The Park Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn has its fair share of bike riders. Riders often use their bikes to commute to work, run errands, visit friends, or spend the day outside. Unfortunately, accidents with bikes sometimes happen, and bike riders might be badly hurt. Riders are frequently struck by vehicles, and drivers should be held responsible.
Bikes are popular all over Brooklyn, especially around Park Slope. The neighborhood is right next to Prospect Park, and lots of people like to ride their bikes in the area. Many others use their bikes as their primary mode of transportation. When drivers are not paying attention, speeding, other just being careless behind the wheel, these bike riders are at risk. If a reckless driver hurt you, contact an attorney and discuss what kind of compensation you deserve. Your damages might be substantial, and it is best to call an attorney as soon as possible.
To get started, call our Brooklyn, NY bicycle accident lawyers at The Carrion Law Firm at (718) 841-0083 and ask about a free case review.
Where and How a Bicycle Accident Might Occur in Park Slope
Park Slope is a neighborhood on the west side of Brooklyn, New York. As part of New York City, Park Slope has more than its fair share of traffic, including bike riders. Bicycles are extremely common in New York City, and Park Slope is no exception. If you were hit by a car while riding your bike through the Park Slope neighborhood, talk to our bicycle accident attorneys about how to get compensation for your injuries.
People might be injured on their bikes almost anywhere in Park Slope. It is common for residents and visitors to spend the day on their bikes. For many, it is their primary mode of transportation. A very common place to see bike riders is in and around Prospect Park. This large park is next to Park Slope and is popular among cyclists. Additionally, bike riders must use caution when biking along main thoroughfares through the neighborhood, such as 7th Avenue.
How your accident occurred is extremely important, as it might shed light on how the driver who hit you should be held liable and how we can prove it. Many bike crashes happen because drivers in cars are simply not paying attention. They might be preoccupied with their phone, GPS, radio, or something else in the car. Other accidents are the result of drivers making negligent turns. When drivers make a right-hand turn, they must watch out for bike riders. If they do not use a turn signal, there might be no way for a bike rider next to them to know what is going on.
How to Get Compensation After a Bike Accident in Slope Park
You have the option of filing a claim with your own auto insurance. Even though you were not driving, you have been hit by a vehicle. This is enough for insurance companies to consider the collision an auto accident, and auto insurance may apply.
However, many bike riders in Park Slope and the rest of the city ride bikes because they do not have vehicles. Since many bike riders do not own cars, it makes sense that many of them also lack auto insurance. In that case, they can file a claim against the other driver’s insurance or file a personal injury lawsuit. You may need to exchange information with the driver at the scene so you can file an insurance claim. You should also talk to an attorney before filing anything, as insurance claims can be very complicated, and insurance companies do not always play fair.
Will the other driver’s insurance be enough to cover your damages? If not, a lawsuit might be the better option. While an insurance claim might be helpful, your damages are limited by the insurance policy’s terms. If the driver’s insurance will only cover a maximum of $10,000, but your damages are worth at least $15,000, you might want to talk to an attorney about filing a lawsuit.
Potential Damages You Can Recover After a Slope Park Bicycle Accident
Damages in bike crash cases are sometimes substantial. Bike riders are no match for a speeding car, and serious injuries, extensive medical care, and time lost at work are not uncommon experiences among accident victims. Your damages may include both the economic costs of the accident in addition to more subjective experiences, like pain and suffering.
Economic damages often consist of medical bills, property damage, and lost income. Various other costs may be included if you incurred those costs as a direct result of the accident. Keep a thorough record of your medical costs, especially if you require multiple treatments or see multiple doctors. You should also add the cost of a new bike to your damages if yours was damaged in the collision. If you cannot work for a while after the crash, your lost wages should also be factored into our calculations.
Non-economic injuries are a bit more amorphous as they are often not connected to costs or money. Even so, they may be financially compensated. You can claim damages for your mental and emotional distress, physical pain, and more. Perhaps you were hit by a car in front of a large group or crowd and were deeply embarrassed. You can claim damages for your humiliation. If your injuries left you with a disability or long-term pain and complications, you might claim damages for your diminished quality of life or loss of enjoyment.
When to Speak to a Lawyer About Your Bike Accident in Park Slope
It is wise to speak to a lawyer as soon as possible, as your time to file a lawsuit might already be passing you by. The statute of limitations, for personal injury claims in New York, under C.V.P. Laws § 214(5), is only 3 years, and this time limit starts counting down the moment you are injured. If this time passes with no case being filed, you may be time-barred from bringing the cause of action, and you might never receive fair compensation. In short, talk to a lawyer and start building your case as soon as possible.
Contact Our Park Slope Bicycle Accident Attorneys for Legal Assistance
Call our bicycle accident lawyers at The Carrion Law Firm at (718) 841-0083 and ask about a free case review to get started.