No Fees Or Costs Unless You Get Money
New York City Bicycle Accident Lawyer
New York City, with its bustling streets and diverse population, is a haven for cyclists. From daily commuters to weekend warriors, the city’s streets are teeming with riders. However, navigating the urban jungle is not without its risks, as bicycle accidents are all too common in the Big Apple.
In such cases, having an experienced bicycle accident lawyer NYC by your side can make all the difference in securing fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Why is this legal representation so crucial? With more people taking to the streets on two wheels, the number of bicycle accidents has increased, and understanding the complexities of New York law is essential for protecting your rights and ensuring that justice is served. Let’s dive into the factors you should consider when choosing the right bicycle accident lawyers NYC, common causes of accidents, and the legal landscape surrounding these incidents.
-
Choose a NYC bicycle accident lawyer with an excellent reputation and experience in New York law.
-
Understand no-fault insurance, comparative negligence, and steps to take after an accident.
-
Be aware of recent trends in NYC bicycle accidents for improved safety infrastructure & persisting concerns surrounding cyclist safety.
Choosing the Right Bicycle Accident Lawyer in NYC
Selecting the appropriate New York bicycle accident lawyer is indispensable for obtaining a just remuneration. From investigating the accident scene to negotiating with insurance companies, a skilled attorney can provide invaluable assistance in navigating the complex legal process.
So, what aspects should you consider when choosing the right lawyer? Reputation, experience, and a personalized approach are key factors to evaluate when selecting an attorney to represent your interests. Rubenstein Law, can offer expert legal services tailored to a client’s individual needs, ensuring that your case is handled with care and diligence.
Given the ever-changing nature of New York streets, acting swiftly post-accident to safeguard vital evidence is a necessity. With the right legal team on your side, you can focus on your recovery while your attorney fights for the compensation you deserve.
Reputation and Experience
A lawyer with an excellent reputation is likely to have extensive experience in handling similar cases, a comprehensive knowledge of the law, and a demonstrated capacity for attaining positive results for their clients. Moreover, a lawyer with a strong reputation may have established connections with insurance companies, other attorneys, and judges, which can be advantageous when negotiating settlements or navigating the legal system.
Rubenstein Law has been providing advocacy for the injured since 1988, striving for justice, and assisting clients in recovering the full amount of damages due to them, even when dealing with insurance companies. Choosing a lawyer with a strong reputation can give you assurance in their ability to effectively represent your interests and amplify your chances of a successful outcome in your bicycle accident case.
Personalized Approach
A personalized approach ensures that your lawyer fully understands your unique situation and can tailor their legal strategy to your specific needs. We handle all aspects of the case, so our client can prioritize their recovery, while we advocate for safer streets and protected bike lanes in New York City.
With extensive experience dealing with New York bicycle accidents, Rubenstein Law, provides legal representation and support to clients who have suffered injuries in such incidents. By choosing a lawyer who takes a personalized approach, you can be confident that your case will be handled with the care and attention it deserves, ensuring the best possible outcome for you.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in NYC
Bike accidents, also known as bicycle accidents, in NYC can result from various factors, including distracted and reckless drivers, unsafe road conditions, and equipment failure. Each of these factors can have devastating consequences for cyclists, leading to severe injuries and, in some cases, bicycle accident fatalities.
In such circumstances, the representation of a proficient New York bicycle accident lawyer is a must. Rubenstein Law., specializes in cases caused by distracted and reckless drivers, unsafe road conditions, and equipment failure, providing legal representation and support to bicycle accident victims.
Grasping the common causes of bicycle accidents enhances your ability to safeguard yourself and your rights following an accident, especially in bicycle accident cases.
Distracted and Reckless Drivers
Distracted and reckless drivers present a considerable hazard to cyclists, resulting in serious accidents and injuries. With the increasing use of smartphones and other distractions, drivers may not be fully aware of their surroundings, putting cyclists at risk. Moreover, drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs can have impaired judgment and slower reaction times, increasing the likelihood of collisions with cyclists.
It is worth noting that 60% of cyclist fatalities since 2014 have occurred at intersections, making these areas particularly dangerous for cyclists. By being aware of the risks posed by distracted and reckless drivers, cyclists can take precautions to minimize their chances of being involved in an accident.
Equipment Failure
Equipment failure, such as defective brakes or faulty tires, can also cause accidents and lead to liability for manufacturers or distributors. Regular maintenance and inspection of your bicycle are crucial for preventing equipment failure and ensuring a safe ride.
In the event of an equipment-related accident, consulting a bicycle accident lawyer can help determine whether manufacturers or distributors are liable for damages.
Understanding New York Bicycle Accident Laws
To adeptly maneuver through the legal process after a bicycle accident, one must grasp the New York bicycle accident laws that include concepts like no-fault insurance and comparative negligence. By familiarizing yourself with these laws, you can better protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
A knowledgeable New York bicycle accident lawyer can help you navigate these complex laws and guide you through the legal process, ensuring the best possible outcome for your case. In the following sections, we will discuss no-fault insurance and comparative negligence in greater detail.
