What Are the Most Common Types of Bicycle Accidents in New York City?

Riding a bicycle in New York City is an eco-friendly way to stay active, get out of the house, and take in the sights from a unique perspective. With the city's expanding network of bike lanes and growing support for cycling, it's no surprise that it has become such a popular activity, with approximately 778,000 New Yorkers riding their bikes several times a month, according to the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT). While cycling offers numerous benefits for your well-being and the environment, it can also put you at risk of being involved in an accident and suffering catastrophic injuries. Unlike drivers and occupants of motor vehicles, cyclists are far more vulnerable to being severely injured or killed, as they lack the safety features that cars provide, such as airbags and seat belts. Those who survive bike accidents may find themselves dealing with permanent disabilities, emotional trauma, and a lengthy recovery process. In many cases, these accidents are due to another person failing to follow traffic laws or exercising caution when they get behind the wheel. If you are hurt while cycling and suspect the accident resulted from someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost earnings, and other accident-related damages. Working with a dedicated New York City bicycle accident attorney can improve your chances of holding those at fault accountable for your losses and securing the financial recovery you deserve. Below is a review of the most common causes of bike crashes and how a personal injury lawyer can guide you through every step of the claims process.

The Most Common Types of Bicycle Accidents

More people choose to travel by bicycle every year, but with this increase in the number of cyclists on the road, the risk of accidents and injuries is also rising. An estimated 1,084 bicyclists lost their lives in U.S. traffic accidents in a recent year, reflecting a staggering 13 percent increase from the 935 deaths recorded the previous year. Although various factors can cause bike collisions, the following are some of the most significant contributing factors.

Speeding and Aggressive Driving Accidents

Speeding and aggressive driving are two of the most dangerous threats to cyclists. When drivers exceed the speed limit or drive too fast for changing road conditions, they might be unable to stop to prevent a collision with a cyclist. Speeding not only increases the distance drivers need to bring their vehicles to a complete stop, but it also makes it harder for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles. In the event of a collision, the impact from a speeding vehicle is exponentially greater, heightening the chances of a cyclist sustaining serious or even life-threatening injuries. Drivers who speed are more likely to exhibit other aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating, making abrupt lane changes, and ignoring traffic signs and signals. New York drivers are notoriously impatient, and if they feel like cyclists are slowing them down, they may react by engaging in dangerous driving practices. This can involve swerving around cyclists without giving them enough space or cutting them off at high speeds. In some cases, drivers might attempt to pass cyclists in an unsafe manner and fail to provide them with the room needed to maneuver safely. When a cyclist is harmed or killed because of a driver's intentional or grossly negligent actions, such as speeding in a construction zone or disregarding traffic laws, the driver may face liability for both compensatory and punitive damages.

Dooring Accidents

A "dooring" accident happens when a motorist in a parked car suddenly opens one of the driver or passenger side doors just as an approaching bicyclist is passing. The cyclist may collide with the open door or be forced to swerve abruptly to avoid it. Additionally, cyclists risk veering into the path of oncoming traffic when they attempt to avoid the door. These accidents can result in severe injuries, as cyclists often have little to no time to react and avoid a collision. Drivers can reduce the risk of dooring accidents by checking their mirrors and looking over their shoulders before opening their car doors. If you've been in a dooring accident, you should contact a skilled bicycle accident attorney who can evaluate your case and determine who can be held accountable for your injuries and accident-related losses.

Failure to Yield Accidents

Drivers in motor vehicles have a heightened responsibility to exercise caution when driving near pedestrians and cyclists. This includes yielding the right-of-way to cyclists when appropriate. Failing to yield the right-of-way to cyclists is a common traffic violation that occurs frequently at intersections, crosswalks, or when drivers fail to check for approaching cyclists. In fact, according to data from Vision Zero, nearly 60 percent of all bicycle accidents occur at intersections. Additionally, drivers who are distracted, fatigued, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs may underestimate their speed and neglect to spot oncoming cyclists. These lapses in attention significantly increase the likelihood of a dangerous collision with a cyclist.

Fatigued Driving Accidents

When drivers are tired, their ability to concentrate and react to road conditions is compromised. Fatigue also impairs a driver's ability to judge distances accurately and control their vehicle properly. Operating a vehicle while fatigued can be just as hazardous as driving under the influence, as research shows that being awake for 18 hours can impair driving ability to the same extent as having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05 percent. In extreme cases, drivers may fall asleep behind the wheel and veer off course, putting themselves and other road users at great risk. Motorists need to get sufficient rest before driving, take breaks on long trips, and avoid driving late at night to prevent accidents caused by driver fatigue.

