According to the New York Times, there are something like 5,000 bicycle messengers in New York City — more than any other city in the world. These intrepid bicyclists deliver food, documents, groceries, and all manner of items — all while navigating thick traffic in one of the world’s largest cities. “Occupational hazards include barreling trucks, barely visible potholes and taxi doors flinging open without warning.”
If it sounds like a dangerous occupation, it is. If you’ve been injured as a bicycle messenger in New York City, you need the help and skill of an experienced bicycle accident lawyer. Here are a couple things to know.
Bicycle Messenger Accident? You Might Not Be Eligible for Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation is not available to independent contractors or “gig workers.” Because many bicycle messengers are not employees, but are instead independent contractors, they are not entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits.
This makes it extremely important for bicycle messengers to work with an experienced New York City bicycle accident lawyer. Just because you can’t qualify for workers’ comp payments doesn’t mean you can’t pursue a personal injury claim. And when an accident causes injuries that impact your ability to earn a living, it’s important to get compensation for your physical injuries, mental anguish, pain and suffering, lost wages, and any other damages. This is where a knowledgeable bicycle accident lawyer can help.
Bicycle Accident Injuries Are Expensive
Not only are bicycle accidents on the rise in the United States, these injuries are generally quite costly. According to one study published in the journal Injury Prevention, the cost of treating bicycle injuries has risen steadily over the past two decades.
The study looked at bicycle accidents occurring between 1997 and 2013 and found that there were 3.8 million non-fatal injuries and 10,000 deaths from bicycle accidents. Furthermore, the total cost for the non-fatal injuries was a staggering $209 billion. The total cost for fatal bicycle accidents was $28 billion.
If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident as a bike messenger, your injuries may be more severe and long-lasting than you realize. Don’t miss your opportunity to get the compensation you need to cover the cost of your medical treatment.
NYC Bicycle Accident Lawyer Speaks out About Bike Messenger Injuries
New York City bicycle accident lawyer Jonathan C. Reiter states, “Unfortunately, many motorists, and even some pedestrians, view bike messengers as a nuisance. Some motorists in the city feel like they shouldn’t have to share the road with bike messengers. This attitude leads to people getting seriously hurt and sometimes killed.”
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle crash as a bike messenger or just a regular cyclist, get in touch with an experienced New York City bicycle accident lawyer today. A knowledgeable bicycle accident attorney will explain your rights and help you explore the options in your case.
Media Contact:
Aviation Accident plaintiff attorney Jonathan C. Reiter.
T: 866-324-9211.
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Prior results cannot and do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future case. Recoveries always depend upon the facts and circumstances of each case, the injuries suffered, damages incurred, and the responsibility of those involved.
Sources:
- https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/10/nyregion/in-race-of-bike-messengers-potholes-and-bad-manners-can-be-costly.html?mcubz=1
- http://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-cycling-accident-costs-idUSKBN19022J