Those who live in Suffolk County know that riding a bicycle through Long Island is sometimes risky. Far too many accidents continue to occur with bicyclists every year.
Yet, more than half of our population rides a bike at least several times per month. If you were injured in a bike crash, a bicycle accident lawyer in Long Island can help.
At Chaikin Trial Group Personal Injury Lawyers, our experienced legal team is here to help. With over 50 years of combined experience, we know what steps to take to help ensure a favorable outcome for your case.
Reach out to us today to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our Long Island personal injury lawyers.
Steps to Take to Protect Yourself After a Bicycle Accident in Long Island
If you’ve been in a bicycle accident, protecting your health and your future starts immediately. Here’s what to do:
- Get medical attention right away. Even if you feel okay, some injuries show up hours or days later.
- Avoid speaking to insurance companies before getting legal advice. Insurance adjusters may try to get you to say things that hurt your case. Politely decline until you speak with an attorney.
- Document everything you can. If possible, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage.
- Gather witness information. Get names and contact details if anyone saw what happened.
- Contact an experienced Long Island bicycle accident lawyer. Having a skilled attorney on your side early can protect your rights, deal with the insurance companies for you, and help maximize your compensation.
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Deadline for Filing a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in Long Island
After a bicycle accident occurs, you need to gather evidence as quickly as possible. A Nassau County bicycle accident lawyer can do that for you if your injuries prevent you from gathering the evidence on your own.
Gathering evidence quickly is important because New York’s personal injury statute of limitations restricts the amount of time you have to take legal action after an accident.
In most cases, you will have 3 years to take legal action. However, if you are filing a lawsuit against a government body, the filing window can shrink drastically.
Long Island Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me (212) 977-2020
Commonly Liable Parties in Bicycle Accident Cases
Determining who is liable for your damages after a bicycle accident can be critical. However, proving fault on your own can be challenging. Fortunately, our experienced bike accident lawyers know exactly what to look for and will work diligently to establish liability.
In some cases, multiple parties might be responsible for your damages.
Some of the most commonly responsible parties include:
- A driver of a car or truck who struck you
- A private property or business owner of the space where your accident occurred
- The city itself for not properly maintaining a roadway
- The manufacturer of the bicycle if mechanical defects were to blame
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Damages You May Be Able to Recover After a Bicycle Accident in Long Island
After a bicycle accident in Long Island, there are a variety of damages you will likely be eligible to pursue. However, it’s important to remember that every bicycle accident is different, which means that the specific damages available will vary from case to case.
Determining all the damages you are eligible to recover can be challenging, but fortunately, an experienced bicycle accident attorney in Long Island can help identify all the damages that apply so you can recover the full value of your claim. Commonly available compensatory damages in these cases include:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses
- Future medical costs
- Mental anguish
- Permanent disability
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Lost income
- Diminished earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Property damage
In addition to compensatory damages, punitive damages are also available in a small percentage of cases. Punitive damages differ from compensatory damages in that they serve as a means of punishing the liable party for the role they played rather than compensating the at-fault party for their losses.
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Some State Statutes You Can Use in Your Favor
Various statutes protect your rights as a bicyclist in Long Island. For example, NYC Administrative Code Section 4-08(e) is a statute designed to help those who suffered injuries from blocking or obstructing a bike lane.
Another statute to ask about is VTL 1214, or the “door zone” violation. The law requires that car doors keep a space of 2 to 4 feet from any approaching bicycles. Drivers and passengers of any vehicle parallel parked must adhere to this, or they face serious legal consequences if they cause a bike accident.
Section 4-12( c ) is a similar statute that says no driver should exit their vehicle on the side where it might interfere with a passing bicycle in a bike lane.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Long Island
Numerous scenarios exist for what causes bicycle accidents in Long Island. Most bicycle accidents occur at busy intersections in the city. In many cases, these accidents can be fatal or result in life-altering injuries. Bicycling alongside a moving vehicle is another potential hazard, as is riding next to a vehicle in a turn lane.
Trucks are yet another potential risk and usually cause more devastating injuries due to their large size. Alternatively, an accident might occur simply due to a lack of street maintenance, like a pothole.
Because of the numerous ways in which a bicycle accident can occur. You must wear a helmet and use proper hand signals when bicycling in traffic. You should also wear bright clothing or reflective materials to be easily seen. Using horns, bells, or headlights can also help enhance safety.
Get Help from a Knowledgeable Bicycle Accident Attorney in Long Island Today
If you were injured in a bicycle accident in Long Island, the best way to protect yourself is by securing the services of an experienced bicycle accident lawyer in Long Island. At Chaikin Trial Group Injury Lawyers, we have secured over $100 million in damages since founding our firm.
Contact us today through our website or by phone to set up a free case review with a member of our legal team.
Legal Disclaimer: If you believe this information is relevant to your situation, please contact our office directly to schedule a consultation. Mr. Chaikin is licensed to practice law in New York. The information herein is not legal advice and does not create an attorney/client relationship with Chaikin Trial Group. This page is in the form of legal education and is intended to provide general information about the matter within the question.
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