Bike Crash Attorneys Protect Your Right to Compensation

When riding your bike through the city, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, always wear a helmet. While often scoffed at, helmets are statistically proven to save lives in bicycle accidents. Another step is to wear bright colors—especially when it’s dark out. And finally, be careful on the road! In New York City, cyclists must ride on bike paths alongside the street. Following this rule helps protect the well-being of pedestrians, but be sure to take precautions. Bike paths put cyclists closer to drivers, and consequently, more at risk for injury. Because motor vehicles offer more structural protection for drivers, bicyclists are usually the ones who get hurt. Out of all 1,377 bicyclist deaths in America in 2023, more than half involved a motor vehicle. After a bike crash, trust the attorneys at Shaevitz & Shaevitz to handle your case and protect your right to compensation!

Common Bike Crash Injuries

In a car accident, drivers usually have layers of protection. First, they have a seatbelt keeping them secure. Next, they have an airbag, hopefully protecting them from serious head injuries. Finally, they have a padded interior and a metal frame on the outside. While car crashes still cause serious damage, most drivers are at least spared from the brunt of the accident. Cyclists aren’t so lucky.

Even with all of the proper gear in place, a bike crash can cause major injuries, especially when involving a car. With no seatbelt or airbag, cyclists often face the full force of the crash with very little protection.

Unfortunately, regardless of who is at fault, a collision between a bicycle and a car typically results in the cyclist sustaining more serious injuries.

These injuries may include:

• Traumatic brain injuries: While helmets help significantly reduce the amount of damage, bicycle accidents may still result in brain damage. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are particularly dangerous, as your brain has direct control of various other functions.
• Spinal cord injuries: Your spine is an incredibly complex and delicate system. After a bike crash, it’s not uncommon to experience back pain or spine injuries that may have lifelong effects.
• Broken bones: Fortunately, broken bones do heal over time. However, the healing process may be arduous and leave you out of work for a long period of time.
• Temporary or permanent paralysis: Paralysis describes losing the ability to move and/or feel all or part of your body. This can impact a small area, such as the face, or larger areas, like your legs or arms, depending on the nature of your injuries.
• Death: In some situations, a bike crash may result in death. In this case, a loved one or family member may be eligible for compensation.

How Bike Crash Attorneys Determine Fault

After a bike crash, it’s essential to contact attorneys like those at Shaevitz & Shaevitz to help you fully understand your compensation.

For example, New York State is a comparative negligence state. This rule allows all parties involved in a car accident to receive no-fault benefits, no matter who is to blame! In the case of a cyclist in an accident with a motor vehicle, you must file a no-fault claim with the insurance of the car that hit you within 30 days of the accident.

These benefits cover a minimum of $50,000 in hospital bills, medical bills, and lost wages, making a huge difference for clients like you. Fortunately, as your bike crash attorneys, we’ll help you file this claim and understand what your case is worth.

Next, while you rest and recover, we’ll take on the role of gathering evidence to build your case! Traffic camera footage, witness statements, police reports, and medical records are just some of the evidence we compile to represent your interests.

Additionally, we handle all insurance negotiations on your behalf. Insurance agents often use minimizing tactics to lower your compensation. Thankfully, as your bike crash attorneys, we protect your compensation from the insurance companies, fighting for your right to fair payment!

For those seeking additional compensation (if your injuries exceed the serious injury threshold), we help you file a separate claim and represent your interests in court or during settlement negotiations. However, it’s important to note that if you are partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Trust Shaevitz & Sheavitz To Handle Your Bicycle Accident Case

Sometimes, you can do everything right while riding your bike through New York City, and still end up in an accident. When a motor vehicle is involved, accidents become even more dangerous for the cyclist! If you’re in a bike crash in NYC, you may be eligible for compensation. Book a free consultation with bike crash attorneys Shaevitz & Shaevitz to understand what your case may be worth.

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