Seriousness of car-bicycle crash injury not always clear

Collisions between bicyclists and motor vehicles are not rare in New York City. The numbers of cyclists on the streets of the city’s boroughs seems to be on an ever-steady incline, which only increases the risk of dangerous encounters. When a person on a bike is hurt due to negligence of another driver, they deserve to know that seeking compensation is their right and that a skilled attorney can help.

In some circumstances, obtaining the relief that is due can be difficult. If the driver of the vehicle flees the scene after the crash, chances of holding that person accountable lessen. But that does not mean it is impossible. A story out of Queens earlier this month serves as a case in point.

News reports identify the victim of the crash as an 11-year-old boy. Police video of the purported event shows a dark sedan striking the boy as he is riding perpendicular to the road. The images show his body being thrown high into the air, flipping head over heels until he lands several car lengths further down the road. The vehicle then drives off out of view.

That all occurred on Aug. 13. Since then, police confirm they have arrested a 41-year-old man in the case. He’s charged with a range of offenses including reckless endangerment and leaving the scene of an accident.

The child meanwhile remains hospitalized as doctors continue to perform a range of tests. They say, however, that he should recover fully.

That’s fortunate, especially in light of the fact that initial reports on his condition stated that he had suffered internal injuries.

Internal injuries not always apparent and can be missed by health care providers in the rush emergency care. If left untreated, they can be life-threatening.