Motorcycle/Bicycle Accidents
Injuries sustained in an accident involving motor vehicles have the potential to be devastating – not just in the immediate aftermath of a crash, but chronic, lingering injuries can have an effect on people’s lives for years.
People who are hit by a car while on a bicycle or motorcycle, however, may suffer even more devastating injuries. Cars and trucks are designed to absorb at least some of the damage created in an accident to protect their occupants, but those on motorcycles or bicycles do not enjoy any of that protection. At the Bronx firm of Anthony L. Verrelli & Associates, Attorneys at Law, we understand how you can be affected by this kind of accident and what you need to recover from it.
Common Causes Of Motorcycle And Bicycle Accidents In New York
Motorcycle riders in the Bronx and throughout New York face unique dangers on our busy streets. After handling hundreds of motorcycle accident cases over the past 30 years, our attorney has seen these common causes emerge repeatedly:
- Driver negligence: Most motorcycle accidents happen because car drivers simply don’t see motorcyclists. Left-turn accidents at intersections are particularly common, with drivers turning directly into a motorcyclist’s path.
- Dangerous road conditions: The Bronx’s aging infrastructure creates hazards that might be minor for cars but deadly for motorcycles. Potholes, uneven pavement, debris and construction zones can cause a rider to lose control instantly.
- Lane splitting: While tempting in New York traffic, riding between lanes of stopped or slow-moving vehicles is dangerous and illegal in New York State.
- Weather challenges: New York’s varied weather creates slippery conditions from rain, snow and ice that dramatically increase stopping distances for motorcycles.
- Distracted driving: With drivers increasingly focused on phones and navigation systems, motorcyclists often become “invisible” to distracted drivers, especially on busy Bronx thoroughfares.
These accidents often result in severe injuries that can affect your ability to work and enjoy life.
How Bicycle Dooring Accidents Happen In New York
Bicycle dooring accidents are on the rise across New York City as more cyclists use NYC bike lanes. These incidents occur when someone opens a car door directly into a cyclist’s path with no time to react.
In the Bronx, this danger is heightened where bike lanes run alongside parking spaces on busy streets. Even cyclists properly using designated bike lanes remain vulnerable. Our firm has seen firsthand how these sudden incidents cause serious injuries to riders throughout our community. Our attorney represents victims suffering broken bones, head trauma and road rash from these preventable accidents.
We thoroughly investigate each case to establish driver negligence and secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you’ve been injured in a dooring accident on NYC bike lanes, contact us before speaking with insurers.
What To Do After Hit-And-Run Incidents In New York
If you’ve experienced a hit-and-run on a motorcycle or bicycle in New York, first, seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor. Second, report the incident to the police right away so you can have an official record of the accident and start the investigation process. Third, gather evidence at the scene if you’re able. Take photos and collect witness contact information of people who saw the incident. Finally, contact our firm. We’ll help you manage New York’s insurance policies, including those relating to uninsured motorist coverages, and the complex claims process for both motorcycle and bicycle accidents.
Standing Up For You And Your Family
While wearing a helmet and other protective gear is always recommended to riders, those precautions will not necessarily be enough to prevent injuries in a bike accident – especially serious head trauma, such as concussions or traumatic brain injuries, or broken bones and other catastrophic injuries.
Working with an experienced bicycle and motorcycle accident attorney is a must for people who have been hurt while riding a bike or motorcycle, so they can have an aggressive advocate working to obtain compensation for their injuries.
We encourage you to get in touch with the personal injury lawyers at Anthony L. Verrelli & Associates, Attorneys at Law, today. To schedule your free consultation, complete our online contact form or call us directly at [929-523-0869.