A serious bicycle accident in Queens has resulted in critical, life-threatening injuries for one cyclist just hours after two crashes that bumped the number of fatal bicycle accidents in New York City to 17. A rider was struck directly by an SUV while pedaling across Jamaica Avenue, near Woodhaven Boulevard, on July 24th. When EMTs arrived, they found the victim sprawled out on the pavement, bleeding from multiple lacerations. The driver of the Nissan Rogue that struck the cyclist had stayed at the scene and reportedly cooperated with police investigators.
While no official report has been released to the media as yet, visibility could have played a factor in this crash. The collision happed at around 12:30 AM-the middle of the night. Multiple accident studies have revealed that the number of collisions dramatically increases between the hours of 8 PM and 6 AM nationwide. Studies cite visibility (or lack thereof) as a primary contributing factor to the majority of these accidents.
That’s why cycling safety advocates always warn cyclists who ride between dusk and dawn to wear bright or reflective clothing and use lights to make motorists aware of their presence. Indeed, when it comes to avoiding bicycle accidents in New York City, the cyclists themselves should do all that is humanly possible to avoid being struck by a motor vehicle. However, it is still the motorist’s responsibility to see what is there to be seen and avoid striking an innocent bicyclist.
Visibility isn’t the only contributing factor to this overnight spike. It’s important to note that the incidence of intoxicated drivers being involved in collisions also increases as well. Indeed, a Consumer Affairs study revealed that the majority of fatal accidents involving intoxicated drivers occur between the hours of 2 and 3 in the morning.
If you’ve been injured by a careless driver while riding-regardless of the time of day-contact an expert bicycle accident attorney in New York City today to recover the compensation you deserve. Call the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel at 800-734-9338 or 212-385-1122 right now.