NYC Personal Injury Attorney Says Report of Bicycle Fatality Rates Shows Need for Awareness by Motorists, Bicyclists

David Resnick of David Resnick & Associates, P.C., reacts to Tri-State Transportation Campaign’s analysis showing Long Island is the site of highest rate of bicycle fatalities in the tri-state region.

New York, NY (PRWEB) July 25, 2011

New York City accident and injury attorney David Resnick today cautioned motorists and bicycle riders to look out for each other as the Tri-State Transportation Campaign reported that bicyclists are more likely to be killed in an accident on Long Island than elsewhere in the tri-state region.

“As state commissions and others promote bicycle riding as good for the environment and our personal health, we tend to overlook the fact that cyclists put themselves at higher risk for death and injury in accidents when they ride alongside motorists,” said Resnick of the New York City personal injury law firm, David Resnick & Associates, P.C.

“The most minor collision between an automobile and a bicycle is more likely to result in significant personal injury or death to a bicyclist, simply because the bike rider lacks the protection a car provides,” he said.

The Tri-State Transportation Campaign report said biking on Long Island is more dangerous than biking in New York City or anywhere else in the tri-state metropolitan area. Long Island saw 1.1 bicycle fatalities per 100,000 residents from 2007 to 2009, compared to 0.7 per 100,000 in New York City and, for example, 0.8 in Nassau County. The Downstate taken as a whole had 0.7 fatalities per 100,000.

The TSTC’s “Mobilizing the Region” blog said the commission found “a lack of bicycle infrastructure, as well as roads like Hempstead Turnpike and Route 25/25A, which were designed to speed cars through neighborhoods without accommodating the needs of walkers and bikers.”

“Motorists must maintain awareness, and make the effort to look for bicyclists, and bicyclists need to follow the rules of the road and look out for the traffic patterns and the drivers around them,” Resnick said.

Resnick, whose firm has recovered millions of dollars for New York residents injured in accidents involving bicycles, cars and pedestrians, said a bicyclist hurt by a negligent driver, another cyclist or a pedestrian may have the legal right to recover damages from the person who caused the injury.

Likewise, if the person dies because of his or her injuries, his or her survivors may have a New York wrongful death claim. In some cases, the employer of a negligent party may be liable, Resnick said.

“Car wrecks are called ‘accidents,’ but that’s often a misnomer,” Resnick said. “If someone’s inattention or another negligent act causes a crash, that’s not just an accident. And those who are injured in such a case need to seek the advice of a professional, experienced legal team.”

About David Resnick & Associates, P.C.

David Resnick & Associates, P.C., provides professional and compassionate legal assistance to victims of injury and negligence. Founded in 1998, the firm is experienced at handling multiple types of injury and negligence cases in New York City, including motor vehicle accidents, hit and run, bicycle accidents, pedestrian injuries, trip and fall, construction accidents, premises liability and other kinds of personal injury and wrongful death claims.

David Resnick & Associates serves clients in New York City (Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island and the Bronx), Long Island and surrounding areas. The law firm can be reached at (212) 279-2000 or through its online contact form.

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David Resnick
David Resnick & Associates, P.C.
(212) 279-2000
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