Bicycle accidents, like other types of accidents such as automobile and motorcycle accidents, have many causes. Often, they are due to negligence on the part of the bicyclist or another party. Because a bicycle does not provide the level of protection that a car provides, bicyclists can suffer traumatic injuries more easily than motorists and their passengers. If you ride a bicycle in New York City, take the time to learn about the most common causes of bicycle accidents and what you can do to stay safe.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Nationwide, approximately one-third of bicyclist injuries occur because bicyclists are struck by cars. Other causes of bicyclist injuries listed include:
● Poor roadway or bicycle path condition;
● Animals darting into the bicyclist’s path;
● Falls;
● Collisions other than those involving cars; and
● Bicyclist negligence.
New York City Bicycle Accident Statistics
In New York City, approximately one-quarter of adults ride a bicycle at least once per year. Of these riders, roughly half ride a bicycle at least a few times each month.
In 2015, 4,896 accidental bicyclist injuries and 16 bicyclist fatalities were reported in New York City. The majority of bicycle accidents in New York City mirrors the trend found throughout the nation.
How Can I Prevent a Bicycle Accident?
Because bicycle collisions with motor vehicles are so common, be wary of how you share the road with motorists when you ride your bicycle. When there is not a bicycle lane, ride in the shoulder of the road, rather than in the middle. Signal your planned turns to motorists just as you would when driving a car. When riding at night, make yourself and your bicycle visible with light colored clothing, reflective tape, and lights on your bicycle and helmet.
A few specific types of car-bicycle accidents to watch for include:
● “Door Prize” collisions. When a motorist opens a car door directly in front of a bicyclist, the bicyclist might not be able to stop in time and instead, can crash into the door. To avoid this, ride far enough to the left of parked vehicles to avoid being hit by an open door;
● Rear end collisions. When a driver hits a bicyclist from behind, the bicyclist can be badly injured. Make yourself visible to reduce your risk of rear-end collisions; and
● “Right Hook” and “Right Cross” collisions. In both of these collision types, the bicyclist is hit while riding straight by a vehicle turning right. In a right hook, the motorist overtakes the bicyclist, then cuts him or her off. In a right cross, the motorist strikes the bicyclist when turning onto a main road from a driveway or side street.
Work with an Experienced Brooklyn Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident because of another party’s negligence, you have the right to seek monetary compensation for your damages through a personal injury claim. To learn more about this process, contact The Law Offices of Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum today at (718)-237-5586 to set up your initial consultation in our Brooklyn office. Speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer about the details of your accident and your rights as an injured victim facing substantial damages.
