Brooklyn Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Key Takeaways:

• Legal help can significantly maximize your case value.
• Victims may be entitled to various forms of compensation.
• Call (646) 647-3398 For A Free Case Evaluation.

How The Orlow Firm Maximizes Your Bicycle Accident Case

At The Orlow Firm, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a bicycle accident can take on you and your family. We are here to provide comprehensive legal support tailored to your unique situation. Here’s how we can help maximize your Brooklyn bicycle accident case.

In-depth Case Evaluation: The first step in your journey to justice starts with a comprehensive case evaluation. During this process, our skilled Brooklyn Bicycle Accidents Lawyers will assess the details of your accident to determine the strength of your case, potential defendants, and the types of compensation you may be entitled to.

Evidence Collection: To build a strong case, gathering sufficient evidence is crucial. This can include police reports, medical records, and eyewitness testimony. We also collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists to create a compelling narrative of the events leading up to the accident.

Skilled Negotiation: Our team possesses sharp negotiation skills that can help you secure an advantageous settlement. We strive to ensure that you’re fairly compensated for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other costs related to the accident.

Litigation Support: If your case cannot be resolved through settlement negotiations, we are prepared to go to trial. Our Brooklyn Bicycle Accidents Lawyers have a proven track record in the courtroom, ensuring your case is presented in the most effective manner possible.

Client-Centric Approach: At The Orlow Firm, our clients come first. We keep you informed throughout the legal process and make sure to answer any questions you may have. Our commitment to excellent client service ensures that you’re not just another case number, but a valued member of our legal family.

No Upfront Costs: We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront legal fees. We only get paid if you win your case, ensuring our goals are perfectly aligned with yours—to maximize your compensation.

Expert Witnesses: Our network of expert witnesses can be invaluable in making your case. From medical professionals to traffic safety experts, we have access to individuals who can provide impactful testimony in your favor.

Familiarity with Local Laws: Understanding Brooklyn’s specific bicycle laws and regulations can be a significant advantage. Our local expertise allows us to navigate the complexities of the New York legal system efficiently.

Strategic Partnerships: We often collaborate with other experts in various fields, from healthcare providers to financial analysts, to offer you the most well-rounded and robust case representation possible.

If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a bicycle accident in Brooklyn, don’t hesitate to take action. Call (646) 647-3398 today for a free case evaluation. Your path to justice and fair compensation starts with The Orlow Firm.

What New York Bicycle Accident Victims Can Be Compensated For

If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident in Brooklyn, understanding the types of compensation you may be entitled to can offer a semblance of relief during a distressing time. The legal term for this compensation is “damages,” which can be categorized into economic and non-economic damages. At The Orlow Firm, we strive to secure the maximum compensation for all the damages you’ve incurred. Here’s a detailed look at what you could be compensated for:

Economic Damages

Medical Expenses: This covers all healthcare costs associated with your injuries, from immediate emergency care to long-term medical treatments like physical therapy. In more severe cases, it may also include modifications to your home, such as wheelchair ramps.

Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from returning to work, either temporarily or permanently, you can be compensated for the wages you’ve lost and might lose in the future.

Property Damage: If your bicycle or any other personal property was damaged in the accident, you could be reimbursed for repairs or the item’s replacement value.

Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Any miscellaneous costs like transportation to medical appointments, prescription costs, or the hiring of in-home care can also be part of your compensation package.

Non-Economic Damages

Pain and Suffering: This compensation accounts for the physical pain, as well as emotional and psychological trauma, you’ve undergone due to the accident. Calculating these damages can be complex, as they do not have a direct financial value.

Emotional Distress: Emotional distress may include anxiety, depression, or more severe psychological issues caused by the accident or your injuries.

Loss of Consortium: If your injuries have significantly impacted your relationship with your spouse or family, you may be entitled to damages for loss of companionship, love, and support.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from enjoying activities that you used to love, you may be compensated for this loss of enjoyment.

Loss of Future Earnings: In severe cases where injuries might impair your ability to work and earn a living in the future, compensation may be provided to account for these long-term financial losses.

Punitive Damages: In instances where the defendant’s behavior was especially negligent or malicious, the court might award punitive damages as a form of punishment and to deter such behavior in the future.

Your legal journey towards fair compensation starts with a free case evaluation at The Orlow Firm. Call (646) 647-3398 to take the first step in securing the financial compensation you deserve.

