Long Island Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Our goal is to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions so that your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering costs are covered. Contact The Platta Law Firm today by calling 212-514-5100 for a no-cost consultation, and let us help you get your life back on track.

Your Long Island Bicycle Accident Lawyer Knows the Dangers of Cycling

Our attorneys have extensive knowledge of state and local laws that apply to cyclists. We’re also very familiar with the statistics related to the dangers of riding a bicycle.

According to a Newsday analysis of Federal Crash Data, the bicycle crash death rate on Long Island is more than double the New York State average. Twice as many bicyclists died in motor-vehicle-related traffic crashes than other non-traffic incidents. In addition, males accounted for 5-6 times more bicycle injuries and deaths than females.

A report by The National Safety Council (NSC) revealed that the nationwide number of preventable cyclists deaths increased 44% in the past 10 years. In 2020, a total of 325,173 nonfatal cycling injuries occurred.

Cycling deaths increase in the warmer months, with most deaths taking place in August and the least in February. About half of bicycling fatalities happen during daylight hours, while the other half occurs during dusk or nighttime.

Given our understanding of the potential for bicycle accidents on Long Island, The Platta Law Firm is well-prepared to help you. With over 150 years of combined experience, our team consistently delivers successful results for our clients who have been injured.

How Bicycle Accidents Occur

Bicycle accidents take place on Long Island due to a variety of factors and circumstances. Every situation is unique, and our attorneys have the experience necessary for responding to your unique situation. Here are some common ways in which bicycle accidents occur:

• Intersection Crashes: Drivers at intersections can run red lights or stop signs. They may also fail to yield the right of way to cyclists, or turn into the path of an oncoming bicycle.
• Rear-End Collisions: Cyclists can be rear-ended by vehicles when they stop or slow down.
• Sideswiping: Too little clearance between a vehicle and a bicycle can lead to sideswiping accidents and to cyclists being forced off the road.
• Poor Road Conditions: Uneven road surfaces, potholes, debris, and lack of proper bike lanes can cause Long Island bicycle riders to lose control or crash.
• Distracted Driving: Drivers who use their phones, eat, or engage in other distracting behaviors are less likely to notice cyclists on the road.
• Dooring: Dooring is a specific type of collision that happens when a person in a parked car opens their door directly into the path of an oncoming cyclist.
• Inadequate Visibility: Poor visibility due to low light conditions at dawn, dusk, or nighttime can make it harder for both Long Island drivers and cyclists to see each other.
• Impaired Cyclists: Cyclists who ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs can make errors in judgment while operating their bicycles.

Whether your crash is due to a careless car or truck driver or poor road conditions, we are prepared to fight for your right to receive maximum compensation for your injuries.

Types of Injuries Caused by Bicycle Accidents

The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported over a half-million emergency department-treated injuries associated with bicycles accidents. A wide variety of injuries were seen during these visits, ranging from mild to severe. It will be important for you to get a full medical assessment after your Long Island bicycle crash since your symptoms may not appear right away.

Injuries that often occur after bike accidents are:

• Broken bones and dislocations
• Head injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Cuts, scrapes, and bruises
• Organ damage
• Jaw fractures and dental damage
• Sprains and strains
• Emotional and psychological distress

We work with an experienced network of Long Island medical professionals who can provide insight into the physical and emotional trauma you have sustained. Their testimony can help strengthen your claim so that your health will be supported now and in the future.

Whatever type of injury you have suffered, our attorneys will negotiate tirelessly on your behalf to make sure you are justly compensated.

Helpful Resources if You’ve Been in a Bicycle Accident

New York has many excellent biking routes, and riding a bicycle on Long Island can be a fun activity for you and your loved ones. However, you’ll want to be prepared if you have an accident.

You may need to visit an emergency room or urgent care facility, and you may need bike repairs. Here are a few resources that can help:

Emergency Room Medical Assistance:

• Syosset Hospital
• St. Joseph Hospital
• Nassau University Medical Center
• Mercy Medical Center
• North Shore University Hospital
• Long Island Jewish Forest Hills

Bicycle repair:

• Kreb Cycle
• Babylon Bicycle Shop
• The Bike Cave
• Jen’s Cycles
• Monkline Bicycle Repair

Along with the support of these medical professionals and bicycle repair shops, our experienced legal team can help you move forward from the impact of your accident.

