Riding around on two wheels in rush hour traffic is dangerous as data from The CDC has verified. In fact, you’re twice as likely to die in a bicycle accident in New York City than in a car crash. In fact, behind riding a motorcycle, bicycling is the most dangerous way to get around in New York.
Firstly, a bicyclist has no protection like an automobile passenger. The Centers for Disease Control looked at the number of fatalities from various types of accidents (automobile, pedestrian, bicycle, etc.) and correlated those figures with numbers showing how many trips individuals took on a daily basis. They found that bicycle accidents in New York City are responsible for 500% more fatalities than bus accidents.
There are roughly 2.4 fatal bicycle accidents in New York City per million people per year. Currently there are almost 9 million people in the city. That means every year roughly 20 people will lose their lives while riding to work, on the way home, or simply spinning around the block to get their daily exercise.
Under New York law, a bicyclist is entitled to no-fault benefits from the insurance company for the motor vehicle (not motorcycle) involved in the accident. These benefits are for health related expenses and up to $2,000 a month for lost wages. In addition, if a distracted, reckless, or negligent driver caused the accident, a bicyclist can sue the at fault owner and driver of the motor vehicle for pain and suffering of the injuries sustained in the accident, unpaid medical expenses and past, present and future lost earnings. These two coverage are separate and apart from each other and not dependent on one another as well.
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in New York City, speak with an experienced New York City bicycle accident attorney. The attorneys at the Law offices of Nussin S. Fogel can help you get the financial compensation you deserve. Call for a free consultation at 800-734-9338 or 212-385-1122 right now to learn your rights