Bicycles are a popular form of transportation in New York City. In fact, it has been estimated that approximately 1.6 million adults ride their bikes in New York City each year. Unfortunately, however, with so many cyclists on the road, accidents are bound to happen. And bicycle accidents often result in catastrophic injuries. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in New York, please contact the experienced bicycle accident attorneys at Bornstein & Emanuel, P.C., for assistance.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Even if you take precautions, you are always at risk as a bicyclist. Many drivers simply don’t look out for bicyclists while they drive, greatly increasing the odds that a bicycle accident will occur. And when an automobile collides with a bicycle, the bicyclist typically has minimal protection from the collision, resulting in serious injuries. Common causes of bicycle accidents in New York City include:
- Impaired driving
- Distracted driving
- Turning in front of a bicyclist
- Opening a car door in front of a bicyclist who is approaching the vehicle
- Running a stop sign or stoplight
- Failing to yield
- Passing a bicyclist in traffic
No Fault Insurance
Insurance typically plays a large part in New York bicyclist accident cases. New York is one of only a handful of states with no-fault auto insurance legislation. The state requires drivers to carry no-fault personal injury protection and liability coverage. When drivers are involved in an accident, they are required to file a claim with their own insurance provider. This requires insurance coverage up to $50,000 in lost wages, medical bills, and other injury-related expenses when the driver or passengers in the vehicle sustain an injury—regardless of who caused the accident.
Personal injury protection also covers injury-related expenses when a vehicle strikes a bicyclist, regardless of who caused the accident. However, if you have been injured in a bicycle accident, and your injuries meet the state’s serious injury threshold, then you can file a personal injury claim.
How a Bicycle Accident Attorney Can Help
After a bicycle accident in New York, you should contact an experienced bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible. Following a bicycle accident, you have 30 days from the date of the accident to file a no-fault claim and three years to file a personal injury lawsuit. When you contact us to assist you, we will take several steps on your behalf, including:
Collect and preserve evidence: Our attorneys will gather all evidence necessary to pursue your claim. Common evidence in a bicycle accident case includes photographs, videos, witness statements, police statements, and medical records.
Communicate with insurance providers: We will also communicate with the insurance company on your behalf. And if the insurance company attempts to deny your claim or offer you an unfair settlement, we will fight for your right to fair compensation.
Calculate your losses: Our attorneys will also closely analyze your financial losses, such as medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and reduced work capacity. In addition, we will place a financial value on your pain and suffering, doing everything in our power to ensure that you are compensated for economic and non-economic damages.
Fight for fair compensation: Finally, if your losses meet the serious injury threshold, we will represent you in your personal injury claim and take your case to court if necessary.
Contact a New York Bicycle Accident Attorney
If you have been hurt in a bicycle accident in New York, you need an experienced bicycle accident attorney on your side. At Bornstein & Emanuel, P.C., we understand the difficulties associated with a serious bicycle accident. Therefore, when you come to us for help, we will aggressively seek financial compensation on your behalf. Please contact us today to schedule an initial consultation with an experienced bicycle accident attorney.
