We know you enjoy getting around by bike. You finally feel light without thinking about where to park, fuel, or whether going over 80 miles per hour is allowed.
Riding a bicycle gives you that feeling of freshness. Plus, doing something positive for the planet. We know that those outdoor rides remind you of when you were a kid and you took advantage of the slopes to let yourself be carried away by inertia.
You were a kid discovering the magic of getting everywhere faster. You had the world just a pedal stroke away.
Over time, you became an adult and dependent on the car, even more so if you chose to live in a city that was not very friendly to cyclists. With a motorized vehicle, you could get everywhere, but deep down, you missed the bicycle that had given you so much joy as a child.
The joy of discovering the world with the momentum of your legs. Exploring the neighborhood next door or getting downtown from the suburb where you lived. The bicycle has that; it allows us to go light without dealing with the responsibility of being in charge of a motorized vehicle.
You can still breathe freedom in big cities, and that freedom is represented by this 200-year-old invention: bicycles.
Bicycles primarily operate based on the mechanical principle of conservation of angular momentum. This principle is related to a physical law that states that, in a closed system, the total angular momentum remains constant unless external forces act upon it.
In the context of a bicycle, angular momentum refers to the amount of rotational motion the wheel possesses as it spins. It dictates that when a wheel spins in one direction, the bicycle frame rotates in the opposite direction to keep the total angular momentum of the system constant.
This principle was discovered and developed throughout the history of mechanics and physics. Understanding how bicycles work is based on fundamental dynamics and solid mechanics principles.
Over time, scientists and engineers have contributed to the knowledge of these principles and their application in the design and operation of bicycles.
However, like many other things, bicycling also has pros and cons. Despite its eco-friendly status, this mode of transportation can be more vulnerable than others. If a bicycle crashes with a heavier vehicle, the consequences will not be so pleasant.
We have seen unfortunate cases in which a bicycle suffered the impact of a 4x4 or, in others, a sedan or a motorcycle.
The consequences were negative in all of them. Can you imagine who bore the brunt? Logic tells us that a cyclist will always be at a disadvantage in terms of the impact of this nature.
A bicycle accident lawyer from The Ward Law will be your ally in such situations. Everything seems to work against the cyclist: the damages, the consequences, and the injuries. There, an expert from our firm will find the arguments to initiate a reparation process.
With years of experience, we have seen cases like the ones we are describing—even some wrongful deaths. And even in the most painful contexts, we have helped to bring the situation forward.
Our bike accident lawyers had worked together with families who have suffered the consequences of reckless driving, and as a team, we have found justice.
That justice will make our Long Island community a better place for everyone where biking shouldn't be a risk, like not going home that day. But rather, an alternative mode of transportation with a lower carbon footprint and a lighter way to enjoy the outdoors and contact with nature.
Are you a cyclist and the victim of a Long Island bike accident? Were you hit by a motor vehicle and are suffering the consequences in silence? Are you in pain? Do you feel lonely and confused? Does injustice make you angry?
Let a professional from our firm advise you. Let our comprehensive approach solve the problem. Believe us, life will be easier if you follow our advice.
Believe us, compensation will likely be waiting for you at the end of the process. Let us evaluate the details, the causes, the extent of your injuries, and the context in which the events occurred.
After a detailed evaluation of what happened, we will be able to give you a diagnosis and help you understand the legal landscape that corresponds to your case.
Context for cyclists at Long Island
Before we get into the specifics of what characterizes bicycle accidents and the characteristics we have identified about these events in recent years, we want to share information about what it is like to be a bicyclist on Long Island.
What is the context? Are the roads bike-friendly, or are you forced to drive if you want to travel long distances?
If you are thinking about buying a bike on Long Island and using it daily, you should consider the following information:
● Infrastructure: Long Island offers a range of cycling infrastructure. While some areas boast dedicated bike lanes and paths, others rely on shared roadways. The availability of bike lanes can vary significantly across different parts of the island.
● Scenic Routes: Cyclists on Long Island can immerse themselves in stunning coastal scenery. Riding along the shoreline provides breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Long Island Sound, making for memorable cycling experiences.
● Challenges: One notable challenge for cyclists is traffic congestion, particularly during rush hours and in urban areas. Sharing the road with motor vehicles can be less enjoyable and pose safety risks. Vigilance and adherence to traffic rules are crucial.
● Safety: Ensuring safety is paramount for cyclists in Long Island. The drivers' behavior may vary, so wearing protective gear, including helmets, is essential. Staying informed about local traffic laws and using proper hand signals is also advisable.
● Long-Distance Riding: Long Island offers ample opportunities for long-distance cycling. Cyclists can explore the island's diverse landscapes and communities, making it suitable for fitness enthusiasts, leisure riders, or those using bicycles for transportation.
● Weather Variability: The region experiences diverse weather conditions throughout the year. Winters can be cold and snowy, limiting cycling during that season. In contrast, spring and summer are popular times for cycling when the weather is more favorable.
● Community and Events: Long Island has a vibrant cycling community with numerous clubs, groups, and events. These provide opportunities for cyclists to connect with like-minded individuals, share experiences, and participate in group rides and organized events.
As we can see, the scenario is not so critical. There are places around the country where it is more complicated to be a bicyclist than on Long Island. However, having some aspects in your favor does not imply that you should not take precautions to avoid unnecessary risks and protect your integrity.
