Hollis Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Common Causes of Bike Accidents that We Help Clients Sue for

On the busy streets of Hollis, a bicycle accident could happen anywhere, and at any time. Some of the most common causes of bike accidents include:

Distracted Driving

There are countless distractions that can take a driver’s eyes off the road and mind off the task of operating their vehicle safely. Smartphone use in the car ranks as one of the top distractions that drivers face, whether they are using the phone to:

• Text
• Talk
• Use mobile apps
• Surf the web
• Use navigation features

Other types of distractions include talking to passengers, eating or drinking, adjusting the stereo, daydreaming, and others.

Reckless Driving

Speeding, failure to allow a safe distance when passing cyclists, failure to signal turns, and other forms of negligent driving can cause accidents. Drivers must obey the rules of the road at all times and must be aware that cyclists could be seriously injured by the driver’s reckless driving.

Driving Under the Influence

A driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol poses a risk to everyone using the road, and cyclists are among the most vulnerable in crashes caused by drunk drivers. A drunk driver will have impaired judgment and delayed reaction time, making it more difficult to avoid hitting a cyclist.

Turning Into the Path of a Cyclist

All too often, drivers will pass cyclists on the road, only to slow down and turn in front of them, causing a collision. Motorists must be alert and attentive and avoid putting their vehicle in the path of the oncoming cyclist.

Failure to Observe the Cyclist

Drivers are conditioned to watch for other cars. But drivers don’t always check for cyclists. Collisions often happen when motorists fail to look for approaching cyclists before turning or changing lanes, or while pulling out onto a busy street.

All drivers have a duty to respect cyclist’s rights to share the road. The failure to watch for cyclists on the road could lead to a severe injury or fatal accident.

Dooring Accidents

Street parking is common in Hollis, and a cyclist is at risk any time he or she rides in a lane next to a line of parallel parked cars. Many bicycle accidents are caused by automobile drivers opening the door and hitting cyclists. When a driver or passenger opens the car door, he or she may fail to check for approaching vehicles and not notice a cyclist coming.

The open door can block the bike rider’s path and cause the rider to slam into the door. These accidents happen frequently on the streets in Hollis, Queens, and are entirely avoidable if vehicle occupants take the time to check before opening their car doors.

Hazardous Road Conditions

Sometimes bicycle accidents happen due to damaged or poorly designed roads. Many roadways are not designed to accommodate cyclists and do not have bike lanes, leaving the cyclist to share the road with other vehicles. If the road is not adequately maintained, even slight defects could cause a severe injury accident.

Potholes, loose gravel, uneven road shoulders, debris, and inadequate surface conditions within construction zones can all cause a cyclist to lose control of their bike and crash or get hit by a car.

Compensation for Bike Accident Victims in Hollis

Bicycle riders who have been hurt in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence may have a right to seek significant compensation for their medical bills and other accident-related losses.

New York is a “no-fault” insurance state. This means that accident victims typically turn first to their own insurance coverage to pay the initial medical bills, no matter whose fault the accident was. No-fault insurance is also known as mandatory Personal Injury Protection (PIP).

When New York residents register a motor vehicle, they must prove that they have a no-fault insurance policy with a minimum amount of $50,000 coverage for each person who gets injured in an accident to compensate for necessary medical expenses and lost wages.

Insurance and Bike-Related Accidents

For cyclists who have been injured by an automobile, you would turn first to the PIP policy that is part of your auto insurance.

If the costs incurred by the accident exceed the benefit allowed under the insurance policy, an injured cyclist may have a right to sue the negligent party for compensation to cover medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Bike Accident Injuries that Could Entitle You to Financial Damages

A bicycle accident lawyer taking cases in Hollis at Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP can help you pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver if you have suffered what is defined as a “serious” injury by ISC §5102.

Any of the following are defined as “serious injuries”:

• Bone fractures
• Disfigurement
• Dismemberment
• Permanent loss or limitation of an organ or the function of a bodily system
• Total disability for at least 90 days
• Death

How our Firm Can Help You Seek Compensation in Hollis

At the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP our clients have direct access to our bicycle accident attorneys. Our lawyers have more than a century of collective experience and have secured millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients.

Attorney Richard Jaffe is a trained EMT who thoroughly understands serious and traumatic injuries like those suffered by cyclists on the streets in Queens, N.Y. His knowledge, experience, and insight into the severity of injuries will be an asset to your case. When you work with us, you’ll have Richard Jaffe’s cell phone number for around-the-clock accessibility.

Your Lawyer will Seek Fair Compensation for Your Losses

Our legal team will work hard to make sure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries. We’ll seek to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. If necessary, we’ll fight in court to ensure your medical expenses and losses are covered.

Free Consultations and Contingency-Based Representation

Our attorneys represent bike accident victims in Hollis and across New York City on a contingency-fee-basis. This means that we will never charge you for a consultation, nor will you owe us anything until we recover compensation for you. If we don’t win your case, you won’t owe us a thing.

We operate with an emphasis on affordability, accessibility, honesty, and empowerment (we want you to understand your rights).

Our Past Clients Have Great Things to Say About how We Handled Their Cases

Our goal is to please our clients and win their cases. Some of our past clients leave testimonials to our quality service.

• “All of the staff that I had worked with had been professional courteous and reminded me of appointments so that I could get the best possible settlement.”
• “From the moment we walked in, my husband and I felt very welcomed by the staff. The Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP did a wonderful job on my husband’s case.”

How to Help Your Lawyer Build the Strongest Possible Case

There are ways you can help your lawyer help you, including by doing the following:

• Stay off social media, so the insurance companies don’t take your posts out of context.
• Don’t accept offers from the insurance company without speaking to your lawyer first
• Follow your medical team’s recommendations
• Gather all your paperwork to give to your lawyer

Connect with a Law Offices of Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP Attorney Today

With your health and livelihood on the line, you shouldn’t wait another day to get the legal help you need. Call us or reach out to us online for a free consultation with us at our offices.

If you cannot come to us, your Hollis lawyer familiar with bicycle accident cases will be ready to meet with you in your home or hospital room, if necessary. Let us help you get what you’re owed. Call us today.