Bronx Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Many Bronx residents choose to take advantage of the borough’s numerous dedicated bicycle paths, trails, and lanes. Unfortunately, this still means bicyclists need to share the roads with other vehicles and pedestrians, which in turn can lead to a serious accident. Especially in cases where a motor vehicle strikes a bicycle, the bicyclist is often far more likely to suffer serious injury or death in the event of such a collision.
If you, or someone that love, has been such a victim, it is best to speak with an experienced Bronx bicycle accident lawyer who can assist you in navigating the process of seeking compensation under New York State law. Michael Gunzburg, P.C., is a dedicated New York personal injury law firm that represents injured bicyclists and their families in the Bronx and throughout the city. Our team will be happy to review your accident and advise you on what steps to take next.
Who Is Responsible for a Bronx Bicycle Accident?
The majority of bicycle accidents that occur in the Bronx are the result of a negligent motorist hitting a bicyclist. Such negligence can take many forms, including but not limited to:
- distracted driving;
- driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
- excessive speeding;
- failure to yield to a bicyclist with the right of way;
- illegal turns;
- improper passing;
- opening a driver’s side door without checking for an approaching bicyclist;
- reckless driving; and
- running a red light or stop sign.
Other potential causes of a bicycle accident include a defect in the design or manufacture of the bicycle itself, or poor road conditions caused by New York City’s failure to perform proper maintenance.
Under New York’s no-fault insurance rules, when a car hits a bicyclist, the auto insurer for the person driving the car is generally responsible for providing the bicyclist with certain medical and wage replacement benefits, up to the limits of the policy. Unfortunately, this is just $50,000 for most accidents. However, if the bicyclist sustained a serious injury–which is common due to the lack of protection such victims have in the event of a collision–they can step outside of the no-fault system and file a personal injury lawsuit directly against the negligent driver.
Injured bicyclists should also know that the no-fault rules only cover bicycle accidents caused by a negligent driver. If your accident was caused by a defective bicycle, defective roadway, or even another bicyclist, you can sue the responsible party without having to go through the no-fault system first.
Let Our Bronx Bicycle Accident Lawyers Help You Today
Bicycle accidents frequently cause bone fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and even spinal cord damage, among other serious injuries. Victims often require extensive medical care and may end up with a permanent disability as a result of these injuries. It is therefore important to hold those persons responsible for causing such an accident legally accountable. If you need to speak with a qualified Bronx bicycle accident lawyer, call Michael Gunzburg, P.C., at 212-725-8500 today to schedule a free initial consultation.
