Carle Place Bicycle Accident Lawyer
More and more drivers “share the road” with bicyclists in the same lane or in dedicated bicycle lanes. Sadly, some drivers do not want to share the road, do not know how to, or simply do not pay attention to bicyclists.
If you have been injured in a New York bicycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, carelessness, or recklessness, contact a Carle Place bicycle accident lawyer. Let an experienced accident lawyer review the details of the accident and determine your legal options so that you can make an informed decision about what is in your best interests. En Español
What Causes New York Bicycle Accidents?
Bicycle accidents can occur for any number of reasons related to cars, trucks, and busses failing to yield to bicyclists; driving in (or too close to) designated bicycle lanes, and being distracted while talking on cell phones. Some of the most common bicycle accident causes include:
- Aggressive or reckless driving
- Distracted driving (including texting or talking on cell phones while driving)
- Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol, driving while intoxicated (DWI), or driving while alcohol impaired (DWAI)
- Failure to follow traffic signals, signs, and patterns
- Failure to share the road with bicyclists
- Inexperienced drivers
- Motor vehicle and bicycle design defects
- Poor road conditions / construction zone hazards
- Running red lights
- Speeding
- Weather conditions
While drivers can be held accountable for driving negligently, others may be held accountable as well, such as government entities who are ultimately responsible for maintaining roadways and traffic signs and signals; auto and bicycle manufacturers who manufacture defective parts, and many more.
An experienced bicycle accident attorney in Carle Place can review the situation and determine who may be held accountable for any injuries sustained. Keep in mind that New York’s statute of limitations generally only provides three years in which to file a personal injury claim.
Comparative Negligence Law
Determining fault is a key element in most bicycle accident cases. New York follows comparative negligence laws. Essentially, that means a plaintiff can still recover for damages even if they were partially negligent. However, their damages will be reduced by their percentage of negligence.
Damages in a New York bicycle accident case are intended to “make a plaintiff whole” after an injury. In most situations, that means the right to receive compensation in the form of:
- Lost income and wages
- Medical costs
- Property damage
- Bicycle repairs
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
These are simply the most common types of compensation available. However, the bottom line is that every situation is unique and will be based on the facts and circumstances surrounding the accident. This is where having experienced counsel in the form of a Carle Place bicycle accident lawyer who understands New York personal injury law and how insurance companies operate can be of the most help.
Consult with a Carle Place Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
If you have been involved in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact an experienced Carle Place bicycle accident lawyer to review your situation and determine what legal options are available to you.
More importantly, let a skilled lawyer be an advocate for you against insurance company lawyers and agents whose only job is to save their employers money instead of paying out on valid claims. A compassionate Carle Place attorney can help to even the playing field in order to get the types of compensation you deserve.
