Thousands of people ride bicycles in New York City. Bicycles are an efficient means of transportation, which is why so many across the city use them to commute to work. Unfortunately, they are also one of the most unsafe methods of travel available. It is no secret that the streets of New York are packed with unsafe and reckless drivers, which is why if you are injured in a bicycle accident, you are most likely researching how to recover financial compensation. This compensation, as you probably know, can go towards the cost of your medical bills, in-home care, lost wages, and more. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, here are some of the questions you may have:
What are the most common types of bicycle accidents?
- Rear-end accidents: These are perhaps the most common bicycle accidents. Just as if you were driving a car, the rear-ending vehicle is almost always liable for such crashes, however, in the case of a bicycle accident, the outcome of a rear-end crash is all too often a fatal one. Generally, rear-end crashes are either due to a motorist tailing a cyclist too closely, or a distracted motorist who did not notice that traffic had come to a stop. These very often occur at stop signs or when a cyclist is moving left to get around parked cars.
- Right side accidents: These occur when a cyclist is to the right of a car at an intersection and is hooked by the vehicle turning right
- Side-swiping accidents: These occur when a cyclist is driving to the left of the shoulder, preventing cars from overtaking him or her. Sometimes, when a motorist gets impatient, he or she will try to do so anyway. Very often this will knock a cyclist off his or her bike, causing serious injuries.
- Dooring accidents: When a cyclist is driving alongside parked cars, he or she is at risk of someone opening their door as they pass by. Though motorists are always responsible for looking both ways before opening their doors, they do not always do so. This, as you can imagine, may cause a very serious accident.
If you were injured due to another motorist’s negligence, there is a very good chance you will be entitled to financial compensation. However, you must first satisfy the burden of proof.
How do I prove another party’s negligence?
To prove another party’s negligence, you must first hire an experienced attorney. From there, he or she will help you gather all the evidence needed to prove your personal injury claim, such as medical documents, security camera footage, witness testimony, and more.
Contact our New York City firm
If you have been seriously injured as a result of another party’s negligence, contact Swerling Law today to schedule a free initial consultation.
