Long Island Bicycle Accident Lawyers Serving Suffolk & Nassau Counties

Nassau and Suffolk counties have many excellent locations for bicyclists. Many Long Islanders enjoy the bike routes in Eisenhower Park, Jones Beach Highway, and Bethpage State Park. While cycling is fun, it can also be hazardous. If you’ve been injured while cycling in New York, schedule a free consultation with the experienced bicycle accident lawyers at The Matera Law Firm.

Unfortunately, bicycle accidents are common in New York City. According to the New York City Department of Transportation, nearly 5,000 bicyclists were injured in accidents involving motor vehicles in 2018. In that same year, almost 400 cyclists were hurt in accidents that did not involve passenger vehicles. When biking, cyclists are very vulnerable to their surroundings. Bicycles do not offer the same range of safety features as other vehicles do. Many motorists fail to adequately monitor their surroundings.

When a driver is unaware of a bicyclist, massive damage can occur. If you or someone you love was injured in a bicycle accident, you may be owed compensation. The accomplished Long Island bicycle accident lawyers at the Matera Law Firm can help. Our attorneys will review the facts of your case to help you determine legal liability and pursue damages. If another person caused you to become injured, you deserve financial recovery. Securing the services of Long Island bicycle accident lawyers will give you the best chance to get your life back on track.

What Are The Bicycle Accident Laws in Long Island?

Most bicyclists can enjoy a ride without experiencing an accident. However, collisions are always a potential risk. Understanding the laws surrounding bicycling, driving, and general road safety can help you to avoid a collision. In Long Island, bicyclists are required to follow the same traffic laws as other drivers. Traffic enforcement officers and police can write traffic tickets for bicyclists. When a parent and child are cycling together, the parent is fully responsible if the child violates traffic laws. But there are also other important bicycle-specific laws to keep in mind when you ride a bike in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Children’s Helmets

Any person below 14 years of age is legally required to wear a bicycle helmet while cycling. Some areas of New York have enacted more specific helmet laws for bicyclists, as well.

Road Markings

Bicyclists are required to obey all road markings. These include road signs and traffic lights. Cyclists must also use hand signals to make drivers aware of their planned maneuvers.

Sidewalk Use

Some areas in New York disallow cyclists on sidewalks. But riding on sidewalks is not prohibited by New York state law. The NYC DOT has also noted that sidewalks are primarily intended for pedestrians. Highways Bicycles are prohibited on highways, interstates, and expressways.

Bike Lanes

When possible, cyclists must ride in bike lanes. If no bike lanes are available, cyclists must ride on the right side of the appropriate lane. Bicyclists are required to travel in the same direction as the surrounding traffic.

Riding Two Abreast

If there are no cars using the roadway, cyclists may ride two abreast. Bicycles should never be more than two abreast on a roadway. In most cases, bicyclists riding together should travel in single file.

Pedestrians

Much like other vehicles, bicycles are required to yield to pedestrians. Accidents and collisions are always a risk when riding a bicycle. But cyclists who are aware of New York’s bicycle laws have a better chance of protecting themselves. If you have been injured while biking, you may have the right to seek financial recovery. Contact the accomplished Long Island bicycle accident lawyers at the Matera Law Firm to secure the compensation that you deserve.

Necessary Bicycle Safety Gear 

Not every type of safety equipment is legally required to be worn by bicyclists, but the following kinds of gear will help you to avoid injuries. As we noted above, bicycle helmets are a legal necessity for all bicyclists. Important bicycle safety equipment includes:

• Maintained breaks
• A horn or bell
• Taillights and headlights
• Wheel and frame reflectors

Safety equipment can help to make motorists aware of the presence of cyclists. These tools keep riders as safe as possible.

Typical Causes of Bicycle Accidents and Injuries

Each bicycle accident is unique. But many accidents share certain features and causes. Some of the most common causes of bike accidents in Long Island include:

Speed

When a vehicle is traveling at an unsafe speed, an accident becomes probable. This is true for both bicycles and passenger vehicles. You should never bike or drive at a hazardous speed. Many collisions happen as the result of speeding on wet, dark, or icy roadways.

Distractions

Operating any type of vehicle requires care and attention. If a bicyclist or motorist is distracted, collisions become much more likely. With the ubiquity of cellphones and digital devices, many drivers operate their vehicles in a distracted state. This is illegal, but it’s also incredibly dangerous. When a driver is looking at their phone, talking, or engaging with another device, they are less aware of their surroundings. If you have been hurt by a distracted driver, speak with Long Island bicycle accident lawyers right away.

Dangerous Maneuvers

Most motorists are accustomed to looking out for other large vehicles. Oftentimes, a driver will glance quickly when they’re changing lanes, turning, or accelerating. When this happens, they may not notice the presence of a cyclist. Driver negligence is one of the primary causes of bicycle accidents in New York. When you have been hurt because of a driver’s carelessness, you deserve compensation. The Long Island bicycle accident lawyers at the Matera Law Firm will work hard on your behalf.

Securing Compensation with Long Island Bicycle Accident Lawyers 

In the aftermath of a bicycle accident, you may feel overwhelmed. Most victims face mounting financial costs, as well as the physical and mental damage from their accident. Under New York state law, you can pursue financial recovery from the at-fault party. The Matera Law Firm’s team of Long Island bicycle accident lawyers will fight hard to secure the money that is rightfully yours. Seeking compensation may involve negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance provider. It is important to remember that insurance companies do not have your best interests in mind.

At The Matera Law Firm, we have years of experience in aggressively negotiating with insurance agents. We will not settle for an inadequate amount of financial recovery in your case. Let us fight on your behalf. Our attorneys will work to ensure that you are compensated for:

• Medical expenses
• Missed income and lost wages
• Decreased long-term earning capacity
• Physical pain and suffering
• Decreased enjoyment of life
• Emotional distress, including stress, anxiety, and panic attacks
• Damage to personal property

Sadly, some bicycle accidents result in fatal injuries. If you have lost a loved one in a bicycle collision, our attorneys can file a wrongful death claim for you. When you or someone you love has been injured, you should not have to worry about money. The at-fault party should compensate you for your losses. The Matera Law Firm can help to make that happen.

Contact Our Dedicated Long Island Bicycle Accident Lawyers

If you have been hurt in a bicycle accident, contact the Matera Law Firm. Our accomplished personal injury attorneys boast more than 25 years of combined legal experience. We have the knowledge and skills to secure recovery in your case. We are incredibly confident in our Long Island bicycle accident lawyers. At The Matera Law Firm, we do not charge any fees unless we win your personal injury case. Call us today to schedule a free initial consultation.