If you had a bike accident in Rockland County, NY, don't worry about paying for the damages. In the aftermath of a bicycle-car collision, it's crucial to determine responsibility when pursuing a personal injury claim.
Negotiating insurance in bicycle accidents can be complex, given that cyclists may lack insurance similar to drivers. When faced with injuries and uncertainties about the necessary steps, contacting a bicycle accident lawyer in New York from The Ward Law Group becomes essential.
We offer a distinctive, holistic approach to our cases and provide legal assistance in English and Spanish. We are the best law firm to serve you with your case!
Determining Fault in Bicycle Accidents
Contrary to the assumption that the more significant, faster car is always at fault in a bicycle accident, the outcome depends on the specifics.
Despite the bike's smaller size, the shared fault is plausible, impacting your claim's compensation. Adhering to traffic laws is crucial, considering New York categorizes bikes as vehicles, subject to the same rules as cars.
New York's Approach to Partial Fault
New York operates as a pure comparative fault state, meaning compensation is still possible even if the bicyclist shares partial blame for the accident.
For instance, if a car is speeding and the driver is texting, the court may find them 100% at fault. On the other hand, if the cyclist failed to signal appropriately, they might be deemed 10% at fault, reducing their compensation by that percentage.
Building Your Claim with Essential Evidence
Gathering evidence for your bicycle accident claim is vital. A seasoned bicycle accident lawyer will utilize police reports, eyewitness accounts, security footage, and medical records to demonstrate the driver's responsibility.
Trust is paramount when choosing a lawyer, and The Ward Law Group is here to support you. Contact our firm's Bicycle accident lawyer in NYC and learn more about your case!
Key Elements of New York Bicycle Accident Law:
- Comparative Negligence: New York follows comparative negligence, where fault and damages are considered the negligence degree of all involved parties. Cyclists may recover compensation even if partially responsible.
- No-Fault Insurance Law: In a collision with a motor vehicle, cyclists must seek initial compensation from their insurance, regardless of fault. Legal action against the at-fault party is possible if injuries are deemed severe.
- Right-of-Way Laws: Bicycles are considered vehicles in New York, with cyclists having equivalent rights and responsibilities as motorists. Understanding and respecting right-of-way laws are crucial for safety.
- Duty to Exercise Reasonable Care: All road users, including cyclists and motorists, must exercise reasonable care. Failure to do so can result in accidents and liability for injuries or damages.
- Statute of Limitations: The statute of limitations for personal injury claims from bicycle accidents in New York is generally three years from the accident date. Prompt action is crucial to avoid losing the right to seek compensation.
- Seeking Legal Guidance: Navigating bicycle accident laws in New York is complex, emphasizing the importance of a qualified lawyer. A New York bicycle accident lawyer from The Ward Law Group offers experienced legal support to maximize your physical and emotional compensation.
Have you recently experienced a bicycle collision in Rockland County, New York?
Seeking compensation for your injuries is a pivotal step, yet navigating the complexities of insurance and negotiating with negligent motorists can pose a formidable challenge.
At The Ward Law Group, our dedicated team is devoted to simplifying and enhancing this process for you. Opting for our Rockland County bicycle accident attorneys means choosing a team with a demonstrated history of securing substantial awards for our clients.
How can The Ward Law Group empower your success in your case?
- Provide a straightforward elucidation of your options and legal rights during your complimentary case evaluation.
- Prompt and thorough investigation of your Rockland bicycle accident to identify causes and responsible parties.
- Gathering and meticulously examining all evidence supporting your case, including police reports, property damage, video footage, witness testimony, medical records, and forensic reports.
- Collaboration with medical professionals, bike accident experts, and other specialists to fortify your case.
- Representation during negotiations with the insurance company and other involved parties.
- Vigorous defense of your best interests in settlement negotiations with the defendant. Litigation of your bicycle accident lawsuit before a Rockland County jury if a fair settlement offer is not received.
- Handling your case on a contingency fee basis, ensuring payment only if we win your case.
Common Causes in Rockland County Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents in Rockland County can result from various factors. For instance, sharing the road with more oversized vehicles could be a risk factor. Our personal injury lawyers have years of experience dealing with situations and injured victims.
Each situation poses its own risks:
- Poor Road Conditions: Uneven surfaces, cracks, or potholes can disrupt a cyclist's balance.
- Inadequate Infrastructure: The absence of bike lanes or poorly designed intersections increases risks.
- Dooring: Collisions occur when a person in a parked car opens their door into the path of an oncoming cyclist.
- Sideswiping: Insufficient clearance between vehicles and bicycles can force cyclists off the road.
- Impaired Driving/Riding: Both cyclists and motorists under the influence of alcohol or drugs contribute to accidents.
- Distracted Driving/Riding: Mobile phones and other distractions divert attention from the road.
- Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, or fog can reduce visibility and road traction.
- Equipment Failure: Brake failures, tire blowouts, or malfunctioning lights can lead to accidents.
Whether your Rockland bicycle accident results from a negligent motorist, faulty equipment, or poor road conditions, The Ward Law Group is prepared to fight for your right to maximum compensation for your bicycle accident injuries.
Common Accident Injuries in Rockland County Bicycle Collisions
Bicycle accidents in Rockland County can cause a range of injuries, from minor to severe and even fatal:
- Head Injuries: From minor concussions to traumatic brain injuries, especially when a helmet isn't worn.
- Fractures: Commonly occurring in the arms, wrists, legs, and collarbone.
- Facial Injuries: Including dental fractures, jaw injuries, and facial abrasions or contusions.