Determining Legal Liability in New York Bicycle Accidents

Determining legal responsibility, also known as liability, in a Brooklyn bicycle accident can be a complex process. Multiple parties could be involved, and identifying who is at fault is critical for obtaining fair compensation. At The Orlow Firm, our Brooklyn Bicycle Accidents Lawyers are well-versed in investigating and establishing liability in such cases.

Most commonly, the driver of the motor vehicle involved in the accident is found to be at fault. This could be due to a variety of negligent behaviors, such as speeding, distracted driving, running a red light, or failing to yield the right of way to the bicyclist. In these scenarios, the driver would be held legally responsible for the damages incurred.

However, liability isn’t always straightforward and could extend beyond the driver. For instance, if the driver was operating a company vehicle at the time of the accident, the employer could also share in the responsibility. In cases where the accident occurred due to a vehicle defect, the manufacturer or distributor of the defective part could be held liable.

Road conditions can also play a significant role in bicycle accidents. If poor road maintenance, such as potholes or lack of proper signage, contributed to the accident, the governmental agency responsible for road upkeep could be held accountable.

In some cases, even the cyclist could be found partially at fault, such as if they were riding against traffic or disobeying traffic laws. New York follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule, which means that the amount of compensation you may receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Additionally, multiple parties could share liability. For example, if a driver swerves to avoid a pedestrian who suddenly steps into the road and hits a cyclist, both the driver and the pedestrian could potentially be held liable.

Understanding and establishing liability requires meticulous investigation and a deep understanding of New York’s personal injury laws. Our Brooklyn Bicycle Accidents Lawyers are committed to thoroughly investigating every angle of your case to establish fault and secure the maximum compensation you are entitled to.

For a detailed evaluation of your case and to understand who could be legally responsible for your bicycle accident in Brooklyn, call (646) 647-3398 today for a free consultation.

Common Types of Injuries in Brooklyn Bicycle Accidents

When you’re involved in a bicycle accident in Brooklyn, the range of potential injuries you could sustain is vast. Due to the limited protection that a bicycle provides, these injuries can range from minor scrapes to life-altering conditions. Regardless of the severity, medical attention is crucial, and legal representation can help you navigate the complexities of personal injury law. At The Orlow Firm, we have extensive experience in dealing with all types of injuries related to bicycle accidents, and we’re committed to helping you secure the compensation you deserve.

1. Fractures and Broken Bones: A common outcome in bicycle accidents, fractures can occur in the arms, legs, collarbone, or even the skull. They can range from simple fractures to complex ones requiring surgical intervention.
2. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Even with a helmet, the force of impact can cause significant brain injuries, leading to cognitive deficits, memory loss, and long-term care needs.
3. Spinal Cord Injuries: Such injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, affecting the victim’s ability to work or perform daily activities.
4. Lacerations and Abrasions: These can lead to scars and infections if not treated promptly and properly.
5. Soft Tissue Injuries: Includes sprains, strains, and torn ligaments which can take weeks or months to heal and may require physical therapy.
6. Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs such as the kidneys, spleen, or liver can result from the force of impact and may require immediate surgical intervention.
7. Facial and Dental Injuries: These can range from minor scrapes to more serious issues like broken jaws or lost teeth.
8. Emotional and Psychological Trauma: The emotional scars left by a serious bicycle accident can be as debilitating as physical injuries, requiring therapy or psychiatric treatment.
9. Road Rash: Occurs when a cyclist skids across the pavement, removing layers of skin and potentially leading to severe infections if not treated.
10. Death: In the most severe cases, bicycle accidents can result in fatal injuries, affecting not only the victim but also their family and loved ones.

The aftermath of a bicycle accident can be a harrowing experience, especially when dealing with severe injuries. Immediate medical care is crucial for your well-being and for the success of any legal action you choose to take. At The Orlow Firm, our Brooklyn Bicycle Accidents Lawyers are adept at handling cases that involve a broad spectrum of injuries. We can guide you through the complicated process of claims, medical examinations, and legal proceedings, helping you to get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. To discuss your case in detail, call (646) 647-3398 today for a free consultation.

Common Types of Bicycle Accidents in Brooklyn, New York

When you’re on a bike in Brooklyn, you’re navigating a complex environment teeming with motorists, pedestrians, and other cyclists. Understanding common scenarios in which bicycle accidents occur can help you remain vigilant and may even aid in your legal case should an unfortunate event occur. The Orlow Firm’s Brooklyn Bicycle Accidents Lawyers have experience handling a variety of accident scenarios, and we are well-equipped to represent you in any of these situations.

