During a recent winter, a 17 year old female student was a passenger in a motor vehicle traveling on the north side of the Van Wyck expressway in Queens, New York.
Birth injuries are serious complications that can occur during the birthing process, potentially leading to lifelong challenges for the child. These injuries can range from minor bruising and swelling to severe, permanent disabilities, such as cerebral palsy or brachial plexus injury.
Common surgical errors include performing the wrong procedure, leaving foreign objects in the body, damaging vital organs, or causing infections. Such mistakes can lead to severe pain, disability, and even death.
Fellows Hymowitz Rice — Your Trusted New City Bicycle Accident Attorneys
The dedicated team of New City bicycle accident lawyers at Fellows Hymowitz Rice routinely helps injured cyclists get the justice and compensation they deserve for their injuries.
A bicycle accident can have devastating effects on your life, both physically and financially. We make it our mission to provide compassionate, personalized legal representation to ensure that you receive the care and support you need to move forward.
How Often Do Bicycle Accidents Happen in New York?
Unfortunately, New York sees a high number of bicycle accidents every year. According to the New York State Department of Transportation, there were over 7,500 bicycle accidents reported in 2022 alone. Many of these accidents resulted in serious injuries or fatalities.
Statistics like these underscore the importance of seeking dependable legal help if you've been injured in a bike accident.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in New City, NY
Bike accidents in New City can happen for a variety of reasons, including the following:
Distracted Driving: Drivers texting, talking on the phone, or simply not paying attention.
Failing to Yield: Motorists failing to yield to cyclists at intersections or when turning.
Improper Passing: Cars passing bicycles too closely, leaving insufficient space.
Riding Against Traffic: Cyclists riding against the flow of traffic, increasing the risk of head-on collisions.
Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, debris, and lack of dedicated bike lanes.
Inadequate Lighting: Poor visibility for drivers at night, making it hard to see cyclists.
Construction Zones and Pedestrian Traffic: Limited space, unpredictable traffic patterns, and potential collisions with pedestrians.
Regardless of the cause of your accident, you have the right to seek fair and adequate compensation for your injuries.
New York Bicycle Accident Laws
New York’s legal code plays a critical role in defining the rights and responsibilities of cyclists and drivers, and it can be used to establish liability in a bicycle accident case.
New York’s Vehicle and Traffic Law (VAT) outlines the rules of the road for all vehicles, including bicycles. It includes regulations regarding traffic signals, lane usage, speed limits, and other driving behaviors.
Similarly, New York City’s Administrative Code features additional regulations pertaining to bicycles, including requirements for bike lanes, bicycle safety, and the use of helmets.
New York is a no-fault insurance state, meaning your insurance company is primarily responsible for covering your medical expenses and lost wages after a bicycle accident, regardless of who was at fault. This coverage is provided through your personal injury protection (PIP) policy.
PIP Coverage
New York law requires all motor vehicle owners to carry a minimum of $50,000 in PIP coverage. This form of insurance typically covers up to 80% of your reasonable medical expenses and 80% of your lost wages, up to a maximum of $50,000.
Limitations
While no-fault insurance is helpful, it could fall short of covering all your losses. For example, PIP benefits don’t cover pain and suffering, lost earning capacity, or property damage.
New York operates under a system of comparative negligence. This means that if you’re found partially at fault for an accident, your compensation will be reduced proportionally to your degree of fault. For example, if you were deemed 20% at fault, the court would reduce your eligible compensation by 20%.
Need Legal Help?
You don't have to face the devastating consequences of a bicycle accident alone. The capable lawyers at Fellows Hymowitz Rice are here to fight for your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation.
If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident in New City, it's crucial to take the following steps:
Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, it's important to get checked out by a doctor to confirm that there are no hidden injuries.
Contact the Police: Investigating officers will file a police report to document the accident.
Gather Evidence: Take photos and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your bicycle.
Exchange Information With the Other Parties Involved: Get the names, addresses, and insurance information of the other person or person in the accident.
Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurer and follow their instructions for filing a claim.
Finally, consult a qualified bicycle accident lawyer. An attorney can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights.
Legal Options After a Bicycle Accident
You have several legal options in the aftermath of a bike accident, including the following:
Filing a Claim Under Your No-Fault Insurance: This will cover your medical bills and lost wages up to the limits of your policy.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim Against the At-Fault Party: This allows you to seek additional compensation for pain and suffering, lost earning capacity, and other losses.
Filing a Lawsuit: If your insurance company or the at-fault party refuses to settle your claim fairly, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Your lawyer can give you more information about the legal proceedings involved in each of these options and how to navigate them effectively.
