Bicycle Accidents

Experienced Bicycle Accident Lawyers Serving Injury Victims in Syracuse, Rochester, and The Rest Of New York State

If you or a loved one has gotten hurt in a Bicycle accident in New York State, you should talk to a personal injury attorney to hear about your rights. Being struck by a careless driver when you were enjoying a bicycle ride can result in a lawsuit.

Our team will work with sophisticated investigators and industry experts to build your case, and aggressively pursue the maximum possible recovery for you. With so much on the line, you can trust our experience and results to work for you. Call us today at 315-477-9900 or send us an email at info@porterlawteam.com to set up a free, no obligation consultation.

What Can Our Firm Do For You?

It seems that we cannot drive these days without seeing another driver looking at their phone to read or send a text message. We can't turn on the television or read a newspaper without learning about someone causing an accident while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Speeding, aggressive driving, road rage and distracted driving leave our roadways a prime place for injuring innocent cyclists. If you were injured in a bicycle accident anywhere in New York

You and your family may be entitled to compensation for:

• Pain & Suffering
• Permanent Disability
• Lost Wages
• Medical Expenses

After a collision, insurance companies who represent negligent drivers will immediately begin to investigate the scene, inspect the vehicles, and interview. Their goal is simple: reduce exposure and limit their own liability. At Porter Law Group, we know that it’s critical for us, as your lawyers, to investigate as soon as possible after a collision, or the insurance company will gain an unfair advantage.

Bicycling can be an enjoyable and eco-friendly mode of transportation, but it comes with certain risks. Accidents involving bicyclists and vehicles can result in severe injuries or even fatalities. Here’s a more comprehensive look at what causes bicycle accidents and how they can be prevented, along with some essential safety tips.

Why Do Bicycle Accidents Happen?

Driver Negligence: The majority of bicycle accidents involve motor vehicles and are often due to a driver’s negligence. This can include:

• Failure to Check for Bicyclists: Some drivers do not adequately look out for bicyclists, especially when turning or when bicyclists are in bike lanes.
• Failure to Yield: At intersections, drivers may not give the right of way to bicyclists as required by law, leading to collisions.
• Distracted Driving: Activities like texting, eating, or using a navigation system can distract a driver from noticing a bicyclist on the road.
• Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol or drugs can impair a driver's ability to see and react to bicyclists.
• Aggressive Driving: Speeding and road rage can prevent drivers from making safe decisions, putting bicyclists at risk.

Hazardous Road Conditions: Sometimes the state of the road itself is a primary cause of bicycle accidents, especially in Upstate New York where roads can be damaged:

• Poor Maintenance: Potholes, cracks, and uneven surfaces can easily cause a cyclist to lose control.
• Unsafe Road Design: Features like abrupt speed bumps or lack of bike lanes can be dangerous for cyclists.
• Lack of Signage: Missing signs or signals can lead to confusion and accidents on the road.

Injuries from Bicycle Accidents

The lack of protective barriers around a bicycle means that riders can sustain significant injuries upon impact with a vehicle or after a fall caused by hazardous road conditions. These injuries often include:

• Head Trauma: Even with a helmet, bicyclists can suffer from concussions or more severe brain injuries.
• Broken Bones: The force of a collision can lead to fractured limbs or ribs.
• Road Rash: Sliding across pavement can cause severe abrasions, requiring medical attention.
• Psychological Trauma: Accidents can also have an emotional and mental toll, leading to conditions like PTSD.

Recovering from such injuries might require extended medical treatment, physical therapy, and possible changes in lifestyle. The financial burden of medical bills and lost wages can be overwhelming.

Legal Support for Bicycle Accident Victims

If you're a victim of a bicycle accident, you may feel alone and uncertain about your future. However, seeking legal assistance and contacting the Porter Law Group at 315-477-9900 can be a crucial step in securing the compensation you need for your recovery.

A specialized bicycle accident lawyer can guide you through the complicated legal process, allowing you to focus on healing. We also don't take a fee unless you win.

Safety Tips for Bicyclists

To minimize the risks of accidents, the New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) advises bicyclists to:

• Follow all traffic laws and signals as if you were driving a car.
• Always wear a helmet to protect against head injuries.
• Ride with the flow of traffic, not against it.
• Avoid overtaking vehicles on the right side where you’re less visible.
• Keep your hands ready to brake at all times.
• Avoid distractions like using a cell phone or wearing headphones.
• Communicate with drivers using hand signals.
• Make yourself visible with lights and reflective gear when riding at night.

Remember, the road is a shared space, and being vigilant about safety can save lives. Should an accident occur, don't hesitate to reach out for legal support to protect your rights and secure the aid you need for recovery. For additional safety resources, check out the NYDOT.

Contact a New York Bicycle Accident Attorney

At Porter Law Group, we have decades of experience representing clients who have been severely injured in cyclist accidents. We have a proven track record of success in defeating insurance companies and their lawyers, and obtaining top compensation for our clients’ pain and suffering, lost wages and medical bills. While no amount of compensation can make up for your pain and suffering, you should have the peace-of-mind that comes with knowing you have a premier law firm on your side. 

Visit our Recent Results page to see a few examples of the awards we’ve obtained for our clients. Let us stand up for you and protect you in your time of need, when the results matter most.

For guidelines and instructions on what you should do if you’ve been involved in an auto accident, visit our FAQ page for important information.

If you or a family member has suffered injuries because you were hit by a car while riding a bicycle, call Porter Law Group at 833-PORTER9 or email us at info@porterlawteam.com.