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We Specialize in Handling Accident Cases of All Types
Bicycle Accidents
Our Attorneys are Experts in Handling Bicycle Accident Cases
The U.S. is no stranger to bicycle accidents. If you’ve been involved in one, you should know that you have the same rights to use public roads as motorists. Consequently, if you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident, it’s in your best interest to seek advice from an experienced attorney.
Number Speak
While bicycle trips account for just 1% of all trips across the U.S., bicyclists make up for 2% of all fatalities owing to motor vehicle accidents. There’s more.
- Around 1,000 bicyclists lose their lives and more than 130,000 are injured in road accidents across the U.S. every year
- The cost of bicycle deaths and injuries from accidents in the U.S. usually surpasses $23 billion every year
- Older adults between 55 to 69 years of age account for the highest bicycle death rates
- A large percentage of bicyclist deaths take place in urban areas
- Alcohol plays a role in around one-third of all accident-related bicyclist deaths
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Accidents involving motor vehicles result in a large majority of bicyclist injuries and deaths. Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include:
- Motorists cutting off bicyclists
- Motorists or bicyclists running stop signs/lights
- Motorists opening doors of stationary vehicles
- Poorly-maintained roads
- Poorly-maintained or defective bicycles
- Loss of balance
- Being under the influence of a narcotic substance
- Animal attacks
New York State Bicycle Laws
Since the risk of being involved in a bicycle accident is not going anywhere, it helps to be aware of the laws that govern bicyclists in the state.
- Children under 14 years of age need to wear bicycle helmets
- Bicyclists need to obey all traffic rules
- Bicyclists should use suitable hand signals
- Bicycling on sidewalks is prohibited by some municipalities
- Bicyclists should ride with, and not against, traffic
- Bicyclists need to use bike lanes where available
- Bicyclists must yield right of way to pedestrians
- Bicyclists must ride single-file in the presence of other traffic
- Bicyclists can use the same turn lanes as motorists
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Liability in a bicycle accident depends on the cause of the accident and determining who’s at fault.
If caused because of a motorist, a bicyclist may file a claim against the driver or the driver’s auto insurance provider.
If an ill-maintained road is the cause, a bicyclist may file a claim against the government agency responsible for the road’s upkeep.
In case of a faulty or poorly designed bicycle, a bicyclist may file a claim against the manufacturer.
If a pet causes an accident, a bicyclist may file a claim against the pet’s owner.
How We Can Help
If a bicycle accident leads to injuries or loss of life, you have the legal right to seek damages from the erring party. Our experts have years of experience in handling different types of bicycle accident cases, and they also have access to the varied resources required to deal with the same. If you need legal advice or assistance, we’re here to help.