Uniondale Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycling is an activity that many people enjoy. Not only is it a great way to live a healthy lifestyle, but it’s also a great eco-friendly way to go from point A to point B. It’s also growing in terms of sustainable transportation trends. However, growing trends may come with increased concerns. In this case, we discuss the concern of increased bicycle accidents.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, a personal injury attorney can discuss your possible legal options. It will also give you the opportunity to consult with a skilled Uniondale bicycle accident lawyer who can determine your next course of action. Here is a legal guide on what you can do to ensure if a case is possible.

The Increased Risk of Bicycle Accidents in Uniondale

Uniondale is a major community that has plenty of busy roadways and intersections. As such, hazards exist for those who prefer bicycling. Riders typically follow the rules but may also face potential danger from drivers who may fail to yield, speed through crosswalks, or drive while distracted, since they can overlook the presence of cyclists.

Because of the increased risk, there is also the potential of seeing an increased number of serious injuries and even fatalities resulting from bicycle accidents. Preventative measures can take place, both for the bicyclist and the driver. However, these incidents will mostly be due to motorist negligence. Bicyclists injured in an accident can enlist the help of a Uniondale attorney who can help them navigate the aftermath and the legal obstacles they face.

What Are The Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?

Duffy & Duffy has worked with clients who have been injured in accidents of different kinds. A bicycle accident is different from those involving different types of vehicles. Nevertheless, our knowledgeable attorneys know what sort of common causes result in bike accidents. These include the following:

• Distracted driving: This includes a motorist using cell phones, adjusting the radio, or engaging in other distracting activities. They may fail to see the bicyclist in time.
• Failing to yield: Such incidents happen in intersections where drivers can ignore the traffic signals or fail to yield to cyclists that have the right of way.
• Dooring accidents: A parked car door may open suddenly and end up in the path of the cyclist. This can lead to devastating consequences as the cyclist might not be aware of the door being in their path, throwing them off the bike if they hit the door.
• Speeding: Drivers exceeding speed limits may be less likely to see cyclists. They’ll also have less time to react if they notice a cyclist in their path. Fatal injuries will most likely occur in bicycling accidents where speed is a factor.
• Driving under the influence (DUI): Drunk or impaired driving is a serious danger for both drivers and cyclists alike. Poor judgement and delayed reaction times can lead to accidents where alcohol was involved. Drivers who are under the influence may face stiff fines and penalties under New York law.

If a bicycle accident has occurred due to any of these common causes, it could result in legal consequences for the driver (whether it’s a civil suit, criminal charges, or both). You or your loved one may pursue legal action with the assistance of a Uniondale bike accident attorney who can advocate on your behalf to ensure you get the compensation needed to cover medical expenses and more.

What Type of Injuries Occur in Bicycle Accidents?

Even if a cyclist wears a helmet and protective gear, it might not be enough for them in terms of protection from impact. Injuries can still be severe and long-lasting. These include the following:

• Broken bones and fractures
• Facial and dental injuries
• Lacerations and road rash
• Damage to internal organs
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

Such injuries will require extensive medical treatment, physical therapy, and other necessary procedures. This can also result in a bicycling accident victim missing work due to time off for recovery. The financial impact it can leave will be difficult to contend with. For this reason, you may want to consult with a Uniondale bike crash lawyer to ensure that you pursue compensation that will reflect the injuries that you have suffered.

What Steps Should You Take After A Bicycle Accident?

Immediate action after a bicycle accident must be taken. This will allow you to protect your health along with strengthening your case with the necessary documentation. Here’s what you need to do as soon as possible:

• Call 911: Notify the authorities immediately about the bicycle accident. Request medical assistance even if you are dealing with minor injuries.
• Get medical attention ASAP: There may be situations where injuries may not be apparent immediately. To be on the safe side, getting medical attention for a thorough evaluation will uncover any possible internal injuries that may have occurred.
• Document the scene: Be sure to take photos of the bicycle, your injuries, any vehicle damage, and the surrounding area. Take note of any weather or road conditions, if possible.
• Gather information: This includes the name of the driver, the license plate, insurance details, and even contact info from witnesses that may have been on the scene.
• Do not admit fault: Even if it wasn’t your fault, it is possible where somehow it can be placed on you. Do not discuss this at the scene or even with insurance companies. In the case of the latter, having a Uniondale bicycle accident lawyer speak to insurers on your behalf will be the best option to ensure fair compensation.
• Consult with a Uniondale bicycle accident attorney: Legal guidance can help determine if you have a strong enough case.

What Is Comparative Negligence and How Does It Work?

The State of New York has what is known as a comparative negligence law. This is defined as when both parties can share responsibility for an accident. Yes, you can still recover damages, but you’ll lose a percentage of it depending on how much at fault you were. For example, if you were awarded $200,000 in damages and were found to be 20 percent at fault, your final damage amount will be $160,000.

It is important to make sure you have a Uniondale bike crash lawyer assist you in minimizing your share of the fault. You may maximize your compensation if you have been found not at fault albeit partially.

How Can an Attorney Assist You?

When hiring an experienced Uniondale bicycle accident attorney, you’ll realize that you have made an important decision. They are highly skilled in navigating the legal obstacles that stand in the way of their clients. This includes the following:

• Conduct a detailed investigation: An attorney will collect police reports, witness testimonies, video footage, and accident reconstruction reports among others to help build a strong case.
• Handle insurance companies: Insurance companies have an age-old tactic where they attempt to place blame on you for the accident to minimize a payout. However, a Uniondale accident attorney knows better and can negotiate tirelessly to secure the real amount of compensation that is fair.
• Represent you in court: If a fair settlement isn’t made, this means that the case can be taken to trial. In court, they will advocate on your behalf.
• Guide you through the entire process: Paperwork, court dates, settlements, etc. Your lawyer will be there at every step to handle things. They will still have your best interests at the front of their mind.

It is important to make sure you speak to an attorney as soon as possible after an accident. Especially when there is a statute of limitations for personal injuries, which is 3 years in the State of New York. If an accident involves a vehicle belonging to a public entity, a Notice of Claim will need to be filed within 90 days.

Let a Duffy & Duffy Uniondale Attorney Handle Your Bicycle Accident Case

Duffy & Duffy are committed to serving those who have been injured in bicycle accidents. A Uniondale bicycle accident lawyer can help you determine if you have a strong case during an initial consultation. When it comes to serious bicycle accidents like the one you were in, take nothing to chance. Contact Duffy & Duffy today at 516-969-5874.