Bicycle accidents and injuries can occur when you least expect them. While riding your bicycle, you are sharing the road with a large number of motor vehicles. Most of these vehicles are driven by motorists who aren't accustomed to sharing their road space with cyclists. These drivers aren't always paying attention and may not be expecting a cyclist to dart out in front of them. With that said, when a collision occurs, the result is often serious injury or even death.

If you were struck by a car while riding your bike on a New York City street or sidewalk and suffered injuries due to this accident, you might be entitled to compensation from the at-fault party. With the help of our skilled bicycle accident attorneys at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP, you will be able to recover damages for your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses resulting from the injuries sustained in the crash.

Establishing Liability in a Bicycle Accident in New York

Cyclists are more vulnerable than most other road users. They don't have a barrier to protect them from oncoming vehicles, and they're often at a disadvantage when it comes to size and strength. Motorists are responsible for driving carefully and observing all traffic laws. If they fail to slow down for a cyclist, they may be liable for any injuries received in an accident.

While drivers have a duty to exercise reasonable care when on the road, bicyclists have additional responsibilities that may affect the outcome of a case. For example, cyclists must pay attention to all traffic laws and obey rules regarding hand signals and lane use. Cyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic and avoid actions that may distract them from driving. While cyclists usually will not be found equally responsible for an accident, a fault may be apportioned based on the cyclist's actions before or during an accident.

Besides, pedestrians, bicycle manufacturers, and government entities such as road traffic or road maintenance companies can also be responsible for an unfortunate bike crash. In a bicycle accident, liability depends on the circumstances surrounding the crash. Here’s how a bicycle accident attorney in New York City can help you navigate legalities in an event of cyclist accident:

Utilize Thorough Knowledge

If you've been injured in a cycling accident, the last thing you want to be dealing with is insurance companies, lawyers, and the legal system. While it may be tempting to handle the situation yourself, doing so could have lasting and costly consequences. A bicycle accident attorney will have extensive knowledge of local traffic laws and be able to help you get the compensation you deserve. They will know how to handle your case effectively and efficiently without dragging things out.

Evaluate Non-Driver Charges

A bicycle accident involves a variety of variables other than a motorist - any one of them can cause a collision in different circumstances. If you were riding in a bike lane and hit a pothole, the city might be liable for your damages. Pertaining to this, if you tripped over some debris left on the sidewalk, the property owner might be responsible for your injuries, or if your bike malfunctions and causes an accident, the manufacturer of your bike might be liable for your damages. This is where you need an experienced attorney to identify the cause of your accident and determine whether or not fault was involved.

Determine the At-Fault Party

No one is immune to the possibility of being involved in a biking accident, regardless of their experience level or skill. Sometimes an accident is entirely the other person’s fault, but it’s not always as clear-cut as that. When the accident is unclearly faulted — for example, both the motorist and bicyclist didn’t pay attention, took turns being distracted and are involved in a collision, an experienced personal injury attorney can help clarify fault and potentially recover damages.

Obtain Maximum Compensation

Cycling is a gratifying activity for many people. With that said, it is also an inherently risky one. If you are injured in a cycling accident and your bike is damaged, you could sustain severe injuries that may result in financial hardships. Hiring a lawyer to get compensation is the best way to cope with the losses resulting from your accident. Without legal assistance, you could be left with unforetold medical bills and lost wages. Hiring an attorney would be a means of protecting your health and financial stability.

Avoid Legal Pitfalls

The legal system can be tricky and confusing. If you're not familiar with it, then there's a good chance you'll make mistakes that could cost you dearly. A bike accident attorney knows all the ins and outs of the law, so they can help you protect your rights and ensure no details are overlooked. If you don't know where to start, a lawyer will help you determine what type of compensation you're entitled to from the insurance company or the liable party. Since they have years of experience in this area, they will know any legal pitfalls that could affect your case and help you avoid them.

Make Your Recover a Priority

A personal injury attorney will ensure that you get back on track after an accident by helping you collect all available evidence — from medical records to eyewitness accounts — that proves how much money you need for treatment and rehabilitation expenses. If it turns out that your medical bills aren't enough to cover all of your costs, then they will also fight to make sure that you're reimbursed for any extra costs associated with your recovery process.

When Should You Hire A Bicycle Accident Attorney?

If a mishap happens and you are not the one at fault, this does not mean that you don't deserve compensation. Though your health comes first, financial stability is also a necessity. Hiring an attorney sooner after the accident can make a big difference in winning your claim. The following are some scenarios for hiring a bicycle accident attorney:

You Sustained Severe Injuries

A bike crash that results in serious injuries warrants the need for an attorney. Treatment costs and ongoing care for the injuries sustained during the collision or occurrence can quickly become exorbitant. Car insurance companies want to settle claims with as little cost to them as possible, often leaving victims with inadequate compensation after their medical bills are paid. Legal representation when settling claim terms may result in a more substantial settlement amount to cover all costs associated with your injuries.

There Were Multiple Parties Involved

If numerous drivers or cyclists were involved in the accident, it is essential to get legal advice on how each party should be compensated for their losses. This might include recovering medical expenses from both parties’ insurance companies and filing claims against their assets if they had been negligent when driving or operating their bikes. A knowledgeable attorney can help you understand the factors used to determine your compensation amount and how to proceed through the claims process.

Insurance Company Offers a Lowball Settlement

Getting injured in a bike accident can be both physically and mentally agonizing. As you try to make sense of the trauma you've experienced, you must also deal with the insurance company. Injury lawsuits are not an easy process. Insurance companies know this, which they will use to pressure you into settling for less than your claim is worth. They will put every effort into denying your claim. If you don't have a personal injury lawyer working for your recovery, you're at risk of lowball offers from insurance companies who hope you'll give up and settle for less than what your case is worth.

Speak to the Leading NYC Bicycle Accident Lawyers

When a New York City car driver hits you while you were riding your cycle, the results can be catastrophic. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may have to deal with months of rehabilitation. You may need to miss work and also deal with heavy medical bills. The costs associated with an accident like this can put a serious crimp on your everyday finances.

If you are hit by a car while riding your bike, you need an aggressive lawyer on your side who knows how to fight for justice. You don’t want someone who will settle for less than what you deserve or give up on your case because the insurance company is stubborn or uncooperative. At Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP, we are prepared to do whatever it takes to win your case and get you the compensation you deserve.

The firm has over 100 years of combined experience representing cyclists injured in accidents. You can expect an aggressive, responsive attorney to fight for you every step of the way. We know what it takes to win these cases. Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our clients over our long history of practicing personal injury law in New York.

The sooner we begin working on your case, the better our chances are of securing a favorable outcome for you. Call us today at 212-344-1000 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with us.

MANHATTAN LAW OFFICE

122 East 42nd Street Suite 3800
New York, NY 10168

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8900 Sutphin Blvd Suite 501
Queens, NY 11435

Tel: (718) 399-3100

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220-226 E 161st Street
The Bronx, NY 10451

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1002 Dean St
Brooklyn, NY 11238

Tel: (516) 410-4445

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