Taking a bike ride in the fresh air, enjoying the good company of friends and family, and seeing the horizon on a quiet Sunday are just some of the advantages of living in Suffolk County on Long Island.
However, this calm scenario could turn into a violent experience if you are involved in an accident that threatens your safety and your rights as a bicyclist.
You deserve to take a walk around your city without fear of not returning home. But many drivers do not understand this, as they forget that, apart from their cars, there are also other lighter vehicles moving around the city.
Have you or a loved one been seriously hurt by someone else's carelessness while cycling? If that's the case, you can demand that they pay for their misdeeds. The Suffolk County bicycle accident attorneys from The Ward Law Group are here to handle every part of your claim so you can concentrate on getting better while we care for the rest.
Time Sensitivity in Filing Your Bicycle Accident Case in NY
All civil cases in New York are subject to time limits based on various variables, such as the age of the person who was harmed or the date of the incident.
According to the statute of limitations, missing these deadlines may mean you can no longer pursue damages.
You can be confident that our Suffolk County bicycle accident attorneys will carefully manage all case deadlines to protect your compensation rights. This enables you to focus solely on your medical care and healing process.
Providing Equitable Handling and Legal Assistance
As per New York Vehicle & Traffic § 1146, drivers are required to take "due care" to prevent collisions with cyclists. If a driver's carelessness causes injuries to a cyclist, it is illegal and could result in fines or jail time for the driver.
- Identifying At-Fault Parties: Whether a negligent driver or other contributing factors caused your accident, we'll explore all avenues for compensation.
- Communication with Involved Parties: To pursue financial recovery, it is necessary to keep lines of communication open with all relevant parties, including the attorneys, insurance agents, experts, and eyewitnesses of the other party. We skillfully handle these exchanges, shielding you from forceful defensive maneuvers.
- Building Your Personal Injury Case: It's Important to Compile Evidence. This supports your case with statements from eyewitnesses and experts, medical records, police accident reports, video footage, and images.
- Assigning Value to Your Case: A bicycle accident attorney will determine the entire cost of your past, present, and future injury-related losses, even if your current medical bills are simple to pay.
Recoverable Damages in a Suffolk County Bicycle Accident Case
Following a severe injury, recoverable economic losses include:
- Medical bills (surgery, ER visits, prescription medications, therapy, nursing, assistive devices)
- Lost wages during recovery
- Loss of future earning capacity for permanent injuries
- Repair or replacement costs for damaged bicycles
Non-economic losses may encompass:
- Impaired quality of life
- Disability (temporary or permanent)
- Disfigurement
- Pain and suffering from physical or emotional anguish
All these aspects are compensable in bicycle accident cases, and our team determines the appropriate compensation based on your unique circumstances.
Obtaining Justice in Cases of Wrongful Death
We offer our sincere condolences to the families who have lost a loved one in a bicycle accident. It is an honor for our team to help you get justice and be compensated for your loss. In cases involving wrongful deaths, damages may be sought for:
- Absence of consortium
- Absence of financial assistance
- Funeral expenses
- End-of-life assistance
Our committed staff can pursue a wrongful death or personal injury lawsuit day or night. Please give us a call at 855-DOLOR-55 to begin your case.
How common are bicycle accidents in Suffolk County?
Our roads are hazardous throughout Suffolk County's North Shore, and the threats to public safety appear to be increasing.
According to data from the county website, between 2017 and 2021, 546 of our fellow citizens passed away in our county while driving, riding a motorcycle, walking, or bicycling. This shocking number is greater than any other county in New York for the same time frame.
Certain injuries and fatalities caused by traffic are probably inevitable. Some cases of drunk driving seem inevitable in a nation where the sale of alcohol is protected by the constitution and in a state where recreational marijuana use is allowed.
There ought to be harsher consequences for people who drive while intoxicated or high. However, other injuries and fatalities from traffic are avoidable. Since many of the towns in the TBR News Media coverage area lack substantial sidewalk networks, people who want to jog, walk, or ride their bikes must do so on public roads.
The obvious issue with this configuration is that many of our roads, like state Route 25A, are far too small to have lanes for cars, pedestrians, and bicyclists at once. Inadequate street lighting makes the situation even more difficult.
Determining the Value of Your Suffolk County Bicycle Accident Case with The Ward Law Group
Every bicycle accident case is distinct, necessitating a thorough evaluation based on its unique circumstances.
To assess the potential value of your case, we take into account various factors:
- Contributory Actions and Damages Mitigation: We consider whether you contributed to the accident and whether steps were taken to mitigate damages.
- Evaluation of Economic Losses: Determining the total value of your existing and future economic losses is crucial to estimating case worth.
- Nature and Severity of Injuries: We analyze the type and severity of injuries sustained in the accident, recognizing their impact on your health, quality of life, work, hobbies, and daily activities.
- Long-Term Implications: It is critical to understand how the accident will influence your overall well-being and various aspects of life, including health, work, and daily routines.
- Insurance Coverage Assessment: The availability of insurance coverage plays a pivotal role in evaluating potential compensation.
Numerous other factors unique to your case may contribute significantly to its overall value. Connect with The Ward Law Group for a complimentary case evaluation today.
Our team of experienced bicycle accident lawyers serving Suffolk County is dedicated to helping you comprehend the potential worth of your case and guiding you through the legal process.
Understanding Liability in Bicycle Accidents in Suffolk County, New York
In the aftermath of a bicycle accident, questions about shared blame often arise, especially considering New York's legal framework. Here's what you should know about liability and compensation:
- Shared Blame and New York Law: Shared blame may factor in many motor vehicle accidents involving bicycles. In New York, the state follows a pure comparative negligence system, allowing you to seek compensation even if you share a portion of the fault.
- Modified Comparative Negligence in New York: New York operates under a modified comparative negligence rule. You can pursue compensation if your share of the fault is less than that of the other party. However, any awarded damages will be reduced in proportion to your assigned percentage of blame.
- Impact on Compensation: To illustrate, if your total damages amount to $50,000, and a jury assigns you 20% of the blame, your recovery will be adjusted to $40,000. It's crucial to note that you won't be eligible for compensation if a jury assigns you 51% or more of the blame.
- Insurance Company Tactics: Insurance companies may attempt to shift a significant portion of the blame onto the injured party. This strategy allows them to minimize their financial responsibility. If you face such allegations, seeking legal representation promptly is essential.
- Legal Guidance for Suffolk County: If you are facing allegations of contributing to the accident, it's advisable to consult with a Suffolk County Bicycle Accident Lawyer promptly. Legal professionals can help you navigate New York's liability laws, protect your rights, and build a strong case to secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Suffolk County
At The Ward Law Group, we are unwavering in our resolve to level the playing field against wealthy insurance companies and fight for the rights of accident victims.
We have a reputation for winning multi-million dollar verdicts, and our team of attorneys has over 10 years of experience. We have also received numerous honors and national media attention.
To ensure each case receives the dedicated attention it merits, we deliberately limit our caseload, prioritizing personalized service from the outset.
Contact The Ward Law Group for a free consultation with a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Suffolk County who will vigorously advocate for your rights and recovery.