According to Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, in 2012, 726 lost their lives in bicycle/motor vehicle crashes nationally, just under two people every day of the year in the U.S. The death rate from bicycle crashes is high due to the relative lack of protection bicyclists have in an impact with a motor vehicle.

Despite safety improvements, bicycle accidents are common in Albany, Schenectady, and Troy

New York traffic-safety laws are designed to allow bicyclists to share the road safely with motor vehicles in an increasingly crowded space.

According to the State of New York Department of Motor Vehicles:

Bicyclists:

• Are entitled to share the road with motor vehicles.
• Have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle and motorcycle drivers.
• Must obey all traffic signals and stop signs.
• Are lawfully permitted to ride on certain sections of roadway in rural areas where there is no alternate route.
• Must ride in the same direction as other traffic, not against it.

Get information on bicycle collisions from the region's police departments

The law enforcement agencies respond to bicycle accidents, and usually will complete a traffic collision report. Contact the agencies directly to learn how to get a copy.

Albany Police Department;

Schenectady Police Department;

Troy Police Department.

These departments are a good resource to get information after a bicycle accident.

Bicycle crashes have common causes and deadly outcomes

While helmets and proper reflective gear make bicycling safer, riding a bicycle is riskier than driving a car. Maintaining control is more difficult on two wheels, and when collisions happen, bicyclists are at greater risk of serious injury or death because they don't have an enclosed vehicle for protection.

Common causes of bicycle crashes include:

• Motorist turning across path of cyclist;
• Cyclist riding into the path of a motor vehicle;
• Cyclist turning right from a major road and from a minor road;
• Child cyclist playing or riding too fast.

When someone is injured in a bicycle accident in Albany, Schenectady, or Troy, what needs to happen next?

In an injury bike crash, it is crucial to get appropriate medical treatment, regardless of the financial cost. The major hospitals in the area include:

• Albany Medical Center - Albany;
• St. Peters Hospital - Albany;
• Albany Memorial Hospital - Albany;
• Ellis Hospital - Schenectady;
• Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital - Schenectady;
• Samaritan Hospital - Troy;
• St. Mary's Hospital - Troy.

As soon as possible, an injured person should contact their insurance company to find out how medical treatment is covered under their insurance policy. Since insurance policies often have unique provisions to deal with bicycle-accident injuries, it is important to review the policy and speak with the insurance adjuster to get clarification on coverage.

Personal injury lawyers offer a no-cost claim evaluation to help you.

Since there is no cost to speak with a lawyer, it is a good idea to learn more about your potential claim. Accident Data Center can help you by connecting you with our network of experienced injury lawyers who can provide you with information about your rights and options. Learn more here about the value of a no-cost legal claim evaluation.