- Spinal Injuries: Damage to the spine leading to temporary or permanent paralysis.
- Road Rash: Skin abrasions resulting from sliding on the road surface.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to organs, internal bleeding, and punctured lungs.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and tears in muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Regardless of the type of injury, our legal team will vigorously negotiate with you to ensure fair compensation. If you are one of the injured cyclists in Rockland County, consider calling us right now and receiving the best legal advice for your case!
Determining Liability for a Rockland Bicycle Accident
Liability in a Rockland County bicycle accident is determined by analyzing the actions of all parties involved. Under New York state law, any individual or entity causing a bicycle accident can be held liable. Potential parties include:
- Negligent Motorists: Drivers failing to yield, running stop signs, or not giving cyclists enough space may be held liable.
- Municipalities: The local government may be responsible if poor road conditions contribute to the accident.
- Bicycle Manufacturers: Defects in design or manufacturing leading to accidents can hold bicycle companies liable.
- Property Owners: Private property owners may be liable if their negligence contributes to an accident.
- Pedestrians: Unpredictable or unlawful actions by pedestrians causing a cyclist to crash may share responsibility.
- Other Cyclists: Cyclists ignoring traffic laws or riding recklessly may be at fault.
- Bus and Commercial Vehicle Operators: Larger vehicles rarely see cyclists during turns or stops.
- Construction Companies: Ongoing construction creating hazards or lacking proper signage can lead to accidents.
Determining liability often requires thorough investigation and legal expertise. The personal injury attorneys at The Ward Law Group deeply understand Rockland County laws and regulations, ensuring a comprehensive approach to your case.
Contact us today for a free initial case evaluation and get help from one of our bike accident lawyers!
Navigating Partial Fault in Your Rockland County Bicycle Crash
Ever wondered about your entitlement to compensation if you share partial blame for your bicycle accident in Rockland County? The reassuring news is that you can still claim compensation.
However, it's crucial to understand New York's system of pure comparative negligence. In this framework, the awarded damages will be proportionally reduced if you bear some responsibility for the accident.
Imagine a scenario: a bicycle crash at the intersection of Route 59 and New Clarkstown Road in Rockland County leaves you severely injured, and your damages are estimated at a quarter of a million dollars.
Yet, it's determined that you were 50% at fault. Consequently, your maximum cash award would be $125,000 – half of the case's total value.
To sidestep liability, other parties might assert that you caused the accident alone. Our adept Rockland bicycle accident attorneys are here to counter these claims, ensuring you receive the rightful compensation.
Understanding Damages for Rockland Bicycle Accident Victims
After experiencing a bicycle crash in Rockland County, diverse forms of compensation may be available based on the nature and extent of your injuries.
You can pursue compensatory damages through a lawsuit or insurance claim, covering various costs linked to your bike accident. Potential awards encompass:
- Medical Expenses: Covering current and future medical bills resulting from the accident.
- Rehabilitation Costs: Including expenses for physical therapy, counseling, and other forms of rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for lost income when you cannot work due to injuries.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: Addressing diminished future earning capacity due to the accident.
- Pain and Suffering: Monetary compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the accident.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for repairs or replacement of the damaged bicycle and other personal property.
- Loss of Consortium: Damages acknowledging the impact on the relationship between the injured person and their spouse or partner.
- Wrongful Death: In the unfortunate event of a fatality, the victim's family might receive compensation for funeral costs, loss of financial support, and emotional trauma.
Our seasoned Rockland personal injury attorneys are committed to pursuing all available damages under New York state law, vigorously advocating for your case, and securing the maximum financial compensation for your ongoing recovery.
Support for Rockland Bicycle Collision Victims
Rockland County boasts an array of fantastic bike routes for you and your family's enjoyment. However, being prepared for any unexpected accidents is crucial.
Whether it's a visit to the emergency room or urgent care facility or requiring bike repairs to get back on the road safely, having the right resources is essential. Here are some valuable contacts:
Bike Repair Establishments:
- Valley Cycle Shop Address: 139 Rte. 59, Spring Valley, NY 10977 Contact: 845 356-3179
- Bicycle Depot Address: 9 E. Central Ave., Pearl River, NY 10965 Contact: 845 735-8686
- CrankWorks Cycles Address: 19 N. Broadway, Nyack, NY 10977 Contact: 845-358-0101
Emergency Medical Assistance:
- Good Samaritan Hospital Address: 255 Lafayette Ave., Suffern, NY 10901 Contact: 845-368-5000
- Nyack Hospital Address: 86 Lake St., Spring Valley, NY 10901 Contact: 845-356-1752
- Montefiore Nyack Hospital Address: 160 N Midland Ave, Nyack, NY 10960 Contact: 845-348-2000
- White Plains Hospital - Physician Associates Address: 2 Longview Ave, White Plains, NY 10601 Contact: 914-681-3100
In addition to the support provided by these bicycle repair shops and medical facilities, our adept legal team is here to guide you through the aftermath of your accident, offering the assistance needed for your journey ahead.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Rockland County
By celebrating the myriad contributions of bicycles to Rockland County and New York as a whole, we pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future—one where choosing a bike isn't just a personal preference but a conscious decision to contribute to the well-being of our community and our planet.
The Ward Law Group is here to guide you if you have been injured in a bicycle accident. Our experts with over 30 years of personal injury experience will help get you the compensation you deserve.
Contact The Ward Law Group right now and receive a free consultation about your bicycle accident case! Let’s do this together! Call now at 855-DOLOR-55!