Bronx Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Skilled Bicycle Accident Lawyers In The Bronx
Cycling is an ideal method of transportation throughout New York, especially during rush hour when the roads can become congested. Bikes are not only a greener option than cars but they also provide riders with exercise and fresh air while getting to their destination faster than if they were driving. No matter your age, biking around the Bronx offers numerous benefits as it promotes eco-friendly practices and keeps you healthy at any stage of life. However, populated cities like the Bronx are also very susceptible to bicycle accidents.
Despite the many advantages of traveling by bicycle in a bustling urban area, careless motorists can pose a great danger. If you have had an unfortunate accident with another person’s carelessness or recklessness at fault, you may be entitled to compensation through the New York civil court. At Rosenberg & Rodriguez, our team of Bronx bicycle accident lawyers are here to help make sure that justice is served and provide you with what is rightfully yours – all while keeping your best interests top of mind. Schedule a free case evaluation today so we can discuss the details surrounding your collision and how it has affected your life since then.
What To Do After A Bicycle Accident In The Bronx
Experiencing a bicycle accident can be an extremely traumatic experience, but it’s important to remain calm and adhere to the correct protocol after such an incident. The most urgent step that should be taken is seeking medical attention – this needs to take precedence over all else. It may take some time before any signs of injury or pain arise due to being in shock from the trauma. Taking prompt medical action is key to beginning your physical healing process, and it can provide an invaluable record of the extent of your injuries which might be necessary further down the road. Aside from immediate medical attention, here are some additional steps you should consider taking after a bike accident in the Bronx:
Gather Evidence
Gather as much evidence as possible at the crash site to solidify your case. This includes taking photos of relevant items like cars, road signs and lights, weather conditions, etc. Additionally, obtain information from other drivers involved in the accident along with any witnesses or passengers. Doing this will build a strong foundation for success when processing your settlement.
File A Police Report
In the event of a car accident, it is absolutely essential to contact the police. In New York, if there are no physical injuries and property damage does not exceed $1,000 dollars then you don’t have to report the incident. On the contrary, in all other cases – which includes any property damage higher than one thousand dollars as well as minor or severe bodily harm – legally speaking you must inform law enforcement about what transpired.
Contact A Bronx Bicycle Accident Lawyer
After being involved in a bicycle accident, you should consider seeking the counsel of an experienced and trusted bicycle accident lawyer in the Bronx. Your legal representative can assist you with filing your personal injury claim to guarantee that you get the compensation due to you.
Keep Copies Of Your Bills And Records
Streamline managing your medical history and expenses by collecting all of your receipts and bills in one accessible location. Having records of costs associated with treatments, therapies, drugs, equipment and additional treatment-related charges helps make paperwork simpler to manage over time.
Common Causes Of Bicycle Accidents In The Bronx
Drivers have a responsibility to those on the road, including other drivers, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians. When these duties of care are not observed by motorists resulting in an accident involving another party such as a bicyclist, they may be held liable for any damages or injuries that occur. Generally speaking, when a car driver is at fault for an incident with a cyclist it’s due to negligence stemming from behaviors like:
- Driver fails to yield to a bicyclist at an intersection
- Motor vehicle turns left or right directly in front of a bicyclist
- Distracted or reckless driving near a bicyclist
- A motorist tailgates a bicyclist
- A Motorist fails to properly share the road with bicyclists
- A motorist opening a door into the path of an oncoming bicyclist
- A Motorist driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Injuries From Bicycle Accidents In The Bronx
Residents of the Bronx who ride bicycles are among those most likely to suffer grave and potentially fatal consequences in traffic accidents. With less protection from other vehicles than cars or trucks, cyclists are particularly susceptible to critical or deadly injuries that can change their lives forever. Potential bicycle accident injuries experienced by those living in the Bronx include:
- Bones that break or are crushed, particularly compound fractures require surgical intervention;
- Severe cuts and wounds from road rash when a cyclist’s body meets the pavement;
- Joint dislocations;
- Crushed arms and legs that doctors sometimes need to amputate;
- Internal organ damage, bleeding, and other injuries;
- Head injuries, which can lead to traumatic brain injuries (TBI), particularly among those who aren’t wearing bike helmets;
- Neck and back injuries can leave bike accident victims with lifelong chronic pain; and
- Spinal cord injuries can lead to permanent paralysis in some or all of the body
Understanding The Bicycle Laws In New York
In New York State, bicycles are considered vehicles and are subject to the same rules of the road as other vehicles. Here are some of the key laws that apply to bicyclists in New York:
- Helmets: While not required for all riders, all bicyclists under the age of 14 must wear an approved helmet.
- Riding on the right: Bicyclists must ride as close to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway as is practical, except when passing, making a left turn, avoiding hazards, or when the lane is too narrow to share with a vehicle.
- Traffic laws: Bicyclists must obey all traffic signals and signs, and must use hand signals when turning or stopping.
