An elderly man was killed in a bicycle accident in Manhattan last week. This is the second such fatal bike crash in Chelsea involving a charter bus in as many weeks. (Earlier this month a 36-year-old investment banker was killed while riding a Citi Bike through the neighborhood.) In this case, 80-year-old Michael Mamoukakis was riding south along Seventh Avenue when he was struck by a bus at the intersection of West 29th Street.
When interviewed after the crash, the bus driver didn’t recall seeing the victim but did remember hearing a loud thud. She brought the bus to a stop shortly thereafter because at least one passenger was yelling that a man had been struck.
Bystanders tried to assist the victim, who was still alive immediately after the accident. When emergency responders arrived, they took him to a nearby hospital but his wounds were too severe for him to overcome.
This fatal bike accident in New York City clearly illustrates the danger that cyclists and pedestrians are in every day. Large vehicles like buses and commercial trucks have substantial blind spots that unless a driver is fully trained, alert, and watchful they can drive right over a victim without even knowing it. Sometimes the drivers don’t even stop unless a witness to the crash flags them down. However, under the wrong circumstances, the accident might be blamed on the bicyclist. It is important, therefore, that a thorough investigation is conducted as soon as possible after the accident so that the fault of the accident be put squarely on the at-fault parties.
Bicyclists should keep in mind that under New York law, they are treated like pedestrians and are entitled to no-fault benefits (hospital and medical coverage and lost income) from the insurance company for the vehicle that struck them.
If you’ve been injured while riding your bicycle, get an experienced New York City bicycle accident attorney on your side today. Call The Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel at 800-734-9338 or 212-385-1122 right now.