New York City Bike Accident Lawyer

Biking is a popular means of navigating New York City for many reasons. Along with maintaining good health, opting to ride a bike instead of relying on another transportation option is good for the environment. Unfortunately, bikes also have their flaws.

It is very important that bicyclists exercise caution on the road. Because they do not have the metal frame of a car, truck, or other vehicle protecting them, the chances of a bicyclist being seriously injured are often greater.

It is particularly important to emphasize caution and safety in a busy environment like New York City. Unfortunately, even if you take steps to stay safe and avoid hazards, it is still possible to be injured in a New York City bike accident. If the occurred due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. To learn more, review your case with one of our dedicated New York City bike accident lawyers at Shulman & Hill. Our legal consultations are free.

New York City Bike Accidents: Important Information

The rate of bike accidents in New York City has been on the decline in recent years, likely because of the city implementing infrastructure changes designed to keep bicyclists safe.

However, in a place like New York City, the risk of being injured in a bike accident is relatively high when compared to less-crowded rural areas. Bicyclists are also at a greater risk of sustaining a serious injury in an accident compared to drivers or occupants of other vehicles. 

Why New York City Bike Accidents Happen

The potential causes of a New York City bike accident are numerous and wide-ranging. The following are merely some noteworthy examples:

• A driver (whether intentionally or unintentionally) blocked the bike lane
• A driver failed to yield the right of way
• A driver was distracted. Due to trends like the rising popularity of smartphones, this problem is becoming increasingly common
• A driver was intoxicated
• A driver was speeding
• A driver did not see the bicyclist. Because bikes are much smaller than other vehicles, it is not uncommon for New York City bike accidents to occur because drivers fail to notice bicyclists on the road

It is important to keep in mind that other drivers are not necessarily always responsible for causing New York City bike accidents. For example, you might be injured in an accident if you encounter hazardous conditions on the road. If the government agency responsible for maintaining it was negligent, they may be held liable for the accident. Additionally, an accident might be the result of a defect in the bike or another vehicle. In this instance, the manufacturer would likely be considered responsible.

Injuries New York City Bike Accidents May Cause

Injuries you might sustain in a New York City bike accident include, but are not limited to, the following: 

Spinal Cord Injuries

These types of injuries are likely to result in a lifetime of pain and suffering and often require physical therapy, pain management treatment, and even surgical intervention. Spinal cord injuries can also result in paralysis.

Cuts, Abrasions, and Road Rash

These types of injuries are less likely than others to have a permanent effect on a bike accident victim’s quality of life. However, they can still cause significant pain and other health issues for a period of time.

Broken Bones

Since bicyclists do not have the benefit of a car or truck protecting them, your odds of fracturing or breaking a bone in a New York City bike accident are relatively high.

Head Trauma

You likely already know it is extremely important to wear a helmet while riding a bike anywhere. While helmets offer some protection, no form of protective gear is guaranteed to be 100 percent effective. If you suffer head trauma during a bike accident, you may face struggles like impaired cognition and memory issues.

The Consequences of New York City Bike Accident Injuries

The above examples are only a small sampling of the types of injuries a bike accident can leave you with. Such injuries usually require medical treatment. They can also limit your ability to perform work-related tasks. If you cannot work, you may not be able to earn a steady income. This can make it difficult to keep up with medical bills and other day-to-day expenses.

Depending on the circumstances, you might also be entitled to compensation for losses that are not strictly financial. This can include pain, suffering, diminished quality of life, and more. You will likely have a better chance of collecting compensation for these losses if you coordinate with a personal injury law firm in New York City.

How Our Bike Accident Law Firm in New York City Can Help

Determining whose negligence may have caused your New York City bike accident often requires conducting a thorough investigation. Remember, while another driver may be the negligent party, there are instances when this is not the case. We can leverage our experience and resources to ensure we have accurately determined the potentially liable parties. We can also consider all your various losses and struggles resulting from the accident to help you pursue a fair amount of compensation for your accident.

The next step often involves filing a lawsuit against the negligent party. However, insurance companies often respond to these claims by trying to find justifications to offer less compensation or deny them altogether. This is another reason that hiring a personal injury lawyer in New York City can be immensely helpful.

Why Choose Shulman & Hill?

We understand that choosing a New York City bike accident lawyer can be challenging. Most lawyers want your business and some may even make empty promises to do so. 

We operate on a contingency-based model at Shulman & Hill. This means that we can review your case for free and we will not be paid unless we are able to secure compensation on your behalf.

At Shulman & Hill, we have a long proven track record of success helping injured clients throughout New York City. Call us today at 212.221.1000 to schedule a free legal consultation at our Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, or Queens office.