Fatal Bicycle Accidents
Drivers share New York’s roadways with an increasing number of bicyclists.
Couriers, restaurant deliverers, and gig workers use bikes to do their jobs. Bicycles provide cost-efficient transportation for commuters working in New York City, Albany, Buffalo, and other cities throughout the state.
In its recent “Cycling In The City” update, the New York City Department of Transportation documents a 26% increase in daily cycling between 2014 and 2019 in New York City. This includes an estimated 530,000 bicycle trips per day. Each year, Citi Bike and other rental services provide bikes and e-bikes for millions of single-ride, day-pass, and member trips. Bike rental services maintain fleets in NYC and other cities across the state.
While a bike rider may share the road with motor-vehicle operators, differences in size and speed put a bicyclist at risk of serious injury. A careless, distracted, or otherwise negligent motorist can cause a fatal bicycle accident, even while driving slowly.
When a motor-vehicle operator crashes into a bicyclist, the driver of the car has a clear safety advantage. A minor impact can send a bicyclist airborne or to the pavement, causing serious injuries. While the injured biker seeks treatment for life-threatening wounds, the negligent driver may well leave the accident scene unscathed.
Many injured bicyclists eventually recover, although some must manage lifelong disabilities. Others sadly have no chance of survival, not even with advanced medical care, leading to endless grief, extensive medical bills, and ongoing financial challenges.
How Often Does Serious Injury or Death Occur After a Bicycle Accidents ?
According to the Center for Diseases Control, nearly 1,000 bicyclists die and over 130,000 are injured in crashes that occur on roads. In New York thousands of bicyclists are injured in motor vehicle collisions each year. Crashes had “human factors” which included aggressive driving/road rage, alcohol involvement, cell phone use, and driver inattention or distraction.
William Mattar, P.C., Can Help After a Bicycle Accident
If you are injured while riding a bicycle, or lose a loved one due to a fatal bicycle accident, the grief can be overwhelming. You won’t always have the presence of mind to deal with financial, insurance, and legal issues. That’s why it’s important to consult with a law firm that’s committed to helping those injured after car accidents.
The wrongful death attorneys at William Mattar, P.C. can investigate the accident and evaluate any liability issues. When appropriate, our attorneys can deal directly with negligent drivers, their insurers, and their legal representatives. We review the law to determine whether you are entitled to recover damages under the state’s wrongful death statute. Call (844) 444-4444 or submit a form online.
