Bicycle accidents often happen because of drivers’ negligent actions. For example, riders are often struck by motorists who run red lights, make improper left turns, and swerve out of their lanes. Victims of such accidents can seek compensation for the harm they suffered through bicycle accident lawsuits.
There are several types of monetary damages that can be recovered by plaintiffs in bicycle accident lawsuits. However, most defendants try to avoid paying the full value of plaintiffs’ claims. There are several tactics employed by defendants and their insurers when seeking to refute key elements of plaintiffs’ cases.
If you were injured because of a bicycle accident in Melville, get help obtaining the financial compensation you deserve. Get in touch with our experienced Melville bicycle accident lawyers by calling The Carrion Law Firm at (718) 841-0083 for a free case review.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Melville
There are many different types of negligent acts motorists can commit that lead to bicycle accidents. Our attorneys can investigate the cause of your crash to determine if it stems from any of the following potential causes:
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is a very dangerous activity. Motorists who are under the influence of alcohol will have blurry vision, poor motor skills, and inhibited decision-making abilities. Many bicycle riders are struck because drunk drivers do not notice them on the roadway. Such crashes often happen at night. If you were injured because of a drunk driver, our Melville bicycle accident lawyers can help determine the appropriate next steps.
Running Red Lights
Running red lights is another common cause of Melville bicycle accidents. When drivers run red lights, they can strike unsuspecting bicyclists who are legally travelling another direction through an intersection. In such cases, our team can help obtain any pertinent traffic camera footage that may show that defendant drivers are at fault.
Speeding
Speeding is also a common cause of bicycle accidents. Motorists operating their vehicles at excessive speeds are often unable to react accordingly as they approach bicyclists on the road. For instance, a speeding driver may cause a collision because they were unable to react when a rider in-front of them legally changed lanes. Our Melville bicycle accident lawyers can help prove that a speeding driver is responsible for your crash.
Distracted Driving
Additionally, many Melville bicycle crashes are caused by distracted drivers. Drivers can be cognitively, visually, or manually distracted. The following are examples of activities that can distract motorists:
- Texting
- Entering information into a GPS
- Choosing a song for the stereo
- Talking on the phone
- Talking with passengers
- Eating or drinking
- Scrolling through social media
Certain activities such as texting involve multiple types of distraction. If you were injured because of a bicycle crash caused by a distracted driver, you may be able to recover monetary damages.
Swerving Out of Lanes
Lastly, bicycle crashes often happen because motorists do not stay in their lanes while driving. Drivers who swerve out of their lanes can strike bicyclists travelling alongside them. These accidents can cause severe injuries, especially when they occur at high speeds. In such cases, our Melville bicycle accident lawyers can help victims recover financial compensation for the harm they suffered.
Elements of a Bicycle Accident Case in Melville
Bicycle accidents can come in many forms. There are several factors that can affect the legal strategies applied in your case. Still, in every bicycle accident lawsuit, plaintiffs must show the following is true:
- The defendant was under a duty of care
- The defendant failed to adhere to their duty of care
- You were injured as a result of the defendant’s breach of duty
- You incurred damages because of the injuries you suffered
Examining these elements in the context of your case can be complicated. Fortunately, you can reach out to our experienced Melville bicycle accident lawyers for a free case review. During a free case review, we will assess the facts of your case to determine if the aforementioned elements are present. In doing so, we can help evaluate the strength of your claims.
Common Injuries Caused by Bicycle Accidents in Melville
There are several types of devastating harm that can be suffered by bicycle accident victims. The following are common injuries caused by bicycle accidents in Melville:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Burns
- Contusions
- Internal injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
The extent of harm caused by your accident can affect the amount of monetary damages awarded in your case. If you suffered any of the previously mentioned injuries, our Melville bicycle accident lawyers can fight for the full range of compensation available to you.
Time Limit to File a Bicycle Accident Case in Melville
The time limit to file a bicycle accident in Melville is established by C.V.P. § 214. In most cases, victims of bicycle accidents will have 3 years to bring their lawsuits to court. If you do not comply with this deadline, you can miss out on crucial compensation.
Even though you may have 3 years to file your case, you should contact our Melville bicycle accident lawyers as soon as possible after your crash. Important evidence can become lost over time. For instance, witnesses can fail to remember crucial details and physical evidence can be misplaced. By contacting our attorneys early, we can more easily gather the evidence required for your case to prevail.
Furthermore, there are many other conditions that must be adhered to when filing a bicycle accident lawsuit in Melville. You will have to file a complete claim, serve a copy of your complaint to all named defendants, attach supporting documents, pay filing fees, and file in the correct jurisdiction. If you do not satisfy one of these requirements, you may have to file your lawsuit again. By filing early, you have more time to re-file your case if necessary.
If You Were Hurt Because of a Bicycle Accident in Melville, Our Lawyers Can Help
If you sustained injuries because of a bicycle crash, seek help from our experienced Melville bicycle accident lawyers by calling The Carrion Law Firm at (718) 841-0083 to review your case for free.