New York Bicycle Accidents on the Rise

More bicyclists died last year in traffic accidents compared to 2010, statistics show. According to Crain’s New York Business, 21 cyclists were killed in traffic accidents last year, nine more than in 2010. About 2,000 New York bicyclists are hospitalized every year and about 38 percent of those suffer brain injuries. Bicycle use is still on the rise with a 14 percent increase in bike commuters since 2010. Crain’s reports that the mayor does not want helmets to be made mandatory for all bicyclists in New York City. This is becoming an important issue since it remains to be seen whether a helmet law would affect a bike-share program the mayor expects to launch this summer.
Bicycle Accident Causes
With the number of bicycle commuters increasing with every passing year, it is important that the city and New York’s drivers and bicyclists get more vigilant. Motorists at all times must remember that they share the roadway with bicyclists. Under New York law, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of other vehicles. This means that motorists, for example, should yield the right-of-way to bicyclists just as they would to another vehicle such as a car or motorcycle.
Some of the most common causes of devastating bicycle accidents in New York include drunk driving, distracted driving, inattention and failure to yield the right-of-way. Even if a driver is following the rules of the road, accidents can still happen. If it is found a driver did not exercise due care and crashed into a bicyclist, that driver could be held responsible.
Compensation for Injured Victims
Traffic accidents that involve bicyclists often result in devastating injuries and can mean an overwhelming amount of medical bills for injured victims. Head trauma, quadriplegia, paraplegia, broken bones, spinal injuries or internal bleeding are some common injuries that cyclists can suffer. In the worst cases, these types of traffic accidents can result in death. Victims of bicycle accidents or their families may be able to seek compensation including, but not limited to, lost wages and benefits, medical bills, hospitalization costs, physical therapy, past and future pain and suffering, etc.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, the experienced New York personal injury attorneys with the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can help you better understand your legal rights and options. Please contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). We can also help with personal injury cases in 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 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: Crain’s New York Business