Twenty people have died while biking in New York this year. The DOT reports that it’s the deadliest seven months of the year for cyclists in over a decade.
The last time we had this many cyclist deaths was in 2018. The mayor declared an emergency at the time.
Where there are wrongful deaths, there are generally many more injuries. Serious injuries are up by 7.3% over 2022.
What’s causing bicycle accidents in NYC?
There are several common themes in these bicycle accidents.
- Illegal parking in bike lanes. Often, cyclists go too fast to stop when they see an unexpected vehicle in the lane, especially if riding e-bikes. They expect those lanes to be clear, and they have a legal right to that expectation.
- A lack of bike infrastructure or a lack of upkeep for bike lanes.
- Reckless, inattentive, or hostile drivers who don’t like cyclists on the road.
Many collisions occur with SUVs or trucks, which can have catastrophic consequences. Many collisions are also hit-and-run accidents. Even when reckless drivers are caught, few drivers will ever face charges, though their insurance companies may still face lawsuits.
Advice for Cyclists
Take the time to review the steps you should take if you’re injured in a bicycle accident in New York City. Be sure to secure an attorney right away so we can help you identify every responsible party and hold them accountable. The sooner, the better: if you are dealing with a hit-and-run driver or need to sue the city, you’ll have to meet deadlines to secure any compensation.
Wear a helmet, follow safety rules, and stay alert for potential obstacles. In congested areas, it may be wiser to slow down. We aren’t blaming cyclists for accidents, but it never hurts to take precautions wherever possible. Taking habitual precautions may also help you in the event that the other party tries to blame you for your own accident.
Get Help Today
If you or a loved one has been killed in a New York City cycling accident, call our office to get help today. We’ve helped hundreds of New Yorkers win their wrongful death and personal injury lawsuits, and we can help you, too.
Call now to schedule a free consultation.
