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In a city as busy as New York, it’s no surprise that bicycle accidents are overwhelmingly common, accounting for approximately 2% of all traffic-related fatalities. In fact, over 10,000 bicycle accidents, resulting in 20 fatalities, occur in New York City every year, with the rate of accidents continuing to increase. Bicycle accidents can cause severe injuries and fatalities, even more so if it involves an automobile. While there are traffic laws protecting cyclists and pedestrians, such as dedicated bicycle lanes, motorists often disregard these rules. 

If you or a loved one have been injured in a bicycle-related accident, be sure to contact an experienced personal injury attorney to defend your rights. You may be entitled to significant compensation.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents can occur for several different reasons, however, most accidents involve a motorist. In fact, motorists pose such a threat to pedestrians and cyclists that New York City has implemented nearly 1,500 miles of bicycle lanes, to encourage drivers to share the roads. Some other common causes of New York bicycle accidents include:

• Distracted, impaired, or aggressive driving
• Road or sidewalk defects, including obstructed bicycle lanes
• “Door” accidents occurring when motorists or passengers exit their vehicle without checking for cyclists.
• Cycling at night
• Cycling against the flow of traffic
• Debris
• Tailgating
• Failure to yield
• Reckless driving
• Speeding

It is important to note that NYC Vehicle & Traffic Law Section 1214 mandates that motorists and pedestrians must check their surroundings prior to entering or exiting their vehicle, and must do so as quickly as possible to avoid colliding with cyclists or pedestrians. 

Common Bicycle Accident injuries

Bicycle accidents often cause minor damage and injuries; however, accidents involving motor vehicles and defective streets and sidewalks can lead to lifelong injuries and debilitations. For example, a cyclist riding at great speeds can sustain major injuries from potholes or debris left on the street.

• Road rash
• Broken bones
• Lacerations
• Soft tissue damage, such as torn ligaments
• Neck and spinal cord injuries
• Head trauma, including concussions
• Paralysis
• Death

Who is liable for my Bicycle Accident?

Several different parties may be liable for your injuries, however, it depends on the nature of the accident. Below is a list of common liable parties.

• Government municipalities and transportation authorities 
• Motorists 
• Pedestrians
• Property owners and/or renters

How a Bicycle Accident Attorney can Help

At Pryor Law, we have decades of experience in handling bicycle-related personal injury claims, and our results speak for themselves. Even if your accident is minor, you may still face hefty medical expenses, lost wages, and long-lasting injuries. And while insurance companies may offer compensation for your accident and injuries, more often than not, it is not enough to cover the full extent of your injuries. Our New York bicycle accident attorneys at Pryor Law can help you gather the appropriate documents and evidence and conduct a thorough investigation to ensure you get the compensation you deserve, even if it means going to trial. Our office is located in the Bronx, New York, and our experienced personal injury attorneys are ready to fight for you.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a New York bicycle accident and believe that someone else may be at fault, contact our experienced Bronx, New York trip and fall accident attorneys at (718) 829-0222 or fill out our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation. You may be entitled to significant compensation. 

Statute of Limitations

Don’t wait to contact an experienced bicycle accident attorney, as there is a time limit. The statute of limitations for most bike accidents only extends three (3) years from the date of the accident, meaning you must file your lawsuit within three years of sustaining your injuries. If your trip and fall accident occurred on public property, the statute of limitations is only 90 days from the date of the accident, as you will need to file a lawsuit against a government entity. Failure to do so could result in a rejected case, meaning you will not be able to receive compensation for your injuries. 

FAQs

What if I’m partially liable for my bicycle accident?

New York State allows for comparative liability, meaning you may still be entitled to damages even if you are partially responsible for your accident.

What if I can’t afford an attorney?

Pryor law operates on contingency, meaning we won’t require any payment until we get you the compensation you deserve.

Pryor Law

292 City Island Ave., Bronx, NY 10464

Phone: 718-829-0222 | Email: info@pryorlaw.com