If you’ve been hit while cycling, you may be unsure what to do next. The consequences of a bicycle accident can be devastating. If you’ve been seriously injured, you’ll need legal representation to obtain fair compensation. A bicycle accident lawyer in Suffolk County can help you pursue damages for your losses.
The attorneys at Chaikin Trial Group Personal Injury Lawyers have over 50 years of combined experience. If you’ve been hurt in a bicycle accident, a Suffolk County personal injury lawyer can fight for the compensation you deserve. Your consultation is free and confidential.
What Can a Suffolk County Bicycle Accident Lawyer Do for Me?
If you’ve been injured in a bike accident, a Suffolk County bicycle accident lawyer can:
- Investigate the accident: A lawyer can gather police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction evidence to build a strong case.
- Calculate damages: An attorney can make sure that all current and future losses are factored into your claim.
- Deal with insurance companies: Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts. A lawyer can negotiate aggressively to secure fair compensation for you.
- Represent you in court: If negotiations don’t lead to a fair settlement, your lawyer can take your case to trial and advocate for you before a judge or jury.
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What is the Average Settlement for a Bicycle Accident?
Since every case is unique, there is no average settlement for a bicycle accident in New York. Some cases settle for tens of thousands of dollars, while others settle for millions. The value of a claim depends on several factors, including injury severity, lost income, and the negligent party’s degree of fault.
A bicycle accident attorney in Suffolk County can help you pursue the maximum possible payout.
What Types of Compensation are Available?
You may be entitled to recover several types of damages for a bicycle accident in New York, including:
- Medical expenses: You can receive compensation for hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any future treatment you may need.
- Lost wages: If your injuries keep you out of work, you can recover the income you lost during your recovery period.
- Pain and suffering: This type of compensation is designed to cover the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Property damage: You may recover the cost of repairing or replacing your bicycle and any other personal property damaged in the crash.
- Punitive damages: In cases where a driver’s conduct was especially reckless or intentional, the court may award punitive damages.
A personal injury attorney in Suffolk County can assess your losses and determine your claim’s true value.
When Should You Call a Suffolk County Bicycle Accident Attorney?
According to NY CPLR § 214, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in New York is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, there are exceptions:
- Claims against government entities: If your accident involved a government-owned vehicle or dangerous road conditions, you must file a notice of claim within 90 days and the lawsuit within one year and 90 days.
- Wrongful death cases: Families have two years from the date of death to file.
If you miss these deadlines, you could lose your right to recover compensation, so it’s crucial to consult a bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents often occur because of negligent or reckless drivers. Some of the most common causes include:
- Failure to yield: Drivers who don’t give bicyclists the right of way can cause serious collisions.
- Distracted driving: Texting or using a phone while driving is a leading cause of crashes.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of accidents.
- Unsafe lane changes: Drivers who fail to check for bicyclists before merging or turning often cause crashes.
- Dooring accidents: When a driver opens their car door without checking for cyclists, it can lead to sudden and severe injuries.
Road hazards such as potholes, debris, and poorly marked bike lanes also contribute to many accidents.
Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents
Since cyclists have little protection, they often suffer severe injuries in accidents. The most common ones include:
- Head and brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Road rash and lacerations
- Soft tissue injuries
- Facial injuries
- Shoulder and collarbone injuries
What to Do After a Suffolk County Bicycle Accident
Taking the right steps immediately after a bicycle accident can strengthen your claim. Here’s what you should do:
- Call 911: Report the accident and, if necessary, request medical assistance.
- Document the scene: Take photos of the accident site, your bicycle, your injuries, and the vehicles involved.
- Collect information: Exchange contact and insurance details with the driver. If any witnesses are present, trade contact information with them as well
- Get medical treatment: Even if you feel fine, injuries like concussions or internal bleeding may not be obvious right away. In addition, the record created by your evaluation will serve as critical evidence for your case.
- Avoid admitting fault: Don’t apologize or make statements that could be used against you later.
- Contact a lawyer: The sooner you speak to a Suffolk County bike wreck lawyer, the sooner you’ll be able to file a personal injury claim.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Suffolk County
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Suffolk County, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. A knowledgeable bicycle accident attorney from Chaikin Trial Group Injury Lawyers can help you file a claim and fight for fair compensation so you can focus on your recovery.
If you’re searching for a ‘Suffolk County bicycle accident lawyer near me,’ look no further. We offer free consultations so you can learn about your legal options. Call today to find out how you can get justice.