Bicycle Accident Lawyers in NYC

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

There are typically multiple factors that set the stage for bicycle accidents in New York. In some cases, motorists are not to blame. In others, they play an outsized role in causing injury-inducing crashes. Examples of motorist negligence leading to bike crashes include:

• Failing to yield on turns
• Crossing over bike lanes
• Failing to stop completely at stop signs
• Not checking for cyclists before opening doors
• Driving too close to bicyclists
• Failing to check the street before exiting a driveway
• Speeding
• Aggressive driving
• Distracted driving
• Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol

If any of these situations apply, the injured bicyclist may be entitled to compensation. It’s important to hold motorists responsible for their negligence, so don’t hesitate to contact a lawyer.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

Bicycle accidents can result in many of the same types of serious injuries as high-speed auto accidents, even when traveling at lower velocities. Head trauma and traumatic brain injuries are common, as are concussions, skull fractures, and other forms of brain damage that can have long-lasting effects. Depending on the nature of the crash, bicyclists may also experience:

• Spinal cord injuries
• Fractured or broken bones
• Joint dislocations
• Muscle sprains and strains
• Damage to internal organs
• Soft tissue injuries like cuts, bruises, and lacerations

The severity of a bicyclist’s injuries will vary based on a multitude of factors, both within and outside of the motorist’s control. The speed at which both parties were traveling, the angle of impact, and whether the bicyclist was wearing a helmet can all play a role in determining injury severity.

New York Bicycle Laws

The NHSTSA has released data indicating that bicyclists account for around two percent of traffic-related deaths in the United States. Many of those accidents could have been prevented with cautious driving, which is why it’s important for everyone to follow bicycle laws in New York. Those laws include:

• Wearing a helmet
• Riding with the flow of traffic
• Staying as close as possible to the right side of the road
• Never spitting lanes
• Not riding on sidewalks unless explicitly allowed to do so
• Staying in bike lanes when available
• Avoiding intoxicated riding

When to Hire a Bike Accident Lawyer

In most cases, bicyclists injured in accidents were following all of the relevant laws. Despite that fact, motorists’ insurance companies sometimes try to file claims against bicyclists to avoid paying for damages. Injured bicyclists shouldn’t let that put them off. Call a lawyer as soon as possible to start building a case.