Bronx Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Suffering from the injuries that a traffic accident can cause is an overwhelming situation. If the accident involved a bicycle, then it is more likely that the bicycle rider could have sustained severe injuries.
Your entire life could change in a blink of an eye. Being extremely careful while riding a bicycle in New York is essential. Although it is known that no matter how defensively we go while riding a bike, with the immense population, there is a high probability that someone performs negligent activities that may cause a fatal accident.
If you or a family member has been involved in an unfortunate incident where a negligent person caused your bicycle accident, you should receive fair compensation to cover your damages.
An experienced Bronx bicycle accident lawyer is the right professional that can assist you in such incidents. You will need an advocate to fight for you while recovering from your injuries.
Bicycle Accident Laws in the Bronx
Understanding traffic laws is crucial for both cyclists and motorists to prevent accidents. Bicycles are considered vehicles in the Bronx, and cyclists must follow the same rules as drivers.
This means stopping at red lights, obeying stop signs, and yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks. Additionally, cyclists must ride in the same direction as the traffic flow and signal their turns to indicate their intentions.
Motorists must give cyclists at least three feet of space when passing, and all road users need to be vigilant and cautious to avoid collisions.
Bike lanes offer designated spaces for cyclists to ride safely, but they come with specific regulations. In the Bronx, cyclists should use marked bike lanes whenever available.
If there is no designated bike lane, cyclists should ride as close to the right-hand curb as possible unless it's unsafe. Motorists should not park or drive in bike lanes; they must be aware of cyclists when crossing a bike lane.
Additionally, pedestrians should refrain from walking or standing in bike lanes to avoid accidents.
Cyclists in the Bronx have rights that protect them on the road. If a cyclist is injured in an accident caused by a negligent driver, they have the right to seek compensation for their injuries and damages.
It's crucial for cyclists involved in accidents to gather evidence at the scene, such as taking pictures of the accident location, vehicle involved, and any visible injuries.
Seeking medical attention promptly is also essential for documenting injuries and ensuring the well-being of the injured cyclist.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in the Bronx, it's vital to consult with an experienced Bronx bicycle accident attorney.
Importance of Hiring a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
After a bicycle accident in The Bronx, if you want to be heard and protect your rights, you should hire a bicycle accident lawyer in the Bronx. Insurance companies and at-fault parties may try to downplay your injuries or shift blame onto you.
An experienced attorney will uphold your rights and advocate on your behalf. They will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and handle all communication with insurance companies, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
The legal process can be complex and overwhelming, especially when dealing with injuries and medical expenses. A skilled bicycle accident lawyer in The Bronx will guide you through the legal procedures.
From filing the claim to negotiating with insurance adjusters, they will use their expertise to ensure you meet all deadlines and requirements, avoiding potential pitfalls that could harm your case.
Seeking fair compensation is essential to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages from the bicycle accident. A dedicated attorney will assess the full extent of your losses and build a solid case to maximize your compensation.
A bicycle accident lawyer knows how to establish liability by gathering evidence, reconstructing the accident, and identifying negligent parties. They will also assess the full extent of your damages, including past and future medical expenses, lost income, pain, and suffering, to ensure you receive adequate compensation.
They will negotiate on your behalf to secure a fair settlement, and if necessary, they won't hesitate to take your case to court to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Failing to have a Bronx bicycle accident lawyer by your side may result in you either getting a lowball compensation or you could even be blamed for the accident and give you nothing. Leaving you with the consequences of the neglected actions of others.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in the Bronx
Car Collisions:
One of the most common causes of bicycle accidents in the Bronx is car collisions. These accidents often occur when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way to cyclists or do not see them while making turns or changing lanes.
Distracted driving, speeding, and running red lights are significant contributing factors. In these scenarios, the impact of a car hitting a cyclist can result in severe injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, and spinal cord injuries.
Dooring Incidents:
Dooring incidents happen when a driver or passenger of a parked car opens their door without checking for oncoming cyclists. In the Bronx, narrow streets and limited parking spaces can lead to more dooring accidents.