Cycling Safety Tips

Cycling on Long Island is a popular and healthy means of transportation and recreation. However, it’s important to prioritize sticking to safety measures and bicycle laws to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYDOT) provides valuable information for cyclists, including guidelines on helmets and traffic rules.

Additionally, the NYDOT website also provides specific bike-riding safety measures for kids. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Wear a Helmet: Always wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet. A helmet can significantly reduce the risk of head injuries in the event of a fall or collision. In New York State, all bicyclists under the age of 14 are required to wear a helmet.
• Obey Traffic Rules: Follow the same traffic rules and regulations as motorists, because cyclists who don’t follow these laws can get ticketed. Stop at stop signs and obey traffic signals. Ride in the same direction as vehicle traffic, and use bicycle lanes if available. Use hand signals when turning.
• Visibility: Improve your visibility to drivers by using lights and reflectors, especially when riding at dawn, dusk, or during nighttime. Wear bright and reflective clothing.
• Check Your Bike: Regularly inspect your bicycle for maintenance issues, such as tire pressure, brakes, and chain function.
• Carry Identification and a Phone: Carry identification and consider taking a cell phone for emergencies. Program emergency contacts into your phone.

While following these cycling safety tips can help reduce the risk of mishaps on the road, accidents can still happen. If they do, reach out to The Platta Law Firm. We’re standing by to support you in the aftermath of a bicycle collision.

Finding a Qualified Long Island Bicycle Accident Lawyer

If you’ve experienced a bicycle accident on Long Island, finding the right lawyer will be critical. One of the most significant advantages of having a bicycle accident lawyer from The Platta Law Firm is the skilled legal guidance we provide.

We can swiftly determine liability, assess the full extent of your damages, and develop a comprehensive legal strategy on your behalf. We’ll work diligently to build a strong case, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and collaborating with accident reconstruction experts when necessary.

Furthermore, we are also highly effective when it comes to maximizing compensation for our clients. We know how to factor in various elements of your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering

Finally, if a compensation agreement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court. Rest assured that our experienced litigators can significantly improve your chances of success in the courtroom.

The Platta Law Firm’s Commitment to You

We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that bicycle accidents can take. We will serve as your committed ally, and will protect your rights and interests throughout the legal process.
Additionally, we will offer you the following benefits:

• No Upfront Costs: We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay us unless we win your case. Your attorney’s fees are typically deducted from any cash award you receive.
• Protection: We’ll serve as a buffer between you and insurance companies or other parties involved. We’ll shield you from being offered an unfair settlement or accepting liability that is not yours.
• Reduced Stress: We know you’re stressed and overwhelmed. We can alleviate some of that stress by handling tedious details like correctly completing legal paperwork and meeting deadlines. This allows you to more fully focus on your recovery.
• Faster Resolution: With legal assistance, your case can progress toward resolution more efficiently. We will manage the complex stages of your claim as we move toward the best possible outcome.

Don’t go through the trauma of a bicycle accident alone. Work with The Platta Law Firm to make sure you are supported in receiving the largest award possible.

If you are seeking the expertise of a trusted Long Island bicycle accident lawyer who will passionately advocate for justice on your behalf, contact us today at 212-514-5100. Your road to recovery starts here.

Long Island Neighborhoods We Serve

Nassau
Hempstead, North Hempstead, and Oyster Bay

Suffolk

Babylon, Brookhaven, East Hampton, Huntington, Islip, Riverhead, Shelter Island, Smithtown, Southampton and Southold

Rest of Long Island With More Than 10,000 Residents

Babylon, Baldwin, Bay Shore, Bethpage, Commack, Dix Hills, East Rockaway, Elwood, Floral Park, Freeport, Garden City, Hempstead Village, Hicksville, Huntington, Kings Park, Lake Grove, Levittown, Lindenhurst, Lynbrook, Massapequa, Massapequa Park, Merrick, Mineola, Oceanside, Riverhead, Rockville Centre, Patchogue, Uniondale, Valley Stream, Wantagh, Westbury, and West Islip.