People often do not realize the dangers involved in riding a motorcycle or bicycle until it is too late. Thousands of people are hurt or killed in every year due to bike accidents. If you have been in a Bike Accident, you could be contending with excessive medical costs, missed work, and physical pain and rehabilitation time. The injuries sustained in these accidents tend to be more severe than other types of accidents, because bicycles do not provide much protection to the rider. According to recent statistics, a head injury tops the list of serious injuries. However, a spinal injury (possibly resulting in paralysis), compound fractures and internal bleeding injuries are not uncommon. These accidents can often be fatal. Sadly approximately 50% of all fatal bike accidents involve victims who are under the age of 16. If you were injured in a bike accident do not hesitate to contact an experienced Westchester County bike accident attorney who is familiar with not only personal injury law, but with the specific rules that apply to bicyclists.
Common causes of bike accidentsMany different factors can increase the chances of bike accidents happening. The instability of a bike puts bike riders at an immediate disadvantage. If a rider has to take quick evasive action, they can be thrown off balance. A faulty grate in the road or an unexpected road abnormality can mean disaster for a bike rider. Bike riders are also at a distinct disadvantage on the road because they are so hard to see by motorists. Just like with car accident there are a variety of ways that bike accidents can occur. Common ways include sideswipe accidents, door accidents, and drive-out accidents.
Sideswipe accidents occur when the bike is sideswiped by car causing the cyclist to lose control of the bike or causing the cyclist to be thrown from the bile. Door accidents occur when a driver opens a car door without first looking. A cyclist either runs into the door and flips over it it, or swerves to avoid the door and ends up colliding with another car. A drive-out accident involves a motorist pulling out from a driveway, side street or alley right into the path of a cyclist. The result is a collision between the bicyclist and the car.
Other reasons for bike accidents are drivers breaking traffic laws and causing an accident with a bicyclist. For example, a speeding driver or a driver who is texting may end up colliding with a bicyclist or sideswiping a bicyclist.
Compensable damagesBicyclists who are hit by cars or who are in other types of accidents caused by the negligence of others tend to suffer serious injuries that require extensive treatment. Extensive treatment leads to significant medical bills and missed work. Through a personal injury lawsuit you have the right to file a claim against the negligent person in order to legally for that person to pay you for the losses you suffered in the accident. Compensable losses include:
While a bicycle accident may have some similarities to an accident involving only cars or trucks, 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.