Queens Bike Accident Lawyers

Cycling has surged in popularity across Queens, particularly in thriving neighborhoods like Astoria, Flushing, and Long Island City. Bike lanes are busier than ever, with many residents opting for greener and more cost-effective transportation. However, routes like Queens Boulevard, infamously nicknamed the “Boulevard of Death,” highlight the risks cyclists face daily. High traffic, reckless drivers, and inconsistent infrastructure make biking across Queens a serious challenge. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, connecting with a Queens bike accident lawyer at Flanzig & Flanzig, LLP can be critical to recovering damages and protecting your rights.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Queens

Queens boasts a diverse and dynamic transportation system, which also means unique hazards for cyclists. 

Some of the most common causes of bike accidents in Queens include:

• Driver Negligence: Speeding, distracted driving, and failure to yield at intersections like those on Northern Boulevard are leading causes of collisions.
• Unsafe Infrastructure: Poorly designed or under-maintained bike lanes can force cyclists into car lanes, increasing the risk of crashes.
• Collisions with Large Vehicles: Trucks, buses, and rideshare vehicles are frequent in Queens, with their broader turning radii and limited visibility posing heightened dangers.
• Intersection Accidents: Queens Boulevard and other high-traffic intersections are notorious for their confusing layouts, which increase the likelihood of accidents.

Even with growing safety measures, Queens’ expansive and busy roadways continue to see a troubling number of bicycle accidents. Understanding the cause of your accident is crucial for determining who is at fault and ensuring you receive fair compensation.

Bicycle Accident Injuries and Their Effects

When bike accidents occur in Queens, cyclists often experience life-altering injuries that extend well beyond the physical pain. In 2020, Queens experienced 987 bicycle-related injuries, highlighting the borough's ongoing challenges with cyclist safety. These staggering numbers illustrate the risks cyclists face daily and the devastating consequences even one accident can bring.

Common Injuries in Queens Bike Accidents

Cyclists involved in accidents commonly suffer from the following injuries, many of which require extensive medical treatment and recovery time:

• Head Trauma: Despite the protection of helmets, riders can still endure concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) due to high-force impacts. TBIs can lead to memory issues, difficulty concentrating, and lasting cognitive challenges.
• Organ Damage: High-speed collisions frequently result in internal bleeding or organ damage, such as punctured lungs or ruptured spleens, which demand emergency care and ongoing monitoring.
• Severe Abrasions and Lacerations: Road rash or deep cuts from contact with asphalt or vehicle edges often require stitches, skin grafts, or other medical interventions, sometimes leaving permanent scars.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: Broken arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones are common in bike accidents. These injuries often require immobilization and, in severe cases, surgeries to repair the damage.
• Spinal Injuries and Paralysis: Injuries to the back or spine can range from herniated discs to complete paralysis, drastically altering a victim’s quality of life.
• Soft Tissue Damage: Torn ligaments, sprains, and strains may not always seem severe initially, but they can result in chronic pain that impacts mobility and overall function.