Whether riding their bike to school or around the neighborhood, children use bicycles for transportation and enjoyment. However, bicycle accidents result in major, life-threatening injuries in children. In the United States, there are an average of 140,000 head injuries and 247 traumatic brain injury deaths among children annually.
While parents are responsible for supervising and ensuring their child is wearing the proper safety equipment, many accidents among children result from other parties’ negligence. If your child suffers injuries while on a bike because of a negligent party, you have the right to pursue legal action and recover damages.
Understanding New York Bicycle Safety Requirements
In New York, cyclists and pedestrians are often in close proximity to motor vehicle accidents. To protect residents from major harm, the New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) details bicycle safety measures for individuals and children, including the following:
- Ride in the street and not on the sidewalks (unless the rider is 12 or younger and the bicycle’s wheels are less than 26 inches in diameter)
- Do not ride against traffic
- Obey all traffic signals, signs, and pavement markings
- Cross intersections with the walk signal unless there’s a bike signal or sign
- When available, use marked bike lanes or paths except when making turns or when it is unsafe
- Bicycles must have a white headlight and a red tail light, as well as a bell or horn and reflectors
It’s crucial to teach children these rules and have them shadow adults until they are old enough to ride on their own. Many believe children can ride their bicycles alone from the age of 10. However, parents should also consider the distance, proximity to motor vehicles, and area to observe potential dangers.
How Is Liability Determined in a Child Bicycle Injury Claim?
While parents are responsible for preparing children and supervising young children, many factors outside their control may result in a child suffering debilitating injuries in a bicycle accident. The person most commonly responsible for a child’s bicycle injury is the adult who causes the accident.
However, other parties may hold partial liability depending on the situation, including government organizations responsible for sidewalk and bicycle lane maintenance and other pedestrians. Determining liability in a child bicycle accident claim can be challenging without the guidance of an experienced lawyer. Our team at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP understands the complexities of a claim and will use our extensive connections within the community to collect evidence and determine all the potentially responsible parties.
Should You Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
The debilitating injuries your child suffers from a negligent individual may result in major life changes for your child. To recover the best possible outcome for your claim, you will want to speak with a bicycle accident lawyer at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP. We provide clients with honest legal advice and various services, including:
- Answering questions relating to your child’s bicycle accident claim
- Conducting a thorough investigation into the accident
- Analyzing information and legal documents
- Reviewing any potential issues within the claim
- Establishing the other party’s negligence
- Communicating with insurance companies
- Negotiating settlement offers
New York residents have two years from the accident date to file an injury claim against the negligent party. However, waiting to file decreases your likelihood of recovering the full compensation you deserve.
Start Your Child’s Bicycle Accident Claim Today by Contacting the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP
From sports to major goals, a bicycle accident may limit your child’s ability to enjoy activities they once loved. Our attorneys at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP have over 100 years of combined experience advocating for New York residents. By utilizing our extensive knowledge and connections within the community, we have the tools and resources to provide you with professional legal representation.
To arrange a free consultation, complete our contact form or call (516) 358-6900 today. Learn more about our firm by subscribing to our Youtube channel.
