Bicycle Accidents in Ronkonkoma, NY | Walker & Mackenzie, P.C.
Bicycle Accidents in Ronkonkoma
According to national estimates, about two percent of traffic accident fatalities stem from bicycle accidents. Although the number of child bicyclist deaths has reduced over the years, deaths among bicyclists 20 years or older have increased three times since 1975.
As reported by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 843 bicyclists were killed in accidents with motor vehicles in 2019. What’s the most saddening aspect is that bicyclists are at fault less than 10% of the time in traffic accidents. Since bicyclists do not have a metal framework of a car or commercial vehicle to protect them, their injuries are often very severe.
The Most Common Causes of Bicycle Collisions in Ronkonkoma, NY
A major cause of bicycle accidents in Ronkonkoma is negligent or inattentive car or commercial vehicle drivers. Bikes can be hit or side-swept by a car that executes turns negligently or simply fails to give the right of way to a bicyclist. Sometimes, a car driver may open his or her door into the path of an oncoming cyclist. Driving in areas designated for bicycles and driving distracted or under the influence can also result in injury or death to a bicyclist in Ronkonkoma.
The most common types of bicycle accidents happen at stop signs and intersections when car drivers and bicyclists fail to follow road rules, ignore traffic signs, and cross when they are not supposed to.
Bicyclists have also become more vulnerable due to an increased number of ride-sharing vehicles like Uber and Lyft as well as delivery service trucks like UPS, FedEx, and Amazon Trucks on the road, which can be a bicyclist hazard.
Using a helmet can reduce the risk of severe injury and death, though it cannot guarantee complete safety. The only way to prevent these accidents is for everyone to follow traffic rules.
Common Injuries During Bicycle Accidents in Ronkonkoma, NY
- Head and brain injuries
- Traumatic spinal cord injuries
- Bone fractures
- Muscle strain and dislocations
- Scrapes, lacerations, bruises, abrasions, and wounds
- Internal injuries and organ rupture
- Muscle and ligament tears
Bicycle-related fatalities in Ronkonkoma are often due to brain injuries or internal damage.
Since New York is a no-fault state, you can file a claim with the insurance company before you bring a suit against the negligent party. The minimum amount of Personal Injury Protection one must purchase in New York is worth $50,000. However, many bicycle accidents result in medical and financial damages that exceed this limit.
Bicycle Accidents in Ronkonkoma, NY | Walker & Mackenzie, P.C.
If this is the case with you, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party and claim compensation for damages including medical bills, home healthcare expense, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and in some cases, loss of consortium and support.
The Most Common Causes of Bicycle Collisions in Ronkonkoma, NY
The defendants in a bicycle accident will go to extreme lengths to ensure the liability for the accident does not fall on them, including undermining the victim’s injury, victim-blaming, and offering an unreasonably low settlement.
A bicyclist who has been injured may not be in the right frame of mind immediately after the accident to make sound decisions in his or her best interest and may be looking for a quick way to recover their losses. Defendants can take advantage of this fact.
However, our experienced bicycle accident attorneys at Walker and Mackenzie, P.C. are familiar with these tactics and can provide you excellent counsel on how to deal with such situations and to recover your losses in the best way possible.
Our personal injury attorneys at Walker & Mackenzie, P.C. will investigate your case thoroughly, find evidence to support your claim, and build a strong case that can help you get fair compensation and the justice you deserve.
At Walker and Mackenzie, P.C., we offer you a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your case. We can give you a visit at home or in the hospital or set up a consultation through online means. You can reach us by calling us at 631.791.5090.