Brooklyn Cycling Accident Lawyer
With the excessive amount of traffic in the State of New York, it is easy to understand why many people would prefer to use a bicycle to commute to work, home, and many other places. However, using a bicycle to commute to various locations can be dangerous if a cyclist is met with negligent motorists. If you or a family member was injured in a cycling accident, contact an experienced Brooklyn cycling accident lawyer today.
At Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP, we have an unwavering commitment to providing our clients with the legal representation needed to pursue a negligent driver for compensation after a car accident. To schedule a free case evaluation to discuss your claim, contact Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP at (718) 747-9706, or contact us online.
5 Common Causes of Cycling Accidents in Brooklyn, NY
Cycling accidents are especially dangerous for victims because the victim’s body is exposed, and they could be thrown from their bike and suffer severe injuries. For example, if a cyclist is launched from their bike, they could suffer a bone fracture of their wrists, legs, pelvis, and even a skull fracture. When this happens, a cyclist should be aware of the circumstances that caused their injuries so they could pursue compensation.
The following is a list of common causes of cycling accidents in Brooklyn.
Open Car Doors
When exiting a vehicle, it is expected that a driver or passenger will check the mirrors and the area to ensure there are no vehicles or cyclists approaching. Unfortunately, many people will open a car door without looking, which can catch a cyclist off guard. As a result, the cyclist may collide with the door and suffer a variety of injuries from cuts and lacerations to head injuries.
With the number of taxis and ridesharing services operating in Brooklyn, there are hundreds of motorists stopping in the street to drop off passengers and for a variety of other reasons. When many of these passengers fail to observe their surroundings, they could cause a serious cyclist accident.
Unsafe Lane Changes or Turns
Many cyclists can easily slip into a motorist’s blind spot while they are driving. For this reason, it is important for motorists to thoroughly check all mirrors before switching lanes or turning, especially in an area with heavy cyclist traffic. However, if a motorist believes there are no other vehicles or people around, they may turn or change lanes carelessly. As a result, a cyclist may be unable to avoid a vehicle in their path and could collide with the vehicle.
Reckless Driving or Road Rage
Every cyclist has likely observed a motorist become severely frustrated because they are unable to pass a cyclist on the road. This frustration can develop into road rage that may cause a motorist to act irrationally behind the wheel. As a result, an enraged motorist may attempt a reckless maneuver to overtake the cyclist. However, this could easily result in a cyclist being pushed from the road if the street is tight or if there are other vehicles on the road.
Suddenly Leaving a Parking Spot
Attempting to leave a parking spot on a busy Brooklyn road is an exercise that could take a fair amount of time in New York. Due to severe traffic, many drivers will suddenly pull out of a parking spot, often assuming that other motorists will slam on their brakes or let them through. However, some motorists fail to account for cyclists that will have great difficulty stopping abruptly to avoid a vehicle suddenly exiting a spot. Under these circumstances, a cyclist could easily be thrown over the hood of the car or could run over by a negligent motorist.
Potholes and Other Road Defects
As many cyclists are aware, driving on a road filled with potholes or debris can be as dangerous as colliding with a vehicle. A deep pothole could cause a cyclist to fall from their bike and suffer a variety of injuries from road rash to soft tissue injuries. If a cyclist is injured due to a road defect, there are multiple parties that can be held responsible.
There are other causes of cycling accidents that occur in Brooklyn that are not listed above. If you were injured in a cycling accident, do not hesitate to speak with an experienced attorney. Do not wait too long to file your claim as your case is subject to the statute of limitations.
Our Experienced Brooklyn Cycling Accident Attorneys are Here for You
If you were the victim of a serious cycling accident, you should consult with an experienced Brooklyn cycling accident attorney today. With decades of combined legal experience, the dedicated attorneys at Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP would be pleased to help you litigate for the compensation you deserve. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your potential case, contact Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP at (718) 747-9706.