Islip Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Those riding bicycles face a set of challenges that other motorists do not. In addition, a bicycle collision often leads to significant personal injury. If you or a loved one were in a bicycle collision, you may be owed compensation for your pain and suffering and to cover the costs of your medical bills, lost wages, and more. At Rosenberg & Gluck, L.L.P., a bicycle accident lawyer servicing Islip will fight for justice on your behalf and pursue any compensation that you may be owed. Contact our offices today at (631) 451-7900 for a free case consultation.

Risks That Bicyclists Face

Bicyclists enjoy the benefits of fresh air and exercise while riding on the roads. However, a bike ride is often beset with some very real dangers and risks. Collisions between two automobiles have the potential for major injuries. With these collisions, drivers have the protection of their vehicle’s frame, their seatbelt, and their airbags. When a bicyclist is involved in a collision, they have little protective gear to keep them safe. This factor alone serves to represent one of the largest risks that those on bicycles face, the lack of protection.

Bicyclists also experience prejudice when sharing the roads with other vehicles. Simply put, some drivers fail to share the roads with bicycle riders responsibly. Motorist behavior can range from simple inattention to verbal assaults to aggressive driving meant to intimidate.

Even drivers with the best intentions may put cyclists at undue risk. For example, if a driver fails to signal properly for a biker, then they may cause a collision. Furthermore, many drivers fail to keep an eye out for those on bicycles. This kind of neglect bears the potential for catastrophic collisions.

A common form of neglect that many bikers experience is what is known as dooring. Dooring occurs when someone in a parked vehicle fails to check for bicyclists when opening their doors. If a biker happens to be within the physical space of the car door when it opens, serious injury can occur. Not only does the force of the door often throw a cyclist from their bike, but it may also cause them to collide with other vehicles and oncoming traffic. As you can see, those on bicycles confront substantial risks every time they ride.

Common Behaviors That Cause Bicycle Collisions

Many driving behaviors cause bicycle collisions. Distracted driving is a common problem among both motorists and cyclists alike. Texting while driving is an issue, as modern electronic devices present so many opportunities for distraction. It only takes one look at a phone to cause a collision. Similarly, drivers who are distracted by their radio, their passengers, a meal, or anything else increases the chances of a collision with a cyclist.

Speeding is another common cause of bicycle collisions. As the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states, the possibility of a pedestrian fatality increases from 8 percent to 50 percent when the speed of the vehicle increases from 31 mph to 47 mph, respectively.  If a driver is speeding and causes a collision, lawyers will often gather evidence in the form of security camera footage, photographs, and eyewitness reports to assist in establishing liability.

If you or a loved one were part of a bicycle collision, contact the offices of Rosenberg & Gluck, L.L.P. at (631) 451-7900 to help you examine your options and move forward. A bicycle accident lawyer servicing Islip will work to preserve your legal position and can represent you through the litigation process, including at trial.

Liable Parties and Compensation

Lawyers will perform a thorough investigation to establish all liable parties involved in a bicycle collision. They will communicate with law enforcement, car insurance companies, and any other parties on your behalf. If you are injured, having the right legal help at your side gives you the space you need to focus on healing.

A lawyer will aim to settle with liable parties. In doing so, they will pursue any compensation that you may be owed after a collision. Possible forms of compensation include coverage of the following losses:

• Emergency medical services
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation programs
• Prescription medications
• Lost wages
• Future earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Funeral costs for a lost loved one

Remember that in New York, you face a limited window of time if you want to act after an incident. Per New York Civil Practice Law & Rules (CVP) §214 states, you generally have up to three years after a collision to file a lawsuit to pursue damages through a trial. Consider this deadline if you are planning to act after a bicycle collision. When you contact legal help right away, you give your lawyer the time he or she needs to get started on compiling evidence and constructing a case on your behalf.

Contact a Lawyer Today

Bicycle collisions are a great source of physical injury and psychological harm. You should not have to deal with the aftermath of a collision all alone. A bicycle accident lawyer in Islip will stand beside you to gather evidence, communicate with all involved parties, and pursue justice on your behalf. In addition to these services, the team at Rosenberg & Gluck, L.L.P. can also assist clients in Spanish. To contact someone in our office, reach out and call us today at (631) 451-7900 for a free case review.