BICYCLE ACCIDENTS IN NEW YORK

According to NYC data, an estimated 60 percent of fatal bicycle and pedestrian accidents stem from illegal or negligent driver behavior.  Drivers who fail to yield are responsible for 27 percent of crashes that seriously injure or kill our New York cyclists and pedestrians, leaving victims saddled with hospital bills, lost wages, and in some cases, permanent disability.

 

And with New York’s bike share program Citi Bike even more cyclists are put in harm’s way as they navigate Manhattan’s clogged urban center.  Even though free helmets are offered to all Citi Bike participants, surprisingly few riders actually use them, putting themselves at risk for life-changing injuries in the event of a collision.

 

Our attorneys at Sanders & Kim are committed to helping improve safety levels for all cyclists, and have deftly advocated for individuals who’ve been injured on both personal bikes and shared Citi Bikes. 

Types of Bicycle Accidents

A review of studies on pedestrian and bicyclist safety by the NHTSA concluded that the failure of motor vehicle drivers to properly yield to bicyclists accounted for more than a quarter of all crashes, while a driver’s failure to note the bicyclist accounted for another 12 percent. Hit and run drivers caused 14 percent of accidents.

 

Serious injuries resulting from a bicycle accident often include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Injuries to the neck
  • Paralysis
  • Injuries to the face
  • Lacerations and abrasions
  • Internal bleeding

Injured cyclists in New York may be eligible for monetary damages to cover related medical costs, lost income and diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other losses. After any kind of traumatic personal injury, it’s crucial to choose your legal counsel wisely to ensure you can achieve maximum compensation. Experience, financial resources and litigation expertise in front of a jury are paramount when choosing your bicycle accident attorney.

 

At Sanders & Kim, we boast the resources of one of New York’s largest and most trusted personal injury law firms, but offer our clients the individualized attention and personal service of a much smaller practice.

Liability Issues in NY Citi Bike Accidents

If a bicycle accident was not the fault of the rider, then third parties who were at fault may be held liable for injuries or wrongful death.  If the accident occurred on a road or other premises where visual obstructions or dangerous design elements are featured, or if numerous accidents have occurred at the location in the past, than the city or other property owner may be held liable. Construction companies may also be liable, if their employees created a road hazard.

 

Every year in New York City, bicycle riders who were injured in an accident because of the fault of others, or who have died because of the negligence of other parties, receive substantial monetary damages, either through settlements or favorable jury verdicts.

 

Protect Your Legal Rights

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a bicycle accident in New York, including in the five boroughs or Long Island, a complimentary consultation Sanders & Kim can help you determine whether you are eligible to file a car accident lawsuit in NY. You deserve excellent representation from professionals who care. 

 

To arrange your confidential case review, call us today at 718-358-9500.

Resources

  1. CitiBike NYC, How It Works https://www.citibikenyc.com/how-it-works
  2. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Traffic Safety Facts, 2011 Data, Bicyclists and Other Cyclists,” April 2013, https://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811743.pdf 
  3. NY Post, City cyclists injured or killed when ‘doored’ by careless drivers https://nypost.com/2014/04/27/city-cyclists-injured-or-killed-when-doored-by-careless-drivers/
  4. NYC.gov, Bicycle Crash Data 2011 https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/bicycle-crash-data-report-2011.pdf