Traffic in New York City is always heavy, and people use many different ways to get around, from subways and buses to taxis and bikes. Bicycles zip through New York City from Manhattan to Brooklyn, and the rise of city bikes has made them even more popular, but crowded streets and sidewalks can make it difficult and, at times, even unsafe for cyclists.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an NYC bike accident, a skilled New York City bicycle accident lawyer can make all the difference. You need an experienced professional in personal injury law to get you the maximum financial compensation you’re entitled to.
At Schwartzapfel Lawyers, we’re ready and able to fight for you every step of the way. Call us now at 516-342-2200 or schedule your free consultation with our award-winning team online today. If, however, you would prefer to first learn a bit more on the subject, please continue reading.
How Common Are Bicycle Accidents In New York City?
Bicycle accidents in New York City are quite common due to the dense traffic, narrow streets, and the large number of cyclists on the road. The city’s bike lanes are meant to keep bicyclists safe, but they don’t always protect against accidents or motor vehicle collisions.
Motorists may not always follow traffic laws, and New Yorkers can be injured by negligent drivers, potholes, or even their own mistakes. According to recent statistics, the number of bicycle accidents in NYC has been rising, which highlights the need for awareness and legal assistance for those involved in bike crashes.
What Types Of Injuries Do Bicycle Accidents Cause?
Some of the more common types of bicycle accident injuries include but aren’t limited to:
- Brain Injuries: A bicycle crash can still cause serious brain injuries (TBIs), even with a helmet. Head injuries are particularly serious and can lead to long-term complications or permanent disability. Helmets help reduce the risk, but they do not eliminate it entirely.
- Fractures: Broken bones are frequent in bike accidents. Injured cyclists often suffer from arm and leg fractures.
- Road Rash: Accident victims experience road rash when the skin scrapes against the pavement, leading to painful abrasions.
- Spinal Injuries: Spinal damage can result in partial or complete paralysis.
- Internal Injuries: These injuries are less visible but can be very serious, affecting organs and internal systems.
- Disfigurement: Severe accidents may result in permanent scarring or disfigurement.
- Serious Injuries: These can include any severe or catastrophic injury that impacts a cyclist’s quality of life.
Cyclists may also suffer from emotional distress and pain and suffering, which are also important aspects of personal injury cases. Consult with a skilled bike accident attorney to review your options.
Here and elsewhere, the seasoned bike accident lawyers at Schwartzapfel Lawyers are here to help. Call us now at 516-342-2200 for a free consultation and/or case evaluation.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Involved In A New York City Bicycle Accident?
If you or a loved one is involved in a bicycle accident in New York City, you may need to take specific steps to protect your health and exercise your legal rights. Visit the emergency room and contact a seasoned personal injury lawyer.
- Seek Medical Attention: Always get checked by a healthcare professional after an accident, even if you don’t feel hurt immediately. Bicycle accident cases often involve serious injuries, sometimes worse than what you would expect from a car accident. Some injuries, like brain injuries, may not show symptoms right away. You can be entitled to recover emergency medical expenses from the time of the accident and costs for ongoing medical treatment.
- Contact A Skilled Bicycle Accident Lawyer: A seasoned New York City bicycle accident lawyer can provide valuable legal advice and help you understand insurance claims and legal proceedings. Many qualified personal injury law firms, like Schwartzapfel Lawyers, offer a free consultation to discuss your case. Call us now at 516-342-2200 to hear your options laid out in plain English.
- Document The Accident Scene: If you’re able, take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any property damage. This evidence can be helpful for your case. The right New York bicycle accident lawyer can handle accident documentation if you’re too injured to do so yourself.
- Collect Witness Information: Get contact details from any witnesses who saw the accident. Their statements can support your case. Your skilled attorney can do this on your behalf, as well.
- Report the Accident: Notify the police by filing an accident report. This creates an official record of the incident, and your experienced attorney can obtain the record from NYPD.
- Keep Records: Keep all medical records, bills, and other documents related to your treatment and expenses. This can help calculate your financial recovery.
To learn more now, call Schwartzapfel Lawyers at 516-342-2200 or schedule with us online today. Whether in or out of court, we’ll fight for you every step of the way.
How Does The Legal Process Work After A New York City Bicycle Accident?
The legal process following a bicycle accident depends on how your case is best pursued. Most cases typically involve several key steps.
- Free Case Review: Many skilled bicycle accident attorneys offer a free case review. This is where you can get an initial sense of whether you have a strong case and what your options might be. Schwartzapfel Lawyers are prepared to review your case. Call us now at 516-342-2200 to start recovering today.
- Investigation: Your seasoned attorney can investigate the accident, which includes gathering evidence, speaking with witnesses, and consulting with professionals if needed. This helps to build a strong case against the negligent party.
- Filing An Insurance Claim: You will likely need to file a claim with the insurance companies involved. This can include your own insurance as well as the at-fault party’s insurance. The right attorney can handle negotiations to ensure you receive fair compensation.
- Negotiations And Settlement: Often, personal injury cases are settled out of court. Your seasoned attorney can negotiate with the insurance companies to get a fair settlement offer. If an agreement cannot be reached, the case may go to trial.
- Filing A Lawsuit: If necessary, your skilled attorney may file a lawsuit in court. This involves presenting arguments to a judge or jury. The court should then issue a verdict, which may result in compensation for your injuries and damages.
- Time Limits: Be aware of the statute of limitations, which is the time limit for filing a lawsuit. In New York State, you typically have three (3) years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim.
If you have any questions about what to expect, never hesitate to ask. At Schwartzapfel Lawyers, we’re always here for you, no matter your situation or needs. Call us at 516-342-2200 today!
NYC Bicycle Accident FAQ
If you’ve never been involved in a bicycle accident, you may have some questions about how the process works. For instance, you may be wondering:
Q: How much can it cost to hire a qualified bicycle accident lawyer?
A: Many skilled bicycle accident lawyers, like Schwartzapfel Lawyers, work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if you win your case. They will take a percentage of the settlement or verdict as their fee. A free consultation is often available to discuss your case without any initial cost.
Q: What happens if the accident was caused by a pothole or poor road conditions?
A: If the accident was due to a pothole or road defect, you might be able to file a claim against the city or another responsible party. The right attorney can help you determine who is liable and how to proceed.
Q:Can I still pursue a case if I was partially at fault for the accident?
A: Yes, New York follows a comparative fault system. This means you can still recover damages after a New York bike accident even if you were partially at fault. However, your compensation may be reduced based on your level of fault.
Q: What is “pain and suffering”?
A: Pain and suffering refer to the emotional and physical pain caused by an accident. This is a type of non-economic damage that can be included in a personal injury claim.
Get The Legal Help You Need
If you’re a cyclist who has been injured in a bicycle accident in New York City, it’s important to seek skilled legal help to ensure your rights are protected and you receive fair compensation.
The right New York City bicycle accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and advocate for your best interests. The skilled legal team at Schwartzapfel Lawyers has more than (150) years of combined experience getting clients all the money and benefits they need to recover from accident-related medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and beyond.
Call us now at 516-342-2200 for a free consultation and so much more. No matter your situation, it will be our honor and privilege to fight — and win! — for you.
DISCLAIMER: Nothing on this page should be considered legal advice. You should seek the appropriate counsel your situation requires. For more information, call 516-342-2200 for a free case evaluation now!
Sources:
Schwartzapfel Lawyers, P.C. | Fighting For You
NYC Bicycle Safety Overview: Infrastructure & Crash Stats | People Powered Movement
Care of Road Rash and Abrasions | Treatments | Patients & Families | UW Health
Spinal Cord Injury | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
