If you’ve ever been in a bicycle accident, you know that the injuries can be serious. In some instances, bicycle accidents can even be fatal. Although bicyclists are encouraged to wear helmets, reflective clothing, or other apparel to reduce injuries, they are not always effective. Even the most protected bicyclist can fall vulnerable to injury as a result of a bicycle accident.
Do Bicyclists Have to Follow the Rules of the Road?
In New York, bicyclists are required to follow the same rules of the road as a motorist. Some rules bicycles should follow are:
- They should ride on a path. If a path does not exist, they should ride with traffic near the right-hand curb;
- They should use hand signals when turning or changing speeds;
- They should have or wear equipment/apparel for visibility such as white headlight and red taillight, reflective device(s), and working brakes; and
- Exercise care when traveling alongside motorists.
Who is at fault in a bicycle accident?
Determining fault in a bicycle accident can be tricky. Since bicyclists are required to follow the same rules of the, they may be at fault or partially at fault in an accident. If the victim in a bicycle accident is partly at fault, he or she may recover a reduced settlement. For example, if a cyclist fails to signal or is distracted with cycling, this may be reason to assign some fault to the cyclist. As a result, the total damages he or she may be awarded can be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to the bicyclist. Like other accidents, bicycle accidents are assessed on a case by case basis , so determining fault can be based on the facts of your accident.
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident in New York City, contact our firm today.
If you are in need of experienced legal counsel in regards to a personal injury or workers’ compensation case in New York City, please contact The Law Offices of Jonathan D. Sands and we would be happy to assist you.