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Common Bicycle Accident Injuries, Damages, and Legal Remedies

April 18, 2023

Bicycles are a hassle-free mode of transport in the crowded New York streets and roads. The use of bicycles has been increasing over the years, being preferred to sitting in traffic jams for hours and being late for work. But with the increased use comes the heightened potential of collision with other vehicles on the road and pedestrians.

A total of 5175 injuries occurred in New York’s boroughs, with Brooklyn having the highest figure of 2005 in 2020. Despite dedicated bicycle lanes, crashes still occur because of negligent drivers.

If you’re a victim of a car-bicycle accident in Brooklyn, you can sue for compensation with your lawyer’s help. From the onset, consult a bike accident attorney in Brooklyn, NY, to understand damages and legal remedies.

Bicycle Accident Injuries

Common injuries in bike-related accidents include:

Broken Bones

Studies show that 40% of bicyclists involved in auto accidents sustain fractures. Hand and rib fractures result from the riders’ effort to protect themselves from the impact of the fall. Light fractures tend to heal in a few weeks, while severe ones require surgical intervention and rehabilitation therapy.

Head Injuries

Concussions, bruises, swelling, and traumatic brain injuries are common forms of head injuries. Despite wearing a helmet, some high-impact collisions tend to shatter the headgear along with the head. Head injuries result in memory loss, brain damage, and even death in the absence of urgent surgical intervention.

Back, Neck, and Spinal Injuries

The spine and back can suffer serious harm when the body hits the hard curb. Spine dislocation, spinal cord damage, and intervertebral disc displacement can cause paralysis, untold pain, and suffering. Whiplash is the most common form of neck injury, which occurs when the head is lunged forward and backward in whip-like motions.

Chest Injuries

Rear-ending a bicycle sends the rider’s body forward, potentially hitting their chest on the handlebars. Fractured ribs and collarbones pose an increased risk of punctured lungs.

Damages

Damages are losses you suffered because of the accident and are seeking compensation for. These include:

Special Damages

Special damages are compensation for tangible losses offered to bicycle accident victims. Economic damages are the primary compensation in personal injury claims to restore victims to their former financial position. Non-economic damages can include physical harm and property damage.

Examples include current and estimated future medical costs, bicycle replacement or repair, lost earnings, and lost future earning capacity. You can also sue for home modification costs in case you suffer paralysis or other severe forms of disability that require house modification or replacement. Consult a bicycle accident attorney to learn the exact value of your claim.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages aim to compensate bicycle accident victims for more intangible injuries. These damages are awarded on top of economic damages, depending on how your lawyer presents the case. In the confusion of getting treatment and suing, victims tend to forget that they suffered emotionally and mentally during and after the collision.

Non-economic damages include:

  • Pain and suffering

  • Mental distress

  • Emotional trauma

  • Loss of consortium

  • Loss of enjoyment of life

Any damages without an actual monetary value fall under this category. You can also sue for punitive damages if the defendant’s actions were grossly negligent or intentional.

Legal Remedies

A legal remedy is a way of seeking justice after suffering harm in a bicycle accident. The first legal remedy is filing a personal injury claim with your insurer or the liable party’s insurer. You deserve full compensation for the economic and non-economic damages sustained during the accident.

Insurance companies tend to offer low settlements or deny the claim. In this instance, a bicycle accident attorney can file a lawsuit and offer legal representation until the court awards you the compensation you deserve.

Final Word

A bicycle is the cheapest yet most convenient form of transportation in New York. On the other hand, riding even on a dedicated bicycle lane is risky due to the severe nature of bicycle accident injuries that occur when reckless drivers disregard road safety rules. Victims of bicycle accidents can pursue compensation for economic and non-economic losses. A bicycle accident lawyer is your best bet to winning personal injury compensation claims in New York.