A bicycle accident in Queens left an 88-year old man known as “Mohammed” in critical condition after a hit and run driver struck him while he was riding his bicycle along 131st Street. The elderly gentleman was riding his mountain bike down the street, as he often did, as part of his regular exercise routine. However, witnesses say that a blue sedan trying to pass the bicyclist struck him then drove off.
An attentive neighbor heard the accident and rushed to help. Rescue crews were called to the scene and the man was rushed to nearby Jamaica Hospital where he was listed in critical but stable condition.
The blue sedan, which was heading south on Rockaway Boulevard, never slowed and never returned to the scene of the crime, however, the driver of a car following the hit and run vehicle chased the sedan down and was able to get a partial license plate number. The NYPD may be able to use this and the description of the vehicle to track down the driver. The police are asking any witnesses or anyone with any information to come forward. If caught, the hit and run driver faces several criminal charges including fleeing the scene of an accident.
However, the elderly man could also file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver and owner of the vehicle. Bicyclists in New York City may bring lawsuits for unpaid medical expenses, past and future lost wages and pain and suffering for their injuries.
It is also important to know that a bicyclist as well as a pedestrian, although not in the vehicle, is entitled to no-fault benefits for health related expenses and lost wages which will be paid by the insurance company for the vehicle which struck the individual.
If you or a loved one has been injured in any kind of bicycle accident, contact an experienced New York City bicycle accident attorney immediately. Call the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel for a free consultation at or 212-385-1122 to learn your rights.