Where Do Most Bicycle Accidents Occur?
While there is no data on where bicycle accidents occur, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), most 2017 bicycle accident fatalities occurred in urban areas. Seventy-five percent of pedal cyclist deaths took place in urban areas. While this points to cyclists in urban areas having a higher risk for fatal accidents, all cyclists can suffer injuries due to negligent motorists.
Recoverable Compensation in a Bicycle Accident Claim
If you are injured in a bicycle accident, you deserve compensation. Talk to a bicycle accident lawyer in Long Island about your case to understand your legal options. Present your attorney all the documentation pertaining to your accident: police report, medical records, papers from your employer documenting your lost workdays and wages, etc. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may be able to recover compensation for any of the following:
- Medical bills, such as emergency transportation, emergency care, hospitalization costs, prescription medications, future care, assistive devices
- Lost wages if your injuries keep you from going to work
- Lost earning capacity if your injuries affect your future ability to work
- Past and future pain and suffering
- Lost quality of life
- Miscellaneous expenses
If you lost a loved one in a bicycle accident, we can file a wrongful death claim or lawsuit. Depending on your situation, you may be entitled to:
- Any pain and suffering your loved one endured between the accident and their passing
- Reasonable funeral or burial costs
- Any wages lost between the accident and your loved one’s passing
- Any medical bills for the care your loved one received between the accident and their passing
- Loss of support, services, inheritance, guidance, and care
Our team will fight for the compensation you deserve.
What to Do If You Are In a Bicycle Accident
To protect your physical health and your right to compensation, we recommend you do the following:
Get Help for Your Injuries
Prioritize your health and safety after you have been involved in a bicycle accident. Get treated by a medical professional who can document the extent and severity of your injuries.
Report the Accident
Once you are safe and your injuries have been treated, the next step is to report the accident. Notify the police, who can create an official crash report that can be used as evidence in your bicycle accident lawsuit.
Get Legal Help
If you decide to pursue compensation for your injuries, you may want to hire a personal injury lawyer serving New Hyde Park. Your attorney can investigate the circumstances of the accident to build the best possible case on your behalf.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
According to the NHTSA, bicycle accidents most often occurred in the evenings between 6 pm and 9 pm in 2017. Given these statistics, it is no wonder that residents of New York City and Long Island are vulnerable to these serious accidents.
Due to their size, bicycles can be difficult for drivers in other vehicles to notice and avoid. Cars may have difficulty gauging the distance between themselves and the bicycle and may also fail to see the cyclist entirely. Some contributing factors can make this even more likely:
- Drunk or drug-impaired driving: When under the influence, drivers have slowed reaction times and dulled senses, putting already hard-to-spot bicyclists in danger.
- Drowsy driving: Fatigue can also negatively affect a driver’s sense and reflexes, making it difficult for the driver to spot and react to a bicyclist.
- Speeding: When drivers travel over the speed limit, they may not respond in time to avoid a bicyclist.
- Distracted driving: Distraction that can take a driver’s attention away from the road puts bicyclists in danger. Some common distractions include texting, calling, web browsing, and messing with the GPS or radio.
Bicycle accidents can occur anywhere and for any reason. You may be eligible for compensation, regardless of how a driver caused your injuries.
Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents
Some common injuries from bicycle accidents for which you can pursue damages are as follows.
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI): Traumatic brain injuries are caused by the head being struck forcefully. They can lead to concussions, coma, and even death.
- Broken bones: Cyclists may suffer severe fractures to the extremities, ribs, and other bones after being thrown from their bike.
- Organ damage: Serious organ damage may necessitate surgery to fix internal bleeding. In some cases, an organ transplant may be necessary.
- Spinal cord injury: Damage to the spinal cord and nervous system can cause the loss of function and sensation in parts of the body. This includes injuries that cause paraplegia (paralysis of the lower body) and quadriplegia (paralysis of the lower and upper body).
If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation to help cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Our Attorneys Offer Oree Consultations
A bicycle accident lawyer from the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP can protect your rights after you or your loved one have been injured. Contact us today at (866) 878-6774 to learn more about how we can help you during your free consultation.