No-Fault Insurance
No-fault insurance enables cyclists to submit claims to their own auto insurance company or the driver’s insurance company for reimbursement. In New York, this system is designed to guarantee that car accident victims are provided with financial compensation to cover their medical expenses, regardless of the responsible party.
Navigating no-fault insurance claims can be challenging. It is recommended to consult an attorney for assistance in navigating this process, as the application for benefits must be submitted within thirty (30) days of the accident.
Comparative Negligence
Comparative negligence is a concept that apportions fault between parties involved in an accident. This principle may potentially limit the amount of compensation available to injured cyclists, as the court will consider the degree of each party’s negligence in determining the final award.
Having a skilled bicycle accident attorney can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve, despite the complexities of comparative negligence.
Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident in NYC
Post-accident, executing the correct measures is imperative to safeguard your rights and to construct a robust case. From gathering evidence to seeking medical attention and contacting a bicycle accident attorney, your actions in the immediate aftermath of an accident can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case.
Gathering Evidence
Gathering evidence after a bicycle accident is essential for supporting your claim. This can include:
-
Police reports
-
Witness statements
-
Photographs of the scene and damaged bike
-
GPS or Strava data
-
Video footage from a camera
By collecting and preserving this evidence, you can help establish the facts of the accident and demonstrate the extent of your injuries and losses.
While it may be tempting to share your evidence, such as a video recording of the accident, on social media, it is advised to avoid doing so and instead provide the recording directly to your lawyer. This will help ensure that your evidence is used effectively to support your case and protect your legal rights.
Seeking Medical Attention
Seeking immediate medical attention is a necessity after a bicycle accident, as it aids in:
-
Documenting your injuries
-
Establishing a causal link between the accident and your injuries
-
Thorough evaluation and treatment of any injuries sustained
-
Facilitating your recovery process
-
Providing a documented record of your injuries, which may be essential for any legal or insurance proceedings that may result from the accident.
In addition to seeking medical attention, it is important to document the accident scene and any other details.
Contacting a Bicycle Accident Attorney
Reaching out to a bicycle accident attorney promptly post-accident is crucial to guarantee the protection of your rights and rightful compensation. An experienced attorney can:
-
Guide you through the legal process
-
Help gather evidence
-
Represent your interests in negotiations with insurance companies and other parties involved in the accident.
By securing the services of skilled bicycle accident attorneys, like a New York bicycle accident lawyer, you can focus on your recovery while your attorney fights for your rights and the compensation you deserve.
Compensation for Bicycle Accident Injuries
When it comes to compensation for bicycle accident injuries, victims may be eligible to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover financial losses resulting from the accident, such as medical expenses and lost wages, while non-economic damages compensate for the emotional and psychological impact of the accident, such as pain and suffering.
In the following subsections, we will discuss these two categories of damages in greater detail.
Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to the financial losses incurred due to a bicycle accident, such as medical bills, lost income, and property damage. You may be eligible for reimbursement of medical expenses associated with the accident, including hospital bills, physician consultations, and prescription costs.
Moreover, compensation for lost income, including wages, salary, and other forms of income, may also be recoverable.
In addition to medical expenses and lost income, you may be eligible for reimbursement of property damage incurred as a result of the bicycle accident, such as damage to your bicycle, clothing, and other personal items. By understanding the various types of economic damages, you can better assess your potential financial recovery following a bicycle accident.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages in personal injury cases provide compensation for the emotional and psychological effects of an accident, including pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. These damages are typically assessed by considering the degree of the injury, the length of the injury, and the effect the injury has had on the victim’s life.
Although non-economic damages may be more challenging to quantify than economic damages, they are an essential component of a comprehensive compensation package for bicycle accident victims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim compensation for a bike accident?
You may be eligible to claim compensation if the negligence of another party is proven to be the cause of your bike accident.
Contact an experienced bike accident attorney to learn more about the process and what financial compensation you might be entitled to receive.
What happens if I get hit on my bike?
If you’re hit by a car while on your bike, the at-fault driver’s auto liability coverage may provide compensation for any damages and injuries sustained.
You may also be able to pursue legal action if needed.
What do you do if a bike crashes?
Call 911 to report the crash and document any injuries, obtain the driver’s information, and obtain witness contact information.
Make sure the police take your report and never negotiate with the motorist.
How many bicycle accidents occur each year in NYC?
New York City reported 5,562 bicycle accidents in a recent year, of which 19 resulted in fatalities.
In 2019, the number of collisions involving cyclists increased to 18,510, with 18,494 causing injury and 16 fatal.
In 2020, despite the pandemic, there were still 12,450 bike crashes, 12,422 causing injuries and 28 being fatal.