Comedian Kenny DeForest, 37, who was known for his appearances talk shows such as Late Night with Seth Meyers, was killed after a bicycle accident in New York on Dec. 8. According to a report in The Guardian, DeForest was in an accident with his e-bike at the intersection of Rogers Avenue and Sterling Place. NYPD had initially said it was a hit-and-run, but are now not sure if there was another vehicle involved. The investigation is still ongoing.
DeForest was transported to a local hospital where he underwent brain surgery to remove a piece of his skull and relieve pressure from a brain bleed. He succumbed to his injuries. We offer our deepest condolences to Kenny DeForest’s family and friends. They will be in our thoughts and prayers.
NYC Bicycle Accidents
According to New York city data, 26 bicyclists have lost their lives as a result of traffic accidents in 2023, making this year the second deadliest for bicyclists in the city after 1999. Bicycle safety remains a concerning issue especially after 2019 when past Mayor Bill de Blasio declared it an “emergency.” Of the 1,500 miles of cycling space in the city, 623 miles are protected bicycle lanes.
The New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT), had a goal to build 50 miles of protected bike lanes in 2023, but has so far built only 30 miles this year. In October, bicyclists gathered to hold a rally in Washington Square Park for fatally injured bicyclists and demanded action from Mayor Eric Adams to make roads safer.
Common Dangers Bicyclists Face in NYC
Bicyclists in New York City face frequent risks while navigating its streets due to:
- Traffic congestion: New York City’s dense traffic poses a significant danger to cyclists. Sharing roads with cars, buses, and taxis increases the likelihood of accidents, especially during rush hours when streets are crowded.
- Dooring accidents: Parked cars along the streets pose a risk known as “dooring.” When occupants of parked vehicles open their doors without checking for oncoming cyclists, it can lead to deadly collisions and serious injuries.
- Poor road conditions: Uneven roads, potholes, and debris are common on NYC streets, making cycling more hazardous. These conditions increase the chances of cyclists losing control or getting injured. Illegally parked vehicles also often pose a danger to bicyclists.
- Lack of bike lanes: Although NYC has expanded its bike lane network, some areas still lack designated cycling lanes. Cyclists may have to share space with motor vehicles, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Reckless driving and aggressive behavior: Some motorists exhibit aggressive behavior towards bicyclists, leading to unsafe passing, tailgating, or harassment. This behavior escalates the risk of accidents and conflicts on the road.
- Limited visibility: Poor lighting, especially during evenings or inadequately lit areas, reduces visibility for both cyclists and motorists, heightening the likelihood of accidents.
- Intersection dangers: Intersections are hotspots for accidents involving vehicles and cyclists. Failure to yield, running red lights, or not signaling properly increases these collision risks.
- Distracted driving: With the prevalence of smartphones, distracted driving has become a significant hazard for bicyclists. Drivers engaged in texting or other distractions might not notice bicyclists sharing the road.
Contacting an Experienced Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident or pedestrian accident, or if you have lost a loved one in an auto accident caused by a negligent (careless) driver, the experienced personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can help you better understand your legal rights and options, and also fight hard to recover just compensation for you.
For over 53 years, our skilled accident attorneys have established a proven track record of helping injured victims get fair compensation for their losses. Our law firm recently recovered $5,600,000 for a bicyclist who was hit by a van, and $2,550,000 for another victim of a truck accident, and $3,000,000 for a pedestrian who was hit by a car, and $2,000,000 in a hit-and-run accident, and the full $1,000,000 insurance policy for a pedestrian who was hit by a truck, and $4,625,000 for a driver who was in a car and was hit by a van, and $2,500,000 for a man who fell through an improperly secured hole.
We also obtained $295,000 out of a $300,000 insurance policy in compensation for the victim of a bicycle dooring accident (where a car door opens into the path of a bicyclist). Also, one of our clients obtained a verdict for $43,940,000 and another of our clients got a verdict for $23,500,000, both in medical malpractice cases.
Please contact us TOLL FREE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). WE CAN EVEN COME TO YOU. There is no attorneys’ fee unless we recover money for you. We can also help with personal injury, lead poisoning and medical malpractice cases including, brachial plexus palsy (Erb’s palsy) and cerebral palsy cases in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
Other TOLL FREE phone numbers for us are:
1-800-RADIO-LAW, 1-888-WYPADEK, OR 1-800-LAS-LEYES
Please visit us at: www.WORK4YOULAW.com
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/15/comedian-kenny-deforest-dead-new-york-bike-accident