Syracuse Bicycle Accident Lawyers Ready to Help You & Your Family
Every year, hundreds of thousands of people become injured in bike accidents, and many of these accidents are caused by negligent drivers. Bicyclists have the right to use public roads, but unfortunately, they are not always afforded the space, respect, or safety that motor vehicle drivers and passengers receive. When bicyclists become seriously injured by negligent drivers, they have a right to pursue compensation for their damages through a personal injury lawsuit.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in New York
Most bicycle accidents are preventable and could be avoided if drivers and pedestrians used reasonable care. In New York, many people enjoy riding bicycles to commute to and from work, run errands, and for recreational purposes. Every year, thousands of bicyclists become injured in New York.
Any negligence or careless behavior can cause a bicycle accident. The results can be devastating when a bicyclist is involved in a motor vehicle collision. Our experienced attorneys will carefully investigate your accident and determine who is liable for your injuries. Many factors can contribute to bicycle accidents, but some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents and injuries include the following:
- Speeding
- Distracted bicyclists, drivers, and pedestrians
- Failing to yield the right away to a bicyclist
- Driving too closely to a bicyclist
- Inexperienced bicyclists
- Lack of dedicated or safe bicycle infrastructure, such as physical barriers, bike lanes, and parking
- Bicycling at night
- Congested traffic conditions
- Drivers fail to drive safely during inclement weather
- Making illegal or unsafe turns
- Bicycling against the flow of traffic
- Dooring incidents in which a driver or passenger opens a door and an upcoming bicyclist collides with the door
Injuries Caused by Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can leave injured riders struggling with debilitating, painful injuries. Bicyclists do not have outer protection that can prevent injuries, airbags, or other safety features like motor vehicle drivers have. The force of a collision with a vehicle, even at a low speed, can cause permanent injuries to the bicyclist.
The personal injury attorneys at Stanley Law Offices are prepared to help you fight to obtain the total compensation you deserve. We will work with financial and medical experts to determine all of your future medical costs. Our attorneys handle a wide range of bicycle injury cases and injuries, including those involving:
- Soft tissue damage
- Bone fractures
- Severe burns
- Eye injuries
- Degloving
- Back and neck injuries
- Lost limbs
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage resulting in total or partial paralysis
- Wrongful death
Proving Liability in Bicycle Accident Cases in New York
Under New York personal injury laws, any person, company, or municipality contributing to a bicycle accident can be held liable for the resulting damages. Suppose you or your loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident. In that case, you may have a legitimate legal claim for compensation against anyone whose carelessness or negligence caused you to become injured, which might include the following:
- Pedestrians
- Drivers of motor vehicles
- Other bicyclists
- Transit companies
- Employers of negligent parties
- Government agencies, or
- Companies that sold or manufactured defective vehicles, bicycles, or safety equipment
The attorneys at Stanley Law Offices will work diligently to investigate the circumstances surrounding your bicycle accident. We will recover photo and video evidence and witness testimony to determine the cause of the accident and identify which party or parties are to blame. Once we determine liability, we will seek compensation from anyone who played even the slightest role in causing the accident that led to your injuries. We will also approach which can help you obtain the maximum compensation available.
How Much is My Bicycle Accident Claim Worth?
The financial costs of becoming injured in a bicycle accident can be overwhelming. Many victims have to take off weeks, months, or even longer to recover from their injuries. When another person or company is at least partially responsible for your injuries, you should not have to suffer the consequences of your injuries alone. The best way to receive an estimate of the value of your case is to speak to an experienced personal injury attorney. You have the right to demand compensation for all of the expenses related to your injuries, which could include money for:
- Hospitalization
- Lost wages and income
- Medical expenses and bills
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Temporary and/or permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement and scarring
Understanding Your Rights to Compensation After a Bicycle Accident
Dealing with the aftermath of a bicycle accident can be overwhelming, especially for those injured. In the aftermath of the accident, you will need to determine how the crash happened, who caused the accident, and the value of your potential claim against the liable party. Insurance adjusters might call you immediately, asking you to settle for a low amount.
We recommend discussing your case with an attorney as soon as possible. Do not sign any agreement until an attorney has reviewed it. You should also keep all medical documents and attend all appointments.
Pursuing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit After a Bicycle Accident
Unfortunately, some bicycle accidents result in fatalities. When a negligent party kills a bicyclist in an accident, surviving family members can pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. While nothing can bring your loved one back, recovering compensation can help you pay for funeral and burial costs and medical bills for care provided before your loved one’s death. You can also pursue compensation for lost wages and other benefits due to their death and your emotional suffering.
Contact Our Syracuse Bicycle Accident Attorneys Today
Whether you are considering your legal options or ready to pursue a claim right away, the bicycle accident attorneys at Stanley Law Offices are here to help. We provide clients with a free case evaluation so you can learn more about your legal options, have your questions answered, and discuss your case has potential value with a skilled attorney. If you or your loved one has become injured in a Syracuse bicycle accident, contact Stanley Law Offices today to schedule your free initial consultation.