Long Island Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Compassionate Legal Support for Cyclists Injured in Accidents

Cyclists involved in accidents can face catastrophic injuries. The vulnerability of a cyclist when hit by a vehicle like a car or truck is significant. Despite wearing helmets and protective gear, cyclists can experience severe injuries, such as head, neck, and back trauma. These injuries can often be life-threatening.

The The Law Office of Gregory A. Goodman, P.C. delivers empathetic, client-centric legal advocacy for those harmed in severe bicycle accidents. We recognize the distinct hurdles encountered by cyclists involved in collisions with motor vehicles, dedicating ourselves to aiding clients in attaining the highest possible compensation.

Call our office at (800) 242-3740 or online to schedule a free consultation with a bicycle accident attorney in Long Island. We can help you understand your legal options and fight for the fair recovery you are owed.

New York Bicycle Laws

In New York, cyclists are granted the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles. This means they must adhere to traffic signals, signs, and pavement markings, and are subject to the same duties as vehicle operators.

Other key regulations include:

• Equipment Requirements: Bicycles must be equipped with a bell or other audible signaling device capable of being heard from at least 100 feet away. Additionally, every bicycle should have a brake that allows the operator to make the wheels skid on dry, level, clean pavement.
• Riding Regulations: Cyclists are required to ride in the same direction as traffic. On one-way streets that are 40 feet or wider, they may ride on either the left or right side. Children aged 13 and under must wear a helmet. Adult cyclists must use hand signals, wear headphones in only one ear, avoid riding on sidewalks, and use lights at night (red in rear and white in front).
• Electric Bicycles: The operation of electric bicycles, or e-bikes, is subject to specific regulations. Class one and two e-bikes, which are pedal-assisted and have a maximum speed of 20 mph, are permitted on public roads. Class three e-bikes, which can reach speeds up to 25 mph, are allowed only on roads with a speed limit of 30 mph or less. E-bikes are prohibited on sidewalks unless authorized by local law.
• Sidewalk Riding: Riding a bicycle on sidewalks is generally prohibited unless permitted by an official sign. Violations can result in a civil penalty of up to $100.
• Safety Measures: Drivers are required to exercise due care to avoid colliding with any bicyclist, pedestrian, or domestic animal upon any roadway. This includes giving a warning by sounding the horn when necessary.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, often resulting from a combination of environmental factors, human error, and equipment issues. Here are some common causes:

• Driver Inattention or Negligence: Many accidents occur because drivers don't see cyclists or fail to yield the right of way. Common issues include distracted driving (like texting or using a phone), failure to check for cyclists before turning, or not giving enough space when overtaking a cyclist.
• Cyclist Inexperience or Recklessness: Cyclists who are inexperienced or who take risks (like running red lights, not signaling, or weaving in and out of traffic) may increase their chances of being involved in an accident.
• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, gravel, wet or icy roads, and other hazardous road conditions can cause cyclists to lose control or crash. Unmarked obstacles or uneven surfaces can also be dangerous.
• Lack of Visibility: Poor lighting conditions, especially at night or in low-light environments, can make it difficult for drivers or other cyclists to see someone on a bike. This is especially true if the cyclist isn't wearing reflective gear or using a front or rear light.
• Vehicle Blind Spots: Cyclists are often in a vehicle's blind spot, especially when driving near large vehicles like trucks and buses. A driver may fail to notice the cyclist when making a turn or changing lanes.
• Cycling Without Proper Safety Gear: Not wearing a helmet or other protective gear increases the risk of serious injury in case of an accident. Helmets are crucial for reducing head trauma during crashes.
• Drunk or Impaired Cycling/Driving: Alcohol or drugs can impair a cyclist's reaction time, balance, and decision-making, just as they do for drivers. This can lead to crashes due to poor judgment or slower reflexes.
• Speeding: Whether it's cyclists speeding downhill or drivers not respecting speed limits, speeding reduces the time available to react to hazards and increases the severity of a crash.
• Failure to Follow Traffic Laws: Cyclists and drivers both must follow traffic laws for everyone's safety. Disregarding traffic signals, riding on the wrong side of the road, or ignoring stop signs can all lead to accidents.
• Mechanical Failures: A sudden mechanical failure, such as a flat tire, brake malfunction, or broken chain, can cause a cyclist to lose control and fall or crash into something.

Understanding Common Injuries from Bicycle Accidents

Because bicyclists are so exposed on the road, they are prone to suffering serious injuries in accidents involving motor vehicles.

Some of the most common injuries sustained by bicycle accident victims include:

• Head injuries: Some of the most severe injuries a cyclist can suffer in an accident include concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and other head trauma. Even with a helmet, a cyclist's head is vulnerable in a collision. These injuries can be life-altering, leading to permanent physical, mental, and cognitive impairments.
• Spinal cord injuries: The force of impact in a cycling accident can cause substantial damage to a cyclist's back or neck. This can lead to spinal cord injuries, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis for the victim.
• Broken bones: Bicycle accidents often lead to fractures. When cyclists collide with cars or other vehicles, they are at high risk of breaking bones in their arms, legs, wrists, or ankles.
• Internal injuries: Bicycle accidents can cause internal injuries such as internal bleeding and organ damage. These injuries may require immediate medical intervention as they can be life-threatening.
• Road rash: In a crash, a cyclist's body can slide along the pavement, leading to major skin abrasions. The severity of road rash is influenced by the cyclist's speed and protective gear. Road rash injuries can cause disfigurement and lasting scars.