Manhattan Bike Accident Lawyer

Whether it is for exercise, getting to work, or even just a bit of fresh air, there are many good reasons to travel Manhattan by bike. Unfortunately, bikes also have their fair share of shortcomings. When you are on a bike, you do not have the same degree of protection from harm that you might have if you were the driver or occupant of a car, truck, or bus. Cars and trucks protect passengers with a durable metal frame, but bicyclists have nowhere near this level of protection.

When bike riders are involved in accidents, their chances of being seriously injured are often greater than they might be if they were using another mode of transportation. Hopefully, you will never be injured in a Manhattan bike accident. However, if you are, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. A Manhattan bike accident attorney at Shulman & Hill can help you pursue compensation in these instances.

Manhattan Bike Accident Cases: What You Need to Know

Bike accidents are relatively common in Manhattan. More bike accidents happen every year in Manhattan than in any other New York City borough.

Manhattan bike accidents have many potential causes. They include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Distracted driving. The widespread use of smartphones has caused an increase in accidents resulting from distracted driving.
• Aggressive driving. If you ride a bike in New York City, you are likely aware that some drivers are irrationally frustrated by the fact that they must share the road with bicyclists. This sometimes causes them to force bicyclists out of bike lanes or otherwise drive aggressively when in the presence of bicyclists.
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Vehicle defects
• Hazardous road conditions
• Hazardous weather conditions
• Failure to see bicyclists. Because bikes are smaller than cars, some drivers don’t see them in their blind spots.

Manhattan Bike Accidents: Dangerous Intersections

It is possible to be injured in a bike accident virtually anywhere in Manhattan. However, statistics indicate some intersections are more dangerous than others. Intersections where Manhattan bike accidents are particularly common include:

• Sixth Avenue and West 23rd Street
• Third Avenue and East 13th Street
• Chrystie Street and Delancey Street
• St. Nicholas Avenue and West 141st Street
• Allen Street and East Houston Street

Remember these intersections the next time you are riding a bike in Manhattan. If you can avoid them, it may be wise to do so.

The Aftermath of a Manhattan Bike Accident

Since you do not have the protection a car or larger vehicle offers when you are on a bike, the injuries you may sustain in a Manhattan bike accident could be more serious. These injuries may very likely require medical treatment. Along with immediate treatment for your injuries, you may need ongoing care or rehabilitation.

This can be costly. If your injuries prevent you from returning to work until you have fully recovered, your decrease in income can make your financial situation even worse. Aside from your financial losses, you may face debilitating pain and suffering that affect your day-to-day activities.

How Our Bike Accident Law Firm in the Manhattan Area Can Help

Hiring personal injury lawyers near Manhattan to represent you in the aftermath of a bike accident is a wise idea. We can help in the following specific ways:

Determining Who May Be Responsible for Compensating You

Following a bike accident, it is important to consult with legal experts who understand the intricacies of a bicycle accident case. For example, even determining who may have been responsible may require conducting a thorough investigation.

It is not always the case that the party responsible for causing an accident is another driver. For instance, Manhattan bike accidents can happen because the government agency responsible for addressing hazardous road conditions failed to do so. An accident may occur if the manufacturer of your bicycle (or the vehicle that struck you) overlooked a defect. Or it may turn out that the operator of the vehicle that struck you was working for someone else at the time.

Our Manhattan bike accident lawyers can investigate the circumstances to determine who those parties are.

Determining Potential Compensation

You may be entitled to compensation for various losses beyond the cost of medical treatment. In addition to out-of-pocket medical expenses, personal injury damages can include past and future pain and suffering, past loss of earnings, and anticipated future losses. The experts at our bike accident law firm in the Manhattan area can review your injuries and losses and fight for a fair settlement that covers the full extent of the harm you may have suffered.

Negotiating

If you file a claim or lawsuit without enlisting the help of Manhattan bike accident attorneys, you may quickly find that collecting compensation can be a challenge. In some instances, the negligent party’s insurer may not want to compensate you fairly. After all, the goal of some insurance companies is to pay out as little as possible.

Be aware that you do not need to correspond with the negligent party’s insurer or attorneys directly. They may not always have your long-term health and safety in mind.

Let us handle all correspondence with the insurers, attorneys, doctors, and all other relevant parties. We have the experience necessary to negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf.

Why Choose Shulman & Hill?

At Shulman & Hill, we apply an aggressive but meticulous approach that has helped our personal injury lawyers near Manhattan secure millions of dollars in compensation for our various clients over the years. To learn more about what we can do for you, call us today at (555) 555-5555 or schedule a free legal consultation. You will only pay for our services if you win your case.