New York Injury Talk Blog

With the exception of a few particular clauses, bicyclists in New York are governed by the same traffic laws as different vehicle drivers. The following are a few rules to remember as issued by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT).

• Bicyclists are expected to adhere to all traffic signs and lights. Riders are required to properly gesture when making a turn, regardless of whether or not the terrain is a designated bike path or lane or a common roadway. Motorists are required to apply the same rules as they would for other vehicles on the road (with respect to turning, yielding, etc, as well as additional caution due to the vulnerable nature of bicycle riders.)
• Riders who break traffic laws can be issued tickets. If the rider is a minor, parents may be held accountable for violations.
• Bicycle riders can legally ride on the majority of public roads. However, they are not allowed on expressways, interstate highways and other large designated thoroughfares. It’s best to research or inquire if there’s doubt regarding a particular stretch of road.
• For the most part, bicyclists are required to stay off pedestrian sidewalks. This is determined by local municipalities though, and some do allow children to ride on sidewalks. As a good rule of thumb, its best stay off sidewalks due to safety hazards, regardless of the law restrictions.
• Bike riders are required to ride in the direction the traffic is moving. Riders moving in opposition to traffic is the leading cause of bike accidents on the road. Riding with the flow of cars gives bikers added visibility, makes maneuvers easier to anticipate and gives motor vehicle drivers more time to react.

If you’ve been injured in a highway accident involving a bicyclist that you believe to be the fault of the other party, contact the New York bicycle accident lawyers with Wingate, Rusotti & Shapiro, LLP at 212-986-7353 to speak with an attorney today.

A delivery truck struck and killed a 29-year-old male bicyclist in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn last week, as reported by the New York Daily News. The accident, which occurred at approximately 8:30 am on August 2, happened when the cyclist allegedly attempted, by too narrow of a margin, to pass the truck that was making a right turn, officials and eye witnesses reported. The bicyclist was struck by the truck’s front bumper and rolled under the vehicle; he died instantly.

The driver of the truck was not aware the he’d hit the cyclist until he was waved down and informed of the situation a few hundred feet down the road. Upon reviewing video footage of the incident captured by a security camera, police sources claimed that the truck had been moving extremely slow, the bicyclist was at fault for making a reckless maneuver, and the truck driver (who was taken to Wyckoff Heights Medical Center for elevated blood pressure and a panic attack due to shock after the accident) would not be indicted.

The tragic accident marks New York City’s third bicyclist death in approximately one month. On July 3, a 7-ton mail truck hit and killed a woman in Midtown, while another crash claimed a male cyclist’s life near West Broadway and Canal.

Far too often, accidents involving trucks are caused by negligent operation or maintenance of these large commercial vehicles. Truck driver fatigue, drug use, or components such as worn brakes, are responsible for many injury and fatal accidents involving bicycles and various motor vehicles. Call the New York City bicycle accident attorneys at Wingate, Rusotti & Shapiro, LLP at 212-986-7353 if you or a family member has been injured in an accident involving a motor vehicle. We can build a strong case on your behalf.

New York City’s Central and Prospect Parks have a regular traffic combination of walkers, runners, bicyclists, and, at the proper times, cars. However, pedestrians and bicyclists may have Central and Prospect Parks all to themselves if the recently introduced legislation by Councilwoman Gale Brewer passes.

According to NBCNewYork.com, the proposal would ban motor vehicle traffic from the six-mile loop in Manhattan’s Central Park, and the inside loop of Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, in an effort to increase the amount of space and to increase pedestrian and cyclist safety. Although motor vehicles are currently only allowed in Prospect Park for 4 hours throughout the day (7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.), those hours coincide with the before-work or after-work walk, run, or bike that many people take; thus the limited hours don’t do much for the safety of the active walkers, joggers, bikers, and inline skaters of the city.

According to a study performed by Transportation Alternatives, Central Park’s traffic volume has been found to be the lowest it has ever been, as opposed to the increasing recreational demands. The increase in recreational activities means a larger number of pedestrians and bicyclists, which, in turn, would result in more pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents in New York should motor vehicles be allowed to continue using the Central Park loop.

Almost 50 percent of New York’s transportation-related deaths are caused by pedestrian accidents, according to a decade-long study by the New York City Department of Transportation. In a city such as New York, where there is an inordinate amount of foot traffic, it is essential that any and all measures are taken to ensure pedestrian safety. If you or a loved one are a victim of a New York pedestrian accident, a dedicated personal injury attorney can provide you with the legal advice you need.

The experienced Manhattan pedestrian accident lawyers of Wingate, Rusotti & Shapiro, LLP, have successfully handled various pedestrian injury cases. Our attorneys will work diligently to recover any losses or damages you or a loved one have suffered because of your injury. Call today for a free consultation at 1-212-222-4336.

A Clifton woman was killed in a Brooklyn bicycle accident when a motorist opened her car door into the path of the bicyclist. The bicycle rider was thrown off of her bike and into the path of a city bus. This fatal crash took place on Atlantic Avenue near Washington Avenue the evening of September 11, 2010. According to a report on SILive.com, the 24-year-old motorist has been charged with driving on a suspended license and violating New York law that regulates the opening and closing of car doors.

New York State traffic laws state that, "No person shall open the door of a motor vehicle on the side available to moving traffic unless and until it is reasonably safe to do so, and can be done without interfering with the movement of other traffic, nor shall any person leave a door open on the side of a vehicle available to moving traffic for a period of time longer than necessary to load or unload passengers." Drivers who fail to look for bicyclists may be held liable for the damage they cause.

The family of a victim killed in a bicycle accident may file what is known as a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party. New York wrongful death claims seek compensation for medical and funeral expenses, lost future income, loss of love and companionship and other related damages. If you or a loved one has been injured in an bicycle accident, please contact the experienced New York wrongful death lawyers at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro LLP at 212-986-7353 for a no-cost consultation.

A 12-year-old Sandy Creek boy was hit and injured by a car that officials say was driven by a suspected drunk driver. According to a news report in The Post-Standard, the boy sustained injuries which were considered non-life threatening. Police are currently investigating the New York bicycle accident. Officials say they suspect the involvement of alcohol, but no charges have been filed yet.

Alcohol is a common contributing factor in many bicycle and auto accidents. Drivers under the influence of drugs and alcohol endanger everyone around them. It is fortunate that the injuries in this case are considered non-life threatening. Often when a drunk driver collides with a bicyclist, the results are catastrophic. Victims of serious bicycle accidents often suffer brain trauma, spinal cord injuries and broken bones. Many of these injuries can be life-altering and tend to be extremely costly. In New York, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level for 0.08 percent or higher.

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