Driving down the road in a car offers certain protections that other forms of transportation can’t always match. Cars have metal frames holding them together, keeping things on the outside from getting inside. Additionally, they have seatbelts to prevent occupants from being thrown out of their seats, and even airbags to protect them in the event of an accident. With all of these protections in place, it’s no wonder that cyclists are more at risk in an accident than drivers! In New York City alone, there were over 5,000 bicycling injuries in 2023 due to accidents on the road. If you’ve experienced a bike crash in NYC, hire a lawyer like those at Shaveitz & Shaevitz to represent your interests and earn you fair compensation!
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Often, a bicycle accident is the result of negligence, whether by a motor vehicle or another cyclist. Negligence is the failure to act how a reasonable person would in a similar situation! However, negligence on the road can have devastating consequences, especially for cyclists.
Common causes of bike crashes include:
Distracted driving: Texting, eating, and changing the music in your car while driving are all forms of distraction. Even other cyclists can be distracted, failing to pay attention to the road ahead.
- Speeding: Speed limits exist to protect pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles. Ignoring these speed limits often results in dangerous accidents.
- Failure to yield: Sometimes, a cyclist or pedestrian has the right of way. These are almost always notated by signs and signals, forcing cars to slow down and yield as people cross. Unfortunately, not everyone listens to these signs, which can cause major injuries to cyclists or pedestrians in the case of collisions.
- Improper bike path: Sidewalks and bike lanes should be in good condition, providing a safe and effective method to travel alongside the road. When clutter blocks these paths or they become too small, it endangers the lives of cyclists!
New York State is a comparative negligence state, which means more than one party may be at fault for an accident. If you experience a bike crash, multiple parties may be at fault, including yourself! While your percentage of fault will reduce your compensation, you may still be eligible for a substantial payout.
Trusting a Bike Crash Lawyer With Your Case
At Shaevitz & Shaevitz, we handle a variety of personal injury cases, including bicycle accidents. As a bike crash lawyer, the most important step is determining negligence. Once we understand who is at fault, we can better asses your compensation!
We’ll collect evidence such as police reports, traffic footage, and witness statements to help build your case. With documentation on our side, we are better able to prove the negligence of the parties involved! Then, rather than you dealing with the insurance companies’ low offers, we will handle them for you, protecting your compensation.
In New York State, if you are a cyclist hit by a car, you are eligible for no-fault benefits. These benefits come from Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which all NYS drivers should have in case of an accident. These benefits cover at least $50,000 in costs like medical and hospital bills, as well as additional therapies. As your bike crash lawyer, we’ll help you file your no-fault claim within 30 days of the accident to ensure you receive your benefits!
Depending on the severity of your injury, you may deserve further compensation, though your percentage of fault may affect this. After a bike crash, hire an experienced lawyer to help determine what your case is worth!
A Bike Crash Lawyer Offers Support After Accidents in NYC
If you are in a cycling accident, chances are you’re the one who’s hurt. Hiring a bike crash lawyer makes a huge difference in your case, as we collect evidence and prove the negligence of other parties involved in the accident. With the help of Shaevitz & Shaevitz, you can protect your compensation and have your best interests represented in court or settlement negotiations.
Book a free consultation with us today to learn the value of your case.
Connect with Shaevitz & Shaevitz on Facebook and Instagram to explore our other legal services.