Bohemia Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycling can be an environmentally friendly means of transportation and recreation, but all too often bicyclists are injured because of the negligence of others on the road with them. Distracted or reckless drivers, poor road conditions, blocked bike lanes, and other hazards are often to blame for bicycle accidents and the serious injuries that can ensue.

In these cases, it is important to get the assistance of an experienced attorney who understands both bicycling and personal injury law in New York and could help you effectively pursue fair compensation under the law for your losses. If you were injured in a bike wreck that was not your fault, contact a Bohemia bicycle accident lawyer for a consultation about your case.

State Laws Applicable to Bohemia Bicyclists

Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law, persons riding a bicycle on a roadway have all the same rights and are subject to all the same responsibilities as someone driving a motor vehicle. New York City traffic rules have a similar provision.

Furthermore, certain laws and rules apply specifically to bicyclists and drivers who are around bicyclists. These legal requirements include—but are not necessarily limited to—the following:

• Exercising due care as a driver to avoid colliding with any bicyclists, including giving warning with the horn when necessary
• Passing bicycles to the left and at a safe distance
• Yielding to bicyclists—or drivers—who have the right of way
• Using a bike lane as a bicyclist whenever a usable one is present on a roadway
• Operating bicycles single-file or two-abreast under normal circumstances, and always riding single-file while being overtaken by a vehicle
• As a cyclist, coming to a full stop before entering a roadway from a driveway, private road, curb, or alley

There are also some specific equipment requirements for bicyclists in Bohemia. Both front and rear lights are required from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise. Front lights must be visible from at least 500 feet and rear from at least 300 feet, and at least one of these must be visible from each side from at least 200 feet.

Bikes must additionally have functional brakes and reflectors, and children 14 years of age or younger must wear a helmet while riding. Finally, if a rider is wearing earphones, those earphones may only cover one eye.

Bicycle Injury Claims

After being injured in a bicycle accident, it is important for victims to get sound legal advice from a Bohemia bicycle accident lawyer about potential rights and claims that they may be entitled to make. For instance, if one or more motor vehicle is involved in their accident, their liability insurance may be required to cover their injuries, bypassing the need to file a civil suit.

New York has a “no-fault” system for motor vehicle accident claims. This type of coverage provides for the payment of up to $50,000 for legitimate economic losses such as medical bills, the costs of medications, physical therapy, and lost wages. Timing is important with this, though, as there is 30-day time limit for applying for no-fault benefits.

Furthermore, no-fault insurance claims do not include compensation for non-economic losses stemming from the accident, such as pain and suffering. Those damages must be recovered through a separate claim, known as a bodily injury claim.

This can be confusing since the same insurance company may be involved in both claims, but it is important to know that bodily injury and no-fault claims are subject to different standards of proof and have different levels of compensation and coverage. As such, getting professional advice is usually important when pursuing these claims.

Speak with a Bohemia Bicycle Accident Attorney Today

Insurance companies typically have teams of attorneys and investigators working for them, so if you were injured in a bicycle crash in New York and would like to seek compensation, it is important that you get a strong advocate on your side. A Bohemia bicycle accident lawyer could investigate and pursue injury claims on your behalf and help you with every step of your case. Call today for a consultation.