On any given day in New York City; taxis, delivery trucks, cars, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians can be seen speeding down or scurrying across the city’s streets. For those brave residents who choose to forego more traditional and arguably safer modes of transportation and opt instead to ride a bicycle or motorcycle, their daily commutes can be dangerous and harrowing experiences.

To date, six bicyclists have been killed in traffic accidents this year. The most recent death occurred earlier this week when a traffic collision between two vehicles resulted in one jumping the median and striking and killing a 37-year-old man who was riding his bike. This tragic accident illustrates the many unforeseen and unavoidable dangers New York City bicyclists face and the often deadly results.

In a recent report, the Auto Insurance Center examined traffic accident data in the city’s five boroughs and found that roughly 78 percent of traffic accidents involving bicyclists result in a cyclist’s injury or death. Additionally, when involved in a collision, residents who rely on motor scooters and motorcycles for their transportation needs suffered injury rates of 57 and 51 percent respectively.

While cars and trucks are equipped with bumpers, air bags and seat belts; if involved in a crash, there’s nothing between a bicyclist or motorcyclist and a motor vehicle, the pavement or other objects. Consequently, the injuries suffered by individuals who bike or ride a motorcycle tend to be more serious and frequently include those to the head, neck, spine, internal legs and arms.

Individuals who have been injured in a traffic accident or who lost a loved one due to injuries suffered in a crash can benefit from the advice and assistance of an attorney who handles cases involving motor vehicle accidents.

Source: New York Business Journal, “Six cyclists dead in NYC: where are the most dangerous spots for bikes?,” Teresa Novellino, July 14, 2015