Nassau County Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Nassau County

Bicycle accidents in Nassau County often occur due to driver negligence or hazardous road conditions. Understanding the causes can help determine liability and strengthen your case. Some of the most common causes include:

• Driver Inattention & Distracted Driving – Many bicycle accidents happen because drivers fail to pay attention to the road, often due to texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting in-car technology, leading to serious and preventable collisions with cyclists.
• Failure to Yield – Motorists frequently fail to yield the right of way to bicyclists at intersections, crosswalks, and merging lanes, leading to high-risk collisions that result in serious injuries, property damage, and even fatalities for cyclists.
• Dooring Accidents – A common cause of bicycle accidents occurs when a driver or passenger suddenly opens a car door into a bicyclist’s path without checking for oncoming cyclists, causing the rider to crash into the door or swerve into traffic.
• Speeding & Reckless Driving – Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react in time to avoid a bicyclist. Reckless behaviors such as aggressive lane changes and tailgating put cyclists at extreme risk of serious or fatal injuries in Nassau County.
• Drunk or Impaired Driving – Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs have impaired judgment, reduced coordination, and slower reaction times, making the roads significantly more dangerous for bicyclists who rely on drivers to obey traffic laws and drive responsibly.
• Poor Road Conditions – Potholes, broken pavement, debris, and poorly designed bike lanes can create hazardous conditions for cyclists. Without proper road maintenance, these obstacles increase the likelihood of crashes, serious injuries, and potential liability for local authorities.

If another party’s negligence led to your bicycle accident, you may have grounds for a legal claim. Our team can help determine the best course of action for your case.

Injuries Resulting from Bicycle Accidents

Bicyclists are particularly vulnerable in collisions with motor vehicles, often sustaining catastrophic injuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 1,000 bicyclists die, and over 130,000 suffer injuries each year in crashes involving motor vehicles.
Some of the most common injuries include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) Can Cause Long-Term Cognitive Impairments

A severe impact on the head during a bicycle accident can result in a traumatic brain injury (TBI), even if the cyclist is wearing a helmet. TBIs can lead to concussions, skull fractures, brain hemorrhages, and permanent cognitive impairments affecting speech, memory, motor skills, and overall brain function. Victims may require extensive neurological treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term medical care. Brain injuries can severely impact a person’s ability to work, maintain relationships, and perform everyday activities. If a negligent driver caused your accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and the emotional distress associated with a TBI.

Broken Bones and Fractures Often Require Surgery and Long-Term Rehabilitation

Bicycle accidents frequently result in broken bones, including fractures of the arms, legs, ribs, pelvis, and collarbone due to the impact of being thrown from the bicycle. These injuries can cause significant pain, require surgical intervention, and lead to long recovery periods. Many victims face reduced mobility, physical therapy, and potential complications such as nerve damage or infections. Compound fractures, where the bone breaks through the skin, can be particularly severe and require multiple surgeries to repair. If a reckless driver caused your accident, you might be eligible for compensation to cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost earnings.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis Can Permanently Alter a Victim’s Life

A bicycle accident involving a high-impact collision can cause severe spinal cord injuries, potentially leading to partial or complete paralysis. Spinal damage can affect mobility, result in chronic pain, and necessitate lifelong medical treatment, rehabilitation, and assistive devices such as wheelchairs. Victims may suffer from paraplegia or quadriplegia, drastically changing their independence and quality of life. Spinal injuries often require specialized care, modifications to living spaces, and ongoing therapy. If a negligent driver, poorly maintained road conditions, or a defective bicycle part contributed to your accident, a legal claim may help secure compensation for medical bills, lost income, and future care expenses.

Internal Organ Damage Can Be Life-Threatening Without Immediate Medical Care

Bicycle accidents can cause severe internal injuries that may not be immediately noticeable but can become life-threatening without urgent medical attention. Common internal injuries include punctured lungs, ruptured spleens, liver lacerations, and internal bleeding, all of which can lead to shock, organ failure, or even death if left untreated. Victims may require emergency surgery, prolonged hospitalization, and long-term monitoring for complications. Internal injuries are often overlooked at the accident scene, so it is critical to seek medical evaluation even if you feel fine. If another party’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your suffering and medical costs.

Severe Road Rash and Lacerations Can Lead to Infections and Scarring

When a cyclist is thrown onto the pavement during a collision, severe skin abrasions, commonly known as road rash, can occur. Road rash can range from minor scrapes to deep wounds that expose muscle and bone, increasing the risk of infection. Lacerations may require stitches, skin grafts, or reconstructive surgery, and severe cases can lead to permanent scarring or disfigurement. Infections from untreated wounds can cause additional medical complications, including sepsis. If your injuries were caused by a negligent driver or unsafe road conditions, legal action may help you recover compensation for medical treatment, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering.
These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. If you or a loved one has suffered from a bicycle accident, our firm can help you seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

How Our Nassau County Bicycle Accident Attorneys Can Help

At the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, we know that a bicycle accident can impact every aspect of your life—physically, emotionally, and financially. The aftermath of an accident is overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Our dedicated attorneys will work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve by:

• Investigating Your Case – We will gather crucial evidence, including police reports, medical records, accident scene photos, and witness statements, to build a strong claim.
• Determining Liability – Whether the responsible party is a reckless driver, government agency, or another negligent party, we will establish fault and hold them accountable.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies – We know how insurers operate and will aggressively advocate for a fair settlement that covers medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Representing You in Court – If insurers refuse to pay what you deserve, we are ready to take your case to trial and fight for the maximum compensation possible.

With decades of experience handling bicycle accident claims in Nassau County, we are committed to protecting your rights every step of the way.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Nassau County

Taking the right steps after a bicycle accident can protect your health and strengthen your legal claim. If you are involved in a crash:

1. Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel fine, some injuries take time to appear.
2. Call the Police – A police report will document key details of the accident.
3. Gather Evidence – Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any property damage.
4. Obtain Witness Information – Get the contact details of anyone who saw the accident.
5. Do Not Admit Fault – Avoid discussing fault with the driver, police, or insurance companies.
6. Request an Accident Report – You can order a copy of the police crash report through the New York Department of Motor Vehicles.
7. Consult a Lawyer – An attorney can guide you through the legal process and protect your rights.

Compensation Available for Bicycle Accident Victims

Victims of bicycle accidents in Nassau County may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical Bills – Emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment costs.
• Lost Wages & Reduced Earning Capacity – Compensation for time missed from work and diminished earning potential.
• Pain & Suffering – Physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
• Property Damage – Costs to repair or replace your damaged bicycle.
• Wrongful Death – If a loved one was killed in an accident, family members can recover damages for funeral expenses and loss of companionship. 

Every case is different, and compensation depends on the severity of your injuries, available insurance coverage, and other factors. Our attorneys can evaluate your case and provide you with a plan to obtain a recovery in your best interest.

Contact a Nassau County Bicycle Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

if you or someone you care about has been harmed in a bicycle accident. They have hard deadlines for filing personal injury claims that, should you miss them, can critically harm your case. At the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, we take pride in aggressively representing bicycle accident victims in Nassau County, while providing compassionate support.

Contact us today and schedule a free consultation with an experienced Nassau County personal injury lawyer. We are here to help you get started.

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