Two Injured in Cyclist-Pedestrian Collision

A pedestrian was recently seriously injured after being struck by a cyclist near New York City’s Washington Square Park. The unexpected collision resulted in the pedestrian being sent to the hospital with a serious head injury. The cyclist also sustained a minor injury.

The FDNY later reported that the pedestrian was rushed to Beth-Israel medical center with serious but non-life threatening injuries. According to other witnesses present, a pedestrian was walking through the crosswalk as the biker turned left, pedaling against traffic, and hit him. In New York State, bicyclists are expected to follow the same laws as motorists, and should not be pedaling against traffic. While witnesses were able to vividly remember profuse bleeding from the injured pedestrians head, they were not able to specify whether or not the pedestrian had the light.

While NYPD officers confiscated the cyclist bicycle at the scene, An NYPD spokesperson did not have any information on any potential charges against the cyclist.

Cycling through New York City is a popular way to experience and explore the ins and outs of the Big Apple. It also is a cost efficient and time-saving alternative to public transit and automobile transportation. However, it is important that cyclist seek to bike safely and consciously to help minimize the risk of dangerous collisions. Indeed, the New York State Department of Health has provided several tips for enhancing a safe bicycling experience and minimizing the risk of potential injury. The suggestions are as follows:

• Always ride with traffic.
• Ride one person to a bike.
• Follow all traffic lights and signs. Signal all turns.
• Ride in single file.
• Use a horn or bell.
• If you’re riding at night, make sure your bike has reflectors and a headlight and taillight. Consider using additional lighting and reflective bands, vests and clothing to increase your visibility.
• Keep to the right, but leave enough room to steer around road hazards and avoid car doors that may suddenly swing open.

If you or a loved have been injured in a bicycle or pedestrian accident in New York City, due to the negligence of someone else, contact an experienced personal injury attorney. The skilled New York personal injury lawyers at Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, LLP, will provide you with the quality representation that you deserve. For a free initial consultation, please call 332-244-3995, or contact Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, LLP online today.