to confirm employment and wage information. You bicycle injury lawyer should make sure this process is done as soon as possible. Finally, no-fault may also cover travel expenses for treatment, medical equipment and in-home care in some circumstances.
Can I Recover for More Than Just my Bills?
You bicycle injury lawyer should be able to recover for more than just your bills if you qualify under New York Sate law. In New York, there is a law which governs these situations commonly referred to as the “serious injury threshold law.” This law is comprised of many categories including fractures, significant limitation, death, and dismemberment among multiple others. If you are feeling pain at all, you should consult a lawyer after seeking medical help.
Many people are scared off by the name of this law because they do not know if they have a “serious injury”. The name of the law was chosen by insurance companies for this purpose, so that people did not think they have a case. The only opinion that matters is that of your physicians. You bicycle injury lawyer will be able to review your records to determine whether you fit within the law or not. If you do qualify, your bicycle injury lawyer should be able to recover for things like pain and suffering, past and future lost wages and past and future medical expenses to the extent that they are not covered by no-fault. If you don’t yet have a lawyer or are dissatisfied with your current legal representation, do not hesitate to contact our law firm.
