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Recovering from a bicycle accident

New Yorkers use many different types of transportation to get around, including bicycles. While bicycles are a healthy, environmentally friendly form of transportation, bicyclists usually suffer serious injuries when they are involved in a bicycle accident with a vehicle.

Living in a busy area like New York puts you at an increased risk of a bicycle accident, with statistics showing that most bicycle accident fatalities occur in urban areas. Additionally, over half of bicycle deaths happen away from intersections, where speeding is more likely.

Tips for preventing a bicycle accident

There are many things you can do to reduce your chance of being in a bicycle accident, such as always wearing a helmet and bright or reflective clothing, using hand signals when you are turning and following all bicycle laws.

No matter how safe you are, you may be the victim of a bicycle accident if a drunk, distracted or speeding driver crashes into you.

Another factor involved is the unfortunate fact that some drivers do not believe bicyclists have the same rights on the road as they do, and drive aggressively around bicyclists, causing an accident.

What to do after a bicycle accident

Injuries from a bicycle accident are usually severe, due to the difference in size and weight between vehicles and bicycles. After a bicycle accident, you likely have a long, hard road ahead of you to recovery.

You should immediately seek medical treatment and follow all of your medical providers’ instructions. While you recuperate, you might be out of work and suffer both physically and mentally, as you watch your medical expenses pile up.

Compensation for these losses can be recovered through a personal injury claim alleging that the driver was negligent. You must prove all of the elements of negligence, which can be challenging, especially if the driver argues that you were the one who was negligent.

Talking with a personal injury attorney about your situation can help you learn about your chances for recovery.

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