Representing Injured Cyclists In The Bronx, NY
If you were hit by a car or truck while riding your bicycle in the Bronx, you could suffer severe, life-changing injuries. In many cases, these injuries result in permanent disability and an inability to work. In these circumstances, you and your family face overwhelming financial challenges, and you need an experienced advocate who will fight for you.
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At Davidoff Law, P.C., we provide just that. Our bicycle accident attorneys represent clients in the Bronx and throughout New York. We know how to effectively build a case and negotiate with insurance companies to secure the maximum compensation.
New York Bicycle Laws
Bicycle laws in the Bronx are generally governed by the same rules and regulations as those in the rest of the city, as well as New York State laws. These laws are designed to ensure the safety of cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists alike.
Here are some key bicycle laws that are likely to apply in the Bronx:
- Helmet Law: In New York State, all bicyclists under the age of 14 are required to wear an approved bicycle helmet. However, it is advisable for riders of all ages to wear helmets for safety.
- Traffic Laws: Bicyclists are considered vehicles under New York law and must obey traffic signals, signs, and regulations. This includes stopping at red lights and stop signs, yielding the right-of-way, and following all posted traffic signs.
- Riding on the Right: Bicyclists must generally ride in the same direction as traffic and as close to the right-hand curb or edge of the road as is practical. However, they can move towards the center of the lane if it is unsafe to stay on the right, such as when avoiding obstacles, making a left turn, or if the lane is too narrow to share safely with a motor vehicle.
- Bicycle Lanes: The Bronx has various bicycle lanes and paths. Bicyclists should use designated bike lanes when available and follow the markings and rules specific to those lanes.
- Hand Signals: Bicyclists must use hand signals to indicate their intentions to turn or stop. A left arm straight out indicates a left turn, a left arm bent at a 90-degree angle upward indicates a right turn, and a left arm bent at a 90-degree angle downward indicates a stop.
- Lights and Reflectors: Bicycles must be equipped with a white front light and a red rear light or reflector when riding after sunset and before sunrise. Reflectors on the pedals and wheels are also required.
- No Texting or Cell Phone Use: It is illegal to use a handheld electronic device, including texting, while riding a bicycle in New York City.
- Yield to Pedestrians: Bicyclists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks and on sidewalks. Riding on sidewalks is illegal in most parts of the city unless it is specifically designated as a shared-use path.
- No Riding on Highways: Bicycles are generally prohibited on controlled-access highways like the Bronx River Parkway.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
A bicycle accident is an incident involving a bicycle and, often, one or more vehicles or pedestrians. These accidents can result in varying degrees of injury or property damage.
Common causes of bicycle accidents involving vehicles include:
- Intersection Collisions: These occur when a bicyclist and a vehicle collide at an intersection. Common scenarios include a vehicle failing to yield the right-of-way to a cyclist, a cyclist running a red light or stop sign, or a right-turning vehicle colliding with a cyclist going straight through an intersection.
- Dooring Accidents: Dooring accidents happen when a cyclist is struck by a car door that is suddenly opened in their path. This typically occurs when a parked vehicle's occupant does not check for approaching cyclists before opening their door.
- Overtaking Collisions: Sometimes, a vehicle may attempt to pass a cyclist without providing enough clearance, leading to a sideswipe or right-hook collision. A right-hook occurs when a vehicle turns right across the path of a cyclist traveling in the same direction.
- Left-Turn Collisions: A left-turn accident occurs when a vehicle makes a left turn in front of an oncoming cyclist, causing a collision. This can happen when the driver misjudges the cyclist's speed or fails to notice them.
- Rear-End Collisions: In some cases, a vehicle may rear-end a cyclist, particularly when traffic suddenly slows or stops. This type of accident can result from distracted or inattentive driving.
- Side-Impact Collisions: Also known as "T-bone" accidents, these occur when a vehicle collides with a cyclist from the side. They can happen at intersections or driveways when a vehicle fails to yield the right-of-way to a cyclist.
- Parking Lot Accidents: Parking lots can be hazardous for cyclists due to vehicles entering or exiting parking spaces without noticing a cyclist's presence.
- Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, using a phone, eating, or engaging in other distracting activities may not see a cyclist until it's too late, leading to collisions.
- Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drug impairment can significantly impair a driver's ability to see and respond to cyclists on the road.
- Poor Road Conditions: Uneven road surfaces, potholes, debris, or inadequate signage can contribute to accidents involving bicycles and vehicles.
- Visibility Issues: Low visibility due to poor weather conditions, low lighting, or inadequate reflective gear can increase the risk of accidents, especially at night.
- Speeding: Excessive speed by vehicles can reduce reaction time and increase the severity of accidents involving cyclists.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
If you were hit by a car or truck while riding your bicycle, you need to know what to do after the accident. Following the proper protocol will help ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.
After an accident, you should:
- Go to the nearest emergency room
- Seek treatment for all injuries
- Keep all of your doctor's reports
- Follow all instructions from your doctor
- Keep all of your medical records
If you were injured in a crash while riding your bicycle, you need an experienced advocate who will fight for you. Do not hesitate to let Davidoff Law, P.C. fight for your entitled compensation.
