As the city has started to open since the pandemic, there is an increase in the uptake of cycling sharing rides such as Citi Bike. Additionally, New Yorkers are moving towards using bicycles as the preferred mode of transport. Citi Bike is New York’s one of most successful bike-sharing programs. With over 25000 bikes, 1500 stations, Citi Bike has 143,000 members. While the program has a positive impact on the overall landscape of transportation in the city, the higher use of Citi Bike and bicycles has also led to higher accidents involving them. Estimates suggest that nearly 300 people die due to accidents involving bikes. Auto accident lawyers are also witnessing this rise.
If so many accidents are occurring, who is responsible? Even though the cyclist is more vulnerable to injuries in case of an accident, the responsibility lies on both, the cyclist and drivers to ensure each other’s safety on the roads. Importantly, the risk of injury to the cyclist is much higher as compared to a motor vehicle driver. Hence, when riding a Citi Bike, it is important to know what to do after a crash.
Some common reasons for accidents involving bicycles and Citi Bike are:
- Dooring: It refers to when a driver/passenger opens the door of a motor vehicle and hits a passing cyclist. This is one of the most common causes of bicycle accidents.
- Distracted driving: Often, a motor vehicle driver or cyclist may be distracted such as texting while driving or driving under the influence which may cause the accident.
- Right of way: As per the law, a motor vehicle driver is supposed to give the right of way to the cyclist. In scenarios when it does not happen, it may lead to an accident and subsequent injuries.
- Potholes/Construction: Often, cyclists succumb to accidents on roads with ongoing construction or potholes. This occurs largely in situations where the cyclist is not aware of the condition of the road and is caught by surprise.
Whether you’re using Citi Bike or your personal, if you’re involved in a crash, here is what you do:
- Call 911 and report the crash.
- Seek medical help.
- If you’re the rider/user of the Citi Bike involved in the crash, you’re liable to report the accident within 24 hours. You can call on 1-855-BIKE311 to report the crash.
- As the user, you are responsible to return it to the dock or to a Citi Bike representative.
- A rental fee of $1000 and an administrative fee will be charged to your credit card if you fail to return the bike within 24 hours.
- Maintain all documentation of the medical bills and other expenses incurred.
- Record information of the driver and the vehicle that caused the accident.
- Take photos of the accident site and talk to witnesses.
It is recommended that you get an auto accident lawyer with extensive experience in handling cases of similar nature as insurance companies are quick to pin the blame on the cyclists and avoid paying fair compensation. Let the injury lawyer handle the complexities of the law and work towards getting you a just settlement.
If you or someone you know has been in an accident involving Citi Bike or your bicycle and you need the top injury lawyers, contact Siler & Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.