The use of bicycles has increased in the last five years due to the need to adopt more sustainable means of transportation in the context of the global pandemic of 2020 date. The use of bicycles favors health since we are physically active, besides being a means of transportation that does not generate emissions.
When the pandemic broke out, people looked for more open spaces when moving around to avoid being in enclosed spaces that involved more significant risk factors.
In some Latin American cities, the number of bicycle lanes on main avenues also increased, serving as spaces for the new number of cyclists in large cities. Brooklyn was no exception to this trend. The number of cyclists has also increased in recent years. However, the number of specialized bike accident lawyers is not so high in the area.
As the number of cyclists on Brooklyn's streets continues to rise, so do the risks of Brooklyn bike accidents. Accidents can happen whether you're commuting to work, exploring the scenic routes along the waterfront, or simply enjoying a leisurely ride. In these unfortunate situations, having a trusted Brooklyn bike accident lawyer by your side can make all the difference in navigating the complexities of the legal process.
The Ward Law Group knows the difficulties that Brooklyn's urban environment presents to cyclists. Our devoted team of bicycle accident lawyers is committed to assisting hurt cyclists in obtaining the justice they need and the money they are due.
We are here to support your recovery journey with our in-depth knowledge of New York's traffic laws and our profound understanding of the unique problems surrounding bicycle accidents.
If you have been passionate about bicycles since you were a child and feel free to move around your city lightly, you need to know some basic aspects of accidents involving this type of vehicle.
We want to share valuable information that will help you increase your chances of surviving an incident of this nature. Over the years, our professionals have gained the necessary experience to become experts in identifying patterns that characterize these types of events and thus help our clients obtain the most favorable results for their interests.
Importance of having specialized legal representation following a bicycle accident
Efficient legal representation in these cases will save you a lot of time. You will feel confident after defining the best legal path with our professionals from the beginning.
Navigating this type of situation without some knowledge of the legal framework operating in Brooklyn or the city where you find yourself can be an obstacle to obtaining substantial compensation over time.
For this reason, an expert in these types of events will already know the theoretical framework that accompanies them. To increase the success rate, documents and processes need to be accelerated.
Understanding Your Rights: A specialized bicycle accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights as an injured cyclist and how they apply to your case.
Navigating Insurance Claims: They have experience dealing with insurance companies and can help you navigate the claims process efficiently.
Determining Liability: A lawyer can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and determine liability, which is often complex in bicycle accidents.
Maximizing Compensation: They know how to maximize compensation for medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The compensation could be based on the type of bicycle accident injuries.
Advocating for You: A lawyer can strongly advocate for your case, negotiate with insurance adjusters, and, if necessary, take your case to court.
Filing Timely Lawsuits: They understand the statute of limitations for filing lawsuits and ensure your case is filed on time.
Expert Witness Testimony: They can secure expert witnesses, like accident reconstruction specialists or medical professionals, to strengthen your case.
Handling Legal Documentation: Lawyers handle all the legal paperwork, ensuring that documents are filed correctly and on time.
Peace of Mind: Legal representation lets you focus on your recovery while knowing your case is in capable hands.
Improved Chances of Success: Statistics show that individuals with legal representation tend to receive larger settlements than those who try to handle claims independently.
Types of Bicycle Accidents in Brooklyn
Bicyclists in Brooklyn face daily risks ranging from collisions with cars to falls on unsafe streets. Below, we will look at some of the most typical bicycle accident types in this thriving area of New York City.
Intersection Car Collisions: Collisions between bicycles and cars at intersections are common, often due to drivers not obeying stop signs or making right turns.
Car Door Openings: Cyclists can collide with car doors that suddenly open in their path, especially on narrow parking streets.
Left-Turn Accidents: Bicycles making left turns can be hit by oncoming cars or those crossing the intersection.
Pedestrian Collisions: Cyclists may collide with pedestrians crossing unexpectedly in crowded areas.
Hit and Run Accidents: Some drivers may flee after hitting a cyclist, posing challenges in identifying and holding the at-fault party accountable.
Falls on Poorly Maintained Bike Lanes: Poorly maintained bike lanes with potholes or inadequate upkeep can lead to falls.
Accidents on Poorly Designed Streets: Congested streets without bike lanes or with hazardous designs can increase the risk of collisions.
Collisions with Pedestrian Obstacles: Cyclists may collide with traffic signs, poles, or misplaced urban furniture.
Accidents in Shared Lanes: Shared bike and car lanes can be hazardous if drivers don't respect the cyclist's space.
Construction Zone Accidents: Construction zones can be traps for cyclists due to debris, detours, and changes in traffic flow.
Accidents in Adverse Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, or ice can make streets hazardous for cyclists.
Multi-Vehicle Collisions: Occasionally, cyclists can be involved in multi-vehicle collisions involving multiple vehicles and pedestrians.
As we can see, cyclists must deal with other environmental elements, such as larger vehicles or pedestrians, and it will depend on the distances they take from these objects or people to avoid unwanted accidents. In the future, bicycle-only areas are expected to increase in cities such as Brooklyn, and cyclists will be less likely to encounter other objects or larger vehicles on the road.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
It is impossible to pigeonhole bicycle accident cases to a common cause. Normally, the aspects that trigger these events are diverse. Sometimes, the responsibility may lie more with the cyclist than with the rider of a motor vehicle, but it usually requires a detailed investigation to draw such conclusions.
However, we believe it is appropriate to share what we have considered over the years to be the most common causes of these events so that we can take the necessary precautions for each case:
- Distracted Driving: Motorists distracted by phones, radios, or other activities may not notice cyclists sharing the road.
