Bronx

Because bicycles do not offer the same protection against impact that a car or truck would, cyclists are at risk of serious injury whenever they’re involved in a crash. Even a cyclist who observes safety precautions by wearing a helmet could be at risk of grave injury in a collision.

Some of the most common injuries associated with bicycle accidents include:

• Head and facial injuries
• Traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries
• Ruptured discs
• Broken bones, fractures, and dislocations
• Abrasions, cuts, and “road rash”
• Wrongful death

From road construction to hectic traffic, there are a lot of factors on the busy roads of the Bronx that could contribute to a bicycle accident. However, the most common causes include:

● Dooring Accidents: Motorists and their passengers are supposed to check their rearview mirror and their blind spots to ensure a cyclist isn’t coming when they open their door. However, this courtesy is not always observed, and cyclists may not have enough warning to stop or swerve out of the way before riding into an open car door. This is a frequent cause of bike accidents in busy cities like New York.

● Distracted Drivers: There are many distractions in a vehicle that can cause a motorist to divert their attention from the road. These including the motorist’s phone, their stereo, their car’s navigation, and even eating and drinking in the car. Distracted driving incidents can be extremely serious and lead to cyclist fatalities.

● Left and Right Turns: Motorists are supposed to indicate their turn and check their rearview mirror, side mirrors, and blind spots to see if a cyclist is coming before they make a left or right turn. When drivers fail to do so, they risk colliding with or running over the cyclist or causing the cyclist to crash into the side of their car. These crashes can cause devastating injuries to the cyclist, especially if the motorist directly collides into the bicycle.

For bicycle accident cases in New York State, the statute of limitations–or the amount of time you have to file a suit–is generally three years from the date of your accident.

That may seem like a good amount of time to file, but you shouldn’t hesitate to seek legal counsel immediately after your accident. The longer you wait to contact an attorney, the more likely it will be that vital details that could help you prove negligence on the part of the other motorist will be lost or difficult to recover, including:

• Traffic surveillance footage of the crash
• Evidence the motorist who hit your bike was distracted or inebriated
• Photos of your injuries and the damage to your bike
• Testimonies from people who witnessed your accident

To improve your chances of obtaining a winning verdict–and the maximum compensation for your injuries–get in touch with Hurt511 immediately after your accident. After you call 911, call 1-800-HURT-511.

Your attorney could help you seek the following types of compensation after your bicycle accident:

Economic Damages, or compensation for financial losses due to your accident, including:

• Medical bills for past and future treatment related to the accident
• Lost wages and the loss of your ability to earn a living in the future
• Vocational rehabilitation if you must change careers after your accident
• Compensation for the replacement value of your bicycle

Non-Economic Damages, or compensation for important but less fiscally tangible losses due to your accident, including:

• Anguish and trauma after the accident
• Pain and suffering during the accident
• Temporary or permanent disfigurement
• Loss of life’s enjoyments

To learn what your specific bicycle accident case could be worth, call 1-800-HURT-511 to speak with an attorney.

In just four simple steps, Hurt511 can help with your case:

1. Fill out this form or call 1-800-HURT-511.
2. Take 30 seconds to answer a few questions to see what your case is worth.
3. Connect with attorneys in your area who will fight for you—always on a contingency-fee basis.
4. Receive your settlement.