Find out why and where:
According to the Institute for Traffic Safety Management & Research, bicyclists in Dutchess County, NY were the victims of 39 personal injury crashes in 2023.
One crash was fatal, eleven of the crashes resulted in serious injuries, eight resulted in moderate injuries, and 20 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, seven of them ranged from ages 7 to 17, nine ranged from the ages of 18-29, six ranged between 30-39, seven ranged between 40-49, seven ranged from 50-59, and four ranged from 60 and over.
Helmet use was a significant factor in the severity of injuries; 30 of the injured bicyclists of Dutchess County were not wearing a helmet, and ten of them sustained moderate to serious injuries.
According to police reports, 19 involved pedestrian or bicyclist error or confusion, fifteen involved the driver’s failure to yield right of way, nine involved drive inattention or distraction, and five involved the disregard of a traffic control device.
18 of Dutchess County, NY’s 2023 39 personal injury bicycle accidents occurred in cities; sixteen in Poughkeepsie and two in Beacon. 21 occurred in Dutchess County’s towns, with nine in the Town of Poughkeepsie, four in East Fishkill, two in Dover and Hyde Park each, and one in Wappinger, Pleasant Valley, Fishkill and Amenia. The other crash occurred in the Village of Rhinebeck.
How can you be compensated after a bicycle accident in Poughkeepsie?
As you may be aware, bicyclists aren’t legally required to carry insurance to be on the road; but if you’re injured after a crash on your bicycle, the other involved parties, who may have contributed to the crash such as car drivers, municipalities, and businesses probably have some form of insurance. If your crash resulted in injuries that cause lost wages, medical costs, or death, consulting with Poughkeepsie personal injury attorneys could help you secure the maximum possible compensation.
If you live in Dutchess County, then you’re covered by our state’s “comparative fault” laws for bicycle crashes. Comparative fault means 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 $2,000,000 in damages from a bicycle crash, if the crash was 50% the bicyclist’s fault, they’re still entitled to an $1,000,000 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.