- Failure to Yield: Motorists or pedestrians failing to yield the right-of-way to cyclists can cause collisions.
- Dooring Incidents: Cyclists can collide with car doors abruptly opened in their path.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving: Excessive speed and reckless driving can lead to dangerous situations for cyclists.
- Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven surfaces, and road debris can cause accidents.
- Inadequate Bike Lanes: A lack of proper bike lanes can force cyclists to share roads with vehicles, increasing their risks.
- Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, ice, and fog can reduce visibility and road traction.
- Impaired Driving: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs pose serious threats to cyclists.
- Driver Fatigue: Fatigued drivers may have slower reaction times, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Ignoring Traffic Signals: Disobeying traffic lights and stop signs can lead to intersection collisions.
- Sudden Lane Changes: Drivers who make abrupt lane changes without checking blind spots can collide with cyclists.
- Inadequate Lighting: Poorly lit streets and bikes without proper lighting can lead to nighttime accidents.
- Failure to Signal: Drivers not using turn or hand signals may confuse cyclists.
- Inexperienced Cyclists: Novice cyclists may not follow road rules correctly, leading to accidents.
- Inadequate Protective Gear: Cyclists not wearing helmets or protective gear are more vulnerable to head injuries.
Best routes for cyclists in Brooklyn
Suppose you still want to experience riding through an iconic city like Brooklyn. In that case, you should ask yourself which routes are the most recommended to visit, where you are safe as a cyclist and can ride with a lower percentage of colliding with someone.
Some of those bike-friendly routes in Brooklyn are as follows:
- Brooklyn Bridge Greenway: This iconic route offers stunning views of Manhattan while providing a dedicated bike path separated from road traffic.
- Ocean Parkway Bike Path: This scenic tree-lined path with minimal intersections stretches from Prospect Park to Coney Island and is ideal for longer rides.
- Prospect Park Loop: This popular cycling route within Prospect Park features a dedicated lane and a car-free loop on weekends.
- Greenwood Cemetery: A peaceful and car-free path perfect for leisurely rides with historical landmarks to explore.
- Kent Avenue: Located in Williamsburg, this route offers a bike lane protected by a barrier, making it safer for commuters.
- Eastern Parkway: This wide boulevard with designated bike lanes is great for cyclists traveling between Crown Heights and downtown Brooklyn.
These routes provide cyclists in Brooklyn with options for safe and enjoyable rides throughout the borough.
Common Injuries Sustained in Bicycle Accidents
Unfortunately, and although we know that it is difficult for all of us to assimilate the pain of an injury after this type of event, it is essential to mention some of the most common physical and emotional consequences of this type of accident to be aware of them and avoid this type of events through prudent driving and in compliance with the norms.
It is also important to mention that most of these injuries have positive recovery prognoses, except those that could involve some chronic damage. In that case, we always stress the importance of prevention and immediate treatment.
- Head Injuries: This category includes concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which can have long-lasting effects on cognitive function and mental health.
- Fractures: These injuries, such as broken arms, legs, or collarbones, can require extensive medical treatment, including surgery and physical therapy.
- Road Rash: Road rash results from skin abrasions caused by contact with the road surface, often leading to painful open wounds that require careful cleaning and dressing.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments can lead to chronic pain and reduced mobility if not properly treated and rehabilitated.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Injuries to the spinal cord can result in paralysis or loss of function below the point of injury, necessitating intensive medical care and rehabilitation.
- Facial Injuries: These can encompass a range of injuries, including broken noses, dental damage, and facial lacerations, often requiring dental work or facial reconstructive surgery.
- Internal Injuries: These injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if left untreated.
- Joint Dislocations: A dislocated shoulder or hip can be excruciatingly painful and may necessitate surgery to repair.
- Abrasions: Scrapes and cuts from impact or skidding on the road can lead to skin infections if not properly cleaned and treated.
- Contusions: Bruises resulting from blunt force trauma can be painful and may indicate underlying tissue damage.
- Nerve Damage: Nerve injuries can result in numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in affected areas, often requiring specialized medical care.
- Sprains: Sprains involve stretching or tearing ligaments and can be painful. They require rest, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery.
- Eye Injuries: Eye injuries, such as corneal abrasions or foreign objects in the eye, can be vision-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
- Psychological Trauma: The psychological impact of a bicycle accident, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can be long-lasting and may necessitate therapy or counseling for recovery.
Bicycles should not be a problem if we know how to take the necessary measures. Remember that whenever we choose an eco-friendly means of transportation, we are doing good to the planet.
However, we must also ensure our integrity and be aware that the weight difference with motorized vehicles could make cyclists more vulnerable. That is why prevention is vital. If, in your case, it is already too late to prevent and you have been involved in a case like the one we have described of bicycle accidents in Brooklyn, contact The Ward Law Group, and we will receive your case with all our vocation of service that characterizes us.
Contact Our Brooklyn Bicycle Accident Lawyers Today
If you're a bicycle accident victim, take immediate legal action by contacting The Ward Law Group's Brooklyn bicycle accident lawyers. Time is of the essence, so contact us today for a free initial consultation at 855-DOLOR-55, and let us work towards securing the justice you deserve.
We handle all levels of injury cases with equal dedication and diligence. Our commitment is to successfully resolve each client's case and ensure they receive the compensation they deserve after a motor vehicle or bike accident.
The Ward Law Group has earned its reputation as one of the country's largest and fastest-growing car accident law firms. Our results, dedication, and commitment to justice have propelled us to the forefront of the legal landscape.