Many New York residents bicycle for recreation and to commute to and from work. Unfortunately, thousands of bicyclists are injured yearly in bicycle accidents caused by negligent drivers. Even minor bicycle accidents can cause severe injuries. Victims of bicycle accidents may be entitled to compensation for their medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
The Central New York personal injury attorneys at CDH Law PLLC have years of experience representing bike accident victims and their families in Syracuse and the surrounding area. We have extensive experience handling catastrophic bicycle accident lawsuits. Contact CDH Law PLLC to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation and learn more about your legal rights.
Common Types of Bicycle Accidents
Many bicycle accidents could be avoided if motorcyclists and bicyclists eliminated distracted driving, appropriately yielded the right of way to other travelers, and obeyed the road rules. Although bicyclists can be at fault in an accident, when motor vehicles and bicycles collide, it is most often because motorists are distracted and are not paying enough attention to spot bicyclists on the road and avoid a collision. The following are some common types of bicycle accidents:
- Dooring bicycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents involving trucks and tractor-trailers
- E-scooter crashes
- Crashes involving motor vehicles
- Crashes involving street defects
- Bike lane crashes
- NYC bike share crashes
- Crashes with rideshare drivers
- Pedestrian crashes and collisions
- Bike messenger crashes
- Scooter and VESPA crashes
- Hit and run bicycle accident claims
Right Cross Bicycle Accidents
Bicyclists are treated like any other motor vehicle on the road. As a result, drivers must yield the right of way to bicyclists riding in flowing traffic. A right cross collision occurs when a bicyclist moves with traffic on the right side of the road and a motor vehicle pulls out of a side street or driveway from the bicyclist’s right side. The motorist will strike the cyclist or pull out in front of the cyclist, who will collide with the left side of the motor vehicle. Left cross collisions occur when a bicyclist travels with the flow of traffic and an oncoming motorist makes a left turn in front of the cyclist.
Riding Against Traffic
Many bicycle and motor vehicle accidents occur when a bicyclist rides against oncoming traffic and an oncoming vehicle makes a right turn in front of them. Motorists do not expect riders to be traveling against the flow of traffic. Accidents are more likely to occur when bicyclists are not riding with the flow of traffic.
Pedestrian Collisions
Another common type of bicycle accident is when a rider collides with a pedestrian. When bicyclists ride on the sidewalk instead of in appointed bicycle lanes or when bicyclists ride through intersections, they may collide with pedestrians crossing the street. In other cases, pedestrians may not be paying attention and cut into a bicyclist’s lane, resulting in a collision.
Who Is Liable for My Injuries After a Bicycle Accident?
Under New York state law, any party who contributed to a bicycle accident can be held liable for damages resulting from the accident. If you’ve been seriously injured in a bicycle accident, you may have a legitimate claim against anyone whose carelessness or negligence caused you to become injured. Working with an attorney can help you determine which party or parties may be liable for your damages, which might include:
- Driver or drivers of passenger vehicles
- Pedestrians
- Other bicyclists
- Employers of negligent parties
- Government agencies
- Transit companies
- Companies that sold or manufactured defective bicycles, vehicles, or other safety equipment
Bicycle Accidents Can Cause Severe Injuries
Bicyclists do not have external protection, airbags, and seat belts. Consequently, bicyclists are more likely to suffer catastrophic injuries when they are involved in accidents with passenger vehicles. Catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries, can result in millions of dollars in medical expenses over a person’s lifetime. Some of the most common injuries caused by bicycle accidents include the following:
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue damage
- Road burns
- Eye injury
- Degloving
- Head and brain injury
- Neck and back injuries
- Lost limbs
- Spinal cord damage
- Paralysis
- Wrongful death
What Damages May Be Available After a Bicycle Accident?
The expenses related to a bicycle accident can be overwhelming. When someone else is at least partly responsible for causing your accident, you shouldn’t suffer the financial consequences alone. You may have a right to pursue a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company or pursue a personal injury lawsuit. Plaintiffs in personal injury lawsuits can pursue compensation for all of the following:
- Medical expenses and bills
- Hospitalization
- Lost wages and income
- Emotional distress
- Temporary or permanent disability
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement, e.g. scarring
The skilled personal injury attorneys at CDH Law PLLC have the resources and professional network to determine the full amount of your claim for compensation. Once we determine all of the damages you will incur in the future, we will begin negotiating a full and fair settlement.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Syracuse Bicycle Accident?
Under New York’s statute of limitations, a personal injury victim must file a lawsuit within three years from the date of the injury. If your loved one died in a bicycle accident, you have two years to file a lawsuit for wrongful death.
Two to three years may seem like a long time to file a lawsuit. However, bicycle accident lawsuits can be complex and may require a lengthy discovery process. Discussing your case with an experienced attorney as soon as possible after the accident can ensure you protect your legal claim for compensation and meet the filing deadline.
Contact a Central New York Bicycle Accident Attorney
Individuals injured in bicycle accidents face unique legal challenges when recovering compensation. Working with an experienced attorney can help you navigate the process of filing a claim for compensation. While you focus on yourself and healing from your injuries, the attorneys at CDH Law PLLC will handle every aspect of your claim.
Our experienced personal injury attorneys will negotiate for the best settlement offer possible in your case. Contact CDH Law PLLC to schedule a complimentary consultation and learn more about how we can fight for you.