With bicycle accident claims, you can be compensated for your injuries. Contact expert bicycle accident lawyers in New York.
Bicycle Accident Claims: Cars vs. Bicycle
Bicycles in New York City are more popular than ever with the introduction of the widely popular Citi Bikes. These days, New Yorkers are not only using bicycles for recreation or exercise, but also as a means to travel to and from work, or simply run errands. Unfortunately, since the body of a bicyclist is unprotected from contact with a vehicle, accidents involving a bicyclist and cars often lead to catastrophic injuries.
Many operators of cars simply fail to pay attention when entering intersections and strike bicyclists due to their careless operation of the vehicle. And even greater danger exists when a bicyclist is struck by a bus or a truck. In addition, bicyclists often are confronted with environmental factors in the roadway such as potholes, defective roadway design, as well as impaired visibility due to poor road or path conditions. Bicyclists are also in danger when an occupant of a car opens its door directly into the cyclists’ path.
No-Fault Benefits Under New York Law
If you were injured by a vehicle while on a bicycle is it important to contact a New York bicycle accident lawyer because you should be entitled to receive No-Fault benefits from the offending vehicle under New York law. No-Fault (separate from a bodily injury claim in multiple ways), is reserved for injuries to a cyclist, pedestrian, passenger, or driver injured by a motor vehicle. No-Fault benefits do not apply to motorcyclists, however. In New York, this law was designed to safeguard cyclists, pedestrians, drivers, and passengers. It states that regardless of fault, an insurance company will be responsible for up to $50,000.00 for the legitimate economic losses including an ambulance, hospital expenses, bills, drugs, tests, physical therapy, and other medical needs a patient might have. It even covers lost wages!
Wear a Helmet When Riding Your Bike
Our team of expert New York bicycle accident lawyers wants to ensure you are fairly compensated for your accident. However, it is critical that you and all bicyclists wear a helmet. In this regard, New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1238 requires bicyclists under the age of 14 years to wear protective headgear. While New York State does not require bicyclists over the age of 14 to wear protective headgear, it is clear that a helmet is extremely beneficial since it can prevent a serious head injury. In fact, there is a well-known study in the New England Journal of Medicine, where it was demonstrated that cyclists who wore helmets reduced their risk of a head injury by over 80%.
Find a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in New York
Our firm has handled numerous cases involving serious injuries as a result of a motor vehicle accidents. We’ve been practicing in New York since 1992. With over 22 years of experience, we’ve secured numerous million-dollar verdicts and settlements for our clients.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident after being struck by a careless driver of a car, contact us and you can receive a free consultation with one of our firm’s bicycle accident lawyers in New York. We will give your New York bicycle accident claims the individual attention it deserves.