Bensonhurst is a residential neighborhood in the southwestern section of the New York City borough of Brooklyn, with zip codes of 11204, 11214.
Assisting Victims of Bike Accidents Throughout Bensonhurst Brooklyn and Beyond
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 966 cyclists killed and over 40,000 injured in bicycle accidents nationwide in 2021. While these statistics are hard to swallow, nothing is more difficult than suffering an injury or loss in a bicycle accident.
At Michael J. Redenburg, Esq. PC, we understand this, and we know you are more than just a statistic. That’s why we dedicate ourselves to helping you get through the aftermath of bicycle accidents throughout all of Brooklyn.
Bensonhurst Brooklyn Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me: 212-240-9465
What Causes Bicycle Accidents?
Many bicycle accidents occur because both motorists and cyclists fail to follow the rules and watch out for each other. When drivers do not watch out for cyclists, however, the results can be much worse.
Common causes of bicycle accidents include:
- Unsafe lane changes
- Failure to yield
- Speeding
- Following too closely
- Failing to leave enough space
- Distracted Driving
- Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol
- Drowsy driving
- Aggressive driving
- Reckless driving
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Improper turns
- Intersection accidents
- Dooring
- Poorly maintained roads
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Regardless of who is at-fault for your crash, bicyclists get the worst of car-bicycle accidents. Common Injuries that Cyclists Sustain Include:
- Head injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Eye trauma
- Dental fractures
- Facial injuries
- Broken bones
- Dislocations
- Sprains and sprains
- Musculoskeletal trauma
- Back and shoulder injuries
- Rib fractures
- Lung injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Road rash
- Spinal Injuries
In addition to physical wear and tear, you may suffer psychological injuries. Bike accidents can cause PTSD and other seemingly invisible conditions that are just as hard to cope with as physical injuries.
Brooklyn Bike Laws
Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as cars and trucks. Nevertheless, lawmakers acknowledge that riding a bicycle in traffic comes with its own set of challenges.
By New York law, children under the age of 14 must wear bicycle helmets. Any parent or guardian who permits their child to violate the helmet law may be fined up to $50. Child passengers from ages 1 to 4 must ride in secure safety seats and wear a certified bicycle helmet.
Just like other vehicles, bicycles must signal stops and turns and obey all traffic control devices.
When driving around bicycles, vehicles are required to yield the right of way when turning and are prohibited from driving aggressively, recklessly, or under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
All bicycle accidents must be reported and investigated, and you should never move your bicycle after an injury-causing accident before photographing its location and position.
Authorities issue most citations to motorists for failing to yield, especially when turning.
Filing a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit
Although no amount of money can change what happened to you, filing a bicycle accident lawsuit (under personal injury law) can help you move forward. A successful settlement or verdict will result in damages, which can help you cope with:
- Medical bills (present and future)
- The costs of rehabilitative care
- Missed work and wages
- Changes to your earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The first step to filing a claim is scheduling a free consultation. From there, our Brooklyn bicycle accident attorney can help you evaluate your claim and make the right demands.
The claims process can be complicated, but you do not have to go through it alone.
Get Started Today
If you have been injured in a Bensonhurst Brooklyn Bicycle Accident, contact us now or call us at 212-240-9465 to get the wheels of justice spinning for you!