Poughkeepsie Bicycle Accident Attorney

Providing Legal Counsel to Bicycle Accident Victims in Dutchess County

Bicyclists in New York have the same rights and responsibilities as vehicle drivers. Unfortunately, many drivers do not take bicyclists seriously and often fail to yield the right of way. When this happens, bicyclists can be severely injured or even killed. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in Poughkeepsie, you should not hesitate to contact our firm.

Our team at Basch & Keegan LLP is dedicated to helping victims of bicycle accidents get the compensation they need to recover. We understand that these accidents can have a profound impact on your life. Our team is here to help you navigate the complex legal system and get the compensation you deserve.

Request a free consultation by filling out our online contact form or calling (845) 251-4545.

What Causes Bicycle Accidents?

A bicycle accident is an incident involving a bicycle and, often, one or more motor vehicles. These accidents can result in injuries or fatalities for the bicyclist, and sometimes, for occupants of the motor vehicles involved as well.

Common causes of bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles include:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, using their phones, eating, or engaging in any other distracting activities are more likely to collide with bicyclists.
• Failure to Yield Right of Way: Motorists may fail to yield the right of way at intersections or when turning, which can lead to collisions with cyclists.
• Unsafe Overtaking: Drivers may attempt to pass cyclists without leaving sufficient space, leading to side-swipe accidents.
• Dooring Accidents: When a driver or passenger opens their car door without checking for approaching cyclists, it can result in a cyclist colliding with the door.
• Intersection Accidents: Cyclists are vulnerable at intersections, especially when motorists fail to stop at stop signs or traffic lights or make right or left turns without checking for cyclists.
• Speeding: High speeds can reduce a driver's reaction time and increase the severity of collisions with cyclists.
• Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs a driver's judgment and reaction time, making it more likely for them to collide with cyclists.
• Failure to Obey Traffic Signals and Signs: Motorists who disregard traffic signals, signs, or road markings can cause accidents involving cyclists.
• Inadequate Visibility: Poor lighting, weather conditions, or a lack of reflective gear on a bicycle can make it difficult for drivers to see cyclists, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Sudden Lane Changes: Drivers who change lanes abruptly and without signaling can catch cyclists off guard.
• Road Design and Infrastructure: Poorly designed roads, lack of bike lanes, and inadequate road infrastructure can create hazardous conditions for cyclists.
• Inexperienced Drivers: Inexperienced or novice drivers may not be accustomed to sharing the road with cyclists, leading to accidents.
• Aggressive Driving: Aggressive behaviors, such as tailgating or aggressive passing, can create dangerous situations for cyclists.
• Vehicle Blind Spots: Large vehicles, like trucks and buses, have significant blind spots, and if a cyclist is in these areas, they may go unnoticed by the driver.

Who is Liable for a Bicycle Accident in Dutchess County?

The driver of a motor vehicle can be held liable if their actions, such as negligence, recklessness, or violation of traffic laws, directly caused the bicycle accident. Common driver actions that may lead to liability include distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield right of way, or driving under the influence.

In some cases, the cyclist may share liability for the accident. This can happen if the cyclist violated traffic laws or acted recklessly, contributing to the collision. For example, running a red light or stop sign can lead to shared liability.

In the latter cases, insurance companies will argue that bicyclists are at fault because they are not as visible or as predictable as other drivers on the road. In some cases, the insurance company will claim that the bicyclist was engaging in "negligent riding" or "reckless riding" and that they are therefore liable for the accident.

At Basch & Keegan LLP, we are skilled at fighting back against these claims and proving that the insurance company is wrong. We are committed to helping you get the compensation you deserve.

Contact us online or call (845) 251-4545 today to schedule a free consultation.