Bicycling is a popular and enjoyable activity for many people. It is also a popular form of exercise and a mode of transportation. Unfortunately, bicyclists are at risk of severe injuries and death when they share the roads with motor vehicles. Thousands of riders sustain catastrophic injuries each year because of negligent and careless drivers.
At the law office of Michael LoGiudice, our lawyers have extensive experience in personal injury law. We have decades of experience representing injured victims. Our lawyers can help you pursue a claim against the party who caused your injuries.
Contact the law office of Michael LoGiudice today to schedule your free consultation with an Orange County bicycle accident attorney.
How The Law Office of Michael LoGiudice Can Help You with a Bicycle Accident Claim in New York
After a bicycle accident, you may incur substantial medical bills and loss of income. The crash may have caused extreme pain and suffering. A bicycle accident claim can help you recover the money you need. Hiring an accident attorney gives you a better chance of receiving a fair outcome.
When you hire our top-rated Orange County personal injury attorneys, you can trust that we will:
- Complete a thorough investigation into the cause of your bicycle accident
- Gather evidence to prove your claim, including working with leading experts as necessary
- Calculate how much your case is worth after documenting and analyzing your damages
- Fight allegations of contributory fault and blame
- Aggressively negotiate a fair settlement based on the value of your damages
- Litigate your case in court if we cannot reach a fair settlement
Our injury lawyers hold top ratings from Expertise.com, Avvo, and Hudson Valley 2023 Top Lawyers, among other organizations. We have represented thousands of clients in personal injury lawsuits throughout New York. We focus solely on helping injured victims and their families receive the compensation they deserve.
Our attorneys handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fees until we recover money for your case.
Contact the law office of Michael LoGiudice to request a free case evaluation from an experienced Orange County bicycle accident lawyer.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Orange County, NY
Thousands of cyclists are injured in accidents with motor vehicles each year. Negligence is a common cause of bicycle accidents. Examples of negligence include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Vehicles traveling in bicycle lanes
- Dooring (opening a car door in a cyclist’s path)
- Failing to obey traffic laws, including failing to yield the right of way
- Driving while impaired by alcohol and/or drugs
- Road rage and aggressive driving
- Drowsy and fatigued driving
If you are involved in a car accident, call 911 to report the crash. Take photographs and make a video of the accident scene, if possible. You should also ask eyewitnesses for their names and contact information. Gathering evidence at the accident scene can help you prove fault and liability for a bicycle accident.
Who Is Responsible for Damages Caused by a Bicycle Accident in Orange County, NY?
New York is a no-fault state for car accidents. Each person involved in the accident files for no-fault benefits with their insurance provider.
However, if you are a cyclist involved in an accident, the no-fault insurance comes from the vehicle that hit you, regardless of fault. You can receive up to $50,000 for your medical bills, 80% of your lost wages up to $2,000 per month, and $25 per day for other accident-related expenses.
If your injuries meet the serious injury threshold, you can file a claim against an at-fault driver. You must prove that you sustained a serious injury defined as:
- Dismemberment
- Loss of a fetus
- Significant disfigurement
- Fracture (broken bone)
- Permanent loss of a body member, organ, function, or system
- Permanent limitation of the use of a body organ or member
- An injury that results in disability for 90 of the 180 days after the accident
- Death
Because bicyclists have very little protection from a collision, they often sustain catastrophic injuries that meet the “serious injury threshold.” Common injuries in a bicycle accident include traumatic brain injury, broken bones, spinal cord injury, internal organ damage, neck injuries, and back injuries.
Immediate medical treatment after a bicycle accident is essential. Prompt medical care protects your health and documents your injuries for a personal injury claim.
What Damages Can I Receive for a Bicycle Accident in Orange County, NY?
If you sustain serious injuries, you can pursue a lawsuit or insurance claim against the driver who hit you. However, you must prove the driver caused the accident to recover damages. If you prove the driver was at fault, you may recover economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Loss of income, including employment benefits, lost wages, and diminished earning capacity
- Medical expenses, including rehabilitative therapies and treatment
- Out-of-pocket expenses, including travel to medical appointments and assistance with household chores
- Pain and suffering, including physical discomfort, mental anguish, and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life and quality of life
- Disfigurement, scarring, impairment, and disability
The amount you receive for a bicycle accident claim depends on the factors of your case, including the strength of your evidence proving fault. Other factors include the severity of your injuries and the amount of your monetary losses. Our legal team diligently pursues all sources of compensation for your claim to maximize the amount you receive for damages.
Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accident Claims in New York
Your time to file a bicycle accident claim is restricted by the New York statutes of limitations. Most bicycle accident claims must be filed within three years of the accident date. However, there are exceptions.
For instance, wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the date of death. If a government agency is involved, you must provide notice within 90 days and only have a year to file a lawsuit.
The court can dismiss lawsuits filed after the deadline. Seeking prompt legal advice from a bicycle accident attorney in Orange County can help you avoid missing a crucial deadline in your case.
Talk with an Orange County Bicycle Accident Attorney During a Free Consultation
Our experienced team of personal injury lawyers at the law office of Michael LoGiudice has the skills and resources you need on your side as you fight for a fair settlement. Call us today for your free case review with an Orange County bicycle accident attorney. Let us help you pursue a just outcome for your bicycle accident in New York.