Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Levittown

Were you involved in a bike-related incident caused by a careless or reckless driver? Cyclists often suffer serious injuries in crashes, even when they do everything right. Unfortunately, drivers don’t always share the road responsibly.

And when they fail to do so, the results can be disastrous. If you’re struggling in the aftermath of a situation like this, know that you’re not alone. A bicycle accident lawyer in Levittown can stand by your side and advocate for your rights while pursuing compensation for you. 

At Levine And Wiss, our attorneys are ready and willing to represent you as your Levittown personal injury lawyer. We are not afraid to litigate on your behalf. With more than 100 years of combined experience, we’ve helped thousands of clients recover hundreds of millions of dollars. 

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Levittown

Bike-related crashes can occur for many reasons, but several patterns frequently emerge:

• Driver inattention or distraction: Motorists who are texting, using navigation systems, or distracting themselves in other ways are more prone to failing to see a cyclist, especially in intersections or when making turns.
• Failure to yield right-of-way: Drivers often fail to yield to cyclists at intersections, particularly when making left or right turns.
• Dooring incidents: Cyclists riding alongside parked vehicles may be struck by an opening car door if the occupant does not first check for oncoming bike traffic.
• Unsafe passing: Motorists may try to overtake cyclists without providing the legally required safe distance of at least three feet.
• Poor road conditions: Uneven pavement, unmarked potholes, and insufficient signage can contribute to crashes, particularly when cyclists have to suddenly swerve into traffic to avoid said hazards.
• Driving under the influence: Alcohol and drug impairment can significantly reduce a driver’s reaction time and judgment, increasing the likelihood of a collision with a cyclist.

Relevant New York State Bicycle Laws

Bicyclists in New York are required to follow many of the same traffic laws as motor vehicle operators. They also have specific legal protections designed to reduce accidents and ensure safe roadway sharing.

• Right to the road: Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1231, cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of vehicles. They are entitled to use the roadways, meaning they cannot be arbitrarily forced off the roads by cars.
• Bike lane use: If a usable bike lane is available, New York law requires cyclists to use it. However, they are permitted to leave the lane when making a turn or avoiding hazards.
• Lighting and equipment requirements: At night, bicycles must be equipped with a white headlight, red taillight, and reflectors. Bicycles also need to have a working bell or other audible signal in place. 
• Helmet laws: New York State requires helmets for cyclists under the age of 14. However, many municipalities—including some in Nassau County—may have stricter helmet regulations.
• No sidewalk riding: In many towns and cities across Long Island, riding on sidewalks is prohibited except for children under a certain age.

Determining Fault in a Bicycle Accident

Fault in a bicycle accident is determined much like any other traffic collision in New York—by evaluating whether any party involved acted negligently or violated traffic laws. Common examples of driver negligence that can lead to liability include: 

• Running a red light
• Surpassing speed limits 
• Failing to yield 
• Driving while distracted

However, cyclists can also be found either at fault or partially at fault for a collision. For example, if a cyclist is riding against traffic or fails to stop at a stop sign, they may share responsibility for the crash. 

New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means that even if a cyclist is partially responsible for an accident, they might still be able to recover damages. However, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault.  

When a Cyclist Can Sue Outside the No-Fault System

While no-fault benefits cover certain economic losses, they do not compensate for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. 

To pursue additional compensation, the cyclist must meet the state’s “serious injury” threshold under New York Insurance Law § 5102(d). 

Here are examples of what may constitute a serious injury:

• Death
• Dismemberment
• Significant disfigurement
• Bone fractures
• Loss of a fetus
• Permanent loss or limitation of use of a body organ, member, function, or system

If this threshold is met, the injured party may bring a claim against the at-fault driver for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other non-economic damages. 

Contact Our Levittown Bicycle Accident Law Firm for Help Today

If you’ve been injured in a bike-related incident, know that you don’t have to face the challenges ahead of you all by yourself. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, but you don’t have to handle the legal side of things alone. Instead, reach out to a bicycle accident law firm in Levittown. 

At Levine And Wiss, our Levittown bicycle accident attorneys have the experience, resources, and dedication it takes to fight for the compensation you’re owed as the victim of the crash. We’ll work tirelessly to help you move forward and build a strong case on your behalf. Call now.