Long Island Bicycle & Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Bicycle and pedestrian accidents are unfortunately common in New York City, where busy streets and high foot traffic can create hazardous conditions. Lacking any protection from a collision with a motor vehicle, cyclists and pedestrians leave these accidents with the most serious, catastrophic injuries and a high rate of fatalities. Hoping to avoid the significant payout these victims deserve, insurance companies try to push much of the blame for the accident on the victims themselves, which if successful drastically reduces the amount of compensation the insurers are liable for.

At Jacobson Law, we understand the devastating impact these accidents can have, and we are committed to helping victims seek the compensation they deserve. We are trial attorneys, and we are proud to bear that descriptive label. It means we litigate every case from the start as though it will go to trial, even though most cases eventually resolve in a settlement. We have the experience and resources to take cases to trial when needed, and the record of success that shows we know how to obtain a jury verdict for our clients and their meritorious claims. If you or a loved one has been seriously hurt in a bicycle or pedestrian accident in New York, contact Long Island bicycle & pedestrian accident lawyers Jacobson Law to discuss your claim and find out how we can help.

Common Causes of Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents in New York

Bicycle and pedestrian accidents in New York often occur due to negligence. Some of the most common causes include:

• Driver Inattention: Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists. Drivers may be texting, using their phones, or not paying attention to their surroundings.
• Failure to Yield: New York traffic laws require drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and to use due care to avoid collisions with bicyclists, including passing at a safe distance. Unfortunately, too many drivers ignore these laws, leading to serious collisions.
• Speeding: Speeding drivers have less time to react to pedestrians or cyclists, and the impact of a high-speed collision can cause severe injuries or fatalities.
• Unsafe Lane Changes: Bicyclists are often vulnerable to vehicles making abrupt lane changes or failing to check blind spots. This can result in sideswipe accidents or drivers cutting off cyclists, causing them to lose control.
• Driving Under the Influence: Drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs pose a serious danger to everyone on the road, including especially bicyclists and pedestrians, who are less visible to a drunk driver. Impaired drivers may fail to see or properly react to those walking or cycling.

Serious Injuries From Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents

Bicycle and pedestrian accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries, particularly because these victims lack the protection that drivers have. Some of the most common serious injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head injuries are common in accidents, even for cyclists wearing helmets. Pedestrians struck by vehicles often suffer concussions or more severe brain trauma.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: The impact of a car on a pedestrian or cyclist can lead to serious spinal injuries, including paralysis.
• Broken Bones: The force of a collision can easily cause fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis.
• Internal Injuries: Pedestrians and cyclists hit by vehicles can suffer internal bleeding, organ damage, or other life-threatening injuries that may not be immediately apparent.
• Lacerations and Abrasions: Road rash, deep cuts, and puncture wounds are common in accidents involving bicycles, especially if the rider is thrown from their bike.

Legal Rights and Compensation for Accident Victims

In New York, bicyclists and pedestrians injured due to someone else’s negligence have the right to pursue compensation for their injuries. At Jacobson Law, we are dedicated to helping our clients recover damages for medical expenses, including compensation for hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and any future medical care related to the accident. If your injuries prevent you from returning to work, you may be entitled to recover lost income as well as compensation for diminished earning capacity if your ability to work in the future is affected.

Injuries from bicycle and pedestrian accidents often result in both physical pain and emotional trauma. Compensation for pain and suffering addresses the non-economic impact of the accident on your life, which can often be greater than the “economic” losses such as medical bills and lost wages. Our experienced trial attorneys understand how to build a case that proves the necessity for pain and suffering damages that the extent of the accident and justice require.

In the tragic event of a fatality, family members of the victim may pursue a wrongful death claim to recover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and other damages. We approach these cases with compassion and a thorough attention to detail, preparing and presenting a claim that takes into account the full amount of harm caused who relied on the deceased for love and support.

How Jacobson Law Can Help

Navigating the legal system after a bicycle or pedestrian accident can be an overwhelming experience, especially while recovering from severe injuries or dealing with the loss of a loved one. Jacobson Law has extensive experience handling these types of personal injury cases, and we are here to guide you every step of the way. Our team will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, gathering evidence such as witness statements, traffic camera footage, and police reports to build a strong case on your behalf.

Whether the at-fault party is a negligent driver, a municipal entity responsible for unsafe road conditions, or a manufacturer of faulty equipment, we will work to hold all responsible parties accountable. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts to injury victims. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who will fight for fair compensation for your injuries and damages. While many personal injury cases are settled outside of court, we are prepared to take your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached. By preparing your case on a litigation footing from the start, we have the facts and legal arguments in hand to obtain a full and fair settlement or win your case in court.

Contact Jacobson Law for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle or pedestrian accident in New York, don’t wait to seek legal help. At Jacobson Law, we offer free consultations to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Contact us today on Long Island or Manhattan at 631-661-2030 to learn more about how our Long Island pedestrian accident attorneys can help you recover the compensation you deserve.