Teenage Bicyclist Dead After Being Struck by MTA Bus
A young bicyclist lost her life after getting involved in a traffic accident during rush hour traffic.
About the Young Cyclist Death
According to the New York Daily News, an accident involving MTA bus in Manhattan, New York near Central Park lead to the sudden death of a teenage bicyclist.
The incident occurred Tuesday, June 16, and witnesses have reported it happening early that morning around 9 a.m. The victim was a 19-year-old woman who was tragically struck by the rear end of the bus after riding into the bus lane near the intersection of Fifth Ave. and E. 59th St.
The identity of the woman has yet to be released.
Emergency services workers and authorities declared the woman to be dead at the scene of the collision. Officials cite the cause of death as traumatic head injuries likely sustained as the victim went underneath the wheels of the bus.
The driver has not been charged in the accident.
In total, there have been 7 bicycle related deaths in traffic for this year. The highest amount of bicycle deaths in New York was recorded last year with 29 deaths reported. The slow increase of cyclist deaths is beginning to cause worry for bicycle safety advocates throughout the city.
The Transportation Alternatives Executive Director, Danny Harris, had this to say about the incident: “As New York comes back from the pandemic, we must leave behind the days when safe cycling infrastructure was rolled out in fits and starts and subject to a slow political process.”
What Are Some Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?
When a bicycle accident does occur, it may not be immediately clear who is at fault. Below are a few common examples of bicycle accidents and who is typically at fault.
- A Car Pulls Out from a Side Street or Parking Lot – This is probably the most common cause of bicycle accidents involving a motor vehicle. Studies have found that driver tend to look into the middle of the road for oncoming traffic (where cars would normally be) and often fail to check bike lanes or sidewalks. In this example, the driver is at fault as the bicyclist would have the right-of-way.
- A Driver Opens their Car Door into a Bicyclist – Motorists often fail to check their rear-view mirrors and blind spots for bicyclists before opening their door. In this case, the motorist would again be at fault provided the bicyclist was traveling in the same direction as traffic. If the bicyclist was traveling the wrong-direction, it could be shared fault.
- A Car Turns in Front of a Cyclist – If a car turns in front of a bicyclist, it is the motorists fault. Drivers are expected to check for motor traffic, bike lane traffic, and pedestrian traffic before completing a turn.
- A Car Hits a Bicyclist Traveling in the Same Direction – Currently, Texas does not have a state law for safe following distances or safe between distances when it comes to bicyclists. So, there can be confusion about what a safe distance is. Still, if a motorist strikes a bicyclist from behind, side-swipes a bicyclists, or enters a biking lane occupied by a cyclists, they will normally be held at fault.
What Should I Do if I’ve Been Involved in a Bicycle Accident?
Your actions immediately following a bicycle accident are important. In the case of any motor vehicle accident, it is paramount that evidence is preserved and an experienced bicycle accident lawyer is contacted. If you have been in a bicycle accident, follow these five steps.
- File a police report. Even if you do not think you are injured at the time of the accident, you may feel the effects hours or days later.
- Obtain driver and witness contact information. Be sure to get this information even if police have already included it in their report.
- Document what happened. Take pictures at the scene. As soon as possible after the accident, write down everything you can remember about what happened.
- Preserve evidence. Don’t get your bike fixed or replace your helmet.
- Decide how to proceed. If you decide to hire a bicycle accident attorney, do not talk to any insurance company until you have spoken with your attorney.
Contact an Experienced Bicycle Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one have been injured in a bicycle accident involving a motor vehicle, contact Thomas J. Henry. Our experienced automobile and bicycle injury lawyers have handled a multitude of accident cases and have achieved record-breaking, real results for injured clients. We ensure that you are in the best position possible to achieve the maximum amount of compensation for your case. You can recover compensation for medical expenses, your pain and suffering, and lost wages form missing work. Our injury attorneys are available 24/7, nights and weekends to evaluate your claim. Contact us today for a free case review.
