Bike Accident Lawyer Manhattan
Bicycle accidents in Manhattan can result in serious injuries, from road rash and broken bones to traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage. If you've been injured in a bike accident, you need an experienced legal advocate to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. At Veridian Law, our skilled Manhattan bike accident lawyers have a deep understanding of New York's bicycle laws and a proven track record of success in handling these complex cases.
Whether you were hit by a car, truck, or bus, or your accident was caused by a hazardous road condition, we can help you navigate the legal process and seek justice. We understand the challenges faced by cyclists in Manhattan, and we're committed to holding negligent parties accountable for their actions.
Why Choose Our Manhattan Bike Accident Lawyers?
When you're facing the aftermath of a bike accident, you need a legal team with experience and compassion. Here's why you should choose Veridian Law:
Extensive experience handling bike accident cases in Manhattan: We have a deep understanding of the specific challenges faced by cyclists in Manhattan and the legal complexities involved in these cases.
In-depth knowledge of New York bicycle laws and regulations: We stay up-to-date on the evolving laws and regulations surrounding cycling in New York, ensuring you receive the most accurate and effective legal advice.
Proven track record of securing maximum compensation for injured cyclists: We have a history of success in obtaining favorable settlements and verdicts for our clients, helping them recover financially and physically from their injuries. See our case results.
Compassionate and dedicated legal team: We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a bike accident can take. Our team provides personalized attention and support throughout the legal process, ensuring you feel heard and understood.
No fee unless we win your case: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. This allows you to access high-quality legal representation without any financial risk.
Common Causes of Bike Accidents in Manhattan
Bike accidents in Manhattan can occur due to various factors, often involving the negligence of motorists or hazardous road conditions. Some common causes include:
Driver Negligence
Many bike accidents are caused by the negligence of drivers who fail to share the road safely with cyclists. Common forms of driver negligence include:
Distracted driving: Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents of all types, including bike accidents. Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, eating, or otherwise not paying attention to the road are a serious danger to cyclists.
Failure to yield the right-of-way: Drivers must yield the right-of-way to cyclists in various situations, such as when cyclists are traveling straight through an intersection and a driver is turning. Failure to yield the right-of-way is a common cause of bike accidents, especially at intersections.
Opening car doors into the path of cyclists ("dooring"): Dooring occurs when a driver opens their car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist, causing the cyclist to crash. This is a common cause of bike accidents in urban areas with parked cars along the road.
Turning without checking for cyclists: Drivers must carefully check for cyclists before making turns, especially right turns. Failure to do so can result in a collision with a cyclist who is traveling straight through the intersection or in the bike lane.
Speeding or aggressive driving: Speeding and aggressive driving reduce a driver's reaction time and increase the severity of a potential accident. Cyclists are particularly vulnerable to speeding and aggressive drivers due to their lack of protection.
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol: Impaired driving significantly increases the risk of accidents, including bike accidents. Drivers under the influence have impaired judgment, reaction time, and coordination, making them a danger to everyone on the road.
Hazardous Road Conditions
Hazardous road conditions can also contribute to bike accidents, especially in a city like Manhattan with its high traffic volume and aging infrastructure. Some common hazardous road conditions include:
Potholes and uneven pavement: Potholes and uneven pavement can cause cyclists to lose control of their bikes, leading to falls and collisions with other vehicles or objects.
Construction zones and debris: Construction zones often have uneven surfaces, lane closures, and debris that can pose hazards to cyclists.
Lack of bike lanes or inadequate bike infrastructure: Lack of dedicated bike lanes or inadequate bike infrastructure can force cyclists to share the road with motor vehicles, increasing the risk of accidents.
Other Factors
Other factors that can contribute to bike accidents include:
Defective bicycle parts: If a defective bicycle part, such as faulty brakes or a broken chain, contributed to your accident, you may have a claim against the bicycle manufacturer or retailer.
Negligence of other cyclists or pedestrians: In some cases, another cyclist or pedestrian's negligence may contribute to a bike accident. Our attorneys can help you determine if other parties share liability for your accident.
Common Injuries in Manhattan Bike Accidents
Bike accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor scrapes and bruises to life-altering injuries. Some common injuries in Manhattan bike accidents include:
Road rash and lacerations: Road rash is a common injury in bike accidents, occurring when the skin scrapes against the pavement. Lacerations, or deep cuts, can also occur, requiring stitches or even surgery.
Broken bones and fractures: Broken bones and fractures are common in bike accidents, especially to the arms, legs, and collarbone. These injuries can require casts, surgery, and extensive rehabilitation.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): TBIs can occur when the head strikes the pavement or another object during a bike accident. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, with long-term consequences for cognitive function, memory, and personality.
Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries can result in paralysis, loss of sensation, and other debilitating conditions. These injuries often require lifelong medical care and assistance.
