While car accidents are quite common in the Bronx and in other parts of New York, bike accidents are relatively common as well. Oftentimes bike accidents are even more devastating than other types of vehicle accidents because New York does not require people over the age of 14 to wear helmets, and as result many bicyclists do not. This means that a bicyclist's entire body is exposed. Then a bike is hit by a car, for example, the bicyclist almost always suffers a serious injury such as a traumatic brain injury. This not only means that the victims suffer painful and sometimes permanent injuries. It also means that the victim and his or her family will face financial challenges. One way to relieve the financial stress of a bike accident that was caused by another person's negligence is to file a personal injury claim against that person, demanding compensation. If you were injured in a bike accident do not hesitate to contact an experienced Bronx bike accident lawyer who is familiar with not only personal injury law, but the specific rules that apply to cyclists.
Common causes of bike accidentsJust like another type of accident, bike accidents happen due to many different reasons. For example, a common type of bike accident is when a car sideswipes a bike, causing the bicyclist to lose control and fall. Another type of common bike accident is caused when the driver of a park car does not look before opening the car door. The bicyclist them collides with the opened vehicle door, usually flipping over the door and landing on his head, neck or back. Other accidents are caused because a driver runs through a stop sign or red light, is texting while driving, or is driving while intoxicated.
Road conditions can be a major factor in a bike accident. Bicyclists are much more vulnerable to wet roads, icy roads, potholes and debris in the road. A car would likely drive over a large pothole, but if someone on a bike rides over the same pothole it could cause them to crash.
Common bike accident injuriesEvery bike accident is different meaning that there is a wide range of injuries that a bicyclist can suffer in an accident. Examples of serious injuries include broken bones, internal injuries, nerve damages, back injuries, deep cuts, and head injuries. These types of serious injuries often require expensive treatment that can last for days, weeks and even months. This means that the victim may be unable to work for a long time. In extreme cases the injuries are permanent and the victim is not able to return to work at all.
Compensable damagesWhile you are dealing with recovering from the accident, you are likely to be concerned about all of the medical bills you are accumulating and how you are going to pay them. After all nowadays insurance does always not cover everything. Medical insurance certainly does not pay for your other bills that you cannot pay because you are unable to work due to your injuries. Through a personal injury lawsuit you can demand that the person responsible for the accident that left injured compensate you for your losses, including your medical expenses, your lost wages, your pain and suffering and your damaged property.
If a loved one was killed in a bike accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit and demand payment for your loved one's medical expenses, the funeral and burial expenses, and loss of support.
Contact the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & AssociatesWhile a bicycle accident may have some similarities to an accident involving only motorists, there are nuances to handling a bike accident that only an experienced bike accident attorney will understand. Contact the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates to discuss the details of your case. Our staff is experienced in handling claims from people injured in bike accidents as well as motorcycle accidents and car accidents. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We represent clients in the following locations: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, Nassau County, Queens, Staten Island, Suffolk County and Westchester County.