New York Bicycle Accident Lawyer
New York City implemented Vision Zero (a traffic initiative created in Sweden) back in 2014 with the goal of eliminating all traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2024. While a nice idea, and a good political talking point, Vision Zero has been, by some people’s account, a failure. There are well over 200 traffic fatalities every year in New York City, and a disproportionately high percentage of the fatalities are among cyclists. Per mile traveled, cyclists have the highest rate of serious injury or death among any road user, and while blame can be placed with roadway engineers, car manufacturers, city planners, the oil industry, politicians, dozens of other parties, liability lies with the driver who actually caused the crash. The New York bicycle accident lawyers at Cohan Law Firm will prove that the driver who hit you was negligent, and we will get the maximum possible compensation for your injuries.
Damages in New York Bicycle Accidents
An injured cyclist can file a personal injury claim with the at-fault party, and a lawsuit if the claim is denied, for the following damages:
- Medical bills
- Ongoing and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of joy of life
- Property damage
- And more
Most Common Types of Bicycle Collisions
When it comes to bike collisions, we have unfortunately seen it all. Below are some of the most common ways in which negligent drivers have caused serious injuries to our clients.
- Right hook—The cyclist is in the bike lane, shoulder of the road, or on the right hand side of the road and going straight, while the driver (to the left of the cyclist) makes a right hand turn, cutting off the cyclist, violating the right of way, and causing the cyclist to crash.
- Hit from behind—The cyclist is rear-ended by the driver, who was likely distracted, speeding, drunk, or in a state of road rage and caused the crash intentionally.
- Left turning vehicle—The driver and cyclist are on opposing lanes of traffic, going different directions. The driver makes a left turn across traffic, cutting the cyclist off and hitting them head on, in a T-bone fashion, or causing the cyclist to T-bone the motor vehicle.
- Pulling out from a side street—Driver pulls out from a side street or parking lot, violating right of way and hitting the cyclist.
- Hit in a crosswalk—Cyclists are allowed to walk their bikes in crosswalks to cross streets. And, even if you were riding your bike in a crosswalk or on the sidewalk and you were hit by a driver, the driver can still be found liable in a personal injury claim, even if the police report takes the side of the driver.
Call a New York Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
Cyclists almost always sustain catastrophic injuries when they get struck by drivers behind two to five tons of steel. We can help you recover the compensation you deserve if you were injured. Call our New York bicycle accident attorneys at Cohan Law Firm at 855-855-0321 for a complimentary consultation today.
