The Driver:
You’re beside yourself with joy! You have found a rare place in Mid-town Manhattan to park your car on the street. You’ll make your meeting on time after all! You park. Turn off your engine. A glance in your side view mirror shows no oncoming traffic. You grab your things and open the door. CRASH! A bicyclist crashes into your car door.
- After parking on the street, drivers in New York City are required to check traffic and wait before opening the driver’s door.
Because drivers are not always at fault in bicycle accidents, it is in the best interest of the driver to seek advice about a bicycle accident lawsuit from an experienced bicycle accident lawyer.
In New York, the bicycle rider is entitled to no-fault insurance benefits. These benefits pay for medical expenses and care.
Of course, NYC discourages driving a vehicle in the city and offers several options for inner-city transportation. This makes bicycling very popular in the city. The 2020 statistic is that 49% or 778,000 people in NYC use a bike in the city at least several times per month.
The Bicyclist:
It’s a beautiful day in New York City. You’re on your way to work or school or an appointment. As you turn the corner, staying to the right of the lane and hawk-eyeing the parked cars with drivers, a door opens right in front of you. WHAM! You are knocked unconscious.
Of the many ways a bicyclist can be injured in New York City, dooring is just one of them. If you are one of the 49% of the people in NYC who ride a bike, remember that bicycling in New York City is dangerous. It’s in the cyclists’ best interest to get the advice of an experienced bicycle injury claim lawyer.
Bicyclists in New York have responsibilities too. Some of the laws are:
- You must obey all the traffic laws, which include riding in the same direction as traffic, not against it.
- When available, you must use the bicycle lanes. If such a dedicated lane is not available, you are to stay to the right of the road.
- Children and teenagers under the age of 14 are required to wear a helmet.
If you are a bicyclist and injured while riding on the road, you must:
- Call the police if possible or ask witnesses to call 911 for you. It’s NYC, so ask at least five or more separate witnesses to call.
- Somehow get the name of the driver, license number, and plate number.
- After seeking medical care, it is also important that you file an insurance claim for any possible benefits with the help of a bicycle accident claim lawyer.
Comparative Fault in New York
Anyone driving a vehicle on the road in New York is required to do so in a way that does not harm others. New York’s comparative fault law means even if you were the injured party but were at fault in some way, you can bear some responsibility.
It is in the best interest of drivers and bicyclists to get free advice about such an accident by calling a bicycle crash attorney for your free case evaluation (212) 683-1530 or (212) 683-1530.
