Leading New York Bicycle Accident Attorney Shim Law Group
Bicycle accidents are rising in NYC. Shim Law Group helps injured cyclists navigate complex legal claims. With deep knowledge of causes like driver negligence and unsafe roads, our attorneys fight for your rights and fair compensation. Trust a leading New York bicycle accident attorney to stand by your side.
New York Bicycle Accident Attorney
Bicycles have gained popularity among all types of people around the City. With more cyclists on the road, accidents are unfortunately on the rise. It is important to secure the legal services of an adept New York bicycle accident attorney. This guide covers everything you need to know about bicycle accidents. Including the causes and how a Shim Law Group, P.C. lawyer can guide you in filing claims.
Understanding Bicycle Accidents in New York by Shim Law
In New York City, it seems like bicycle accidents are on everyone’s lips. The data released by the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) indicates that in the year 2023, there were 4,829 recorded bicycle accidents, with 22 fatalities and countless others suffering serious injuries. Knowing what the most common causes of these accidents are will help you identify some of the risks that you might come across on the streets.
1. Driver Negligence
Cyclists face the greatest risk from driver negligence. Distracted drivers, including those talking and texting, exacerbate the problem. Drivers under the influence of drugs greatly increase the risk for cyclists.
2. Poor Road Conditions
The streets of New York City are covered with potholes, cracks, broken surfaces, and debris that pose danger to cyclists. Even small defects on the roads can lead to cyclists losing control of their bikes, which in turn can lead to serious accidents.
3. Lack of Facilities
In New York City, many areas do not have designated bike lanes. For that reason, bike riders need to share the road with motor vehicles. Due to high levels of traffic makes unfortunate accidents are more likely to occur.
4. Does Not Follow Traffic Rules
Not all cyclists comply to enforce cycling laws for their private reasons. Where some drivers are free to cooperate by keeping a safe distance. There will always be some people who want to take up all the space that their car takes up. Moreover, drivers who decide to make turns without indicating them harm cyclists.
How a Bicycle Accident Attorney of Shim Law Can Help You After a Crash
Bicycle accidents can come with their own set of problems. Experts in bicycle accident law stand out in solving these burdens, paying off bills, and even recovering lost wages. We outline how legal representatives provide aid to individuals in a crash:
1. Investigation and Evidence Collection
Gathering information about the accident for building a strong case. The lawyer is going to collect the following documents:
- Accident Reports: Documents proving the officers were present and wrote accident records on the scene.
- Accident Photographs: Pictures of the bicycle, your injuries, crash site.
- Statements From Witnesses: Reports given by people who were present when the accident occurred.
- Footage from CCTV: Videos captured by cameras in stores or on the roads.
This information could be very useful to help prove fault and obtain the payment to which you are entitled.
2. Managing Insurance Firms
Insurance firms are well known for attempting to lowball and underpay accident victims. An attorney who specializes in your particular case will take all phone calls and conversations with the insurance company. Your attorney will fight to ensure that you receive every dollar needed for medical expenses, property and vehicle injuries, and wages that have not been paid.
3. Navigating Complex Legal Issues
Cases involving bicycle accidents tend to be multi-faceted and involve numerous other layers of legal paperwork. Let’s say that the accident resulted from a mixture of a driver who is not paying attention to the road and bad conditions on the road. Your lawyer will be the one dealing with all these matters.
4. Handling Legal Complexities
Claims for bicycle accidents can be detailed from a legal perspective. Take the scenario of others, involving a distracted driver and bad weather that may cloud the road. Your attorney fights with these problems so that you can cherish all faults mortgaged, and you can enjoy the compensation you deserve.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
People involved in bicycle accidents face a wide range of injuries. These can be as simple as cuts and bruises to more severe, life-changing conditions. Some of the most common injuries that are sustained during a bicycle accident are listed below:
1. Head Injuries
Cyclists are prone to concussions and TBIs. Even with a helmet, a cyclist’s head is always vulnerable. These long-term injuries can also result in not only cognitive impairment, but also memory loss.
