Long Island offers miles of country roads and tree-lined streets on which bicyclists can spend pleasant afternoons enjoying the scenery. While New York State has laws to protect cyclists from negligent drivers, not every motorist adheres to these regulations.
If you've been in a bike accident, you're probably hurting, stressed, and wondering whether you might be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering.
That's where we come in. At William Mattar Law Offices, we've been helping cyclists like you for years. We know the drill, your rights, and how to get you what you deserve.
If you're looking for a bicycle accident lawyer who gets it after a Long Island accident – someone who'll fight for you and help you get back on your feet and bike – give us a call. Let's talk about how we can help you move forward.
Why Trust William Mattar Law Offices for Your Long Island Bicycle Accident Case?
After a bicycle accident that causes serious personal injuries, you need a dedicated ally.
At William Mattar Law Offices, our bicycle accident lawyers understand what you're going through after a Long Island bicycle accident and are here to stand by your side every step of the way.
- 24/7 Availability: We understand that the aftermath of a bicycle accident can be overwhelming. We're here to listen to your story and address your concerns 24/7.
- We Know Your Rights: We’ve been helping clients throughout New York since 1990. You can trust that we have the knowledge and resources to fight for maximum compensation for pain and suffering.
- Your Financial Peace of Mind: Your recovery should be your top priority, not worrying about legal fees. We offer a free initial consultation and our No Fee Until We Win policy. You won't pay us any legal fees unless you recover compensation for pain and suffering. .
- Our Team Becomes Your Team: Our attorneys work tirelessly to build a strong case for you. We'll handle paperwork, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for your rights, allowing you to focus on your health and well-being.
- Proven Track Record: We've helped thousands of clients secure optimal financial outcomes for their claims. Our testimonials showcase numerous satisfied former clients who've achieved significant settlements and awards with our assistance.
We're not just your lawyers, but also your advocates.. With William Mattar Law Offices, you're not just a case number—you're treated like a person who needs help.
Choose us and experience the difference a bicycle accident lawyer serving Long Island can make in your case.
What Should You Do After Being Hit While Riding Your Bike?
After a vehicle hits you, make your safety paramount. Once you are in a safe place and out of harm’s way, it is generally a good idea to contact the police.
The at-fault motorist must provide name, residence, and insurance information. Police officers may request information about injuries incurred, eyewitness reports, and the circumstances giving rise to the accident.
Following a bicycle crash, consider seeking legal assistance as soon as possible so that investigative efforts can start immediately. Some evidence, such as surveillance footage from nearby businesses, can spoil within a few weeks of the accident.
Our experienced bicycle accident lawyers are ready to help. We can consult with you about the accident and begin working on your case if retained as your attorney.
If you’re looking for a bicycle accident lawyer after a Long Island accident,you can trust that the attorneys at William Mattar Law Offices have the experience and knowledge to help after a bike accident.
Bicycle Accident Statistics in New York
New York's cycling landscape is vibrant and growing, with over 610,000 daily cycling trips. Approximately 2 million New Yorkers—30% of the adult population—ride bikes, and about 902,000 do so regularly, according to statistics.
The city has responded to this trend by expanding its cycling infrastructure. New York now boasts 1,525 miles of bike lanes, including 644 miles of protected lanes or paths, demonstrating a commitment to accommodating the increasing number of cyclists.
However, safety concerns persist despite these improvements. Recent years have seen challenging periods for cyclist safety, with fatality rates reaching concerning levels. Many of these accidents have involved electric bicycles, highlighting new risks associated with evolving transportation technologies.
New York State Bicycle Laws, Rules, and Regulations
Understanding New York's bicycle laws and regulations is important for cyclists involved in accidents, especially when they believe they weren't at fault. This knowledge serves multiple purposes. It helps establish the cyclist's compliance with the law, strengthening their case and potentially protecting them from unwarranted blame.
It also aids in identifying any violations by other parties involved in the accident, which could be critical in determining liability. Furthermore, this information is valuable when dealing with insurance claims, legal proceedings, or countering accusations from other parties.
In New York, cyclists have many of the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. They must follow all traffic laws, signs, signals, and road markings. As noted by New York Vehicle and Traffic Law section 1231:
"Every person riding a bicycle or skating or gliding on in-line skates upon a roadway shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this title, except as to special regulations in this article and except as to those provisions of this title which by their nature can have no application."
Some general principles may include:
- Traffic Rules: Stop at red lights and stop signs, yield to pedestrians, and follow lane markings.
- Road Position: Ride on the right side, with traffic flow.
- Bike Lanes: Use bike lanes when available, except when preparing to turn or avoiding hazards or obstacles.
- Safety Practices: No clinging to other vehicles. Maximum one earphone while riding. Keep at least one hand on handlebars. Sit on a permanent seat, feet on pedals. Don't exceed the bike's designed passenger capacity.
- Signaling: Use hand signals for turns, slowing, and stopping. Can use either hand for right turns.
Common Causes of Bike Accidents on Long Island, NY
While Long Island offers many scenic routes for cycling, accidents can happen.
Here's a breakdown of some frequent causes, many involving negligence by other road users:
- Distracted Driving: Texting, using GPS, or other distractions can cause drivers to miss bicyclists sharing the road.
- Speeding: Excessive speed gives drivers less reaction time, heightening the risk of crashes with cyclists.
- Failure to Yield: Accidents occur when drivers don't yield the right of way to cyclists at intersections or while turning.
- Dooring: Car doors opening unexpectedly can cause cyclists to swerve and crash.