Internal organ damage: Internal organ damage can occur when the body is subjected to significant force during a bike accident. These injuries can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
Dental injuries: Dental injuries, such as chipped or broken teeth, are also common in bike accidents. These injuries can require extensive dental work and may have long-term consequences for oral health.
Liability in Manhattan Bike Accidents
Determining liability in a Manhattan bike accident can be complex and depends on various factors, including the specific circumstances of the accident and the actions of all parties involved. Potentially liable parties may include:
Negligent drivers: If a driver's negligence, such as distracted driving, failure to yield, or speeding, caused the bike accident, they can be held liable for your injuries and damages.
The City of New York: If hazardous road conditions, such as potholes, defective road design, or inadequate bike infrastructure, contributed to your accident, the City of New York may be held liable.
Property owners: If your accident was caused by a hazard on private property, such as a pothole in a parking lot or a negligently maintained sidewalk, the property owner may be held liable.
Our experienced bike accident lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case to identify all responsible parties and pursue compensation from each of them.
Compensation for Bike Accident Victims
If you've been injured in a bike accident in Manhattan, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are intended to compensate you for the financial losses you've incurred as a result of the accident. These may include:
Medical expenses: This includes past and future medical costs, such as hospital bills, doctor's visits, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover compensation for your lost income. This includes both past and future lost wages.
Property damage: If your bicycle or other property was damaged in the accident, you can recover the cost of repairs or replacement.
Rehabilitation costs: This includes the cost of any necessary rehabilitation services, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are intended to compensate you for the intangible losses you've suffered, such as pain and suffering. These can be more difficult to quantify but are an important part of your compensation claim. Non-economic damages may include:
Pain and suffering: This includes physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the accident and your injuries.
Emotional distress: This includes anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other emotional or psychological conditions resulting from the accident.
Loss of enjoyment of life: This includes the loss of ability to participate in activities you enjoyed before the accident, such as hobbies, sports, and social events.
Our attorneys will work diligently to calculate the full extent of your damages and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
What to Do After a Bike Accident in Manhattan
Following a bike accident, it's crucial to take the right steps to protect your health, safety, and legal rights. Here's what you should do:
Seek medical attention immediately: Even if you don't feel seriously injured, it's crucial to get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and delaying treatment could worsen your condition. Adrenaline and shock can mask pain, so it's important to seek medical evaluation even if you feel fine.
Call the police and report the accident: A police report is crucial evidence in any accident claim. It provides an official record of the accident, including the date, time, location, involved parties, and any contributing factors. The police report can also help establish liability and support your claim for compensation.
Gather information at the scene: If possible, collect information from the driver, any witnesses, and take photos or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Look around to see if any cameras are nearby that could have captured the accident. This information will be valuable for your attorney to investigate the accident and build a strong case on your behalf.
Contact an experienced bike accident lawyer in Manhattan as soon as possible: An experienced attorney can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contacting a lawyer early on can help you avoid making mistakes that could harm your claim and ensure you have the best possible representation. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Bike Accident Statistics in New York City
Bike accidents are a serious problem in New York City, and Manhattan, with its high traffic volume and dense population, sees a significant number of these accidents each year. According to the NYC Department of Transportation (NYC DOT), in 2022, there were over 5,000 bicycle accidents in New York City, resulting in over 4,000 injuries and 28 fatalities. These statistics highlight the importance of bicycle safety and the need for cyclists to be aware of their rights and legal options in the event of an accident.
You can find more detailed information about bike accidents in New York City on the following websites:
Bike Accident FAQ
What if I was partially at fault for the bike accident?
New York follows a comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Our attorneys will work to establish the extent of liability for all parties involved and fight to maximize your compensation.
Does my homeowner's or renter's insurance cover a bike accident?
In some cases, your homeowner's or renter's insurance may provide coverage for medical expenses or liability in a bike accident. Our attorneys can help you understand your insurance coverage and explore all potential sources of compensation.
What if the driver who hit me doesn't have insurance?
If you're hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may be able to file a claim with your own insurance company or pursue a claim through the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC). Our attorneys can help you understand your options and pursue the best course of action.
What should I do if the driver leaves the scene of the accident?
If the driver leaves the scene, try to get their license plate number or any other identifying information. Report the accident to the police immediately and contact a bike accident lawyer as soon as possible. Again, look around to see if there are any cameras nearby which may have captured the accident as well as the individual’s license plate information. We can help you investigate the accident and identify the responsible party.
How much does it cost to hire a bike accident lawyer in Manhattan?
At Veridian Law, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the compensation we recover for you, so you can focus on your recovery without worrying about legal fees.
Contact Our Experienced Manhattan Bike Accident Lawyers Today
If you've been injured in a bike accident in Manhattan, don't hesitate to contact our experienced legal team today. We offer free consultations and are available 24/7 to discuss your case. We'll fight aggressively to protect your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve.