STEP 1
Compensation for Bicycle Accident Injuries in Queens NY
Bicyclists are particularly vulnerable to accidents and injuries on the road, and when a bicyclist is struck by a car or truck, the consequences can be devastating. Despite having the right to share the streets, bicyclists are often overlooked by drivers and pedestrians. The Injury Group is here to assist if you have been injured in a bicycle crash. With years of experience helping clients injured in such incidents, our team of personal injury attorneys understands the unique challenges bicyclists face and is committed to securing the compensation you deserve.
If you were hit by a motor vehicle while riding a bicycle due to the driver’s negligence, your medical bills, prescriptions, lost wages, and other financial losses should be covered by your insurance provider. However, the compensation available is limited by your policy’s coverage limits and typically does not include compensation for pain and suffering. If you’ve been in a bicycle accident in New York, New Jersey, or Long Island, contact The Injury Group today to learn how much your case is worth.
Types of Bicycle Accident Injuries in NY
Bicycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which can be life-altering. Here are some of the most common types of bicycle accident injuries:
Traumatic brain injuries: These can occur if the bicyclist’s head makes contact with the ground or an object during the accident, resulting in a concussion, skull fracture, or other brain injury.
Spinal cord injuries: These can occur if the bicyclist’s spine is impacted during the accident, resulting in partial or complete paralysis.
Fractures and broken bones: These injuries can happen when the bicyclist’s body is struck by a car or when they fall off their bicycle and hit the ground.
Road rash: This is a type of skin abrasion that occurs when a bicyclist’s skin scrapes against the pavement during an accident.
Soft tissue injuries: These injuries can include damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons, and can be painful and long-lasting.
Internal injuries: These injuries can occur if the bicyclist’s internal organs are impacted during the accident, resulting in internal bleeding or damage to the organs.
Usual Causes of Bicycle Accidents in NY
Bicycling through the metropolitan cities in New York and New Jersey has become so common that many streets have been redesigned to accommodate bicycles. While this is good progress, it doesn’t mean that the risk of accidents has been eliminated. Bicycle accidents can be caused by:
Driver negligence: One of the most common causes of bicycle accidents is driver negligence. Drivers may fail to yield to bicyclists, drive too closely to them, or fail to check their blind spots before making a turn or changing lanes.
Distracted driving: When drivers are distracted by their phones, food, or other passengers, they are more likely to cause a bicycle accident.
Poor road conditions: Potholes, cracks, and other road hazards can cause a bicyclist to lose control of their bicycle and suffer injuries.
Equipment failure: Defective or poorly maintained bicycle equipment, such as brakes, tires, or chains, can cause accidents.
Riding under the influence: Bicyclists who ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol may be more likely to cause or be involved in an accident.
Weather conditions: Rain, snow, and ice can make it difficult for bicyclists to navigate the road and avoid accidents.
Do I Quality for Compensation For My Bicycle Accident Injury?
To qualify for compensation after a bicycle accident, several key factors typically need to be established:
Negligence: Demonstrate that the driver or another party was negligent. This involves proving that they breached their duty of care, such as by speeding, distracted driving, or failing to yield.
Causation: Show that the negligence directly caused the accident and your resulting injuries. There must be a clear link between the other party’s actions and the harm you suffered.
Damages: Provide evidence of the damages incurred due to the accident, which can include medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other financial losses. Documentation like medical records, repair receipts, and pay stubs can support your claim.
Insurance Coverage: Ensure that the responsible party has sufficient insurance coverage to pay for your losses. Your own insurance policy may also offer coverage for certain types of accidents, such as uninsured motorist coverage.
Timely Reporting: Report the accident promptly to both the police and your insurance company. Delays can complicate the claims process and potentially affect your eligibility for compensation.
Legal Assistance: Consider consulting with a personal injury attorney who specializes in bicycle accidents. A lawyer can help gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent your interests to ensure you receive fair compensation.
The Injury Group, renowned for handling bicycle-related injury cases in New York, New Jersey, and Long Island, can assist in navigating these requirements and securing the compensation you deserve.
Our Legal Process
The first step in the legal process is for your personal injury lawyer to investigate the accident, gather evidence, and evaluate the potential value of the case. This may involve obtaining witness statements, police reports, medical records, and other relevant documents. Your lawyer will also examine the accident scene, review the conditions of the road, and assess the severity of the injuries sustained by you.
STEP 2
Negotiation and Settlement
Once your attorney has gathered all of the necessary information, they will file a claim with the workers’ compensation insurance carrier. This involves completing a claim form and submitting it to the insurance company. We will work with the insurance company to ensure that all necessary documents and evidence are provided to support your claim.
STEP 3
Litigation and Trial
If the workers’ compensation insurance company denies your claim or offers an insufficient settlement, we will negotiate on your behalf to obtain the compensation you deserve. Your attorney may represent you in mediation or arbitration proceedings, and may also file an appeal if necessary. Throughout this process, we continuously advocate for your rights and ensure you get the justice you deserve.
The Injury Group’s bicycle accident lawyers can answer any questions you may have about your case, as well as inform you how much your case may be worth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accident Injury Cases In New York
Settlement or compensation amount depends on a lot of factors, including the circumstances of the accident, the evidence against the party, and the extent of your injuries. Your bicycle accident attorney will consider all of these factors and more when assessing your claim.
Following a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for damages like medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, loss of enjoyment of life, and/or punitive damages. An experienced personal injury attorney can evaluate and advise you on your case.
Working with a personal injury attorney after a bicycle accident can be an important step in protecting your legal rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages. While you can pursue a personal injury claim on your own, The Injury Group recommends working with an expert.
Bicycle accident claims must be made within 3 years of the incident. Following this time period, you will be unable to seek compensation for your injuries.
Drivers, property owners/municipalities, and bicycle manufacturers can potentially be held liable for a bicycle accident. Liability will depend on a variety of factors, including the cause of the accident and the parties involved. Your attorney can help determine who may be held liable for your bicycle accident.