Always remember to stay focused on the road, not get distracted easily, or wander while the situation requires you to be aware of your surroundings.
We believe that following these tips will help you avoid unnecessary pain and improve your life as a cyclist on Long Island.
Types of Bicycle Accident Cases
Let's explore together the most common types of bicycle accidents. These can range from violent collisions by motor vehicles to tripping over one of the bicycle tires with objects on the road.
Our bicycle accident attorneys have seen it all. The most complex situations have made our professionals resilient and skilled in dealing with situations where there seemed to be no way out.
However, these limited situations have been intensive training to become better professionals. And the 99.9% success rate in our cases has built us a unique reputation. We know our job inside out, yet we maintain a constant learning attitude.
Times change, and laws change with the times. However, the pursuit of justice has remained a core value since we started in the business. That quest has not changed. It remains paramount to make our society a place where rights prevail.
Some of the most common bicycle incidents are as follows:
- Vehicle Collisions: These accidents involve direct collisions with motor vehicles, often at intersections or on busy roads, posing a significant risk to cyclists.
- Dooring Incidents: Occurring when a parked car occupant suddenly opens a door into the cyclist's path, dooring accidents can result in severe injuries, such as concussions or broken bones.
- Intersection Crashes: Accidents at intersections can happen when drivers fail to yield right-of-way to cyclists or misjudge their speed, leading to dangerous collisions.
- Sideswipes: Cyclists may experience sideswipes when passing vehicles come too close, causing riders to lose balance and potentially crash.
- Rear-End Collisions: In these situations, cyclists are struck from behind by vehicles, often when traffic suddenly stops, causing serious injuries or fatalities.
- Pothole-Related Accidents: Poor road conditions, including potholes, can cause cyclists to lose control and cause falls or collisions.
- Riding against traffic flow: can lead to accidents, as drivers may not expect cyclists to approach in the wrong direction.
- Left-Turn Crashes: Motorists making left turns may overlook oncoming cyclists, leading to accidents when vehicles cross the cyclist's path.
- Rollovers: Cyclists can be involved in rollover accidents, particularly when navigating sharp turns, uneven terrain, or steep slopes.
- T-Bone Collisions: These accidents occur when a vehicle strikes a cyclist from the side, forming a "T" shape, often resulting in significant injuries.
- Crosswalk Accidents: Cyclists using crosswalks may be struck by turning vehicles if drivers fail to yield, highlighting the importance of caution at intersections.
- Distracted Riding: Cyclists can contribute to accidents by being distracted, such as using a phone while riding, which impairs their ability to react to traffic.
- Loss of Control: Accidents can happen when cyclists lose control due to excessive speed, sudden stops, or encountering obstacles on the road.
- Single-Bike Accidents: Some accidents involve only the cyclist, such as losing balance while maneuvering or colliding with stationary objects.
- Drunk Riding: Cycling under the influence of alcohol or drugs can impair judgment and coordination, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.
Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents
Will you be able to receive compensation following an accident of this nature caused by a third party? The simple answer is yes.
However, this must be accompanied by a professional investigation by a bike accident attorney, which takes into account all the details surrounding the facts. One of those details of utmost importance when seeking compensation for damages is personal injury.
If the accident left you with injuries that limited the normality of your daily life, you will likely be able to recover damages. Maybe a personal injury claim could be the first step for you.
In all our years in the business, our personal injury lawyers have seen a variety of injuries, although our professionals, with the help of doctors who work with us in the physical and emotional recovery of our clients, agree that these are the most common bicycle accident injuries:
- Head Injuries: Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), are a significant risk in bicycle accidents, even with helmet use.
- Fractures: Cyclists may suffer fractures, such as broken bones in the arms, legs, or ribs, often resulting from the impact of a fall or collision.
- Road Rash: Road rash is a painful skin abrasion caused by contact with the road surface during an accident, often requiring medical attention.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and tears of muscles, ligaments, and tendons are common, leading to pain and limited mobility.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Severe accidents can result in spinal cord injuries, potentially leading to paralysis, loss of sensation, or other long-term complications.
- Internal Injuries: Internal injuries to organs like the spleen, liver, or kidneys can occur due to the force of impact in bicycle accidents.
- Facial Injuries: Facial injuries, including fractures, cuts, and dental damage, are common in accidents involving impact with the ground or objects.
- Dislocations: Injured cyclists could suffer from dislocated joints, such as the shoulder or hip, which can result from the force of a bicycle accident, requiring medical attention.
- Nerve Damage: Nerve damage can cause numbness, tingling, or loss of function in affected body parts, often requiring ongoing treatment.
- Abrasions and Contusions: Minor injuries like cuts, bruises, and scrapes are prevalent in bicycle accidents and can still be painful and require care.
- Emotional Trauma: The emotional impact of a bicycle accident, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), pain and suffering, or anxiety, should not be overlooked.
- Death: Tragically, some bicycle accidents result in catastrophic injury, highlighting the importance of safety measures for cyclists.
Contact a Long Island Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Contact our legal team at The Ward Law Group if you identify with any of these facts and receive a free case review. Don't let it go any longer. Deadlines are very important for the legal process. Compensation awaits you at the end of the process if you receive advice from our trained personal injury attorneys.
Call us today at 855-DOLOR-55 for immediate help!