It is important to remember that bicyclists can cause serious damage to pedestrians in the event of an accident, and cyclists everywhere are encouraged to take extra care in the heavily populated streets of New York to avoid striking pedestrians. However, it is also important to remember that bicyclists are at an equal risk when it comes to the other, larger vehicles with which bicycles often share the road. A collision with a motor vehicle can cause serious or fatal damage to a bicyclist.
A bicyclist was hospitalized in critical condition after a New York hit-and-run accident that occurred over the weekend. According to police, a vehicle was headed north when the driver became distracted by her cellphone; she entered the shoulder, where the bicyclist was riding, and struck him. The driver’s sister was nearby and picked up the driver while another friend then took the vehicle and sped away from the accident. The investigation into the accident is ongoing, but after their alleged accomplice hid the vehicle behind a restaurant, the woman and her sister turned themselves in.
In many cases, bicyclists must share the road with motor vehicles, and even though there are often special lanes or areas for cyclists to ride, this does not entirely guarantee their safety. The smallest of distractions can cause a driver to lose control or drift, and just barely touching a biker is enough for a car traveling at speed to cause serious damage.
If you or someone you know was a victim in a bike accident, consider meeting with an attorney about the accident. An attorney can help you build a case to hold the other party or parties responsible for their negligence, which could mean compensation for you.
Source: Syracuse, “Three charged after hit-and-run crash that seriously injures cyclist in Clay,” Catie O’Toole, May 17, 2015