When a cyclist collides with a suddenly opened car door, it can cause them to be thrown off their bike or veer into traffic, resulting in serious injuries.
Hazardous Road Conditions:
Unsafe road conditions can significantly contribute to bicycle accidents. Potholes, uneven surfaces, gravel, debris, and poorly marked bike lanes pose hazards to cyclists.
Inadequate signage and lack of proper lighting can also lead to accidents, especially at night. Local authorities are responsible for maintaining road safety, and if a hazardous condition causes a bicycle accident, they may be held liable for the resulting injuries.
Failure to Yield to Cyclists:
Drivers in the Bronx may fail to yield the right-of-way to cyclists at intersections or when turning, leading to collisions. Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other road users, and drivers must be aware of their presence and respect their space. Ignoring cyclists' rights to the road can result in devastating accidents.
Types of Injuries in Bronx Bicycle Accidents
As bicycle riders do not have anything that protects them when hitting another vehicle besides a light helmet and knee and elbow pads, they are prone to get into serious injuries such as:
- Head and Brain Injuries:
In bicycle accidents, head injuries are among the most severe and life-threatening. Cyclists are vulnerable to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) when they hit their heads on the pavement, a car, or another object during a collision.
Concussions, skull fractures, and contusions are common head injuries. Even if cyclists wear helmets, they may still suffer from head injuries in high-impact accidents.
It's crucial to seek immediate medical attention for any head injury, as symptoms may not be immediately apparent, but prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent further complications.
- Orthopedic Injuries:
Cyclists in accidents often sustain orthopedic injuries, such as broken bones, dislocated joints, and sprains. The impact of a collision can cause fractures in the arms, legs, wrists, and shoulders.
These injuries can be painful and require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. Seeking medical attention promptly is vital to assess the extent of the injury and initiate appropriate treatment.
- Spinal Cord Injuries:
Bicycle accidents can result in severe spinal cord injuries, leading to partial or complete paralysis. When a cyclist's spine is impacted in a crash, it can damage the spinal cord and disrupt nerve function.
Spinal cord injuries often have life-altering consequences, affecting mobility, sensation, and organ function. Immediate medical attention is critical to stabilize the wound and prevent further damage.
- Soft Tissue Injuries:
Soft tissue injuries, such as cuts, bruises, and abrasions, are common in bicycle accidents. These injuries may seem minor initially, but they can be painful and cause complications if not adequately treated.
Proper documentation of soft tissue injuries is essential for pursuing compensation, as they may indicate the severity of the accident's impact.
- Internal Injuries:
Internal injuries can be life-threatening and may not always be apparent immediately after an accident. Cyclists involved in high-speed collisions with vehicles may suffer internal organ damage, internal bleeding, or ruptured organs.
These injuries require urgent medical attention and diagnostic tests to identify and address potential complications.
Bronx Bicycle Accident Compensation
Whenever there is an accident, there are two types of damages involved. One of them is pretty easy to calculate. It is just a matter of showing the bills that the accident generated.
Those are the economic damages, such as Medical expenses that include current medical bills for emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and other necessary treatments.
There is also property damage; the victim's bicycle and any other damaged property may be eligible for compensation. Another economic damage is the loss of wages.
If the bicycle accident causes injuries that result in the victim being unable to work, they may be entitled to compensation for their lost wages.
This includes the wages lost during the recovery period and any potential future income that may be affected by ongoing disabilities or limitations caused by the accident.
On the other hand, noneconomic damages are difficult to calculate because of their intangible nature.
Pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium are noneconomic damages.
Get Help From Our Bicycle Accident Lawyer in The Bronx
The Ward Law Firm P.L. is proud to count on a group of professionals proving successful in their cases. We have the finest bicycle accident attorneys in the Bronx to assist you in this overwhelming time of stress and pain.
For over a decade, the Ward Law Group P.L. has won multimillion-dollar settlements for their clients; It is always a goal for each of our lawyers to deliver high-quality representation.
Contact us now at 855-DOLOR-55 for a free consultation on your case.