According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the first motor vehicle accident in the United States occurred in New York City in 1896, when an automobile collided with a bicyclist.  By 2007, bicyclists accounted for 13% of all non-occupant traffic fatalities in the United States.

According to the Bicycle Safety Helmet Institute, head injuries account for more than 60% of bicycle related deaths, and non-helmeted riders are 14 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than helmeted drivers.

Even the most careful bicyclist may not be able to avoid a collision with a motor vehicle. Many of these accidents are caused by the motorist’s failure to yield, turning or merging into the path of the bicyclist, or misjudging the space needed to overtake the bicyclist.  While many municipalities have constructed special bike lanes to accommodate the increasing number of bicycles on the road, many motorists fail to respect the bicyclists’ right to share the road. In fact, many states require bicyclists and motorists to observe the same rules of the road.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a bicycle accident, it is important to seek legal assistance from a qualified attorney as soon as possible. We’ll act quickly, and take the steps necessary to protect your rights.

Please contact us for a free consultation. We’re available at our New York and New Jersey offices to answer your questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.