Biking is one of the best ways to travel around New York City. Efficient, affordable, and environmentally friendly bikes are a good option for people seeking alternative transportation. Other single-person vehicles, like E-bikes, scooters, and E-scooters, are also gaining popularity.
Despite bike safety efforts, riders are vulnerable to accidents and crashes. Cyclists don't have the same protection as motorists and are often less visible to drivers of cars or trucks, especially in low-light conditions. Bicycle accident victims can suffer painful injuries from even a minor accident. You may wonder about your legal representation options if you've been involved in a bicycle accident in NY. A New York bicycle accident lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal process and ensure you get fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Support for NYC Bicycle Accident Victims
Being involved in a bike crash can make you feel scared, frustrated, and powerless. If you or a loved one is the victim of a New York bicycle accident due to a driver's negligence, it's in your best interest to seek professional legal advice.
At Ward Law Group, we focus on representing accident victims. We understand cyclists' unique challenges and have a track record of success in similar cases. As your dedicated bicycle lawyers in New York City, we help victims like you get the payment you deserve for someone else's carelessness.
Contact us at (646) 846-4428 for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in NYC
New York City has redesigned its streets to help accommodate the growing number of cyclists and scooters. While this is a step in the right direction, cyclists still have little protection if struck by a larger vehicle. As a result, they may suffer severe, even fatal, injuries.
New York has unique challenges for cyclists, from notorious aggressive drivers to poor road conditions. Here are some common causes of bicycle accidents in NYC.
Motorist Negligence: Negligent drivers are one of NYC's leading causes of bicycle accidents. Motorist negligence can include driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, aggressive driving, or failure to follow traffic laws.
Distracted Drivers: Drivers who are texting, talking, eating, or not paying attention to the road are more likely to cause accidents involving cyclists.
Dooring Accidents: "Dooring" is when a driver opens their car door without looking, causing a cyclist to collide with the door.
Blind Spots: Sometimes motorists don't pay attention to their blind spots when changing lanes or turning.
Poor Road Conditions: Some New York City roads are riddled with potholes, debris, and other hazards that can cause cyclists to lose control of their bikes.
Right Hook Crashes: A right hook collision can happen when a driver attempts to turn right and doesn't notice an oncoming cyclist in the bike lane.
Bike Lane Obstructions: Bicycle lanes may be obstructed by parked cars, delivery trucks, or pedestrians, forcing cyclists to move into traffic and increasing the risk of an accident.
If you were seriously wounded in a bike accident due to another person's negligence or recklessness, contact a bicycle accident lawyer in New York. Speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer at the Ward Law Group to help you understand your rights and options after a bike accident in NYC.
How Common are Bicycle Accidents in NYC?
There are thousands of bicycle accidents reported in New York City every year. Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens tend to be the most dangerous boroughs for cyclists, and drivers are twice as likely to be at fault for collisions.
It's important to note that not all cycling accidents are reported to the police. The actual number of bike accidents is higher. The increasing popularity of cycling and scooting as a mode of transportation in NYC could increase the number of future accidents.
Common Types of Injuries Caused by Bicycle Accidents
Unfortunately, bikes, E-bikes, and scooters offer little defense from other vehicles and pedestrians. Collisions involving cyclists can cause severe and catastrophic injuries.
Below are some common types of damages caused by bicycle accidents.
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, skull fractures, and concussions
- Facial fractures, dental injuries, jaw fractures, and soft facial tissue damage
- Broken bones in the arms, legs, collarbone, and shoulders
- Spinal cord injuries
- Rib fractures, abdomen injuries, pancreatic trauma, and other internal injuries
- Moderate to severe road rash
- Organ damage or internal bleeding
- Chronic pain in the knees, head, back, and neck
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression
When Should You Call a New York City Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
Regardless of how careful you are, riding a bicycle in NYC can be dangerous. Have you been hurt in a bike accident? The first step is getting the necessary medical treatment and filing an accident report with the police. Next, it's imperative to contact an attorney. A bicycle accident lawyer in New York can help you protect your legal rights as you get your life back on track.
Remember, there's a time limit to get compensation in a personal injury lawsuit. The statute of limitations in NY is three years. If you don't file within the timeframe, you will lose your right to compensation. Other regulations exist if you're filing a suit with the NYC transportation authorities or a no-fault insurance claim. An attorney can help even if you're still healing or receiving medical treatment for your injuries.
How Many People Are Getting Killed or Injured in Bicycle Accidents in New York City?
In February 2023, there were 233 bicycle accident reports in NYC, with 2 fatalities. There were 17 bicyclist fatalities in 2022 and several thousand non-fatal bicycle injuries. Reported injuries include a wide range of damages, from minor cuts to life-changing injuries like broken bones, fractures, traumatic brain injuries, or spinal cord injuries.
Every month, the Police Department City of New York releases citywide Motor Vehicle Collision Report Statistics. You can learn more at NYC.gov. Cyclists suffer some of the most life-altering injuries after an accident. You deserve to get paid if someone else's negligence caused your damages. Speak with a New York Bicycle accident lawyer at the Ward Law Group to learn more about filing a personal injury lawsuit in NY.
What Kind of Compensation Can You Get For Bicycle Accident Injuries?
The actual compensation you can receive for bicycle accident injuries depends on the specific facts of your case. However, payment for bicycle accident injuries generally includes economic and non-economic damages.
Our bicycle accident lawyers at Ward Law Group will fight to get you the money you deserve for:
- Medical bills. This can include reimbursement for past medical bills or emergency medical services and compensation for future medical expenses related to the accident.
- Lost wages. If you can't work because of your wounds, you may be able to get paid for your lost wages or earning capacity.
- Rehabilitation expenses. Some bike accident victims need extensive short or long-term rehabilitation or physical therapy.
- Property damage. If your bike or other personal property, like a phone or laptop, was damaged in the accident, you could get reimbursed for the repair or replacement costs.
- Pain and suffering. Bike accidents can cause physical pain and emotional distress that render mental health issues and lower quality of life.
- Disfigurement. If you suffered a disability or disfigurement due to your accident, you might be entitled to additional compensation.
We know what it takes to get injured cyclists the compensation they deserve. You don't have to fight alone. Trust an experienced NYC bike accident lawyer to represent you and fight for your rights.
New York City Bicycle Laws
Safe and responsible bicycling is essential to protect bicyclists and pedestrians. NYC has rules designed to protect cyclists and control conduct on the road.
Some laws and regulations that apply to bicyclists in NYC include:
- Traffic Laws: Bicyclists must obey the same traffic laws as cars. This includes stopping at stop signs and red lights, yielding to pedestrians, and signaling turns.
- Bike Lanes: NYC has dedicated bike lanes, and bicyclists are required to use them whenever possible.
- Lights: All bicyclists must use a headlight and a red taillight when riding after dark. Reflectors on the pedals, rear, and front of the bicycle are also required.
- Sidewalks: In NYC, you can't ride a bike on the sidewalk (unless the rider is 12 or younger). You may only ride on a sidewalk if it is designated as a shared-use path.
You can download a complete list of New York City bicycle rules for more information.
Have a New York City Bicycle Accident Lawyer Evaluate Your Legal Rights
A bike crash can change your life in seconds. If someone else's negligence is liable for your injuries, it's their responsibility to compensate you for your losses.
An experienced bicycle lawyer in New York City can assess your case and help you navigate the complex legal system. Discuss your legal options with leading personal injury attorneys at the Ward Law Group in NYC. We help cyclists involved in accidents by providing legal representation, guidance, and support throughout the process.
Call us today for your no-obligation consultation at 855-DOLOR-55!