Content reviewed by:
Alex Shulman
Bicycles are a popular form of transportation in the Bronx and New York City in general. Whether you ride as a commuter, a delivery employee, or simply for exercise, a bike is a great way to get around the city. Unfortunately, like all forms of transportation, biking is not a completely safe method of getting around. When riding a bicycle in a densely populated area like the Bronx, you may be exposed to various hazards like cars, buses, road construction, and even other cyclists. As one might expect, bikes do not have anywhere near the number of safety precautions as a car. As a result, accidents can be severe and potentially life-threatening. If you or a loved one were injured in a bicycle accident, you may be eligible to pursue compensation for your damages. At the very least, you may want to simply ensure that the negligent party that caused the accident does not potentially harm others. If you want to hold the liable party accountable for damages you sustained as a result of the accident they caused, hiring an experienced Bronx personal injury lawyer from Shulman & Hill may be a great option.
Bike Accidents in the Bronx
Even in harsh weather, some New Yorkers still ride bikes every day. From students cycling to school to delivery workers, bicycles are a common mode of transportation in every borough of the city. As one could imagine, bicycle accidents in New York City happen at a more frequent rate than in smaller cities. This is probably due to the city’s large population and heavy traffic. Unfortunately, negligence often plays a part in these accidents in one way or another. Accidents can result in damages to your bicycle, physical injuries, and even death. In these cases, you may have the legal right to petition for financial compensation from a negligent party.
Steps to Take in the Aftermath of a Bicycle Accident in the Bronx
In the aftermath of a bike accident, it is crucial to address your health above all else. If you suffered any injuries, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Not only can this prevent your injuries from exacerbating over time, but it can also create a paper trail that may be helpful in your case. Immediately following your accident, you should take the following steps:
- Contact law enforcement so you can file a formal report with the police.
- Take videos and pictures to document the accident scene.
- Exchange insurance and contact information with other people involved in the accident.
- Obtain the contact information of anyone that was around to witness the accident.
- Seek medical attention and follow your doctor’s orders.
- Take notes of any details you can remember from the accident, your injuries, and how your life has been affected in the aftermath.
- Refrain from making any social media posts.
- Speak with a lawyer prior to signing any documents or speaking with the insurance company.
Bicycle Accident Injuries
As one might expect, bicycle accidents can lead to a wide array of injuries that vary in severity. Injuries one may suffer in a Bronx bicycle accident include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Back injuries
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Fractures and joint injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Organ damage
- Paralysis
- Soft tissue damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Wrongful death
Because bicycles provide less protection than other vehicles, accidents can be quite severe. As a result, injuries can make simple tasks both painful and challenging. In serious cases, you may be unable to work or maintain your normal quality of life. This may make pursuing a case on your own incredibly challenging. At Shulman & Hill, our Bronx team can help you track down medical records, police reports, and other documentation that may be necessary for building a strong personal injury case.
Causes of Bike Accidents in the Bronx Area
The next step in the process is identifying the cause of your bicycle accident. In much the same way that there are a variety of injuries one could suffer from a bicycle accident, there are also a number of things that may have caused it. These causes include:
- Aggressive drivers
- Distracted drivers
- “Dooring” or opening a car door into a cyclist passing down a bike lane
- Vehicles drifting into the bike lane
- Intoxicated drivers
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Illegal or unsafe turns or passing
- Traffic violations
Types of Damages You May Claim After a Bronx Bike Accident
Our attorneys at Shulman & Hill specialize in personal injury cases like bicycle accidents. They can take the time to gather and review the evidence and familiarize themselves with the details of your accident. This allows them to properly negotiate a fair amount of compensation based on your injuries. An attorney can help you pursue compensation for the following reasons:
- Damage to your property
- Disfigurement or scarring
- Future medical care
- Long-term care
- Loss of your loved one (wrongful death cases)
- Lost wages
- Physical therapy
- Reduced abilities
