Bicycle accidents often occur due to driver negligence, such as violating road rules, being distracted, or driving under the influence. However, these accidents can also happen due to poorly maintained roadways, where risks like deep potholes or cracks can cause cyclists to lose control.
If you were injured in a bicycle accident caused by someone else’s carelessness, having a committed legal team to fight for your rights is essential. At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we only practice personal injury law.
We represent not only big insurance companies but also accident victims’ interests. Thousands of people who have suffered due to negligence in bicycle accidents have received successful legal assistance from our skilled attorneys.
Our team is committed to aggressively defending your rights during negotiations with insurance companies and working to secure the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Contact us today for a complimentary case evaluation and legal consultation with our expert bicycle accident lawyer in Long Island. We also offer Spanish services to accommodate more clients.
What Can Our Long Island Bicycle Accident Attorneys Do for You?
A bicycle accident lawyer in Long Island can assist injured cyclists, especially given the area’s dense population and heavy tourist traffic.
Here’s how we can help:
Providing Legal Guidance
Injury attorneys are an essential resource for victims of cycling accidents. During a free initial consultation, our lawyer can evaluate the specific details of your case and the incident.
This session allows them to advise on whether pursuing legal action is advisable. It also allows you to ask questions about the legal process and understand your rights.
Get Compensation for Injuries
The primary goal of hiring a bicycle accident lawyer is to seek fair compensation for injuries sustained. Our Long Island personal injury attorneys can approach this by filing a claim with insurance companies or initiating a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent party.
We will calculate the total damages—such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering—to ensure the compensation covers all your losses.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Our lawyers will negotiate with insurance adjusters and other parties involved as you seek compensation. Long Island personal injury lawyers possess strong negotiation skills essential in securing a fair settlement.
We can counteract lowball offers from insurers, ensuring you receive a settlement that reflects the severity of your injuries and losses.
Representing You in Court
If settlement negotiations fail, our lawyers will take your case to trial. We will represent you in court, presenting evidence, calling witnesses, and challenging any weak points in opposing arguments.
The aim is to convince the judge or jury of your right to compensation based on the facts of the case.
In all, our bicycle accident lawyer in Long Island can be instrumental in handling the complex legal landscape following a cycling accident, helping ensure that your rights are protected and that you are justly compensated for your injuries.
Benefits of Hiring a Long Island Bicycle Accident Law Firm
It can be difficult to handle a bicycle accident claim on your own, particularly when you should be concentrating on getting better from significant injuries. Without legal knowledge, you may lose out on several benefits to which you are legally entitled.
The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm can offer several advantages:
- Meeting Claim Deadlines: They ensure that all necessary claim deadlines are met.
- Assistance with Documentation: They help you file all required forms and documents.
- Legal Rights and Advice: They explain your legal rights, enabling you to make informed decisions.
- Gathering Supportive Documents: They assist in collecting all necessary documents that support your claim.
- Settlement Review: They review any settlement offers and advise fairness.
- Negotiation: They negotiate with insurance companies to secure a higher settlement.
- Court Representation: If necessary, they prepare and represent your case.
- Advocating for Your Interests: They fight for your best interests, helping you secure the funds needed for your medical care and future expenses.
A Long Island bicycle accident attorney’s experience might greatly improve your chances of obtaining a just and sufficient payment.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Cyclists are particularly vulnerable in accidents due to their exposure and the lack of protective barriers compared to motor vehicles. Common injuries sustained in bicycle accidents include:
- Back, neck, and spinal cord injuries
- Brain injuries, ranging from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Broken bones
- Head and facial injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Lacerations and abrasions
- Road rash
- Soft tissue injuries such as sprains and strains
In addition to physical injuries, cyclists may also experience mental and emotional distress following an accident. Symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are not uncommon.
The path to recovery can be extensive and arduous. Medical interventions for severe bicycle accident injuries may include:
- Invasive surgeries
- Extended hospital stays
- Skin grafts for significant road rash
- Facial reconstructive surgeries for severe head injuries
- Ongoing consultations with medical specialists
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
Severe injuries, particularly those affecting the brain and spinal cord, can sometimes result in permanent disability, further complicating the recovery process.
Causes of Bicycle Accidents on Long Island
Bicycle accidents in Long Island are an increasing concern for those who bicycle for commuting, exercise, or recreation. Here are some key factors contributing to these incidents:
- Distracted Driving: As digital distractions increase, so do the risks for bicyclists. Drivers engrossed in their phones may fail to see cyclists, leading to dangerous maneuvers like swerving or abrupt stopping.
- Improper Use of Turn Signals: In Long Island, frequent sudden stops and roadside pull-offs by taxis and rideshare drivers (e.g., Uber, Lyft) are common. These drivers often neglect to use turn signals when crossing bicycle lanes or the path of cyclists, significantly increasing the risk of collisions.
- Bicycle Defects: Not all bicycle accidents are due to driver errors; some stem from faulty bicycle parts. Issues like brake failure or steering problems can lead to accidents, potentially implicating manufacturers or retailers in liability.
