Hempstead Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Riding a bike is a great way to exercise and take in the scenery of a neighborhood, and in many areas, bikes are important modes of transportation for citizens. For this reason, many cities and towns have implemented traffic laws that require motorists to share the road with bicyclists.

Unfortunately, accidents still occur which can leave bicyclists with serious and expensive injuries. In this kind of situation, a skilled personal injury attorney could be of significant help pursuing civil compensation. If you or someone you know has been injured by a motorist, you may want to consider hiring a Hempstead bicycle accident lawyer.

Keeping Bicyclists Safe

Motorists are expected to drive at a safe speed, keep their eyes on the road, and maintain a safe distance from bicyclists and bike lanes. These lanes are usually designated with white paint and located closer to the sidewalk in major cities and suburban areas, and vehicles are not allowed to use them. Unfortunately, some drivers do not take the safety of bicyclists seriously, and many drivers still refuse to pay attention and stay out of bike lanes.

If an irresponsible driver hits a bicyclist who is using a bike lane, they could be held liable for any injuries they sustain. Unlike passengers in a motor vehicle, bicyclists are relatively vulnerable, and when a multi-ton object collides with them, the outcome can be deadly.

Who Could Be Held Liable After a Bike Accident?

After a bicycle accident, one might assume that the driver of the motor vehicle is solely responsible for the victim’s damages. However, accident survivors may be able to hold multiple parties liable in court.

If the responsible party worked for a delivery service or company, the company itself could be held liable in addition to the driver. This is because companies who hire drivers often have a legal responsibility to provide them with adequate safety training.

Likewise, if the accident is caused by a city bus or vehicle, the bicyclist may be able to hold the city, state, or county accountable for their injuries. A skilled attorney could help identify whether multiple parties may be liable in the wake of a bicycle accident in Hempstead.

The Role of Comparative Negligence

During civil proceedings, it is possible for both a bicyclist and the person who collided with them to be found legally responsible for the accident. Comparative negligence allows courts to allocate varying degrees of responsibility and adjust award amounts accordingly.

Injured bicyclists may still be eligible for compensation if they are found partially responsible. For example, if a bicyclist is 40 percent responsible for their accident, a court may award them up to 60 percent of the damages they would have otherwise recovered. An injured bicyclist should work closely with a Hempstead bicycle accident lawyer if they believe comparative negligence may play a part in their case.

Get in Touch with a Hempstead Bicycle Accident Attorney Today

A bicycle accident can cause life-changing, debilitating, and painful injuries, which can make it difficult for a person to return to their everyday life and work. Talk to a Hempstead bicycle accident lawyer today if you are ready to seek fair financial restitution after such a crash.

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