Pedestrian & Bicycle Accidents Rise In Spring: What You Need To Know 

As the weather starts to warm up across Long Island, sidewalks and roadways will soon see a rush of fresh activity. Runners will skip the gym in favor of pounding the pavement again, families are going to resume outdoor walks, and cyclists will finally get to coast the streets after spending months inside.

But while the spring undoubtedly brings a welcomed change of pace, it also poses increased risks to pedestrians and riders alike.

Every year, pedestrian knockdowns and bicycle accidents tend to rise alongside temperatures. The reality is that, when more people head outside, the likelihood of serious collisions increases, too. That’s why speaking with a Long Island pedestrian accident lawyer after a crash is critical to protecting your rights. 

Why Does Injury Risk Rise In The Spring?

The simplest explanation involves two key terms: visibility and volume. Think back to the last time you had to share the road with a lot of pedestrians and cyclists. It was likely during the summer, with roadway congestion then lightening in the fall and coming to a starker halt in the winter.

The last couple of months have been especially chilly on Long Island, too. That means drivers have grown even more accustomed to seeing primarily other vehicles on the road.

But once warmer weather starts to return, this dynamic will shift (and fast). There will suddenly be much more foot traffic and bike traffic, creating busier parking lots and intersections where even one moment of distraction can result in serious consequences.

Moreover, winter storms have left many Long Island roadways damaged with potholes, cracked pavement, and faded road markings. These are all lingering hazards that both pedestrians and cyclists will face as they head back outside.

And finally, while the sun will begin setting later in the spring, longer daylight hours can create a false sense of security. This is because visibility may improve, but more outdoor activity will occur in the evening, when drivers tend to be in a hurry to commute home. 

The Most Common Causes of Pedestrian & Bicycle Accidents In New York

While every accident is unique, there are certain factors that frequently contribute to both pedestrian knockdowns and bicycle crashes, especially in the spring.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving remains a leading cause of accidents. Whether a driver is texting, adjusting their GPS, eating, or just failing to pay full attention to the road, they may not notice someone crossing the street or riding alongside traffic in the bike lane.

Failure To Yield

Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and follow traffic laws when sharing the road with cyclists. Nonetheless, drivers turning in intersections often focus on oncoming vehicle traffic and overlook crossing pedestrians or misjudge the speed and distance of cyclists passing through.

Speeding

After being cooped up inside for months, plenty of drivers can’t wait to hit the open road. But sunshine and higher temps have a tendency to encourage faster driving, which reduces reaction time and heightens injury severity when a collision does occur.

Poor Road Conditions

Spring is when the damage left behind by winter finally gets revealed. As the snow starts to melt on Long Island, more potholes, pavement cracks, and debris will become a safety issue for both pedestrians and cyclists traveling along roadways.

Impaired Driving

Lastly, it’s no secret that social gatherings skyrocket in the spring. And as more people venture out to events and parties, impaired driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs poses a greater risk to everyone on the street.

The Physical & Financial Impacts

Pedestrians and bicyclists are the most vulnerable people on the road because they don’t have the structure of a vehicle to shield them in an accident. That’s also why victims of these accidents tend to suffer similar injuries, such as broken bones, road rash and lacerations, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and internal damage.

Recovery could require surgery, physical therapy, and long-term medical treatment. In severe cases, victims may also face chronic pain or permanent mobility limitations.

So, alongside the physical toll, the financial implications can be just as overwhelming. From the initial emergency room visit to surgeries, therapy, and follow-up appointments, medical bills accumulate quickly. Time off from work to recover may lead to lost income as well.

And beyond these more tangible impacts, many victims are left with emotional distress stemming from their accident. They may encounter anxiety and post-traumatic stress that interferes with day-to-day life and overall recovery.

What Compensation Can Victims Seek To Recover?

When a pedestrian or cyclist is injured due to someone else’s negligence, they may be entitled to pursue both economic and non-economic compensation.

Economic compensation can include medical costs, rehabilitation expenses, lost income, and lowered earning capacity. Meanwhile, non-economic compensation can be pursued by victims who have experienced pain and suffering as a result of their accident.

It’s important to note that both pedestrian knockdown and bicycle accident cases can become complicated, particularly if insurance companies attempt to claim the pedestrian or cyclist contributed to the accident. Additionally, insurers may even attempt to downplay the severity of a victim’s injuries or pressure them into accepting an early settlement offer.

This is why understanding your rights, acting early, and partnering with an experienced personal injury attorney can make a substantial difference in your physical and financial recovery. 

Safety Tips To Reduce Accident Risk

Not every accident can be prevented. Still, there are steps you can take to lower risk.

For Pedestrians:

● Always use marked crosswalks whenever available.

● Avoid distractions, like texting, while crossing roadways.

● Wear bright or reflective clothing to increase visibility.

For Cyclists:

● Follow traffic laws and ride in designated bike lanes whenever possible.

● Wear a fitted helmet and use lights and reflective gear, especially during early morning and evening rides.

● Stay on the lookout for potholes and other hazards

Turn To Langella & Langella Personal Injury Attorneys on Long Island

Our firm has represented countless pedestrian knockdown and bicycle accident victims throughout Long Island. These cases call for careful investigation, comprehensive injury documentation, and strong advocacy when insurance companies push back.

At Langella & Langella, we gather key evidence, consult with medical professionals to understand the long-term impact of your injuries, and handle all communication with insurance companies. Most importantly, we advocate for compensation that reflects both immediate and future losses.

Spring should be a time to enjoy the outdoors again. But if you or a loved one becomes injured, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. Contact us today for a Free Consultation by calling (631) 348-9500.

We represent victims injured in pedestrian and bicycle accidents throughout Long Island, including Islip, Babylon, Huntington, Smithtown, Patchogue, and surrounding communities.