Our Trusted Bicycle Accidents Lawyer in Long Island, New York

Cyclists have the same rights as everyone else on Long Island roads. If they are struck or otherwise harmed by negligent drivers, they may take legal action and pursue compensation for their injuries. Due to the highly exposed nature of cyclists, these injuries are often severe.

While bikes offer little to no protection against the elements and other vehicles, cars contain occupants in a relatively resilient bubble. Whether you have suffered a serious or moderate injury while riding your bike on Long Island, you might be considering legal action, especially if you know someone else was to blame for your accident.

What Can a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Long Island Do for Me?

Long Island is home to 8 million people, and many of these people enjoy cycling. The island has catered to these cyclists with designated bike lanes, signed bike routes, and numerous off-road trails through the wilderness. However, the potential for bike accidents on Long Island is still high when you consider its busy roads and highly active economy. It is also a popular destination for tourists and visitors from the mainland, which means cyclists must share the roads with numerous drivers. Some of these drivers cause accidents due to their negligence.

A bicycle accident lawyer in Long Island may be able to help injured cyclists in a number of ways:

  • Educating you about your legal options

First and foremost, injury attorneys represent a valuable source of advice and guidance for cycling accident victims. During an initial consultation (which is often free), a lawyer can assess the plaintiff’s specific situation and the circumstances of their accident. They can then offer basic guidance and advice. They may inform a plaintiff that a lawsuit is not worth pursuing, or they may recommend that they move forward with legal action against a negligent party. During these consultations, plaintiffs can answer questions that they might have about the overall legal process.

  • Helping you pursue compensation for your injuries

Although education may be a positive start, the real purpose of working with an attorney is to pursue compensation for injuries. A bicycle accident attorney can help plaintiffs achieve this goal in a number of different ways. One option might be to file a claim through an insurance policy. Another route may be to sue the negligent party directly through a personal injury lawsuit. A personal injury attorney will assess a victim’s total damages and pursue compensation that covers these losses.

  • Negotiating on your behalf with insurers or adjusters

As plaintiffs pursue compensation alongside their attorney, they may need to negotiate with insurers, adjusters, and defendants for settlements. Personal injury attorneys often bring solid negotiation skills to the table, fighting for the best interests of their clients and pursuing fair settlements on their behalf. They can help plaintiffs avoid lowball offers, for example.

  • Representing you in court

If negotiations break down, attorneys can represent clients in court during trials. During this process, the goal is to convince a judge, a jury, or both that the plaintiff is entitled to compensation for legitimate damages. This might involve presenting evidence and calling upon witnesses while exposing weaknesses in the defense’s arguments.

Common Bicycle Injuries in Long Island

One of the most common injuries sustained by victims of bicycle accidents is a head injury. Although helmets may provide some protection against these accidents, there are many head injuries that are virtually unavoidable due to the forces involved. For example, a helmet will likely fail to prevent a head injury caused by an impact with an SUV traveling at over 100 miles per hour.

While helmets may provide the skull with a layer of protection, they cannot prevent the brain from being rocked from side to side inside the cranial vault. Sudden impacts may cause the brain to strike the interior of the skull wall, resulting in brain bleeds, brain damage, and even death.

Victims also commonly suffer injuries to the torso, especially when struck sideways by vehicles. These side impacts may cause a range of injuries, including rib fractures, ruptured spleens, pancreatic trauma, and other internal organ issues. Unfortunately, many of these injuries also prove to be fatal – even if the cyclist’s head is completely untouched by the impact.

Cyclists may also suffer injuries to their legs. These injuries might include fractures to the knees, ankles, feet, and leg bones. Even if a cyclist manages to swerve and avoid an impact with a reckless driver, they may lose control of their bike, causing them to fall to the ground. This may lead to additional injuries to the legs, including road rash, contusions, and lacerations.

Who Might Be Responsible for My Bicycle Accident in Long Island?

A range of negligent parties may contribute to cycling accidents. The most obvious culprit is a negligent driver. These individuals may be driving passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, motorcycles, police vehicles, ambulances, and so on.

Examples of driver negligence include the following:

Bicycle manufacturers may also be held strictly liable for injuries caused by their defective products. In recent years, Long Island has seen a sudden increase in the popularity of e-scooters, e-bikes, and related products. Although these vehicles are convenient, affordable, and surprisingly fast, they may offer numerous defects and hazards. There have been numerous reports of brake failure, battery fires, and other problems.

We Also Represent the Following Practice Areas:-

Get in Touch With a Long Island Bicycle Accident Attorney Today

If you need to speak with a Long Island bicycle accident attorney, consider getting in touch with the Law Office of Frank A. Cetero. Over the years, we have helped numerous injured victims throughout Long Island, including those who have suffered injuries while riding their bikes.

We know that these injuries can be traumatic and life-altering, and we are ready to guide you toward the compensation you need and deserve. Remember, internet research only gets you so far. During a consultation, you can ask questions that pertain to your unique situation and receive targeted advice. Reach out today.

Practice Areas

Testimonials