2. Spinal Cord Injuries
These types of injuries, when suffered by cyclists, are some of the most severe and dangerous. An injury to the spinal cord results in partial or total paralysis.
3. Fractures and Broken Bones
Most cyclists tend to break their arms, legs, and even collarbones when falling off their bicycles. For some, these fractures can be surgically fixed, and with proper medication. Not treating these issues on time can increase the chances of permanent disability.
4. Soft Tissue Injuries
Concerning bicycle accidents, soft tissue injuries can be defined as sprains, strains, and ligament tears. All of these are common injuries that are prone to accidents. These injuries can increase pain and a longer recovery time.
5. Road Rash and Abrasions
Friction burns are injuries seen in cyclists when they fall off their bicycles and slide on the road. Like many other injuries, these burns need treatment quickly because they can get infected very easily.
6. Internal Injuries
Severe accidents have the potential to cause damage to a cyclist’s internal organs, such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys. Such injuries may require a fair amount of immediate medical assistance, also a risk to the individual’s life.
Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident
If you were involved in a bicycle accident, then it’s essential to take some steps to ensure your health and legal rights. So here’s what you need to do right after the incident:
1. Seek Medical Attention
Always visit a doctor immediately after any accidents. Make an appointment with a medical professional, as some injuries may not visibly appear right away.
2. Notify the Police
Calling the police for an official record is invaluable in pursuit of the claim.
3. Capture the Scene
Try to capture photos of the accident, your injuries, and your bike or other vehicles that were involved. Most importantly, capture contact details of any witnesses so that they can be interviewed later.
4. Avoid Blame Acceptance
At the scene, even if you think you contributed to the accident, do not accept any blame. Leave that to the experts, like police and insurance representatives.
5. Seek Legal Assistance
As the next step after ensuring your safety, contact a lawyer who specializes in bicycle accidents so that they can help you with the claims process.
Types of Compensation You Can Seek After a Bicycle Accident
Sustaining injuries from a bicycle accident provides the individual the option to claim compensation for many damages. An attorney will work around the clock to make sure you get what you deserve:
1. Medical Expenses
This section covers all the expenses that fall under the negligence of your doctor, such as :
- Short-term and long-term hospitalization
- IV and emergency room billing
- Operative procedures
- Subsequent clinician consultations
- Fitness training rehabilitation
- Medication costs from doctors
2. Lost Wages
Gaining compensation for lost income is also an option for individuals forced to take time off from work due to medical injuries. Under this, an employee can even be compensated for expected income if they are unable to work due to injury for a longer duration of time.
3. Pain and Suffering
This injury category concerns the psychological and physical trauma resulting from your injuries. Evaluating the worth of your pain and suffering can be done through an attorney, who’ll consider the extent of your injuries and the impact on your life.
4. Property Damage
You can receive compensation for repairing the property if your bicycle as well as any personal items were damaged in the incident.
5. Emotional Distress
Post-accident anxiety, depression, and PTSD are not uncommon for cyclists involved in accidents. If you suffer from these effects, you may be eligible for damages related to emotional distress.
Tips for Preventing Bicycle Accidents
We all know that accidents are unpredictable. There are ways to reduce the chances of accidents:
- Helmet Use: A helmet is crucial in case of a fall or collision.
- Usage of Bike Lanes: People should stick to bike lanes and roads that are meant for bicycles.
- Avoid Traffic: Always try to use the designated bicycle pathways or streets.
- Stay Safe: Always see and watch for hazards on the road. If riding at night, wear bright or reflective clothing and lights.
- Follow All Rules: Must follow all traffic rules, like stop signs, and follow signals.
- Stay Aware: Always watch for pedestrians and vehicles to avoid collisions.
Shim Law will Stand for You
Bicycle accidents can be life-changing, but you don’t have to face the effects alone.
Shim Law Group, P.C. is committed to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. Our experienced New York attorneys will guide you through every step of the legal process.
You focus on recovery! We’ll handle the rest, with no fees unless we win.