Intersection Accidents: One of the most common types of bicycle accidents happens at intersections where either the motorist or the cyclist fails to yield the right of way, or when signals and signs are ignored.

Doorings: These occur when a car’s door is suddenly opened in the path of an oncoming cyclist, causing the cyclist to crash into it. This is a frequent problem in busy city streets with parallel parking.

Hit and Runs: Sadly, some drivers leave the scene of the accident without stopping, making it crucial to gather as much evidence as possible immediately following the event.

Side-Swiping: In tight lanes or heavy traffic, a motorist might not give a cyclist adequate space, causing the cyclist to be side-swiped or pushed off the road.

Rear-End Collisions: These happen when a vehicle crashes into the back of a bicycle, often because the driver was not paying attention or misjudged the speed of the cyclist.

Left or Right Hook Accidents: These accidents happen when a motorist turns directly in front of a cyclist who is going straight, causing the cyclist to crash into the side of the vehicle.

Biking in Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, debris, or inadequate signage can lead to accidents, in which case a municipal body may share some liability.

Accidents with Pedestrians: Although less common, cyclists can also collide with pedestrians, especially in crowded or shared spaces like crosswalks and bike lanes.

Vehicle Blind Spots: Larger vehicles like trucks and buses have significant blind spots where the driver may not be able to see a cyclist, leading to serious accidents, especially while turning.

Nighttime Accidents: Reduced visibility during nighttime or poor weather conditions can contribute to accidents if cyclists are not adequately illuminated.

Understanding these common scenarios allows you to be more prepared and cautious when riding your bike in Brooklyn. In the unfortunate event that you do find yourself involved in an accident, The Orlow Firm can provide the legal expertise needed to navigate the complexities of personal injury law in New York. Call (646) 647-3398 for a free case evaluation and to understand your rights and options in the wake of a bicycle accident.

Relevant New York Laws for Bicycle Accidents

Navigating the legal landscape following a bicycle accident in Brooklyn can be daunting, but knowing the relevant laws can empower you in your quest for justice. The Orlow Firm’s Brooklyn Bicycle Accidents Lawyers are well-versed in New York State’s laws governing bicycle accidents and can guide you through the complex legal process.

New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Article 34: This section of the law specifically addresses the rights and duties of people riding bicycles. It covers basic rules like riding on the right-hand side of the road, obeying traffic signals, and yielding to pedestrians.

Local Traffic Laws: Local municipalities, including Brooklyn, may have their own traffic laws that pertain to cyclists. Understanding these local ordinances can be crucial for establishing liability in an accident.

Safe Passing Laws: New York State law mandates that a motor vehicle must pass a bicycle at a “safe distance” but does not specify what that distance should be. However, it’s generally accepted to be at least three feet.

Helmet Laws: While New York State law does not require adults to wear helmets, it is mandatory for children under the age of 14. However, wearing a helmet could potentially influence the outcome of a personal injury claim.

Bicycles as Vehicles: According to New York law, bicycles are considered vehicles, which means cyclists are required to adhere to the same rules of the road as motorists, including obeying traffic lights and signs.

Ride in a Bicycle Lane: When a bicycle lane is provided, cyclists are required to use it. Failure to do so can affect liability in an accident.

No Riding on Sidewalks: In most of New York City, including Brooklyn, riding a bicycle on a sidewalk is generally illegal unless the rider is age 12 or younger and the bicycle’s wheels are less than 26 inches in diameter.

Riding Two Abreast: Cyclists are generally permitted to ride two abreast in New York, but they cannot impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic and must move into a single-file line when being overtaken by other vehicles.

Rear and Front Lights: Cyclists are required to have a white front light and a red rear light visible from at least 500 feet away when riding between dusk and dawn.

Knowing these laws can significantly impact the outcome of a bicycle accident case in Brooklyn. Violating any of these could potentially affect your claim, making it crucial to consult with qualified Brooklyn Bicycle Accidents Lawyers to guide you. To discuss your case and understand how these laws apply to you, call (646) 647-3398 for a free case evaluation.

Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accidents in New York

In the aftermath of a bicycle accident in Brooklyn, it’s crucial to act promptly not just for medical treatment but also to secure your legal rights. New York State has specific deadlines, known as the statute of limitations, that govern how much time you have to file a lawsuit. For personal injury cases, including bicycle accidents, the statute of limitations is generally three years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline usually means forfeiting your right to seek any legal remedy. However, if your case involves a government entity, such as the city of New York, the timeframe is significantly shorter. In such cases, you have 90 days to file a notice of claim and one year and 90 days to file a lawsuit.