- Lights and reflectors: Bicycles must be equipped with a white headlight and red taillight that are visible from at least 500 feet away, as well as reflectors on the pedals, rear, and sides.
- Riding with headphones: It is illegal to wear more than one earphone or earbud while riding a bicycle.
- DUI laws: Bicyclists can be charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) if they are found to be operating a bicycle while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
- Bike lanes: Bicyclists are encouraged to use bike lanes when they are available, but are not required to do so. However, when riding in a bike lane, bicyclists must use it in the direction of traffic.
It’s important to note that these laws are subject to change and can vary by locality, so it’s always a good idea to check your local laws and regulations for any additional requirements or restrictions.
Most Dangerous Intersections In The Bronx
According to the New York City Department of Transportation’s “Vision Zero” initiative, which aims to reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities, the following intersections in the Bronx were identified as some of the most dangerous:
- East Fordham Road and Webster Avenue
- Southern Boulevard and East 170th Street
- Webster Avenue and East Gun Hill Road
- East 149th Street and Grand Concourse
- East Tremont Avenue and Webster Avenue
- Grand Concourse and East 167th Street
- White Plains Road and East Gun Hill Road
- East Tremont Avenue and Southern Boulevard
- Grand Concourse and East Fordham Road
- White Plains Road and East 225th Street
It’s important to note that these are just a few of the intersections that have been identified as high-risk, and that many other factors can affect safety while cycling, such as weather conditions, road surface quality, and cyclist behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are My Rights And Duties As a Cyclist In New York?
Cyclists in New York, particularly those located in the Bronx, must obey all laws that motorists abide by. Additionally, cyclists are also provided with certain privileges as part of their road rules. These rights and exemptions vary from location to location so it’s important for riders to know what applies where they’ll be cycling before hitting the pavement.
For instance, cyclists are not authorized to traverse on interstates or expressways. All traffic control devices must be followed and turning signals used even when they ride on the road, in a bike line, or on a shared-use path. In New York City, violating these rules can result in receiving a traffic ticket and parents may be held accountable for their children’s violations of the law.
What’s The Average Bicycle Accident Claim Worth?
When dealing with a bicycle accident, the insurer and your lawyer may have contrasting ideas of what is equitable for your claim. Insurance companies typically aim to settle cases at the lowest cost possible without any consideration for the injured individual’s wellbeing. On the other hand, attorneys are determined to ensure that you get each penny owed to you in damages. There isn’t an exact formula used when deciding how much money should be rewarded as economic loss; however, non-economic losses must also be taken into account during this process.
- Economic loss includes medical bills, lost wages, lost benefits, lost retirement benefits, and other types of loss that are easily quantifiable.
- Non-economic loss includes the physical injury from your bicycle accident and the emotional suffering that you endure due to that injury.
While physical pain and suffering can be difficult to endure, the psychological torment that many experiences after a catastrophic injury is often far worse. Unfortunately, attorneys and insurance companies are unable to quantify these losses; thus, they seek counsel from medical professionals or other experts who specialize in this area so as to ensure fair compensation for their client’s emotional distress.
Can I Sue The City Of New York If A Road Defect Caused My Accident?
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident in The Bronx due to the city’s negligence, then you are legally able to sue New York City. However, it is important that strict requirements for filing an injury claim be followed – this includes submitting a Notice of Claim within 90 days post-accident and allowing 30 days for the City to request a preliminary hearing.
Acting quickly is in your best interest if you want to pursue a lawsuit against the city. You have 15 months from the day of your injury to file both a notice and suit, so time is of utmost importance! Consult our Bronx bicycle injury attorneys as soon as possible for sound legal advice that will help you build an airtight case. Don’t delay, contact Rosenberg & Rodriguez today to learn more.
What Are The Statute Of Limitations For Bicycle Accidents In The Bronx?
New Yorkers have a three-year window to take legal action for an injury caused by negligence. If you were in a bicycle accident, your suit must be filed within three years of the incident—courts are unlikely to accept any claims presented after that timeframe has passed. Don’t delay; remember: statutes of limitation are rigorously enforced. Although exceptions can arise, it is still vital that you take legal action within the allotted three-year window. If your claim involves New York City, please be aware that there are shortened deadlines for filing a lawsuit. Your Bronx motorcycle accident lawyer will make sure to adhere to these rules and help ensure you receive any compensation due to your injuries.
Contact Our Bronx Bicycle Accident Lawyers Today
Insurance companies may attempt to bully cyclists into taking the blame for an accident in order to lower their payout. But don’t be fooled by these baseless accusations! Fight back and let our experienced Bronx bicycle accident lawyers at Rosenberg & Rodriguez help you stand up for what is rightfully yours. Contact our office today and receive a complimentary consultation on how we can assist you in recovering your rightful compensation – don’t hesitate any longer!