Poor Road Condition Accidents

Not all bicycle accidents are caused by drivers. Some occur due to poor road or weather conditions. Local governments are responsible for regularly inspecting and maintaining roadways to minimize the risk of accidents. Unfortunately, there are instances where repairs are delayed or neglected, leaving cyclists vulnerable to serious accidents and injuries. Some potential road hazards that can lead to a bicycle accident include:

• Potholes
• Sewer grates
• Uneven road surfaces
• Loose gravel or debris
• Large cracks in the pavement
• Damaged or missing road signs
• Poorly designed bike lanes
• Inadequate lane markings
• Snow or ice buildup in bike lanes

In addition to road hazards, adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, or fog can impair visibility, reduce traction, and make it difficult for both cyclists and drivers to navigate the road safely. In inclement weather, bicycle riders and motorists are responsible for adjusting their speed, increasing their following distance, and exercising extra caution to avoid accidents. Determining liability in adverse weather or hazardous road conditions can be challenging. Such cases require a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the accident, including the actions of all parties involved. For example, suppose a cyclist suffers an injury after hitting a large pothole on a poorly maintained roadway. In that case, liability may fall on the local government or agency responsible for keeping the roads safe. When poor weather and road conditions contributed to the crash, a personal injury lawyer can gather evidence and work with experts to establish if the responsible parties failed to adequately maintain the road or respond to hazardous conditions.

Left and Right Cross Accidents

A left cross collision happens when a cyclist traveling with the flow of traffic is hit by a motorist in oncoming traffic, making a sudden left turn. While left-cross collisions contribute to 40 percent of motorcycle accidents, they only account for 1.2 percent of bike accidents. Left cross accidents are less common in bike crashes than motorcycle incidents due to the slower speeds cyclists typically travel. Similarly, right cross collisions account for only 5.1 percent of all bicycle crashes and usually occur in residential areas where the flow of traffic is slower. A right cross collision occurs when a cyclist, moving with traffic on the right side of the road, is struck by a motor vehicle pulling out of a driveway or side street. While these crashes can sometimes result in the rider being hit as the car pulls out, the cyclist often hits the vehicle due to their inability to stop in time. Whether the bike crashes into the car or the car crashes into the bike, the driver is usually at fault for this type of accident. To reduce the risk of left-and-right cross-collisions, drivers should remain vigilant and look both ways before making turns or pulling out into traffic.

Rear-End Collisions 

Much like rear-end car accidents, these common bicycle collisions happen when the vehicle in front stops too quickly without signaling or the vehicle to the rear fails to stop in time. These collisions account for some of the deadliest bicycle accidents and often occur because a driver is following too closely, traveling at a high rate of speed, or isn't paying attention and looking out for bicyclists. Motorists should always keep a safe distance to avoid colliding with cyclists from behind and remain prepared to react to changes in traffic conditions or obstacles on the road. Rear-end collisions can result in severe injuries for cyclists, especially if they are thrown from their bikes upon impact. Bicyclists in rear-end accidents may suffer from head trauma, spinal injuries, road rash, and broken bones that require extensive medical treatment. A bicycle accident lawyer can take the burden of dealing with medical bills, insurance adjusters, and settlement negotiations off your shoulders, allowing you to concentrate on getting better. Motorists have a duty to obey traffic laws and respect the right of way for all road users, including cyclists. If you or someone close to you has been in a cycling accident, you should seek the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Skilled bicycle accident attorneys understand the nuances of handling these cases and will advocate fiercely to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

After Injuries, Contact NYC Bicycle Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one have suffered an injury in a bicycle accident in New York City, seek legal representation from an NYC bicycle accident lawyer. When you reach out to NYC bicycle accident attorneys, you can expect a free consultation to discuss the details of your case. During this initial meeting, the attorneys will review the facts, assess the strength of your case, and provide you with an honest evaluation of your legal options. By retaining an attorney, you gain an advocate who will fight for your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. They will handle all aspects of your case, including gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and, if necessary, representing you in court. Don't delay in seeking legal assistance after a bicycle accident. Contact NYC Bicycle Accident Lawyers today for a free consultation and take the first step towards obtaining the compensation you deserve. Remember, time is of the essence, so reach out now to protect your rights and secure a brighter future after your injury.