It’s essential to note that these deadlines can be affected by various factors. For instance, if the victim is a minor, the statute of limitations may be extended. Or if the victim didn’t discover the injury right away, the clock might start ticking from the ‘date of discovery’ of the injury rather than the date of the accident itself.

Because the rules around statutes of limitations are complex and the consequences of missing a deadline are severe, it’s advisable to consult with a legal expert as soon as possible. The Orlow Firm’s Brooklyn Bicycle Accidents Lawyers can help you navigate these tight deadlines, ensuring that your claim is filed in a timely and correct manner. In order to preserve your rights and get the best outcome in your case, don’t hesitate to seek legal advice as quickly as possible. Call (646) 647-3398 for a free case evaluation to discuss your options and plan your next steps.

Preventing Bicycle Accidents in Brooklyn: Tips and Guidelines

Taking precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety while cycling in Brooklyn’s bustling streets. One of the best ways to prevent bicycle accidents is to make yourself visible. This means wearing bright, reflective clothing and making sure your bike is equipped with proper lighting, especially if you’re riding at night or in low-light conditions. Well-placed mirrors can also help you keep tabs on approaching traffic, making it easier to anticipate and avoid potential collisions.

Understanding road signs and signals is crucial not only for motorists but also for cyclists. Adhering to the rules of the road can help you avoid unexpected situations that often lead to accidents. Always use hand signals when you’re planning to make a turn, and make eye contact with drivers whenever possible to confirm they’ve seen you. This kind of non-verbal communication can go a long way in avoiding mishaps.

Another critical factor is situational awareness. The streets of Brooklyn are often filled with cars, pedestrians, and other cyclists, each with their own patterns and behaviors. Being alert to your surroundings and anticipating others’ actions can give you the extra seconds you need to avoid an accident. Additionally, avoid distractions like listening to music or using a cell phone while riding.

Proper bike maintenance also plays a vital role in preventing accidents. Regularly inspect your bike for any wear and tear, especially the brakes and tires, as these are crucial for maintaining control of your bicycle. A well-maintained bike is far less likely to malfunction and cause an accident.

While helmets may not prevent accidents, they can certainly mitigate the severity of injuries. New York law mandates that children under 14 must wear helmets, but it’s a good practice for cyclists of all ages.

Being cautious near larger vehicles like trucks and buses is particularly important, as these have larger blind spots where a cyclist can easily go unnoticed. When riding near these vehicles, try to stay ahead or behind rather than alongside them.

Even with all these precautions, accidents can still happen, and if they do, you’ll want a competent legal team on your side. The Orlow Firm’s Brooklyn Bicycle Accidents Lawyers are experts in this field and can help you navigate the complexities of the law if you find yourself in such an unfortunate situation. To discuss your options and understand what steps you should take next, call (646) 647-3398 for a free case evaluation.

Additional Resources for Brooklyn Bicycle Accident Victims

While our primary aim at The Orlow Firm is to provide you with comprehensive legal support, we also understand the value of additional information. The following resources can help you better understand bicycle safety and the broader landscape of cycling in Brooklyn and New York City. For personalized advice tailored to your specific situation, call (646) 647-3398 for a free case evaluation.

New York Vehicle and Traffic Laws: The official New York State Legislature website offers a searchable database of all state laws, including those pertaining to bicycles.

Bike New York: This non-profit organization offers free bike education programs and organizes community rides. Learn more at Bike New York’s website.

Vision Zero: A New York City initiative aimed at reducing traffic-related injuries and deaths. The Vision Zero website provides updates on safety measures being implemented. Visit Vision Zero for more information.

Citi Bike: If you’re new to cycling in the city or are considering taking it up, the Citi Bike website provides essential information on bike-sharing programs available in Brooklyn and other boroughs.

NYC 311: For reporting hazardous road conditions, 311 can be a helpful resource. You can visit their website or use their mobile app to file a report.

Streetsblog NYC: For the latest news on cycling and transportation policies in New York City, visit Streetsblog NYC.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – Bicycle Safety: For general safety tips and practices, visit the NHTSA Bicycle Safety page.

If you find yourself in need of legal assistance following a bicycle accident in Brooklyn, The Orlow Firm is here to help. We can guide you through the complexities of the law to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Call (646) 647-3398 for a free case evaluation.

Why Choose The Orlow Firm?