Bike couriers abound in cities across America, especially busy metropolitans like New York City. From business papers to fast food, these couriers help streamline life for millions. One important requirement of the job is the ability to maneuver quickly through busy city streets. Between traffic congestion, pedestrians, and bicycles, these city blocks are becoming increasingly crowded, and accidents are inevitable.
When a bicycle courier is injured in a crash while performing their job, he or she might be covered through the worker’s compensation policy held by his employer. However, often the bicycle courier is considered an independent contractor and there is no applicable worker’s compensation coverage. In this event, the courier may seek compensation from the at fault’s vehicle insurance policy or the courier’s own personal automobile insurance coverage.
It is easy to see why these cases are complex. In courier accident cases, it is important to have an expert on your side. Filing a personal injury lawsuit for your bicycle accident can be daunting. The insurance companies often are looking for the cheap way out and do not want to pay full and fair compensation. At the Law Firm of Kass & Moses, we take the needs of bicycle accident victims seriously.
How to Avoid Bike Courier Accidents
Bicycle messengers can avoid accidents by maintaining their visibility while on the streets. This means using reflectors, wearing bright or reflective clothing, and using hand signals when turning.
Follow the appropriate bike laws and use a bike lane when possible. Keep your eyes focused ahead of you, and be cognizant of cars that have just parked to avoid doorings.
Use extra caution when approaching an intersection. Do not proceed through the red light. Watch for motor vehicles both in your traffic path and behind you. Travel in bike lanes whenever possible.
Although there is much bike messengers can do to help avoid crashes, some are inevitable. When bicycle accidents occur, it is important to collect as much information from the scene of the crash as possible. If you are able, take photographs documenting what occurred, including positioning of and any damages to your bike and any other vehicle involved.
Also, be sure to get prompt medical attention. Severe injuries are common, but even if your injuries are more minor, you still need to get care. Traumatic brain injury or concussion can be easily overlooked and go untreated. Left without medical care, you may face weeks of symptoms that could have been resolved more rapidly had you sought treatment.
When bicycle couriers are struck while working, the injuries can be severe. Although most crashes occur at relatively low speeds, the cyclist is completely exposed. Fractures, concussions and other head trauma, and soft tissue injuries are common.
These injuries require expert medical care and with such care comes large bills. In addition, many bike couriers will require time away from work in order to heal from their injuries. This can lead to financial difficulties, as few of us are prepared for a loss of income.
Bicycle messenger cases can be difficult to handle as they require analysis of a combination of laws. In cases like this, it truly is important to have a qualified bike courier injury lawyer on your side.
When you contact the team at Kass & Moses, you are calling independent bicycle accident attorneys with over 25 years of experience. We have handled numerous bicycle courier cases and are well-versed in the complex laws that pertain to such cases. We will seek to get you fair compensation under the law to ensure that your medical bills are paid and that you are compensated for your pain and suffering, lost wages, and other losses.
We take bicycle safety seriously because we are cyclists, too. We understand that bicycle accidents can be devastating, and we fight to hold negligent drivers accountable. This is especially true for cases involving impaired driving or distracted driving. Many bike messengers are struck each year by motorists who simply cannot be bothered to drive attentively.
No one should suffer a setback in life due to their job. When bike couriers go to work each day, they put their own safety on the line to help others. We believe that when the chips are down, bicycle riders deserve protection, too. Do not settle for low compensation offers from the insurance company.
When you contact us, you will be provided with a consultation, free of charge. We will discuss your case with you and, if appropriate, we will begin an investigation. Even if you cannot help you, we may be able to provide guidance on next steps you can take to protect yourself. At the Law Firm of Kass & Moses, our personal injury attorneys put cyclists first!