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Bicycling is a common way to get around in New York City. Each day, thousands of cyclists ride in the city's 1,240 lane miles of bike lanes as a means of transportation. Many also cycle for recreation and exercise. While bicycling in New York can be both fun and essential, it can also be dangerous.
Each year, there are thousands of bicycle accidents in New York City that result in substantial injuries, or even death. According to statistics, 2019 was the deadliest year on record in two decades for cyclist fatalities throughout the five boroughs. The majority of those killed were struck by a large vehicle such as a truck, bus or SUV.
New York City Bicycle Accident Injuries
If you were struck by a car or other vehicle while riding a bike, you may have serious injuries. The severity of bicycle injuries can depend upon factors such as how fast you were cycling, whether you were wearing a helmet or protective gear, and how fast the vehicle was going that hit you.
Bicycle injuries can include concussion, traumatic brain injury, soft tissue injuries, broken bones, lacerations, amputation, fractures, spine injuries, paralysis, nerve damage, and even fatality. You may require extensive medical treatment ranging from a trip to the emergency room, office visits, physical therapy, medication, X-rays, MRIs, EMG-NCVs, and any other testing or treatment prescribed by your doctor.
No-Fault Coverage for Bicyclists
Medical expenses for bicycle injuries can add up quickly. However, bicyclists are entitled to the benefits of New York's no-fault law for "reasonable and necessary medical expenses" up to $50,000. If you are unable to work as a result of the accident, you may also be entitled to lost wages under no-fault up to a certain amount.
An application for no-fault benefits must be filed within thirty days of the accident. Knowing which insurance company to file a no-fault application with can be confusing - and since it must be done relatively quickly, it's often best to contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible who can help.
Depending on several factors, a no-fault application will either be filed with the vehicle driver's insurance company or your own car insurance company. Otherwise, if neither you nor anyone in your household has car insurance and you cannot ascertain the other vehicle's insurance company, you may have to file the application with MVAIC (The Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation).
If you have incurred additional out of pocket medical expenses beyond what no-fault benefits provide, you may be entitled to recover them in a personal injury lawsuit as well as damages for pain and suffering, future medical expenses, future lost wages, loss of consortium, and punitive damages.
Liability for New York City Bicycle Accidents
The impact of a car accident can cause fractures and broken bones to various parts of the body. These kinds of injuries can include fractures and breaks to the fibula, tibia, patella, hips, ribs, feet, pelvis, collarbone, spine, skull, ankles, jaw, and other bones. Your doctor may recommend X-rays, CT scans or MRIs to determine the injury. Treatment can depend on which body parts were affected and the severity. It may include the use of casts, splints and crutches, physical therapy, medication, and surgery.
Contact an Experienced New York Personal Injury Attorney
If you were injured in a bicycle accident, you should contact a personal injury attorney immediately who can advise you of your legal rights - there are strict statutes of limitation in place that begin running from the day of the accident, and much shorter ones if the claim should be brought against a municipality. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
The Popick Law Firm has over thirty years of experience in obtaining compensation for victims of bicycle accidents. Located in Fresh Meadows, NY, The Popick Law Firm handles personal injury and bicycle accident cases in Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, the Bronx, as well as Nassau and Suffolk counties. Contact The Popick Law Firm today for a consultation.
