Bicycle accidents have a high propensity to cause catastrophic injuries. Many victims suffer painful and debilitating injuries such as broken bones, brain injuries, and spinal cord damage. These injuries can lead to physical pain, financial hardship, and emotional distress.

If you were injured as the result of a bicycle accident, then you may be able to recover damages from the at-fault party. However, the route to payment may not be straightforward. The defendant will likely challenge several key elements of your claim.

In the aftermath of your collision, seek support from our experienced bicycle accident lawyers at The Carrion Law Firm by dialing (631) 910-7493 for a free case review.

Time Window to File a Bicycle Accident Case in Huntington, NY

If your bicycle accident occurred because of someone else’s negligence, then it is imperative that you act quickly when bringing your case against the at-fault party. Failure to file your potential lawsuit on time may cause you to miss your chance to recover financial compensation.

In New York, the time limit to file a bicycle accident lawsuit is governed by C.V.P. Law § 214. Usually, you will have to file within three years of the date your crash occurred. Still, even though you may have years to bring your case to court, you should begin building your claim as soon as possible after your collision. Important evidence needed to support your lawsuit can become difficult to gather and preserve as time passes. The more quickly you get in touch with our bicycle accident attorneys, the more efficiently we can collect the information you need to win your case. After conducting your free case assessment, our legal team can begin gathering evidence right away.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Huntington, NY

There are many different forms of negligent conduct that can lead to bicycle accidents. If your crash stems from any of the following, then you may be entitled to monetary damages for the injuries you sustained:

Distracted Driving

One of the leading causes of bicycle accidents is distracted driving. Drivers may be engaged in various distractions, such as texting, using a GPS, adjusting the radio, or even eating while driving. These distractions take their attention away from the road, making it more likely for them to overlook cyclists and potentially leading to serious accidents. For instance, a driver who is texting on their phone may fail to notice a cyclist crossing an intersection, resulting in a collision.

Failure to Yield Right-of-Way

Bicycle accidents can also occur when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way to cyclists, especially at intersections or crosswalks. Failure to stop or yield to a cyclist who has the right-of-way can lead to devastating collisions. For example, a driver making a right turn at an intersection might fail to yield to an oncoming cyclist, causing a crash.

Speeding

Speeding is a form of negligence that can significantly increase the severity of bicycle accidents. When drivers exceed the speed limit or drive too fast for the road conditions, they have less time to react to potential hazards, including cyclists. A speeding driver may not be able to brake in time to avoid hitting a cyclist who unexpectedly enters their path, resulting in a high-impact collision and serious injuries.

Driving Under the Influence

Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a form of negligence that can have disastrous consequences for cyclists. Impaired drivers have reduced reaction times and impaired judgment, making them more likely to collide with cyclists. An intoxicated driver may swerve into a bike lane and strike a cyclist, causing severe injuries.

Unsafe Lane Changes

Unsafe lane changes can be dangerous for cyclists as well. When drivers fail to check their blind spots or use their indicators, they can inadvertently collide with cyclists in adjacent lanes. For instance, a driver merging into a bike lane without properly checking for cyclists can cause a serious side-impact collision.

Failure to Obey Traffic Signals

Negligence can also stem from drivers or cyclists who fail to obey traffic signals. Running red lights or stop signs can lead to dangerous collisions at intersections. For instance, a cyclist who runs a red light might be hit by a car lawfully proceeding through the intersection.

Opening Car Doors into Traffic

Drivers or passengers who open car doors into the path of an oncoming cyclist can cause serious accidents. This can happen in areas with parallel parking or when a driver stops on the side of the road and opens their door without checking for approaching cyclists.

Common Locations for Bicycle Accidents in Huntington, NY

There are certain places where bicycle collisions happen more regularly than others. For instance, the following are common locations for bicycle accidents in Huntington:

Intersections

Intersections are one of the most common locations for bicycle accidents. Cyclists and motorists converge at intersections, increasing the chances of collisions. Drivers may fail to yield the right-of-way to cyclists, especially when making turns. Additionally, cyclists may face visibility challenges, making it harder for drivers to see them when approaching the intersection.

Urban Streets with Heavy Traffic

Urban streets with heavy traffic can be particularly dangerous for cyclists. The close proximity of vehicles and frequent stops and starts increase the likelihood of accidents. Drivers may not always provide adequate space for cyclists, leading to side-swiping or “right-hook” collisions when motorists make right turns across a cyclist’s path.

High-Speed Roads

High-speed roads and highways are inherently hazardous for cyclists. The faster traffic moves, the less time drivers have to react to cyclists sharing the road. On these roads, cyclists may feel more vulnerable, and drivers may underestimate the speed of approaching cyclists, leading to rear-end collisions.

Construction Zones

Construction zones can present hazards for cyclists due to narrowed roadways, uneven surfaces, and reduced visibility. Construction vehicles and equipment may also pose risks, especially when drivers or cyclists are not aware of the potential dangers.

Call Our Bicycle Accident Lawyers for Help with Your Case in Huntington, NY

Get assistance from our experienced bicycle accident lawyers by calling The Carrion Law Firm today at (631) 910-7493.