A terrifying bicycle accident in the Bronx left a bicyclist seriously injured and recovering in a nearby hospital earlier this month. The victim was riding near the intersection of Rosedale Avenue and Bruckner Boulevard at approximately 10 AM on the morning of September 4th when they were struck from behind. The car (and at fault driver) sped away from the scene but the unconscious cyclist was spotted by a Good Samaritan who called EMTs. When crews arrived, they found the seriously-injured individual lying on the ground alive but unresponsive next to the wreckage of their mangled bicycle.
They stabilized the cyclist at the scene and took them to the closest hospital. A media report suggests the individual was suffering from a broken arm and a broken leg but if they were unconscious at the time the EMTs arrived, that could suggest possible head injuries or even Traumatic Brain Injury—which could have long lasting, lifelong consequences.
In this hit and run situation, the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVIAC), a NYS agency, acts as the insurer for the runaway car; meaning that MVIAC will pay no-faults benefits (health related expenses and lost wages) and can be sued in place of the runaway car, keeping in mind that negligence on the part of the runaway car will still have to be proven, like in all other accident cases.
While NYC has spent millions of dollars in an effort to improve the safety of its streets for cyclists and pedestrians, this particular stretch of road does not yet have a bike lane. Indeed, even with dedicated bike lanes, accidents like this will continue to happen when driver shirk their legally mandated duty to drive with care and put the safety of pedestrians and cyclists as a top priority.
If you’ve been injured by a careless driver while riding in the city, contact an expert New York City bicycle accident attorney today to get the compensation you deserve. Call the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel at 800-734-9338 or 212-385-1122 today.