As the weather gets warmer, people often forgo driving, instead opting to walk or ride their bicycles. This is true even in New York City, where the sidewalks and bike lanes are packed with cyclists almost year-round. At first, an increase in bicycle use sounds like a good thing! However, it often comes with an increase in bicycle accidents and bicycle accident-related deaths. The more people on the streets of New York, the more crowded the roads and sidewalks become. Cars may drive into bike lanes and vice versa, usually injuring the cyclist more than the driver or car. If you’ve been in a cycling accident in NYC, you should contact a bicycle accident lawyer in Queens like those at Shaevitz & Shaevitz!
Who Is to Blame for Bicycle Accidents in Queens?
Bicycle accidents have various potential causes. Behaviors like distracted driving, disregarding traffic laws, and following too closely significantly increase your risk of a collision. However, it’s important to note that even cyclists can be partially responsible.
In New York State, we operate under a comparative negligence rule. This law declares that multiple parties can share the blame for an accident. If someone is liable for a portion of the accident, whatever compensation they deserve is reduced by their own percentage of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault for a bicycle accident, your compensation will be reduced by 20%. To determine fault and how much your case is worth, having a Queens bicycle accident lawyer on your side is important! We can help assess your fault percentage and prove the other parties’ negligence.
No-fault benefits, however, are not impacted by your percentage of fault. Regardless of who is responsible for the accident, most individuals involved in a motor-vehicle accident are eligible for no-fault benefits if they file a claim within 30 days of the accident. These benefits are paid for by the insurance coverage of the car that hit you, using their Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. This insurance covers at least $50,000 for medical expenses, lost wages, and other economic costs.
Trusting an Insurance Agent vs. a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
After an accident, an insurance agent will likely contact you. While insurance agencies are integral in determining fault and compensation, we encourage you not to speak with the insurance company without a bicycle accident lawyer.
Unfortunately, insurance agencies often resort to minimizing tactics to reduce your compensation. Because the agents aim to save their company money, they benefit by giving lowball offers for compensation. Through carefully worded questions and misleading conversation, they can sometimes get you to admit fault or downplay your injuries. With a knowledgeable Queens bicycle accident lawyer on your side, you can protect yourself from these tactics! We will speak to the insurance company for you, representing your case.
If the insurance agency refuses to pay what your case is really worth, we are ready and willing to represent you in court! We will build your case and collect evidence like witness statements, police reports, and even traffic camera footage to protect your compensation.
To demonstrate our commitment to your case, we have a no compensation won, no pay policy. If we don’t win compensation for your case, you won’t have to pay us for our services. As your Queens bicycle accident attorneys, we are on your side throughout the whole process.
Let Shaevitz & Shaevitz Fight for Your Compensation!
Cycling in New York City leaves you in a vulnerable position that may result in bicycle accidents. After a bicycle accident in NYC, you need someone you can trust to protect your compensation! At Shaevitz & Shaevitz, we will build your case and fight for you! Trust us as your Queens bicycle accident lawyers to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Book a free consultation today to start on your path to justice!
Connect with Shaevitz & Sheavitz on Instagram and Facebook to learn more about the types of injury cases we handle.