With the high cost of gas and the increased interest in physical fitness, the number of people riding bikes has increased in recent years. Sadly, each year thousands of people are killed or severely hurt in bicycle accidents. Because bikes offer few safety features and do not provide protection for the rider's body, when bike accident occur, injuries tend to be severe. Head injuries are among the most common type of bike accident injury. Other common injuries include back injuries, neck injuries and broken bones. Unfortunately, many bicyclists are killed in accidents. If you or a family member were injured in a bike accident do not hesitate to contact an experienced Staten Island bike accident lawyer who has the knowledge, experience and resources to protect your legal rights.
Common causes of bike accidentsJust like with any other type of accident, there can be a variety of contributing factors. In many cases bike accidents are caused by the negligent actions of the driver of a car, truck, or can. Examples include a car sideswiping the bicyclist, a car "dooring" a bike, or a motorist pulling out from a driveway or alley into a bicyclist's path. Other reckless actions by drivers lead to collisions with bicyclists including speeding, driving while drunk, running red lights, and distracted driving.
Bike accidents can also be caused by poor road conditions such as potholes. Potholes are such a problem for bicyclists that many bicyclists include pothole avoidance as part of their training. Potholes can cause a bicyclist to lose control and collide with a car, ride into a ditch, or be thrown from the bike. Another type of road hazard that can lead to bike accidents is debris in the road. Debris sometime falls from trucks and other vehicles. In other cases road construction crews leave debris. Regardless of how it got there, it can lead to bicyclists and other vehicles colliding.
Compensable damagesBike accidents can leave victims with serious injuries. A common injury is a head injury such as a concussion, skull fracture, or hematoma. Is some cases the victim lands on his or neck or back, resulting in a spinal cord injury that leads to chronic pain or even paralysis. Broken bones broken bones are also typical in bike accidents, particularly broken arms, wrists and legs. Internal injuries such as internal bleeding and organ damage are not unusual. All of these serious injuries required extensive medical treatment that leads to substantial medical bills.
If you were injured in a bike accident, as a bike accident attorney in Staten Island can explain, you may be entitled to compensation from the person whose negligence lead to your injuries, such as the driver of a car or a government entity who failed to make sure the roadway was free of hazards. You may be entitled for compensation for both the past and future medical bills associated with your treatment. In addition, if you miss work or if you are unable to operate your own business, the negligent party may be required to compensate you for your lost income. You may also be entitled to compensation for the physical and emotional pain and suffering that you experienced due to your physical pain, disfiguration, scarring, depression, and other emotional problems.
Contact the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & AssociatesBicycle accidents leave victims with serious injuries, the inability to work, and financial problems. Through a personal injury lawsuit you may be able recover significant compensation to help you with your medical bills and other expenses. Contact a bike accident lawyer serving clients in Staten Island at 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.