Everyone knows how dangerous bicycling is in New York City. When a bicyclist is injured in an accident because a driver was negligent, he or she is entitled to compensation and should speak as quickly as possible to a New York bicycle accident attorney at the Mark E. Seitelman Law Offices.

What safety measures can bicyclists take to reduce bicycle accidents and injuries in New York? It’s an important question, and not only for your health and physical safety.

While you’re bicycling in New York, if you’re involved in an accident with a negligent driver, any liability on your part can reduce the amount of compensation that you’ll be entitled to receive.

What Is Pure Comparative Fault?

New York personal injury cases operate under the state’s “pure” comparative fault law. Both parties in a personal injury lawsuit may seek to recover compensation, even when one side is 99 percent at-fault.

This means that a New York court will reduce the compensation you receive in proportion to your percentage of fault for the accident. For example, if your damages are calculated at $10,000, but a jury finds that you were 20 percent at fault for an accident, your damages will be reduced 20 percent to $8,000.

So along with the safety and health reasons, there are good legal reasons why it’s so important for bicyclists to obey the rules of the road and ride as safely as possible.

Consider These Safety Suggestions

Bicyclists should also consider these basic safety suggestions, and parents, of course, should ensure that their children adhere to these recommendations:

  • Obey the rules of the road as if you were operating an automobile. Ride as closely to the right curb as is safe and practical.
  • Make sure your bike and equipment fit you. Wear a helmet that’s stable, snug, level, and comfortable. Adjust the seat and handlebars until you’re comfortable and feel in control.
  • Keep both hands on the handlebars as far as possible. Use a backpack or basket to transport items. A bicycle is difficult to control if there’s too much weight on one side.
  • Check your tire pressure and brakes weekly.
  • Avoid bicycling at night. If you do ride after dark, you can’t have too many reflectors or lights on your bicycle. Brightly-colored clothing also increases your visibility.
  • No drinking before bicycling. Alcohol substantially increases the likelihood of a bicycle accident, and if you’re intoxicated, you’ll probably be considered at-fault.

After a Bicycle Accident

If you’ve been injured by a negligent motorist while you were bicycling in New York City, your initial legal consultation with a Manhattan bicycle accident attorney is provided at no cost and with no obligation. Your attorney will help you determine if you should file a personal injury claim.

Bicyclists who have been injured by negligent drivers owe no attorney’s fee to the Mark E. Seitelman Law Offices unless and until we recover the compensation you need and win the justice you deserve.

In or near New York City, if you’ve been injured by a negligent motorist while bicycling, call the Mark E. Seitelman Law Offices now to learn more about your rights or to begin the personal injury process.