Albany Pedestrian And Bicycle Accident Attorneys
When you’re walking or bicycling, you have no protection against the impact of a 4,000-pound vehicle. As a pedestrian or cyclist, you’re vulnerable to distracted drivers, those speeding or simply not paying attention to their surroundings. While pedestrians must use crosswalks when available and cyclists must follow traffic laws, drivers have a heightened responsibility to watch for and yield to more vulnerable road users.
At Smalline and Harri, our pedestrian and bicycle accident attorneys have advocated for injured walkers and cyclists throughout Albany and the Capital Region since 1994. We understand the unique challenges you face after being struck by a vehicle, from extensive medical treatments to lost income and physical limitations. Our attorneys combine compassionate client care with aggressive representation to help you recover physically, emotionally and financially.
Startling Statistics About Pedestrian And Bicycle Accidents
According to recent data from the New York State Department of Transportation, our state sees over 6,000 bicycle accidents annually, with approximately 40 cyclist fatalities each year. In Albany County alone, dozens of cyclists suffer serious injuries requiring hospitalization, with intersections along Central Avenue, Washington Avenue and Madison Avenue ranking among the most dangerous areas lacking bike lane safety measures. Here’s what’s particularly troubling about New York bicycle accident statistics:
- Nearly 75% involve motorist error
- Failure to yield, improper turning and distracted driving are common causes
- Streets with dedicated bike lanes reduce collisions by up to 50%
- Many Albany neighborhoods still lack adequate safety infrastructure
These statistics highlight the critical need for improved bike safety infrastructure and greater driver awareness. As bicycle accident attorneys serving Albany, we advocate not only for injured clients but also for community-wide safety improvements that could prevent these devastating crashes, strengthening bicycle commuter rights.
Pedestrian accident statistics in New York reveal an equally concerning pattern, with approximately 15,000 pedestrian injuries and 300 fatalities occurring statewide each year. In the Capital Region, these accidents cluster around busy commercial corridors and near transit stops, with nearly 40% occurring in crosswalks where pedestrians legally have the right of way. Also concerning are government entities that fail to strengthen pedestrian accident prevention measures.
Most alarming is that pedestrian accidents disproportionately affect vulnerable populations:
- Children under 14 face a heightened risk
- Adults over 65 experience more severe injuries
- These two groups account for nearly half of all serious pedestrian injuries in Albany
- Crosswalk violations by drivers remain a leading cause
These statistics underscore why our pedestrian accident lawyers fight so vigorously for victims and their families when negligent drivers fail to respect pedestrian rights.
Common Causes Of Accidents Involving Vulnerable Road Users
Most pedestrian and bicycle accidents happen because drivers fail to notice or yield to walkers, joggers and cyclists. We regularly handle these personal injury claims involving:
- Drivers who don’t yield at crosswalks or intersections
- Distracted drivers texting or using phones
- Motorists making right turns without checking for cyclists or pedestrians
- Bicycle dooring accidents
- Impaired or intoxicated drivers with reduced awareness
- Speeding motorists who can’t stop in time
- Vehicles illegally parked in bike lanes forcing cyclists into traffic
These preventable motor vehicle accidents often result from a moment of driver negligence but can cause life-altering injuries. At Smalline and Harri, our knowledgeable pedestrian and bicycle accident lawyers’ detailed investigations identify exactly what happened and who bears responsibility.
Your Rights To Compensation
Even at low speeds, these collisions often cause catastrophic injuries, including broken bones, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries and internal trauma. Even if you make a minor error, the driver who hit you likely bears primary responsibility for medical treatment.
When a driver’s negligence causes your injuries, you deserve compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery and rehabilitation
- Lost wages during your recovery period
- Pain and suffering for your physical and emotional trauma
- Future medical needs for ongoing treatments
- Reduced earning capacity if your injuries limit your ability to work
Insurance companies often try to blame pedestrians and cyclists for their own injuries. Our skilled lawyers effectively counter these tactics with thorough evidence and aggressive advocacy to protect your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are common questions we receive about pedestrian and bicycle accidents:
What should I do immediately after being hit by a car while walking?
First, seek medical attention even if you feel fine, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. If possible, document the scene by taking photos of the accident location, the vehicle involved, and your injuries.
Collect contact information from the driver. Personal details from any witnesses are also crucial, especially for pedestrian hit-and-run accidents. Report the accident to the police and get a copy of the report. Then contact our pedestrian accident lawyers in Albany before speaking with any insurance companies.
How long do I have to file a claim for a bicycle accident in New York?
You generally have three years from the date of your bicycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, the deadline (called the statute of limitations) to file a bicycle collision lawsuit in New York can be shorter in certain circumstances, especially if your bike accident claim involves a government entity.
We recommend consulting with our bicycle crash attorneys in Albany as soon as possible after your accident to ensure all deadlines are met and evidence is preserved, enhancing the chances for a bike accident settlement.
Who is liable when a pedestrian is hit in a crosswalk in New York?
Under New York law, drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians in marked crosswalks. When a pedestrian is hit while legally using a crosswalk, the driver is typically considered liable. However, pedestrian crosswalk violations can complicate liability.
Insurance companies may argue that the pedestrian contributed to the accident by crossing against the signal or entering the roadway suddenly. Our pedestrian and bicycle accident attorneys thoroughly investigate crosswalk accident claims in Albany to establish driver liability and counter unfair blame-shifting tactics.
Contact Us Today To Schedule A Free Consultation
Turn to our experienced and compassionate pedestrian and bicycle accident attorneys to guide you on the challenging road ahead after being struck by a vehicle. Call Smalline and Harri at 518-704-4604 or complete our online form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll fight for maximum compensation while you focus on healing.