Recent data shows that illegal parking in bike lanes throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn is on the rise and creating more dangers for cyclists as well as increasing the rate of a possible bicycle accident. According to am New York, nearly 1000 complaints of cars parked in bike lanes have been logged in a three month period between October 2016 and January 2017. The numbers suggest that, though some action was taken to protect the lanes from parked cars, little is being done to enforce those protections.
The lanes are designed to protect cyclists from being stuck or killed by drivers on their commute, and keep them off of sidewalks where they may harm pedestrians. In theory, it’s a good idea. However, the purpose of the lanes become moot when vehicles park in them and force cyclists out. It takes just a moment to circle around a parked car, but that can be enough for a moving car to collide with a cyclist, injuring them or worse. The same can be said for pedestrians should a cyclist choose the sidewalk over the street. A bicycle crash of this magnitude can lead to catastrophic injury.
Instances of cyclist accidents in NYC are not a new phenomenon-there were 229 fatalities in 2016-but it’s one that many people wish wasn’t happening. Until something is done to ensure that these accidents stop occurring altogether, action can be taken for the victims and their families. Steps can be taken to legally hold drivers and the city accountable when an accident has been caused by their actions or lack thereof. Through a personal injury lawsuit, victims may be entitled to financial compensation for their pain and suffering. While money won’t undo the damage done or bring back victims who were killed, it can help with medical costs and lost earnings. Action needs to be taken for that to happen and to prevent it from happening to others.
Block O’Toole & Murphy is a law firm that is committed to fighting on behalf of injured New York City cyclists. They have recovered more than $1 billion in verdicts and settlements for their clients. You may reach them for a free consultation at any time by calling 212-736-5300.