An afternoon bike ride turned tragic for one young man early this month. The bicycle accident in Queens occurred as the unnamed 34-year old man was riding near the intersection of 114th Street and 34th Avenue on September 3rd. He was struck by a motorist near the entrance ramp to Grand Central Parkway and thrown from his bicycle, suffering life-threatening injuries.
When emergency crews arrived they were able to stabilize the man and transport him to nearby Elmhurst Hospital. He was listed in critical condition with unspecified injuries. NYPD is investigating the accident.
Intersections such as this particular one are prime territory for bicycle accidents in New York. They place automobiles and bicyclists in close proximity. Add multiple lanes of traffic, turning vehicles, and the presence (or absence) of a bike lane and it’s simply a recipe for disaster. Drivers often fail to yield to cyclists and make improper turns, cutting off individuals on pedal-powered transportation and causing severe injuries and even deaths.
In fact, failure to yield is second only to speeding when it comes to top contributing factors to bicycle accidents in New York. Bicyclists often fall victim to these traffic crimes because they are less visible to drivers than people behind the wheel. While efforts to reduce traffic fatalities in New York City have recently been implemented (including lowering speed limits across the city and adding new bike lanes), this accident demonstrates that there is still much work to be done before New York’s streets are safe for everyone.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in New York, the driver of the vehicle which caused the accident should be held accountable. The driver and owner of the vehicle may be responsible to pay your medical expenses, lost wages both present and future and pain and suffering for your injuries. Contact a New York City bicycle accident attorney today to discuss your case confidentially. Call the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel for a free consultation at or 212-385-1122 to learn your rights.