We often do not fully realize the inherent dangers in riding bikes or motorcycles until a tragic accident occurs. Every year, thousands of people are killed or severely hurt due to a bicycle accident. These accidents can change a victim's life forever, as medical costs, permanent injuries, loss of employment often result. In an accident the rider is largely left exposed to the full impact of the accident, so injuries are often severe. A head injury is reported as the most common serious injury. Other common injuries include back injuries, neck injuries and broken bones. Furthermore, a death is often the ultimate result of a bike accident. Often the victim of a fatal bike accident is a child who is under the age of 16. It is important to seek legal guidance as soon as possible after a bicycle accident. If you were injured in a bike accident do not hesitate to contact an experienced Suffolk County bike accident lawyer who is familiar with not only personal injury law, but the specific rules that apply to cyclists.
Common causes of bike accidentsThere are many reasons that a bicycle accident might occur. The reality is that the vast majority of bike accidents are completely avoidable, but for the reckless actions of someone other than the injured bicyclist.
A common cause of bike collisions is a motorist acting recklessly by failing to look. The failure of a motorist to look can lead to the car changing lanes and sideswiping a oncoming bicyclist. It can also lead to the motorist making a turn into the path of a bicyclist. If a motorist is emerging from a driveway, alley, or side street and fails to stop and look both ways, the motorist may not see an oncoming bike. Similarly, if after parking a driver fails to look before opening the door, he (or she) may open the door in the path of a bicyclist. Motorists often do not take into consideration that a bicyclist may be sharing the road. Bicyclists are much smaller than cars. Motorists must take care to look and understand what vehicles are around them.
Bike accidents are also caused by poor road conditions. Roads that are in disrepair due to potholes or debris can cause bicyclists to lose control and collide with a car or fixed object.
Compensable damagesIf the bike accident that left you seriously injured occurred because another person behaved in a negligent manner, then you have the right to seek compensation from that person. You must first prove that the person was indeed negligent. You must have evidence that the defendant owed you a duty of care and breached that duty. You must also prove that the injuries that you suffered were a result of the defendant's reach and that you suffered damages.
As a bike accident attorney in Suffolk County will explain, there are a variety of damages that are compensable in a bike accident case. For example, you can demand that defendant pay your for your medical expenses. Medical expenses include all provable past and future expenses such as hospital, doctor, prescription, and therapy bills. The income from work or self-employment that you lost because you were recovering and unable to work is another compensable loss, as is pain and suffering. You can also demand payment for property damage if your bike was damaged in the accident.
Here are a few things keep in mind. There are time limits for filing a personal injury lawsuit. Do not delay in getting the process started. Also, the negligent person or his insurance company will likely offer you a settlement. Keep in mind that any settlement offered by the defendant or the insurance company may not be fair and may not be in your best interest.
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 serving Suffolk County 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.