It's important to understand that there’s a time limit for filing a personal injury claim in New York State. The statute of limitations generally gives you three years from the date of the accident to bring a claim. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you’re suing a government entity, the time limit may be shorter
Types of Injuries You Can Seek Compensation for After a Bike Accident
A bicycle accident in New City can result in any number of injuries, including:
Head injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Broken bones
Soft tissue injuries
Road rash
Concussions
Emotional distress
Depending on the circumstances of your case, compensation may be available to deal with the effects of these and other conditions.
Damages You Can Recover After a Bicycle Accident in New City
The amount of compensation you can recover after a bicycle accident is contingent on the nature and severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the accident, and the applicable laws. You may be able to recover damages for:
Medical Expenses: The costs of past and future medical care, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation
Lost Wages: The income you've lost due to your injuries
Property Damage: The cost of repairing or replacing your bicycle and any other damaged property
Pain and Suffering: The physical and emotional discomfort your injuries have caused
Loss of Consortium: Awarded to a spouse or partner who has lost the companionship and support of their injured loved one
Part of your lawyer’s duties will be to determine the types of compensation you qualify for and calculate the total award you deserve to receive.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Bicycle Accident?
Several parties could be held liable for a collision involving a cyclist, including:
Negligent Drivers: Drivers who violate traffic laws, drive recklessly, or fail to yield to cyclists can be held legally responsible.
Property Owners: These individuals can be liable for accidents caused by dangerous conditions on their properties, such as potholes, uneven pavement, or lack of lighting.
Government Entities: Accident victims can take legal action against the city or state for poorly maintained roads or inadequate traffic control devices.
Bicycle Manufacturers: In some cases, defective bicycle parts or designs can contribute to accidents.
When you retain the services of a skilled attorney from Fellows Hymowitz Rice, they’ll help identify the parties that are legally liable for your losses and hold them accountable.
Maximizing Your Bike Accident Payout: Dos and Don'ts
To improve your chances of receiving a fair settlement after a bicycle accident in New City, it’s essential to know what to do — and what not to do.
Do:
Keep a Detailed Record of Your Expenses: Make it a point to track your medical bills, lost wages, and other costs.
Refrain From Making Statements to Your Insurance Company: Wait for your lawyer's guidance before talking to an insurance adjuster or representative.
Don’t:
Admit Fault: It's important to avoid admitting liability, even if you think you were partially to blame.
Sign Any Documents Without a Lawyer's Review: Insurance companies may try to pressure you into accepting a settlement that doesn’t reflect your true losses.
Talk to the Other Party's Insurance Company: Their representatives may try to get you to say something that could harm your case.
When in doubt, it’s best to speak with your attorney before making comments on the record or taking official action to advance your claim.
Why Choose Fellows Hymowitz Rice for Your New City Bicycle Accident Case?
Our New City bicycle accident lawyers have a proven track record of successfully representing bike accident victims and securing fair compensation for their injuries. We understand the challenges you’re likely facing after a bicycle accident, and we’re committed to upholding your rights and helping you overcome legal challenges.
Here's why you should choose our firm:
Unmatched Experience: Our lawyers boast extensive experience handling bicycle accident cases and are intimately familiar with New York's complex transportation laws.
Proven Track Record of Success: We have a history of securing favorable settlements and verdicts for our clients.
Personalized and Compassionate Service: We understand the physical and emotional toll a bicycle accident can take, and we treat each client with empathy and respect.
Free Case Review: We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and answer any questions you may have.
Trust our New City bicycle accident lawyers to build a strong case for you and relentlessly pursue the financial support you need to deal with the effects of your injuries.
Rob Fellows is more than just a lawyer; he's a seasoned advocate and a respected leader in the legal community. With over 40 years of experience, he's earned a reputation for meticulous preparation, unwavering advocacy, and a genuine commitment to his clients.
Steve Hymowitz is a champion for the underdog, specializing in medical malpractice and construction accident cases. He’s known for his warmth and unwavering dedication, relentlessly pursuing justice for those who feel powerless against insurance companies.
Matthew brings an unparalleled level of energy and drive to every case, earning a reputation for achieving exceptional results. He goes beyond financial wins, building deep connections with clients and becoming a trusted advisor during their most difficult times.
Joanne Horowitz is a skilled legal strategist and a strong advocate for those facing injuries due to negligence, construction accidents, and medical malpractice.
Fellows Hymowitz Rice is your local personal injury law firm, serving communities like New City, Manhattan, The Bronx, Queens, and Westchester with outstanding legal knowledge and unwavering advocacy.
Stand Up for Your Rights — Get a Free Consultation Now
Your accident doesn’t have to define your future. Schedule a free consultation with an experienced New City bike accident attorney from Fellows Hymowitz Rice today and put a professional in your corner in the fight for fair compensation.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
