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Types of Bicycle Accidents in New York City
Being involved in a bike crash caused by someone else can be traumatic. At Finz & Finz, P.C., we are committed to helping bicycle accident victims seek compensation for medical bills and lost wages if they are off work due to injuries.
Understanding the different types of bike crashes is an essential step to evaluating liability in a bike accident case. Regardless of what type of bike accident you were involved in, the personal injury attorneys at our firm are well-equipped to protect your rights as we handle your case.
Common Types of Bike Crashes
Unfortunately, bike accidents are common in New York City, given the number of bike riders, pedestrians, and motor vehicles on its busy streets. Although a bike collision can happen under many circumstances, the following are some common types of bike crashes:
- Dooring – A “dooring” accident occurs when a bicyclist travels between traffic and a line of parked cars. If a passenger in a parked car opens the car door in front of a bicyclist, the rider can be struck and thrown from their bike.
- Left cross collisions – A left cross collision happens when a bicyclist travels with the flow of traffic, and a motorist in oncoming traffic makes a left turn in front of the cyclist, causing a collision.
- Rear-end collision – A rear-end collision can occur when a bicyclist swerves to avoid a hazard in the road, and a car hits the bicyclist from behind.
- Right hook collision – This type of bike accident occurs when a cyclist travels on the right side of the road, and a car going the same direction passes them on the left and then makes a right turn into the cyclist’s path.
- Sideswipe – Drivers who fail to recognize the presence of a cyclist and attempt to move into another lane can easily sideswipe the rider, causing significant injuries.
Legal Rights and Protections for Cyclists in NYC
According to the New York City Department of Transportation, bicyclists have all the rights of drivers of motor vehicles, so they are also subject to all duties. As such, drivers and cyclists alike must obey all traffic signals, signs, and pavement markings. Bicyclists are permitted to ride on arterial and local streets throughout New York City, even where there are no designated bike lane markings. Although they are prohibited from riding on the roadways of certain bridges, expressways, and highways, a separate path often exists for bicycles.
Because bicyclists often share the road with motor vehicles, they are at risk of being in bicycle crashes. A bike rider can sustain significant injuries because they lack the protection of a vehicle in an accident. Although they have the same rights and duties as motor vehicle drivers, they must remain vigilant on the road for drivers who are not looking out for bicyclists.
How Our Attorneys Help Bike Crash Victims
Establishing liability in a bike accident case requires the assistance of a seasoned personal injury attorney. At Finz & Finz, P.C., our attorneys will thoroughly investigate the facts and circumstances of the accident, gather the necessary evidence to support your case and seek your maximum compensation. If the insurance companies refuse to offer you a full and fair settlement, we will not hesitate to take your case to court.
Contact our NYC Bicycle Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
With a personal injury lawyer from Finz & Finz, P.C. on your side, you can be confident you will receive strong legal advocacy coupled with a compassionate approach to your case. Our New York City bicycle accident lawyers are here to help in your time of need. We will develop a legal strategy tailored to the facts of your case and demand the money you need to pay your medical bills and compensate you for your pain and suffering. We proudly offer free consultations so you can speak to a lawyer without any risk or financial commitment. Contact us today to learn more.
