Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Nassau County, NY
Riding a bicycle in Nassau County should be a safe and enjoyable experience, whether taking a sunset ride along Jones Beach Bikeway, spending an afternoon riding through Eisenhower Park, or commuting home along Bethpage Bikeway. Unfortunately, careless drivers, poorly maintained roads, and other hazards can turn a relaxing ride into a life-altering tragedy in the blink of an eye.
If you’ve suffered injuries on a bike because of someone else’s negligence, you need an experienced bicycle accident lawyer to protect your rights. The team at The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C. proudly represents Nassau County residents as they seek justice and fair compensation for their bike accident injuries. Call today to learn more.
How The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C. Can Help If You Were Injured in a Bicycle Accident
At The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C., we understand how physically, emotionally, and financially devastating a bicycle accident can be. If you’re facing overwhelming medical bills, time out of work, a complicated recovery, and lasting psychological impacts, we can fight to hold the responsible party accountable and pursue the financial stability you deserve. Our bike accident lawyers can help by:
Reviewing Your Case for Free
We believe there should be no financial barriers between bicycle accident victims and the legal guidance they need. That’s why we offer free initial consultations. We’ll sit down with you, hear your story, review your case, and inform you of your legal rights – all free of charge.
Gathering Evidence
The success of your personal injury claim depends on the strength of the evidence you’re able to draw upon. To build the strongest case possible, our experienced New York bicycle accident lawyers will:
- Investigate the crash
- Obtain police reports
- Interview witnesses
- Gather medical records
- Seek surveillance and dashcam footage
- Document your losses
- Consult experts
Offering Local Insight
Nassau County’s diverse towns and roadways make every bicycle accident case a unique challenge. Our attorneys are deeply familiar with the area, from the busiest stretches of Jericho Turnpike to the cycling hotspots in Long Beach and Hempstead. This insight helps us understand potentially crucial elements of your case that others might overlook.
Negotiating with Insurance Providers
The insurance companies responsible for handling your accident claim will fight tooth and nail to minimize your payout or outright deny your claim. When they see that you’re represented by a respected personal injury law firm, they’ll know they’re in for a real fight. Our experienced legal team can handle all communications with them and advocate aggressively for you when it’s time to sit down at the negotiating table.
Representing You in Court
If the insurance companies refuse to offer a fair settlement, we can file a lawsuit on your behalf and continue pursuing your case in court. A seasoned attorney will then represent you at trial and fight for the favorable verdict you deserve.
Laws Protecting Cyclists in New York
New York law allows cyclists to use most roads and grants them unique protections under various state and local laws. Unfortunately, many motorists do not respect these rights or are not entirely aware of them.
Some of the most notable laws protecting cyclists in New York include:
- Rights and responsibilities – The law gives cyclists the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. That means that all traffic laws that motorists must obey, including signaling turns or stopping at traffic lights, apply to cyclists on the same road as well.
- Rules for motorists – New York drivers are required by law to “exercise due care” to avoid collisions with cyclists. This includes giving a warning by sounding their horn whenever necessary.
- Helmet laws – Only bicyclists under the age of 14 are legally required to wear a helmet. However, it’s strongly recommended that riders of all ages wear one. Helmets protect not only your safety but also your rights in a bicycle accident claim.
- Bike lanes – Many areas in Nassau County – such as Great Neck, Port Washington, and Long Beach – have designated bike lanes. It’s New York State law for cyclists to use the bike lane whenever one is available.
- Passing cyclists – State law requires that motorists pass cyclists on the left and maintain a safe distance to reduce the risk of collision. A safe distance is generally considered three feet or more.
What Compensation Can You Get After a Bicycle Accident?
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation to cover your losses. Depending on the specifics of your case, an attorney from The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C. can help you pursue compensation for the following:
Medical Expenses
The medical costs associated with a bicycle accident can be financially devastating. If someone else caused your collision, there’s no reason you should be forced to foot the bill. The at-fault party may be responsible for your medical bills, including:
- Ambulance services
- Hospital visits
- Doctor’s appointments
- Surgeries
- Prescription medications
- Medical devices
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Future medical care
Lost Wages
Whether you had to take time off while recovering or your injuries have kept you from earning a living indefinitely, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
Property Damage
Bicycle wrecks frequently result in significant damage to the bike and other personal property. Your bicycle accident attorney can fight for compensation for the cost of repairing or replacing your bike and anything else damaged in the collision.
Pain and Suffering
While the financial losses associated with bicycle accidents are often significant, they are by no means the only consequence of a collision. Chronic pain, limited mobility, or physical and mental health struggles can make living and enjoying daily life difficult. Pain and suffering compensation seeks to account for these losses.
Emotional Distress
The experience of a bicycle crash and the resulting injuries can be psychologically traumatizing. It’s not uncommon for victims to experience depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms following the collision. Your New York bicycle accident lawyer can help you seek compensation for the emotional distress you’ve endured.
Time Limit to File a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit
It’s important to understand that you don’t have forever to file a bicycle accident lawsuit. Under New York law, you typically must file your lawsuit within three years of the accident date.
However, that deadline is significantly shorter in some cases. For instance, if a road hazard like a pothole caused your bike accident, you may need to file a claim against the government entity responsible for maintaining that road. In that case, you only have one year and 90 days from the date of the injury to file, and you must also file a Notice of Claim within 90 days.
It’s essential to act fast when pursuing a bicycle accident claim. The legal process takes time, and insurance companies often use stalling tactics. The three-year window can close much faster than you expect. On top of that, the longer you wait to file, the more likely it is that evidence is lost, witness memories become unclear, and your claim becomes more difficult to prove. Contact an attorney for bicycle accidents as soon as possible.
Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents occur in Nassau County for a wide range of reasons. Driver negligence is often the culprit, but many other roadway hazards can cause serious injury. Some of the most common causes of bike wrecks include:
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving
- Failure to yield
- Speeding
- Unsafe passing
- Opening a car door in a cyclist’s path
- Potholes and other road defects
- Missing, broken, or confusing traffic signs and signals
- Bad visibility
- Defective bike or vehicle parts
Determining the cause of the collision is key to establishing liability. Your New York bicycle accident attorney will conduct an investigation to determine how the crash happened and who is responsible for your injuries and then seek maximum compensation on your behalf.
Injuries Caused in Bicycle Accidents
Because they lack the same restraints and structural protections as other vehicles on the road, cyclists are particularly vulnerable in accidents. Even a low-speed collision can result in life-altering harm. Some of the most common bicycle accident injuries include:
- Fractures and broken bones
- Road rash and lacerations
- Internal injuries
- Facial injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head and brain injuries
It’s critical to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a bicycle accident. Not only will this help ensure your own safety, but it can protect your rights if you pursue compensation for your injuries. Seeking prompt medical care provides clear documentation of your injuries, connects them to the crash, and shows that you’re taking them seriously.
Get in Touch with Our Nassau County Bicycle Accident Lawyers for Help
A bicycle accident claim can be a complicated and challenging matter without the help of a reputable personal injury law firm. The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C. is ready to help you navigate this process and fight for maximum compensation on your behalf. Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys offers aggressive advocacy and compassionate support as you continue to heal. Contact us today for your free consultation.