Bikes are a popular mode of transportation. You might rely on your bike to get to work every day or use it for fun or as a form of exercise. However you use your bike, there is always a risk of accidents, especially when negligent drivers are involved. If you are injured in a bike accident, an attorney can help you get fair compensation.
Many accidents occur because a driver hits a bike rider as they are turning and crossing a bike lane. Others happen in intersections or on roads without bike lanes, and cars and bikes must share space. It is best to take legal action as soon as possible. The statute of limitations in New York gives injured riders only 3 years to file civil cases, and time might be growing short. We need as much time as possible to review your damages and find evidence to prove them. In some cases, bike riders have their damages covered through insurance. In others, they can sue the drivers who caused the crashes.
Get a private, free review of your legal claim when you call our bicycle accident attorneys at The Carrion Law Firm at (631) 910-7493.
How Bike Crashes Often Happen in Riverhead, NY
Bike riding can be a great alternative to vehicles or taking public transportation. It can also be a great way to get some exercise or just enjoy a sunny day outside. Unfortunately, bike riding can become very dangerous when negligent drivers in cars and other vehicles are involved. Since bikes and vehicles are often in close proximity, these kinds of accidents are not uncommon.
Turning accidents can happen when a vehicle makes a right turn and must cross a bike lane. Remember, bikes have every right to be on the road, and drivers must learn to share the road with bike riders. If a turning driver fails to check for oncoming bike riders in the bike lane, they might hit one when they turn. While the driver might not be hurt, the bike rider sure is.
Intersections are prime locations for accidents, including bicycle accidents. While bikes are supposed to stop at red lights just like vehicles, vehicles must show bike riders the same respect when they cross an intersection. For example, you might be riding through a green light at an intersection when a negligent driver coming from a different direction fails to stop. You might be very badly hurt depending on how fast the driver is going.
Roads without bike lanes can be especially dangerous, even though bike riders are allowed to use such roads. The problem usually stems from drivers who do not believe they have to share the road. They might find themselves behind a bike rider and, instead of waiting for an opportunity to pass them safely, they might try to pass them in a way that is reckless or unsafe. They might even hit the bike rider.
When to Take Legal Action After a Bicycle Accident in Riverhead, NY
After an accident, you might not know what to do. First, call 911 and get help immediately. Bike riders are not protected inside enclosed vehicles, and they might be very badly injured after being hit by a car, especially if that car is moving very fast. Once you have gotten medical treatment, contact our bicycle accident attorneys. You might have a valid legal claim for damages on your hand, and you only have so much time to get your claims into court.
According to the statute of limitations under C.V.P. Law § 214, an injured bike rider has 3 years to file a civil case for damages. This limitation period starts the day you are initially injured, and the clock does not stop ticking until the limitation period closes. However, certain conditions might allow you to pause the clock. For example, if you are a minor who is hit by a car while riding your bike, the limitation period may be tolled until you are 18, meaning you would have until age 21 to file your case.
Many people take time to recover from their injuries and consider their legal options, but some take a bit too much time, and preparing their case may become difficult. Do yourself a favor and contact a lawyer as soon as possible, even if you are unsure whether you want to take legal action. Your lawyer can help you examine all your legal options, so you know what works best for your case.
Recoverable Damages in Riverhead, NY Bicycle Collision Cases
Considering the fact that injuries in bicycle accident cases can be quite severe, your damages might be worth considerable compensation. First, we should think about how much money the accident cost you. If you went to the hospital, you likely incurred some hefty medical bills. If you experience medical complications, your medical needs might become more extensive and costly. You may claim any medical bills you have already racked up and future medical costs you reasonably expect to incur down the road.
Injured bike riders sometimes continue to lose money because they cannot work while recovering. If this sounds like your situation, you may claim damages for the income you lose while you are unable to work. If you do not expect to be able to work for the foreseeable future, you may claim lost future income.
We should also include the cost of replacing damaged property. Your bicycle might be damaged beyond repair and replacing it might be very expensive. You should not have to foot this bill alone. If you lost any other personal items, tell your lawyer and add them to your damages.
Non-economic damages are often a bit harder to pin down because they are often not connected to money and are inherently subjective. If the accident was traumatic, you might claim damages for emotional and psychological distress. Some people are haunted by these kinds of collisions for a long time, and you deserve fair compensation. You can also claim damages related to your physical pain. If injuries are severe, this might represent substantial compensation.
Speak to Our Riverhead, NY Bicycle Accident Attorneys for Help with Your Case
Get a private, free review of your legal claim when you call our bicycle accident attorneys at The Carrion Law Firm at (631) 910-7493.