New York Collisions Involving Cyclists

According to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles in 2014 there were 5827 collisions involving cyclists and motor vehicles. Of those accidents, 46 of them involved fatalities and 5722 involved non-fatal injuries. Because New York does not require people who are 14-years-old or over to wear helmets, cyclists often do not wear them. This leaves the cyclist's body completely unprotected. As a result a bike accident can leave a cyclist with a traumatic brain injury, broken bones, contusions, abrasions, or a spinal cord injury. As a result the injured cyclist must suffer painful, devastating injuries with long recovery periods. If you are in need of a New York Injury Lawyer because you were injured in a cycling accident, do not hesitate to contact an experienced New York Collisions Involving Cyclists Lawyer who is familiar with not only personal injury law, but the specific New York state and local rules that apply to cyclists.

Accidents with cyclist occur for a number of reasons. In some cases the cyclist is at fault, while in other cases the car driver is at fault.

• Accidents at Stop Signs. Car accidents with cyclist occur at intersections where the cyclist has a stop sign and the motorist does not. After stopping at the stop sign, the cyclist then rides out into the intersection in front of a car that has the right-of-way. When this sequence of events occurs, the cyclist is at fault.
• Car driver fails to yield. This type of accident occurs when the cyclist has the right-of-way on a street without a stop sign and the car approaches from a street that does have a stop sign. After stopping at the stop sign, the car then drives in front of the cyclist who has the right-of-way. When this sequence of events occurs, the driver of the car is at fault.
• Cyclist fails to yield. This type of accident occurs at an intersection when the car has the right-of-way, but the cyclist rides into the intersection without yielding. When this sequence of events occurs, the cyclist is at fault.
• Right hook accident. A car makes a right turn in front of the cyclist, cutting the cyclist off.
• Doored. Cyclists are sometimes "doored" when a driver opens the door of a parked car just as a cyclist is approaching, causing a collision.

If you were injured in bike accident caused by the negligence of a driver, you can pursue a claim against that person for damages. The types of compensation that you may be able to recover if you file a claim against the negligent person include:

• Lost wages
• Medical bills including bills from the hospital, your doctors, prescriptions and bills associated with medical equipment
• Damage to your vehicle
• Pain and suffering

If a loved was killed in the accident, you may be able to pursue damages through a wrongful death action.

Beware that New York law has a specific time limit for filing a claim in a personal injury case. If you do not file your claim within the time period, you will be forever barred from collecting damages even if your case has merit.

Collisions between cars and bicycles can involve serious injuries and large liabilities. The amount of compensation that you receive for your injuries depends on whose negligence caused the accident—the driver of the car or the cyclist. The determination of negligence can be a complex and will require an in-depth analysis of the police report, witness statements, accident scene photos, medical reports and other evidence. If you or a loved one has been in a bike accident, you should consult with an experienced attorney to ensure that your rights are protected. The staff at Stephen Bilkis and Associates has extensive experience representing clients injured in car accidents, bike accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, and other types of accidents. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your car accident.