Left Turn Accident Attorney in Queens
Experienced Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Bicycle riding, both for pleasure and as a means of transportation, has soared in popularity throughout New York. Every year, however, riders suffer injuries in bike accidents. A frequent type of collision happens when the cyclist and the motorist approach an intersection from opposite directions, and the motorist turns left directly in front of the bicyclist, cutting off and colliding with him or her. If you or a loved one has been hurt by a careless driver in Queens or the surrounding area, the bicycle accident attorney at The Cassisi Law Firm can assert your right to compensation. We provide experienced legal counsel to bicyclists pursuing personal injury lawsuits against negligent motorists.
Call the firm at (718) 524-3398 or complete the online contact form for a complimentary initial consultation.
Holding a Negligent Driver Liable for Compensation
Left turns by cars are common sources of danger for bicyclists sharing the road with them. Despite abiding by the rules of the road, a bicyclist may be at risk if a motorist turns left in front of him or her, cutting the bike off abruptly. If a driver is turning left, he or she is required by law to yield until it is possible to safely complete the turn in front of oncoming traffic, including bicyclists. Bicycle accidents often result from negligent motorists who fail to act with the same level of care that a reasonable person under similar circumstances would have used. In many cases, the motorist may be held liable under a negligence theory of law.
Bringing a negligence claim usually means proving four elements. A plaintiff bicyclist pursuing a lawsuit against a negligent motorist must first show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care. It is generally recognized that all drivers owe a duty of care to other drivers in their vicinity, as well as pedestrians and bicyclists. Next, the plaintiff must show that the defendant breached this duty of care. A breach might be shown by evidence that the defendant was speeding, ignoring a traffic light, or driving while intoxicated, among other reckless conduct. The breach also must have directly caused the plaintiff’s injuries, and quantifiable damages must have resulted. The crash must be something that would not have occurred if the driver had met the appropriate standard of care, and it also must be a reasonably foreseeable consequence of the breach to hold the defendant liable.
After a left turn bicycle accident, a victim may be able to recover damages for his or her economic costs, which usually can be objectively calculated with some certainty. These typically include hospital and medical bills, as well as lost wages from missed work. An injured bicyclist may also recover non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. Legal claims for negligence in a personal injury lawsuit must be brought within three years of the date of the accident. After this period, the plaintiff likely will be barred from recovering compensation.
Contact a Queens Attorney to Discuss Your Claim
The lawyer at The Cassisi Law Firm can advise Queens residents on taking legal action after they have been hurt by someone else’s carelessness. Contact the office today for a free consultation by calling (718) 524-3398 or completing the online form.
