Bike and Pedestrian Accidents

Knowledgeable Nassau County Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer Dedicated to Securing Meaningful Compensation on Behalf of Long Island Residents

Walking or biking around Long Island can be a great way to get around, but it also comes with risks. Heavy traffic, distracted drivers, and poorly designed roads can quickly turn a casual walk or bike ride into a life-altering accident. Whether you’re on two wheels or simply crossing the street, being hit by a vehicle can leave you with serious injuries and overwhelming medical bills. If you’ve been involved in a bike or pedestrian accident, you’re probably feeling unsure about what to do next. That’s where we come in—helping you understand your legal options and fighting to get the compensation you need to rebuild your life. At Mark S. Ricciardi, Esq., P.C., we have extensive experience helping accident victims seek the justice they deserve and are immediately available to meet with you to go over your options.

Common Locations for Bike and Pedestrian Accidents on Long Island

Nassau County sees a frightening number of motor vehicle accidents each year, and certain areas across Long Island are notorious for bike and pedestrian accidents. Some of the most dangerous roads and intersections include:

• Hempstead Turnpike: Known as one of the deadliest roads for pedestrians, Hempstead Turnpike sees a high number of accidents due to its narrow lanes, poor visibility, and lack of sufficient crosswalks. Bicyclists and pedestrians face serious risks when crossing or biking along this busy road.
• Sunrise Highway: Another hazardous roadway, Sunrise Highway, has multiple intersections that are notorious for accidents. The high-speed traffic and confusing lane merges make this area especially dangerous for those on foot or bike.
• Jericho Turnpike: Heavy traffic and limited pedestrian walkways contribute to frequent accidents on Jericho Turnpike. Cyclists often struggle with the lack of bike lanes, while pedestrians face unsafe crossing points.
• Northern State Parkway and Southern State Parkway Exits: The entrance and exit ramps for these major highways are particularly risky for pedestrians and cyclists, as drivers often fail to slow down or properly check for those outside of vehicles.

Knowing where these high-risk areas are can help prevent car accidents, but even the most careful cyclist or pedestrian can fall victim to a negligent driver.

Proving Liability in a Pedestrian or Bike Accident Case

Proving liability in bike or pedestrian accidents requires showing that the driver involved was negligent. This means demonstrating that the driver failed to exercise reasonable care under the circumstances, such as failing to yield at a crosswalk, running a red light, or being distracted by a phone. To prove liability, your Nassau County bike and pedestrian accident lawyer may rely on any of the following:

• Police Reports: After an accident, the police report can be a valuable tool in proving liability. It often contains important details about the scene, witness statements, and whether any traffic laws were violated.
• Witness Testimony: People who saw the accident can provide firsthand accounts of how the incident occurred, helping to prove that the driver was at fault.
• Traffic Camera Footage: Many intersections and busy streets in Nassau County have cameras that may capture the accident as it unfolds. This footage can be pivotal in establishing fault.
• Medical Records: Your injuries can often tell a story of how the accident happened. For instance, certain types of injuries may be consistent with being struck by a speeding car.

At Mark S. Ricciardi, Esq., P.C., we carefully gather evidence and build a strong case to hold the responsible party accountable for their negligence.

New York’s Comparative Negligence Rule

New York follows a comparative negligence rule when it comes to personal injury cases, including bike and pedestrian accidents. This means that even if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you.

For example, if you were jaywalking but the driver who hit you was speeding, both parties may be found partially at fault. If the court determines that you were 20% responsible for the accident and your total damages amount to $100,000, you would still be able to recover $80,000.

Understanding comparative negligence is important when filing a claim because it can significantly impact the amount of compensation you receive. Our Nassau County bike and pedestrian lawyer will fight to minimize any potential reduction in your compensation by convincingly illustrating that the majority of the fault lies with the driver.

Let’s Work Together to Get You the Financial Compensation You Need to Get Your Life Back on Track

If you’ve been injured in a bike, pedestrian, or motorcycle accident, the road to recovery may seem overwhelming between the medical bills, missed work, and fear of long-term limitations. However, at Mark S. Ricciardi, Esq., PC, we’re here to help you take the first steps toward financial recovery. With over 34 years of experience handling cases across Nassau County and Long Island, we know how to build a strong case.

Unlike larger firms, we offer personalized service, ensuring that your case gets the attention it needs. We’ll take the time to understand your unique situation and guide you through every step of the legal process. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation today, give us a call at 516-496-0062. You can also connect with us through our secure online contact form. We represent client throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties, as well as in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.