Need a Bicycle Accident Attorney in New York City?

Posted by Greenberg & Stein On Aug 10, 2013

Recent news stories indicate that bicycle accidents are on the rise. According to statistics collected by the New York City Departments of Health and Mental Hygiene, Parks and Recreation, Transportation and the Police Department, between 1996 and 2003, a total of 3,462 NYC bicyclists were seriously injured in crashes with motor vehicles. Between 1996 and 2005, 225 bicyclists died in crashes. Most of the time, these accidents are because of a motorist’s negligence. According to data collected by Right of Way, over 90% of pedestrian deaths in NYC are the fault of drivers.

The executive director of Transportation Alternatives said:

“Anyone who walks or bikes across a New York City street knows that motorists are getting away with reckless driving, day in, day out.”

In the event that a bicyclist is injured by the negligence of another driver, state law allows for the victim to pursue compensation in order to pay for medical expenses and other losses caused by the accident. For the most effective results in a bicycle accident claim, a New York City bicycle accident attorney should be consulted about the appropriate course of action to take. An attorney can assess the situation and determine whether a personal injury claim is merited by the circumstances. If the injured party decides to file a claim for damages, a personal injury lawyer will act as a legal advocate on behalf of their client to ensure that the insurance company pays a fair, desirable amount of compensation.

New York Laws for Motorists & Passengers

Just as everyone else must take active precautions to ensure that they are keeping the roads safe for bicyclists and pedestrians, it is equally as important to ensure that motorists abide by all New York state laws and regulations regarding bicyclists as well. Motorists are held to a high standard of care and are required to remain diligent and knowledgeable of the laws from the moment they receive their license. Under New York Penal Code §1146 and 1160, all responsibilities that drivers are held accountable for are clearly defined.

The laws have been put into place to protect vulnerable cyclists as well as pedestrians and drivers. According to New York law, drivers are required to refrain from:

  • Stopping / pulling over in a bicycle lane
  • Parking in a bicycle lane
  • Standing in a bicycle lane
  • Obstructing a bicycle lane at any time
  • Drive across a bicycle lane (with the exception of accessing a driveway, in safety situations, or to make a turn)

When making turns, all motorists are required by law to signal and they must abide by the posted speed limit in all areas. Passengers of vehicles are not allowed to open their doors to exist the vehicle on the side of moving traffic as well. Violations of these laws can result in fines, restitution, traffic citations, and court-mandated driving school and driver awareness courses.

Recommended Safety Tips

In order to cut down on bicycle injuries and fatalities, the city of New York recommends the following:

  • Be aware at all times
  • Wear a bicycle helmet at all times
  • Follow traffic rules and control devices
  • Pay special attention when crossing roadway intersections
  • Stay on designated bicycle lanes when possible
  • Stay off sidewalks and exercise care around pedestrians

If you were injured in an accident while riding your bicycle, you need legal advice and representation on your side. You most likely have many questions running through your mind, all of which call for answers that should only be answered by a well-qualified professional.

Fear not! No matter what hurdle lies before you, we are prepared to help. Greenberg & Stein, P.C. has successfully secured compensation for injured cyclists in the past, including a $500,000 recovery for a bicyclist that was injured after being knocked down by an opening car door.

Secure the legal assistance of an attorney with over 50 years of combined legal experience and get the answers you need today! Contact a NYC bicycle accident lawyer at Greenberg & Stein, P.C. for your free, no-obligation consultation immediately! The firm is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and we provide legal services in both English and Spanish.

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