Being involved in a bicycle accident is not only traumatic. It can also upend your life. Victims often face severe injuries, extended time away from work, expensive medical treatment, and a long, uncertain recovery. During this time, working with an experienced Nassau County bicycle accident lawyer is vital, as traffic law violations can directly affect fault and compensation. Knowing the rules of the road for both cyclists and drivers, as well as how violations can impact your case, is a valuable asset in the event of an accident.
Rules of the Road for Cyclists and Drivers
In New York, bicycles are legally treated as vehicles. Cyclists and drivers must follow the same basic traffic rules. Violations of these laws aren’t just dangerous. They carry legal consequences and can impact who is held responsible in the event of an accident.
It’s important to remember these rules, whether you’re a driver or a bicyclist:
- Cyclists must ride with traffic, stay near the right curb, and use bike lanes when available.
- Equipment like brakes, reflectors, and nighttime front and rear lighting is legally required.
- Drivers must check for cyclists before opening doors and yield when turning.
- Cyclists must not carry more people than the bike is designed for.
Failure to follow these laws can influence who is found at fault for an accident. After a crash, a Nassau County bicycle accident lawyer can help gather the evidence needed to prove that a violation occurred.
Nassau County Bicycle Accident Lawyer Explains Common Cyclist and Driver Violations
Several common infractions often lead to bicycle accidents. It’s not only important to understand traffic laws, but also to be aware of the most common violations that can have either a negative or positive impact on your case.
Common Cyclist Violations
- Riding against traffic: Courts consider this a reckless act. If a right-turning vehicle strikes you while you’re riding against traffic, you may be at fault.
- Skipping traffic controls: Running a red light or stop sign can make you fully or partially at fault if a collision happens in the intersection.
- Lack of required equipment: Riding at night without a white front light and red rear light can be considered a form of negligence.
Common Driver Violations
- Failure to yield: If a motorist turns across the path of a bicyclist without yielding, that breach is evidence of negligence.
- Unsafe passing: Passing too close or at high speed can create wind gusts that unbalance cyclists. When drivers fail to maintain a safe distance from cyclists, courts often hold them responsible.
- “Dooring” incidents: Opening a car door into a cyclist’s path violates the duty to look before exiting. Victims of dooring nearly always win in liability cases.
How Violating Traffic Laws Impacts Your Case
Violations by drivers, like failing to yield or opening a door without checking, often lead to clear liability. But if a cyclist runs a red light, rides against traffic, or lacks proper lighting, they may share fault.
In New York, the pure comparative negligence rule applies. This allows you to seek compensation even if you share some blame for the accident. However, the amount you receive will be decreased in proportion to your level of fault. For example, if you’re found 30 percent responsible for failing to signal a turn, your total damages are reduced by 30 percent.
An experienced Nassau County bicycle accident lawyer can help navigate these complex issues. They know how to use police reports, surveillance footage, and expert testimony to establish fault and counter attempts to shift blame onto the cyclist.
A Qualified Nassau County Bicycle Accident Lawyer Will Fight for You
At Matera & Manley, LLP, our attorneys act quickly to gather evidence, challenge weak defenses, and prove liability. With local insight, proven experience, and a results-driven mindset, our firm is ready to fight for you.
If you’ve been injured while biking, schedule a FREE consultation today to learn how we can help protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
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