Riding a bicycle may be a convenient and eco-friendly way to travel around the city, but it certainly doesn’t come without significant dangers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 45 bicyclist fatalities in traffic accidents in 2012.
Bicycle crashes involving motor vehicles often lead to debilitating injuries because of the lack of protection afforded to the rider. Anyone injured in this type of accident should consider speaking with a bicycle accident lawyer in New York to learn how to recover compensation.
What injuries are common in a car-involved bicycle accident?
Because bicyclists do not have a protective shell surrounding them, they are more prone to injury.
Some common injuries associated with bicycle accidents are:
- injuries to the upper or lower extremities.
- head or face injuries.
- injuries to the abdomen, thorax, or neck.
- road rash (a common term referring to abrasions and lacerations received as a result of the cyclist skidding along the ground, they may be superficial and demand little medical attention, or may include deep wounds and require extensive treatment and rehabilitation).
- muscle strains and sprains.
- bone fractures.
Additionally, injuries may be more severe in the event that a rider is not wearing a helmet during a collision.
Data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows that of those killed in a bicycle accident in 2012:
- 65 percent were not wearing a helmet.
- 17 percent had a helmet on.
- helmet use is unknown for the remaining 18 percent.
Not wearing a helmet might affect recovery of damages if the injury is to the head or neck, though injured riders may still recover damages minus their percentage of comparative negligence for the injury. A bicycle accident lawyer can help New York riders determine how this might affect their case.
Causes of a Car-Bicycle Accident
There are many scenarios that could lead to a bicycle accident with a car, although some are more common than others. A driver may be distracted or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or may misjudge the actions of a bicycle in front, such as a left-hand turn or a sudden stop.
Bicycles are considered vehicles while traveling on the road, and drivers must treat them as such by giving them adequate space to maneuver.
In some cases, a bicyclist may contribute to the accident if he or she fails to adhere to traffic rules or rides while intoxicated. Because New York follows a system of pure comparative negligence, an injured bicyclist deemed partially at fault for the crash may still be able to recover compensation.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in New York
Ultimately, if you have been struck by a car while riding a bicycle in New York, a bicycle accident attorney can be of assistance to secure compensation for damages. The statute of limitations is only three years, after which you may be barred from getting anything. For help in the process, contact the bicycle accident lawyers in our New York office. We can discuss the specifics of your case and advise you on what steps to take next. Call us now at 800-550-0000.
