How to Pursue Compensation if You Were Injured in a Bicycle Accident On Long Island
On Long Island, all cyclists observe the same rules of the road as motorists. However, under New York’s no-fault system, a cyclist is considered a pedestrian. If you’re involved in a bicycle accident on Long Island, you must file a claim with the negligent driver’s insurance provider. If your damages exceed $50,000 and/or you suffered an injury that meets the state’s serious injury threshold, you can sue the negligent driver and pursue compensation for economic and non-economic damages.
Economic and Non-Economic Damages
The damages you’re entitled to will depend on the specifics surrounding your case, the severity of your injuries, and other variables.
In some cases, an injured cyclist can pursue compensation for the following types of economic and non-economic damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Past and future medical care costs
- Past, present, and future lost wages
- Property damage
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
How Can a Long Island Bicycle Accident Attorney Help?
In 2022, as reported by the Nassau County Police Department, there were 319 accidents involving cyclists, with two fatalities. There was a significant increase over the following year, with a reported 437 accidents, and three fatalities.
Due to poor infrastructure, distracted driving, and reckless drivers on the roads, cyclists are at a high risk of being involved in an accident while riding around the scenic streets of Long Island. If you were injured in an accident on Long Island, the legal team at Parker Waichman LLP can help.
A Long Island bicycle accident lawyer on our legal team can help by:
- Investigating the accident
- Gathering evidence
- Interviewing witnesses
- Consulting with experts to establish liability and accurately assess damages
- File paperwork
- Handle all communication with the insurance company or defense attorney
- Negotiate a fair settlement
- File a lawsuit and represent you in court
What Are the Leading Causes Of Bicycle Accidents?
Leading causes of bike accidents on Long Island include:
- The cyclist making an unsafe left turn
- Driver disregarding traffic signs and signals
- Distracted driving
- Driver opening door as cyclist passes
- Cyclist riding on the wrong side of the road
- Poor road conditions
- Driver fails to see cyclist
- Driver fails to look for cyclists when entering or exiting parking lot or parking structures
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving
- Driver making an unsafe left turn
- Cyclist riding without reflectors or headlight
- Many bicycle accidents occur early in the morning or at night, when lighting conditions are poor, making it more challenging for drivers to spot cyclists.
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