According to data from the New York City Department of Transportation, there were 4,397 bicyclists injured in 2017. It is no surprise that the majority of bike accidents occurred in Manhattan and Brooklyn. New York City also saw 24 bicycle fatalities in 2017. 10 of these fatal accidents occurred in Brooklyn.
What You Should Do After a Bike Accident
If you are involved in a bicycle accident, do not admit fault. Even if you truly believe that you caused the accident, an investigation can reveal otherwise. You may not remember all the details of the accident in the moments immediately following it. You may be in a state of shock. However, if you admit fault immediately, you limit your chances of receiving fair compensation and damages to aid in your recovery.
First, stay calm and call 911. If you’re physically able, talk to witnesses around the area and collect their contact information if they allow it – this will help your attorney collect witness testimony later. Make sure the driver stays at the scene. Collect his or her insurance information.
Make sure you obtain a copy of the accident report from the police officer, as well as the officer’s information for follow-up. Visit the hospital and collect documentation of your injuries. Contact a seasoned New York City bike crash attorney to discuss the facts of the case and begin filing your lawsuit.
If you were not able to collect all this information immediately following the accident, don’t worry. Our skilled team at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff, & Wolff, LLP, holds decades of experience in investigating bicycle accident cases, collecting evidence and interviewing appropriate witnesses and involved parties.
Our top bicycle accident attorneys are here to help you through this process – so don’t hesitate to call today. Contact Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff, & Wolff, LLP, online to schedule a free, confidential consultation today. If you are unable to visit our New York City offices, we will gladly travel to your home or hospital room for maximum convenience.
How Do Bicycle Accidents Occur in NYC?
Many traffic crashes between motor vehicles and bicycles are caused by driver negligence. Bicycle accidents can occur when drivers fail to:
- Yield to bicyclists the same as motor vehicles, without underestimating their speed, to avoid turning in front of a bicyclist
- Search vehicle surroundings for bicycles and other vehicles at stop signs, in parking lots, and when backing up
- Look to the right and behind when turning right on red to avoid hitting a bicyclist approaching from the rear
- Avoid passing too closely to a bicycle
- Obey the speed limit, reduce speed to be safe for road conditions, and drive defensively to avoid a crash
In all of these cases, the vehicle driver is liable for any and all damages incurred as a result of your accident.
Common Bike Collision Injuries
Bicycle accidents are inherently more dangerous than automobile accidents due to the lack of safety measures involved. The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) reports that 840 cyclists were killed in crashes in a recent year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in a crash between a bike and a motor vehicle, the cyclist is most likely to be injured.
Due to the vulnerability of cyclists and lack of protections compared to automobiles, bike accidents can result in serious or catastrophic injuries, including:
Fortunately, in most cases, your medical expenses after a bicycle crash with a motor vehicle should be covered under the driver’s no-fault insurance policy immediately after the accident.
How Many Bicycle Accidents Occur in New York City?
The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) reports a total of 4,378 crashes between bicycles and motor vehicles citywide in 2017. These accidents caused:
- 4,397 bicyclist injuries
- 24 bicyclist fatalities
- 33 motor vehicle occupant injuries
- 0 motor vehicle occupant fatalities
In addition to bike accidents involving motor vehicles, there were 245 single-bike crashes citywide in 2017, causing 221 bicyclist injuries and one fatality. A total of 365 crashes between bicycles and pedestrians accounted for 315 pedestrian injuries, one pedestrian fatality, 88 bicyclist injuries, and no bicyclist fatalities. Citywide, there were 63 crashes between bicycles that caused 99 bicyclist injuries and no fatalities.
Best New York City Bicycle Accident Attorneys
In whatever manner they occur, bicycle accidents can cause serious injuries with long-term effects and requiring extensive medical treatment. If you suffered an injury in a bicycle accident, contact the best bicycle accident attorney at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP – we will fight for the compensation you deserve. Schedule your free consultation today and start the road to maximum recovery. For a free review of your case, call Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP today at 212-344-1000 or contact us online.