Brooklyn Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Riding a bicycle is good exercise. For many Brooklyn residents, it is also an inexpensive alternative to commuting by car or truck. At the same time, bicycling in any urban environment is risky. The bicyclist is at the mercy of motorists to act responsibly and share the road. And when there is a collision involving a bicycle and a motor vehicle, it is usually the bicyclist who suffers serious–and often fatal–injuries due to their lack of protection from Brooklyn’s streets.
Just as the medical fallout from a bicycle accident can be overwhelming, so too can the legal aftermath. Many bicycle accident victims do not understand their rights when it comes to filing an insurance claim or a potential personal injury lawsuit against the driver who hit them. This is where an experienced Brooklyn bicycle accident lawyer can help. Michael Gunzburg, P.C., is a New York City personal injury firm with 37 years experience representing accident victims. Our team can review your bicycle crash, explain your options to you, and act on your behalf to secure any compensation you are entitled to under the law.
How Motorist Negligence Leads to Bicycle Accidents in Brooklyn
Our typical bicycle accident client is someone who was struck by a negligent or careless motorist. Some of the more common explanations for these collisions are:
- The motorist was distracted.
- The motorist made an illegal turn into the path of a bicyclist.
- The motorist was speeding or driving in a reckless manner.
- The motorist was not keeping a proper lookout for a bicyclist who was in their blind spot.
- The motorist failed to yield to a bicyclist who had the right of way.
- A motorist parked their car and opened their door without checking to see a bicyclist approaching from behind them.
- The motorist was impaired due to the consumption of alcohol or drugs.
If you are hit by a motor vehicle, the driver’s New York no-fault insurance policy will generally cover your medical bills, 80 percent of your lost wages (up to $2,000 per month for 3 years), and up to $25 per day (up to 1 year) for incidental expenses. These benefits are subject to a maximum policy limit of $50,000 per person. However, if your injuries are more serious, you may be able to step outside of the no-fault system and file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent driver. This can enable you to seek full compensation for your losses arising from a bicycle accident.
Contact Our Brooklyn Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Even when a bicycle accident is covered by no-fault, insurance companies often still try and put up a fight when it comes to actually paying out benefits. And if there is the potential for a personal injury claim, the negligent driver and their insurer will likely make every effort to shift blame to the injured bicyclist for what happened. This is why it is important to work with a qualified Brooklyn bicycle accident attorney, call Michael Gunzburg, P.C., at 212-725-8500 today to schedule a free initial consultation.
