Unfortunately, bicycle accidents are all too common and can result in serious injuries and even fatalities. In New York, where biking is a popular form of transportation and recreation, the risk of being involved in a bicycle accident is even greater.
At The Law Offices of Joseph J. Perrini, III, we understand the devastating impact that a bicycle accident can have on your life and the lives of your loved ones. That’s why we are committed to providing legal representation and support to victims of bicycle accidents in New York.
We believe that understanding the risks associated with biking in New York is crucial for promoting safety and preventing accidents.
If you are injured in a bicycle accident, contact our legal team for help and information on filing a claim and recovering the compensation you are entitled to.
New York Bicycle Accident Statistics
New York is a bustling city with a population of over 8 million people, and it’s no surprise that bicycling is a popular mode of transportation for many residents. However, bicycle accidents are unfortunately common with many vehicles on the road. Consider these bicycle accident statistics:
- In 2020, there were 4,143 reported bicycle accidents in New York City alone.
- These accidents resulted in 29 fatalities and 4,000 injuries, many of which were serious.
- Most bicycle accidents in New York occur in Manhattan, followed by Brooklyn and Queens.
- Driver distraction and inattention are the most common causes of bicycle accidents in New York.
- Other common causes of bicycle accidents include failure to yield, following too closely, and improper passing.
These statistics paint a sobering picture of cyclists’ risks on New York roads. However, it’s important to remember that these accidents are preventable, and with the right precautions, cyclists can reduce their risk of being involved in an accident.
Common Injuries Sustained in New York Bicycle Accidents
While several types of injuries may occur if you are involved in a bicycle accident, some of the most common are highlighted here.
Head Injuries
Head injuries can range from mild to severe and can have long-lasting consequences. Some common types of head injuries sustained in bicycle accidents include:
- Concussions: Concussions are traumatic brain injuries caused by your brain being shaken in your skull. Symptoms of a concussion can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and difficulty concentrating.
- Skull fractures: A skull fracture occurs when one or more bones are broken. This can be a serious injury and may require surgery to repair.
- Traumatic brain injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) occur when a sudden impact or jolt damages the brain. TBIs can have a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, and can have lasting effects on cognitive function, memory, and motor skills.
Head injuries in bicycle accidents can be caused by several factors, including:
- Failure to wear a helmet: Not wearing a helmet can increase the risk of head injuries in the event of an accident.
- Collisions with motor vehicles: Motor vehicles are a leading cause of bicycle accidents, and collisions with cars, trucks, or buses can result in serious head injuries.
- Falls: Falls from a bicycle, whether due to road conditions, obstacles, or other factors, can also result in head injuries.
The symptoms and consequences of head injuries can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Mild head injuries may result in headaches, dizziness, and nausea, while more severe injuries can result in cognitive impairment, memory loss, and physical disabilities. In some cases, head injuries can be fatal.
Fractures
Fractures, or broken bones, are common injuries sustained in bicycle accidents. Some common types of fractures include:
- Compound fractures: A compound fracture occurs when the bone breaks through the skin. This can increase the risk of infection and may require surgery to repair.
- Greenstick fractures: A greenstick fracture occurs when the bone bends and cracks but does not completely break. This fracture type is more common in children whose bones are still developing.
- Hairline fractures: A hairline fracture is a small crack in the bone that may not be visible on an x-ray. This fracture type can be difficult to diagnose and may require additional testing.
Fractures in bicycle accidents can be caused by several factors, including:
- Collisions with motor vehicles: Motor vehicles are a leading cause of bicycle accidents, and collisions with cars, trucks, or buses can result in serious fractures.
- Falls: Falls from a bicycle, whether due to road conditions, obstacles, or other factors, can also result in fractures.
- Overuse injuries: Overuse injuries, such as stress fractures, can occur in cyclists who ride frequently and for long distances.
The symptoms and consequences of fractures can vary depending on the location and severity of the fracture. Some common symptoms of fractures include pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected limb. In some cases, fractures may require surgery to repair, and may result in long-term disabilities or complications.
Road Rash
Road rash is an injury that occurs when the skin is scraped or abraded against a rough surface, such as pavement or concrete. In bicycle accidents, road rash is a common injury ranging from mild to severe.
Road rash in bicycle accidents can be caused by several factors, including:
- Falls: Falls from a bicycle, whether due to road conditions, obstacles, or other factors, can result in road rash.
- Collisions with motor vehicles: Collisions with cars, trucks, or buses can also result in road rash.
- Failure to wear protective clothing: Failure to wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves or pants, can increase the risk of road rash in the event of an accident.
The symptoms and consequences of road rash can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Mild road rash may result in redness, swelling, and pain, while more severe road rash can result in deep cuts, skin loss, and scarring.
In addition, road rash can increase the risk of infection and may require medical attention, including cleaning and dressing the wound.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are serious injuries that can result in long-term disability or paralysis. Some common types of spinal cord injuries sustained in bicycle accidents include:
- Herniated discs: This injury occurs when a disc between your spine’s vertebrae slips out of place or ruptures. It can increase the pressure on your spinal cord and cause pain, numbness in your limbs, and weakness.
- Spinal fractures: Spinal fractures can occur when the bones in the spine are broken or cracked. This can be a serious injury and may require surgery to repair.
- Spinal cord contusions: A spinal cord contusion occurs when the spinal cord is bruised or damaged due to an impact or jolt. This can result in pain, numbness, or loss of limb sensation.
Spinal cord injuries in bicycle accidents can be caused by several factors, including:
- Collisions with motor vehicles: Motor vehicles are a leading cause of bicycle accidents, and collisions with cars, trucks, or buses can result in serious spinal cord injuries.
- Falls: Falls from a bicycle, whether due to road conditions, obstacles, or other factors, can also result in spinal cord injuries.
The symptoms and consequences of spinal cord injuries can vary depending on the severity and location of the injury. Some common symptoms of spinal cord injuries include pain, numbness, weakness, or loss of sensation in the limbs. In more severe cases, spinal cord injuries can result in paralysis or loss of motor function.
Our Legal Team Can Help You Get the Compensation You Deserve After a Bicycle Accident
If you are injured in a bicycle accident, contact our legal team at The Law Office of Joseph J. Perrini, III. We can help investigate the cause of the accident and recover a fair amount of compensation on your behalf.
