Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Baldwin

A bicycle accident can blindside you. If you’ve been injured in one, a Baldwin personal injury lawyer can help you pursue damages.

If you’ve been on the wrong end of a bike accident, you may be facing costly medical bills and a long recovery. During such a difficult time, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the prospect of filing a personal injury claim.

Levine And Wiss has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients. If you’ve been hurt in a bike crash, a bicycle accident lawyer in Baldwin can help you file a claim and obtain compensation.

Why Hire a Baldwin Bicycle Accident Lawyer?

If you’ve been involved in a bike accident, a lawyer can:

• Investigate the incident and gather evidence
• Handle communications with insurance companies
• Negotiate a fair settlement
• Take your case to trial (if necessary)

A Baldwin bicycle accident lawyer can protect your rights and advocate for you throughout the legal process.

How Much Compensation Can I Get for a Cycling Accident?

Bicycle accident victims can receive anywhere from a few thousand dollars to more than $1 million. The amount of compensation you receive will depend on factors such as the severity of your injuries, their impact on your ability to work, and other long-term effects of the accident.

A Baldwin bicycle accident attorney can evaluate your case and provide a more precise estimate.

Types of Damages You Can Recover

If you’ve been hurt in a bike crash, you may be entitled to recover the following types of damages:

• Medical expenses: You can recover compensation for hospital stays, doctor visits, surgery, medication, and rehabilitation.
• Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for lost income.
• Loss of future earning capacity: If you’re unable to return to your previous job, you can claim damages for lost future income.
• Pain and suffering: You can be compensated for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Property damage: You can recover the cost of repairing or replacing your damaged bicycle and gear.

In cases involving gross negligence, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the at-fault party. A Baldwin bicycle accident attorney can calculate your damages and make sure you’re fairly compensated for them.

How Long Do I Have to File a Bike Accident Claim in New York?

In New York, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is three years from the date of the accident. However, if the incident involved a government entity, you may need to file a Notice of Claim within 90 days. 

Failure to meet the applicable deadline can result in you losing your right to compensation, so it’s important to speak to a Baldwin bike accident lawyer as soon as possible.

How Is Liability Determined in a Bike Accident?

Multiple parties can be held liable for a bicycle accident, including:

• Drivers who act negligently by speeding, failing to yield, or driving distracted
• Pedestrians who walk into a bike lane or cause a cyclist to swerve
• Other cyclists who disobey traffic rules or ride recklessly
• Property owners or government entities, if unsafe road conditions, poor signage, or maintenance issues contributed to the accident
• Manufacturers, if a defective bicycle or component caused the crash

Once the responsible parties are identified, your attorney will work to prove liability using evidence such as police reports, eyewitness testimony, traffic camera footage, and expert analysis.

New York’s pure comparative negligence law allows you to recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, though your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents in Baldwin and nearby areas can occur for many reasons. Some of the most frequent causes include:

• Distracted driving: Drivers using their phones or not paying attention may fail to see cyclists.
• Failure to yield: Motorists turning left or right may not yield the right-of-way to bicyclists.
• Dooring: A parked driver may open their door into a cyclist’s path.
• Speeding: Excessive speed increases the likelihood and severity of collisions.
• Poor road conditions: Potholes, debris, and uneven pavement can cause cyclists to lose control.
• Drunk or impaired driving: Drivers under the influence pose a serious risk to vulnerable road users like cyclists.

What to Do if You Have a Bicycle Accident

If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident, take these steps to start building a strong case:

• Call 911: Call the police and file an accident report.
• Gather evidence: Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any damage to your bike.
• Exchange information: Get contact and insurance details from the driver and any other parties who were involved.
• Seek medical treatment: Even if you feel okay, visit a doctor to document your condition and rule out internal injuries.
• Avoid admitting fault: Do not say anything that could be used against you later.
• Speak to a lawyer: Contact a bicycle accident attorney before speaking to insurers.

Speak to a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Baldwin

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, don’t wait to seek legal assistance. A Baldwin bicycle accident attorney from Levine And Wiss can evaluate your case, explain your options, and help you pursue the maximum possible compensation.

Schedule a free consultation to take the first step toward recovery.