Buffalo, New York is a bustling city with many residents who rely on bicycles as their primary mode of transportation. However, with the increasing number of bicycles on the roads, accidents are inevitable. When a bicycle accident occurs, determining who is liable can be a complicated process. In this blog post, we will explore the factors that determine liability in Buffalo bicycle accidents.
Negligence
Negligence is the most common factor that determines liability in bicycle accidents. In Buffalo, drivers have a duty to exercise reasonable care when operating their vehicles. If a driver fails to exercise reasonable care and causes an accident with a bicyclist, they may be liable for the accident.
Similarly, bicyclists also have a duty to exercise reasonable care when riding on the roads. If a bicyclist fails to exercise reasonable care and causes an accident with a vehicle, they may be liable for the accident.
Traffic Laws
Traffic laws play a significant role in determining liability in bicycle accidents. In Buffalo, both drivers and bicyclists must follow the same traffic laws. If either party violates a traffic law, they may be liable for the accident.
For example, if a driver runs a red light and hits a bicyclist, the driver may be liable for the accident. Similarly, if a bicyclist runs a stop sign and collides with a vehicle, the bicyclist may be liable for the accident.
Proximity to the Accident
The proximity of the parties involved in the accident also plays a role in determining liability. For example, if a driver is driving on the wrong side of the road and collides with a bicyclist, the driver will likely be liable for the accident. However, if a pedestrian steps out into the road and causes a bicyclist to swerve into a car, the pedestrian may be liable for the accident.
Determining liability in bicycle accidents in Buffalo can be a complicated process. However, negligence, traffic laws, and proximity to the accident are the most important factors in determining liability. If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident in Buffalo, it’s essential to contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and seek compensation for your injuries.
An experienced personal injury attorney can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. They can also negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
It’s important to note that New York is a comparative negligence state, which means that even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you may still be able to recover damages. However, your damages may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.
In addition to negligence, traffic laws, and proximity, other factors that may contribute to liability in bicycle accidents include road conditions, vehicle defects, and weather conditions. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you determine the factors that contributed to your accident and who may be liable for your injuries.
Bicycle accidents in Buffalo can result in serious injuries and determining liability can be a complex process. If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident, it’s important to seek the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney who can guide you through the legal process and help you seek the compensation you deserve. Contact a reputable law firm today for a consultation.
Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC is a well-established law firm in Buffalo, New York that specializes in personal injury law, including bicycle accidents. If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident in Buffalo, the attorneys at this law firm can help you in several ways:
- Investigation: The law firm will conduct a thorough investigation of your case, including gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses, to build a strong case on your behalf.
- Legal Representation: The firm’s attorneys have extensive experience in representing clients in bicycle accident cases in Buffalo. We will provide you with the legal representation you need to navigate the complex legal process and seek compensation for your injuries.
- Negotiation: The attorneys at Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC are skilled negotiators and will work to settle your case for a fair and just compensation amount without the need for a trial.
- Trial Representation: If your case goes to trial, the firm’s attorneys will provide you with aggressive representation in court to present your case to the jury and seek a favorable verdict.
- Medical Attention: The firm can also help you access the medical attention you need for your injuries, including rehabilitation and physical therapy.
In addition, the attorneys at Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC are well-versed in New York’s comparative negligence laws and will work to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation possible, even if you are partially at fault for the accident.
If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident in Buffalo, the attorneys at Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC are here to help you. We will provide you with the legal representation and support you need to navigate the legal process and seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your legal options.