Bicycle accidents in Mt. Vernon are much more likely to result in serious injuries to riders sharing the roads with careless drivers. Many bicycle accident victims require a significant amount of treatment, leaving them with overwhelming financial burdens.
Fortunately, you can recover compensation for any damages stemming from your bicycle accident injuries. While determining liability in these cases can be challenging, you have just as much right to use Mt. Vernon’s roads as other drivers and deserve justice if that right was violated.
Our bicycle accident lawyers can provide you with a free case review when you call The Martello Law Firm, PLLC at (914) 685-6950.
Time Limit to File a Lawsuit for an Mt. Vernon Bicycle Accident
The statute of limitations is the time limit to file a bicycle accident lawsuit in New York. Under C.V.P. Law § 214, the statute of limitations begins from the date of your accident and provides three years to file your lawsuit in Mt. Vernon. If you do not file your lawsuit by this time, you will lose your right to pursue compensation for damages through the court.
Three years is less time than it might seem. A bicycle accident lawsuit might involve extensive investigation and evidence gathering before a lawsuit can be filed. Thus, getting your case started as soon as possible is vital.
Types of Bicycle Accidents that Commonly Cause Injuries in Mt. Vernon
Bicycle accidents are a common cause of serious injuries in Mt. Vernon. If you have suffered injuries in a bicycle accident caused by another person’s negligence, our bicycle accident lawyers can help you file a lawsuit for damages against the parties responsible. There are many types of bicycle accidents, but some are more likely to cause injuries than others. The following are the most common types of bicycle accidents that can occur in Mt. Vernon:
Rear End Accidents
Rear-end accidents are one of the most common types of bicycle accidents in Mt. Vernon. In these cases, the driver of a vehicle hits a bicyclist from behind. These accidents happen often as many bicyclists share the roads with other vehicles, but not all drivers recognize their right to use the roads. Cyclists can suffer severe injuries to their back, neck, and head from rear-end accidents, and can be deadly in the worst cases.
Open Door Accidents
Open-door bicycle accidents usually occur when a driver opens their car door in front of an oncoming cyclist, causing the rider to crash into the door. This can cause serious injuries like fractures and torn ligaments and can also result in significant property damage to the cyclist’s bike. The opening of a door could also cause a rider to move away from the car to avoid getting hit by it, only to be struck by another vehicle in an adjacent lane.
Left Turn Accidents
Left-turn accidents in Mt. Vernon happen when a driver turns left in front of an oncoming cyclist who has the right-of-way at the intersection. These accidents often result in serious injuries because the cyclist might have little time to react to a negligent driver or could be directly impacted on the side. A rider could be further injured since many left-turn accidents occur at busy intersections.
Right Hook Accidents
A right hook accident occurs when a motorist turns right in front of the path of a bicyclist who is traveling straight ahead in the same direction as the other vehicle. These accidents are extremely dangerous because the rider is abruptly cut off by the driver and can cause the rider to get caught under the vehicle during the turn.
Right Cross Accidents
Right-cross accidents are especially dangerous to bicyclists since they are often struck without warning and impacted on their exposed right side. Negligent drivers usually cause these accidents by failing to check for others or moving too quickly when backing out of a driveway or parking spot.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Mt. Vernon
Bicycle accident cases can be challenging, but you can take a few steps to help your chances of holding the other person accountable for their negligence. Documenting your case is critical, so call 911 after a bicycle accident and take photos of the scene. You should also go straight to the hospital to be examined. Once you feel up to it, reach out to our firm to determine what steps to take next.
Call the Police
The first step to getting justice for your injuries after a bicycle accident is calling the police. Even if the person who hit you has already fled the scene, call 911 immediately and report the incident. By calling the police, you ensure that your story is documented and help ensure that any evidence at the scene is preserved for later use by investigators and our attorneys. The police report that is made for your accident will serve as evidence if you decide that you want to file a lawsuit against the other driver.
Gather Evidence
If your injuries allow you, gather evidence while still on the scene. This includes names and contact information from witnesses or other drivers who might have seen what happened. If the driver that injured you stopped to help, be sure to get their license and insurance information. Also, take photos of all damaged vehicles and any visible injuries to yourself and your bicycle. This will help prove liability later on down the road when seeking compensation.
Seek Medical Attention
It is important that you seek medical attention immediately after your bicycle accident. Even if your injuries seem minor, it is important to get checked out by a doctor to ensure there are no internal injuries or broken bones. Also, you will need proof that you were treated for your injuries and that your injuries were caused by the accident, which your medical records will serve as. If you wait too long to get medical care, it could negatively impact the amount of compensation you eventually receive.
Explore Your Legal Options
If another driver was at fault for causing your bicycle accident or other factors were involved, such as poor road conditions or faulty equipment, you likely have several legal options available to recover compensation for your losses. Our team can help guide you through the recovery process and explain the damages available in your case.
Our Mt. Vernon Bicycle Accident Attorneys Can Help
For a free case assessment with our bicycle accident lawyers, contact The Martello Law Firm, PLLC at (914) 685-6950.
