Driver negligence is injuring and killing New York cyclists

It is difficult to go anywhere without seeing cyclists on New York streets — they are everywhere. Sadly, cyclists and automobile drivers often struggle to share the road appropriately, which has led to numerous injuries and deaths over the years, primarily due to driver negligence. There are certain intersections where bicycle versus auto accidents are particularly common.

According to reports, over a five-year period, 21 cyclists were injured in collisions involving automobiles at Sixth Avenue and West 23rd Street. Most recently, a 20-year-old woman on her bike was struck and killed by a big rig at this corner. The intersection of Bedford and Atlantic Avenues in Brooklyn had the second-highest number of cyclist injuries, coming in at 20 in the same period. What is it about these two intersections that make them particularly dangerous for cyclists?

City officials and residents say that drivers are failing to follow posted speed limits and pay attention to their surroundings. They also say that there is a lack of space for cyclists to ride on these roads safely. Officials are trying to find ways to address these issues.

When driver negligence causes cyclists to suffer injuries or lose their lives, the victims or their surviving family members may be entitled to seek compensation for their losses. This they may do by filing the appropriate legal claims in a New York civil court. Those who are not sure if they have what it takes to pursue compensation can turn to an experienced attorney for a case evaluation. Not all injury or wrongful death cases will make it to court, as they may be settled before they get that far, but legal counsel can be ready to take one’s case to trial if doing so is deemed appropriate.