Bicycles can be a great way to avoid traffic jams in New York City, but with congested roadways, it can also be dangerous. Even with more than 30 miles of protected bicycle lanes, bicycle accidents remain a common occurrence. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you might need an experienced New York bicycle accident attorney to help you defend your rights.
Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include:
- Intersection carelessness – Even when a bicyclist pulls out into an intersection after stopping at a stop sign, sometimes drivers fail to take notice and if the bicyclist misjudges the speed or appearance of an oncoming vehicle, the consequences can be deadly.
- Motor vehicles making unsafe turns – Many accidents occur when drivers fail to notice bicyclists and make unsafe turns through intersections or right turn lanes.
- Bicyclists riding against traffic – Bicycle accidents are not always caused by careless motorists. Riding against traffic is dangerous, and it’s also illegal. As a moving vehicle, a bicycle is required to ride with the flow of traffic. When cyclists disobey this law, drivers who aren’t expecting a bicycle coming toward them on the road have minimal time to react.
As a bicyclist, you should always take your safety seriously and yield to vehicles, practice defensive riding, and be as visible as you can, even when you have the right of way.
If you or a loved one has been in a bicycle accident, protect your rights by calling Weiser & Associates at (212) 213-3111 to schedule a consultation with our experienced New York bicycle accident attorney.
