Bicyclists are especially vulnerable to severe injuries in accidents, no matter how careful they may be. Even without a helmet, a bicycle accident can cause serious neck and back injuries, fractures, road rash, head trauma and spinal cord injuries, to name just a few of the most devastating types of injuries. When a cyclist is injured by someone else’s careless or reckless behavior, it is important for them to consult an experienced bicycle injury lawyer. This attorney will explain their legal rights, make sure that they receive adequate medical care and obtain maximum compensation for their losses.
Depending on the extent of their injuries, bicycle accident injury lawyer victim may be entitled to damages for present and future medical expenses, lost income, physical therapy costs, property damage, pain and suffering and more. These expenses may include surgeries, hospitalizations, X-rays, physical or occupational therapy and other treatment costs. In addition, those who have sustained permanent, life-altering injuries often require long-term care costs, such as in-home health aides and assisted living facilities.
In some cases, a bicycle accident victim may also be able to recover punitive damages for the defendant’s negligent actions. These damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter others from engaging in similar wrongdoing. This type of damages is usually only available when the at-fault party’s negligence or recklessness is egregious.
When a cyclist is hit by a vehicle, the injured victim will likely be able to recover his or her medical expenses through New York’s no-fault insurance law. However, these payments will only cover a fraction of the injured person’s losses. To recover the rest of the compensation he or she needs, a bicycle injury victim will need to pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver.
An experienced bike accident injury lawyer will examine all aspects of a cyclist’s case and determine if the driver or other parties may be liable. These include private individuals, employers, transit companies, manufacturers of faulty vehicle or bike components, government agencies and more. Regardless of who is held responsible, a cyclist must file his or her claim within a limited amount of time after the accident.
The experienced bicycle accident lawyers at Ahearne Law Firm PLLC can help victims get full and fair compensation for their medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering and more. The firm is based in Queens and provides free consultations to all clients. It also handles nursing home negligence, medical malpractice and product liability claims. It has successfully represented more than 1,000 clients. For more information, A live chat is also available.