- DUI/DWI: Drivers under the influence are more likely to cause accidents due to impaired judgment and slower reflexes.
- Poor Road Conditions: Hazards like potholes, cracks, and debris can make cyclists lose control.
- Inadequate Bike Infrastructure: A lack of designated bike lanes, or poorly designed ones, can increase conflicts between cyclists and motorists.
Long Island Bicycle Accident Injuries
Because of the nature of bicycle accidents, bicyclists can suffer catastrophic injuries after being hit by a vehicle.
A few common types of bicycle accident injuries include:
- Bone fractures and multiple broken bones: Cyclists are vulnerable to impacts from all angles, which can lead to fractures in various parts of the body. Common areas include arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones. Multiple fractures can occur in high-impact collisions, potentially leading to long recovery periods and sometimes permanent mobility issues.
- Dental injuries: Falls or direct impacts to the face can result in broken, chipped, or lost teeth. These injuries often require expensive dental work and can affect a person's appearance and self-esteem.
- Head and neck trauma: These are among the most serious injuries in bicycle accidents. They can range from concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Even with helmet use, the force of impact can cause significant damage. Neck injuries may include whiplash, muscle strains, or more severe spinal cord issues.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, affecting a person's ability to move and feel below the point of injury. These injuries often require lifelong care and can dramatically alter a person's quality of life.
- Lacerations: Cuts and abrasions are common in bicycle accidents. While some may be minor, deep lacerations can lead to significant blood loss, nerve damage, or infections. They may also leave permanent scars.
Injury victims can be left with overwhelming emotional and physical pain. They can also incur significant medical bills and loss of income, some of which may not be covered by no-fault car insurance. Some accident victims may even require long-term medical care and rehabilitation that adds to their expenses.
The good news is that a bicycle accident attorney can help you pursue compensation for these expenses after a Long Island crash.
Types of Compensation Available in Your Bike Accident Case
If your bicycle accident seriously injured you, you may recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses: This includes costs related to your emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and any future medical care necessary due to your accident injuries. Some limited medical expenses may be covered by no-fault insurance, but medical expenses in excess of “basic economic loss” can be recoverable in a third-party action against the at-fault motorist
- Lost Income: If you cannot work due to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income, including future lost earning capacity, if your injuries result in a permanent disability. Some limited loss of income may be covered by no-fault insurance, but lost income in excess of “basic economic loss” can be recoverable in a third-party action against the at-fault motorist.
- Pain and suffering: This category of compensation covers the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish you experienced as a result of the accident and your injuries.
- Property damage: You can seek compensation for the cost of repairing or replacing your bicycle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
- Punitive damages: In rare cases where the at-fault party's actions were particularly egregious or intentional, punitive damages may punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct.
The specific amount of compensation available to you will depend on the unique circumstances of your case, taking into account factors such as the severity of your injuries, the extent of your damages, and the liability of the parties involved.
The time limit for filing a bicycle accident claim in Long Island, NY, is generally three years from the accident. This falls under the personal injury statute of limitations in New York, outlined in CPLR §214. That being said, every case is unique. For example, if the at-fault motorist was working on behalf of a municipality there may be a 90-day notice of claim requirement and then a shortened statute of limitations period of about one year and ninety days. Every case is unique; an experienced attorney can review the unique circumstances and provide accurate advice.
Wrongful Death After a Long Island Bicycle Accident
If a loved one tragically died due to a bicycle accident, the estate, through an appointed legal representative, may be entitled to seek compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit. These accidents, often caused by another's negligence, can devastate families.
Wrongful death lawsuits aim to hold the responsible party accountable and provide some financial security for surviving family members. These lawsuits can recover compensation for various damages, including:
- Loss of financial support: This includes income the deceased would have earned and benefits they would have provided.
- Medical and funeral expenses: Compensation can cover medical bills accrued before death and funeral costs.
- Loss of parental guidance: If the deceased was a parent, this recognizes the loss of care, guidance, and love for minor children.
Taking Action After a Wrongful Death
The legal process after a wrongful death includes:
- Contact a wrongful death lawyer experienced in Long Island bicycle accidents. An attorney can advise you on your legal rights and guide you through the lawsuit process.
- Gather evidence of the accident. This may include police reports, witness statements, and medical records.
- Preserve any damaged property. This could be the bicycle or the at-fault vehicle involved in the accident.
The statute of limitations in New York for wrongful death lawsuits is generally two years from the date of death. It's important to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you meet all deadlines and maximize your chances of compensation.
Establishing Liability in Long Island, NY Bicycle Accidents
Determining fault in a Long Island bicycle accident follows New York's pure comparative negligence law. This means both the cyclist and the motorist can be held liable for a portion of the damages, depending on their degree of fault in the accident.
Here's how liability can be established:
- Proving Negligence: The injured cyclist (or their representative) must prove the motorist acted negligently, meaning they failed to exercise reasonable care. This could involve disobeying traffic laws, driving distracted, or speeding.
- Demonstrating Damages: The cyclist must show they suffered injuries and financial losses due to the accident. This involves medical records, lost wages, and other relevant documentation.
- Sharing Fault: The court assigns a percentage of fault to each party based on the evidence. Factors considered include actions leading to the accident, traffic violations, and adherence to safety rules.
Talk to a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
You deserve maximum compensation if you have been injured in a Long Island bicycle accident.
Contact William Mattar Law Offices today at 844-444-4444 to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys. You can also complete our online consultation form, and we will contact you regarding your case.