Though the winter months are upon us, it is still not uncommon to see people riding their bicycles through New York City. Unfortunately, the winter months open up a slew of potential safety hazards for cyclists. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident due to another party’s negligence, you are most likely now seeking financial compensation to help you recover. Please read on and reach out to our experienced NYC personal injury lawyer to learn more about how we can help:

How do bicycle accidents happen?

Bicycle accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, including inclement weather conditions, causing motorists to go sliding off the road and into cyclists, faulty bicycle parts, and poor road conditions. However, the most common cause of bicycle accidents is driver negligence. Some of the most common types of driver negligence we see on the road today include texting while driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and speeding.

How do I know if I am entitled to compensation after being injured in a bicycle accident?

As with any personal injury lawsuit, to recover financial compensation, you will first have to satisfy the burden of proof. Simply put, this means you will have to prove you were injured due to another party’s negligence; in this case, most likely a negligent motorist. To prove your claim, you will need an experienced attorney on your side who knows how to effectively gather and present evidence on your behalf. Some of the most valuable types of evidence can include pictures/videos of the accident or its aftermath, medical documents detailing the extent of your injuries, police reports of the incident, and more.

Additionally, if you are still physically capable, you should speak with any witnesses to the accident and gather their contact information, as you may use their testimony to corroborate your claim.

How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York State?

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, it is important you know that you will have a certain amount of time to take legal action. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in New York is three years, so you will have three years from the date of your accident to sue a negligent motorist. If you wait any longer than three years, you will most likely be denied your right to financial compensation. Do not let this happen. Our firm is here to help you.