- Poor Road Conditions: Safe cycling also depends on well-maintained roads. Hazards like potholes, uneven surfaces, and malfunctioning traffic lights can cause accidents, potentially making the responsible government entity liable.
- Drunk Driving: Alcohol or drug impairment severely affects a driver’s judgment and reaction times, posing a lethal threat to cyclists. Impaired drivers may fail to perceive cyclists in time to prevent a collision.
What Should You Do After Being Hit While Riding Your Bicycle?
If you’re involved in a bicycle accident with a vehicle, prioritizing your safety is important. First, ensure you are out of danger and in a secure location.
If you believe you might be injured, it’s essential to contact the police immediately. The driver involved should provide their contact, residence, and insurance details.
Police officers will likely gather information about the incident, including injuries, eyewitness accounts, and the crash circumstances.
In the consequences of a bicycle crash, consider getting legal advice immediately to enable quick initiation of investigative efforts. Crucial evidence, such as surveillance footage from nearby businesses, may be lost or deleted within a few weeks following the accident.
The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm offers qualified accident lawyers in Long Island who are available for consultations regarding bicycle accidents. If you are engaged, they will begin representing you right away.
The firm’s resources and experience enable it to handle any case involving a bicycle accident successfully.
Compensation Available in Long Island Bicycle Accident Claims
Suppose you were involved in a bicycle accident in Long Island that was caused by another party. In that case, you may be entitled to compensation for both your physical injuries and emotional distress, as well as for the financial burdens incurred due to the accident.
Potential compensation could cover the following:
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Costs of medical treatment, including anticipated future expenses
- Lost wages or income, including potential future earnings
- Reduced quality of life
- Diminished earning capacity
- Loss of personal relationships, also known as loss of consortium
- Emotional distress
- Damage to property
Additionally, you may be eligible for punitive damages if your case proceeds to court. These are awarded in rare instances where the defendant’s actions were malicious or reckless, serving as a punishment and a deterrent against similar future conduct.
Under New York’s contributory negligence laws, you can still pursue compensation even if you were partly at fault for the accident. However, any compensation awarded would be proportionately reduced based on your share of fault in the incident.
How Long Do You Have to File a Lawsuit for My Long Island Bicycle Accident?
In New York, you typically have three years from the date of your bicycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you fail to file within this timeframe, known as the statute of limitations, you may lose your right to seek compensation through the legal system.
While three years might appear to be a lengthy period, it can pass quickly, especially when concentrating on your recovery. To ensure you understand your legal rights and options, consider contacting our Long Island personal injury law firm for a free initial consultation with their legal experts.
How Much Is My Bicycle Accident Case Worth?
The compensation for a bicycle accident injury claim varies widely and is influenced by several factors, such as the severity of your injuries and the potential for long-term disability. For instance, a traumatic brain injury, which is considered a catastrophic injury, generally results in a higher settlement compared to a temporary injury, like a broken bone that heals in a few months.
It’s important to note that the value of your case might change as it develops. To ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible, it’s advisable to consult with a skilled bicycle accident attorney.
If you’re in Long Island, consider contacting the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm to arrange a complimentary consultation.
60% of all Traffic Accidents Happen on a Bicycle
Cycling can be a refreshing and eco-friendly mode of transport, but it also carries significant risks. Bicyclists are particularly vulnerable when involved in collisions with motor vehicles, often resulting in severe or even fatal injuries.
In the United States in 2023, there were 48,000 reported injuries and 677 deaths due to bicycle accidents. Annually, around 515,000 visits are made to emergency rooms due to bicycle-related injuries.
In New York State alone, there were 6,076 bicycle accidents in 2011, resulting in nearly 6,000 injuries and 57 fatalities.
There has been a concerning rise in bicycle fatalities over the years. For instance, in 2023, there were 800 bicycle-related deaths in the U.S., averaging over two fatalities per day.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that young adults aged 15 to 24 and adults aged 45 and older are the most susceptible to fatal bicycle accidents involving automobiles. These accidents account for about 2% of all traffic-related deaths and injuries annually.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a bicycle accident in Long Island, New York City, or elsewhere in New York State, your experience is important. Contacting dedicated bicycle accident lawyers in Long Island can help you get rightful compensation from all responsible parties, including any negligent drivers.
Hurt in a Bicycle Accident? Call Our Long Island Bicycle Accident Lawyers
When it comes to legal representation after a bicycle accident in New York, choosing the right attorney is important. Our firm, the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, focuses on bicycle accident cases and provides bicycles with influential legal counsel and representation.
Our attorneys have deep knowledge of the typical scenarios and facts specific to bicycle accidents. We know precisely what evidence is necessary and how to gather it efficiently.
Moreover, our team is experienced in negotiating with both negligent parties and insurance companies to secure the best possible outcomes for our clients. We understand the significant financial, emotional, and physical toll a bicycle accident can inflict.
To get started with your free initial consultation, contact us online or call us at (516) 689-1132. We are here to help you in these challenging times.
