Find out why and where:
According to the Institute for Traffic Safety Management & Research, bicyclists in Orange County, NY were the victims of 36 personal injury crashes in 2023.
Four of the crashes resulted in serious injuries, 13 resulted in moderate injuries, and 19 resulted in minor injuries. Serious injuries could include fractures, concussions, internal bleeding, amputation, dislocation, spinal cord injuries, or traumatic brain injuries. Moderate injuries could include deep cuts, open wounds, or severe shock. Minor injuries could include bumps and bruises, abrasions, minor lacerations, strains or sprains, partial joint dislocation, or whiplash.
Of the bicyclists injured, 10 of them ranged from ages 7 to 17, five ranged from the ages of 18-29, seven ranged between 30-39, five ranged between 40-49, five ranged from 50-59, and five ranged from 60 and over.
Helmet use was a significant factor in the severity of injuries; 24 of the injured bicyclists of Orange County were not wearing a helmet, and nine of them sustained moderate to serious injuries.
According to police reports, 18 of the crashes involved failure to yield right of way, 13 involved pedestrian or bicyclist error or confusion, five involved the disregard of a traffic control device, four involved unsafe speeds, and four involved turning improperly.
11 of Orange County, NY’s 2023 personal injury bicycle accidents occurred in cities; five in Newburgh, four in Middletown and two in Port Jervis. 15 occurred in Orange County’s towns, with six in the Wallkill, three in New Windsor, and two in the Town of Newburgh. Ten occurred in villages: three in Chester, two in Monroe, and one in Highland Falls, Maybrook, Walden, Washingtonville and Woodbury each.
How can you be compensated after a bicycle accident in Newburgh?
As you probably know, you aren’t required by law as a bicycle rider to carry insurance, but if you’re injured in a bicycle crash, other parties that may be responsible for the accident such as car drivers, municipalities, and businesses do. If you as a bicyclist have injuries that result in lost wages, medical expenses, or death, a consultation with Newburgh personal injury attorneys could help you secure the maximum possible compensation.
If you live in Orange County, you’re covered by New York’s “comparative fault” laws for bicycle crashes; meaning that even if the crash is partially the bicycle rider’s fault, you can receive compensation based on how comparatively at fault you were. For example, if the jury decides that a rider had $1,000,000 in damages from a bicycle crash, if the crash was 20% the bicyclist’s fault, they’re entitled to an $800,000 award.
Additionally, New York’s “no-fault” laws ensure that bicycle riders, even if they were 100% at fault, will receive up to $50,000 in medical expenses and lost wages after a crash, covered by the no-fault insurance on the car that hit you. This can cover your medical bills and lost wages, and separate and in addition to the damages that may be recovered for your injuries, pain and suffering and changes in quality of life.