Personal Injuries Caused by New York City Bicyclists Can be Reduced

NEW YORK, NY, January 08, 2011

According to New York City statistics available to New York personal injury attorneys, there have been approximately 3,830 bicycle related accidents, including 12 fatal accidents involving bicycles, so far this year.

In the New York Post, a New York City Police Department (NYPD) officer was quoted as saying that bike lanes are a significant contributor to the increase in bicycle accidents, some of which resulted in personal injury to pedestrians. The existence of the bikes lanes apparently causes cyclists to feel they "now own the road and think they can do no wrong."

Drivers say they are afraid of accidentally hitting bikers with their vehicles on the busy streets of New York and personal injury attorney David Perecman can understand their concern.

In October, a 22-hour survey of bike lane safety in Manhattan was carried out by the Manhattan borough president's office over a three-day period. According to the report, between October 5 and October 7 an astounding 1,700 safety violations were exposed during morning and evening rush hours in eleven bike lane locations.

Observations proved that cyclists were not the only ones that could be blamed for possible bicycle related personal injury accidents. The infractions included 741 pedestrians in bike lanes and 77 incidents of "dooring," which some New York personal injury attorneys describe as the act of hitting a cyclist with an open car door. Apparently, even the NYPD seemed to disregard the protected bike lanes. Cyclists were caught riding on sidewalks, riding the wrong way on the street, and running red lights.

"As a New York personal injury attorney who has handled an extensive number of personal injury claims for pedestrians, drivers and cyclists, I believe there needs to be increased awareness and respect by bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians that abuse bike lanes in New York" personal injury attorney Perecman said. "New York officials need to do everything they can to prevent personal injury accidents caused by bicycles, and make our streets safe for all, but in the end it is up to each of us as vitals parts of society to respect each others rights to use the road."

When a pedestrian gets hit by a bicycle, he or she can suffer serious injuries. There were more cyclist fatalities in the city compared to last year. More bikers were injured in crashes with autos and other motor vehicles compared to last year, as well. Unfortunately, bicyclists are not required to carry insurance as owners of cars are and that can leave the pedestrian with little or no chance to be properly compensated. Even messengers are often independent contractors and a suit against their employer may be difficult.

Cyclists or pedestrians who have suffered a personal injury in a bicycle accident should consult an expert New York personal injury attorney at The Perecman Firm.

About David Perecman and The Perecman Firm, PLLC:

For the past 30 years, the personal injury accident, auto accident, construction accident, and medical malpractice lawyers at The Perecman Firm, PLLC have championed all types of cases concerning personal injury including a $5.35 Million Dollar verdict for a woman injured by a truck (see below). David Perecman, founder of the Firm, is a Board Director and the past Secretary and Treasurer of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association (NYSTLA) and a chair of its Labor Law Committee. Mr. Perecman's achievements have brought him recognition as an Honoree in the National Law Journal's Hall of Fame, in New York Magazine's "The Best Lawyers in America" and The New York Times Magazine "New York Super Lawyers, Metro Edition" for the years 2007-2010.

http://www.hrw.org/en/reports/2010/12/02/price-freedom

The Firm has recovered millions of dollars for its clients. Among the more recent victories, Mr. Perecman won a $15 million verdict* for a construction accident, a $5.35 million dollar verdict** for an automobile accident, and a $40 million dollar structured settlement for medical malpractice***.

*later settled while on appeal for $7.940 million

** later settled for $3.5 million

*** total potential payout

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