You hear horror stories all too frequently – the bicyclist who gets checked by a fast-moving SUV, sending them headlong into a row of parked cars. The pedestrian who looks left, right and left again, but doesn’t see the sports car swinging around the corner until it’s too late. If you’re on the road (as a pedestrian or cyclist) but not in an automobile, you’re automatically vulnerable to potentially catastrophic injuries. Sometimes, all the precaution in the world can’t protect you from the recklessness of a driver.
If you’re injured by a vehicle while walking or bicycling, seek legal counsel immediately. At the Law Offices of Vincent J. Ciecka, consulting with a car accident lawyer in our NJ office can get you on track towards rightful compensation for your injury.
Immediate Action
If you are injured by a motorist while bicycling or walking, the course of action you must take is similar to what we advise drivers to do when injured on the road. Immediately following the accident, gather as much evidence and information as you can, assuming that you’re in a condition to do so. Get the insurance and contact information of the motorist who hit you, take note of any hazardous surroundings that could have contributed to the accident and get contact information from potential witnesses. Always get witnesses’ names, phone numbers and addresses. Take photos of the scene, parties and vehicles. This is crucial in all accidents. If it is a hit and run, try to get as much info about the car as possible (make/color/model/year/plate).
Do not talk to the motorist about your accident except to the extent you need to get immediate medical care – reserve your account of it for the police, your doctor and your attorney. The motorist who injured you may try to dismiss your injury or persuade you against seeking legal help. Also, anything you say may later be used against you by their defense team in court, so skip this potential complication by relating your story only to experts. Make sure to tell your story to the police, and make sure the police talk to all witnesses and get full accounts. If you cannot do so at the scene because you are hurt, then call the station that day and go see the police officer directly. You do not want the police report being prepared without your (and other witnesses’) account of what happened.
Above all, seek medical attention immediately. Even if you feel “fine” after an accident, you could suffer from hidden or latent injuries that require treatment. Going to a physician right away enforces your physical safety and also provides your attorney with more information regarding your settlement claim.
Who Pays for the Medical Care?
Many times, if you own a car, and are injured as a pedestrian (walking) or bicyclist, your own car insurance will pay for your medical bills (and sometimes lost wages and other benefits). You may have to pay a copay and deductible. This applies even if you are not in a car. You must report the accident immediately to the insurance company, even in hit and run accidents. You also may be able to get your medical bills paid by your private health insurance company, Medicare, Medicaid, the insurance for the person who hit you, or other sources. Contact us immediately to discuss your options. It is free and we do not charge you unless we win your case.
Seeking Settlement
Typically, compensation will not come out of the driver’s pocket, but rather that of their insurance company. That’s why it’s crucial to have an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side, like the Camden County auto accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Vincent J. Ciecka. Dealing with insurance companies is an overwhelming task for the layperson, but with over forty years of experience under our belts, our team has the expertise and insight to navigate the thorniness of the insurance system to our ultimate end – that is, earning you the compensation you deserve for your injury.
If you are hurt and need help, contact us immediately so we can go to work for you. We help injured people get compensation and medical treatment so they can get back to health and their daily activities without having to deal with the insurance companies.
Client Spotlight:
“I was rear ended by a drive that was under the influence, a friend had referred me to the law office of Vincent J. Ciecka for legal action. my experience with the entire staff was amazing! they helped me with appointment scheduling, finding doctors, and legal advice through out the entire case. I highly recommend the Law Office of Vincent J. Ciecka to acquaintance, friends, and family for personal injury claims” – Steven P.
