With bicycle accident claims, you can be compensated for your injuries. Contact expert bicycle accident lawyers in New York.
Bicycle Accident Claims: When Cars Collide With Cyclists
Bicycle accident claims have increased substantially in New York City with the proliferation of Citi Bikes across the metropolitan area. Modern New Yorkers utilize bicycles not merely for recreational purposes or fitness regimens, but as primary transportation for commuting and essential errands. When motor vehicles collide with cyclists, the absence of protective barriers surrounding the cyclist’s body frequently results in catastrophic injuries requiring extensive medical intervention and rehabilitation.
Vehicle operators often fail to exercise appropriate caution when navigating intersections, subsequently striking bicyclists due to negligent operation. The danger escalates significantly when the collision involves larger vehicles such as buses or commercial trucks. Additionally, cyclists regularly encounter hazardous roadway conditions including potholes, structural defects in road design, and compromised visibility due to inadequate maintenance. Another common scenario involves vehicle occupants opening doors directly into established bike lanes, creating immediate collision hazards for approaching cyclists.
No-Fault Insurance Benefits Under New York Statutory Law
If you sustained injuries while cycling due to a motor vehicle collision, consulting a qualified New York bicycle accident lawyer is essential to securing your legal entitlements. Under New York statutory provisions, you maintain eligibility for No-Fault benefits from the insurance carrier of the vehicle that caused your injuries.
No-Fault coverage operates independently from bodily injury claims and specifically protects cyclists, pedestrians, passengers, and drivers injured through motor vehicle contact. Notably, this protection excludes motorcyclists under current statutory construction. New York’s comprehensive No-Fault framework ensures that regardless of fault determination, insurance carriers must cover legitimate economic losses up to $50,000 for qualified claimants. This encompasses ambulance services, hospitalization expenses, pharmaceutical costs, diagnostic procedures, physical rehabilitation, and additional medically necessary treatments. The statutory protection extends to documented wage loss resulting from accident-related injuries.
Helmet Usage: Safety Protocols for Cyclists
Our litigation team specializing in bicycle accident claims advocates strongly for universal helmet usage. New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1238 mandates protective headgear for cyclists under 14 years of age. While state law does not extend this requirement to cyclists over 14, empirical evidence conclusively demonstrates the substantial protective benefits of helmet usage.
Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine established that properly fitted helmets reduce head injury risk by approximately 80% in collision scenarios. As New York car accident attorneys, we consistently observe the correlation between proper safety equipment and injury mitigation in our casework involving car accidents on Staten Island and throughout the metropolitan area.
Retain Specialized Legal Representation for Bicycle Accident Claims
Since our establishment in 1992, our firm has successfully litigated numerous cases involving serious injuries resulting from motor vehicle collisions with cyclists. With three decades of specialized litigation experience, we have secured multiple seven and eight-figure verdicts and settlements for our clients throughout New York City, including Staten Island.
If you or your family member has sustained injuries in a bicycle accident due to the negligence of a motor vehicle operator, our Staten Island car accident lawyer team stands prepared to provide aggressive representation. Contact our offices to schedule a complimentary case evaluation with our specialized bicycle accident litigation team. We provide individualized attention to each bicycle accident claim, ensuring your rights are protected throughout the claim resolution process.
