En Español
Top
Crashes Involving Street Defects

Bike Accidents Involving Street Defects, Pot Holes, and other Road Conditions

Street defects and other dangerous roadway conditions for cyclists include:

  • Pot Holes
  • Road Hardware such as Manhole Covers and Utility Vaults
  • Construction Plates
  • Road Cuts, Trenches, and other Temporary Paving
  • Grates and Sewers
  • Construction Debris and Negligently Placed Equipment
  • Negligently Placed Dumpsters or Other Demolition Equipment
  • Hummocks
  • Ponding
  • Improperly marked or placed speed bumps or speed humps

If you are a cyclist who suffers an collision as a result any of the above street conditions, we may be able to help. The most difficult case to prove is a case involving a pothole in a city street. In almost all cases in New York, you must prove that the City or Municipality had "prior written notice of the defect" before your accident occurred. However, if you can prove that the City of Municipality "affirmatively" created the condition, worked in the area, or otherwise had notice, you might be able to maintain a lawsuit. To learn more read our " Wheels of Justice" article on this issue by clicking here.

If you were involved in a crash due to a road defect, REPORT IT! Even if you were not hurt, by reporting it you help protect your fellow cyclists who may later face the same defect and not be so lucky. See a Street Defect, take a picture or video and report it!.

Who owns the Manhole Cover, Street Plate, or other Hardware?

Utility Companies normally have markings on street hardware. The markings are in the form of abbreviations, such as MGO or WSNY. For a list of typical markings, click here. There is no guarantee that the marking is accurate or that it demonstrates the true owner. Further investigation is always needed.

The law is different when it comes to road hardware, such as man holes and vaults that may be owned and maintained by private companies, municipal authorities, such as the Transit Authority, or utility providers such as Consolidated Edison (Con Ed) or Verizon. These entities are required by the New York City Administrative Code to maintain the area 12" inches around the structure, flush with the road surface. (11 RCNY2-14) This is what we call the 12" Rule, and it creates a basis for liability for the entity that owns and maintains the street hardware.

The section now numbered §2-07(b) and provides as follows:

Maintenance Requirements

(1) The owners of covers or gratings on a street are responsible for monitoring the condition of the covers and gratings and the area extending twelve inches outward from the perimeter of the hardware;

(2) The owners of covers and gratings shall replace or repair any cover or grating found to be defective, and shall repair any defective street condition found within an area extending twelve inches outward from the perimeter of the cover or grating.

(3) Street hardware shall be flush with the surrounding street surface. Street hardware which is greater than ½"above or below the street surface . . . shall be replaced or adjusted . . . ."

Street Plates

Street opening plates (traffic plates) are required to be "pinned" in place so that they do not shift or move from vehicle traffic, and should ramped in order to keep them in secure positions, as well as a smooth transition as one traverses the plate. If a street opening is made by a contractor and plates are used, the responsibly to properly pin and ramp the plate, as well as to properly maintain the surrounding roadway, lies with the contractor.

By statute, a contractor working on a city street or sidewalk is required to keep all areas used by the public in a safe condition and it "shall be maintained free from debris, equipment, materials, projections or conditions that may cause a slipping, tripping or other hazard" In addition, "waste dumpsters and debris, debris boxes should be secured and those containing material or debris shall be covered at the end of each workday".

In one of our cases, we once represented a cyclist who was injured when the tarp on top of a dumpster was not properly secured and was allowed to blow loose and into the cyclist path. As a result, the cyclist lost control of his bike, crashed, and his ankle was run over by an unidentified truck. While we were never able to identify the truck that struck our client, we were successful in our suit against the contractor and building owner in the claim for negligent placement of the dumpster and the failure to secure the tarp.


If you are a cyclist injured by a road defect, pot hole, or other roadway hardware or construction debris, call us today at (866) 352-6944.


Real People, Real Stories

Read What Our Past Clients Have to Say About Us
  • Ever since my accident, they paid close attention to my needs & welcomed any questions.

    “Exceptional lawyers with great client services. Ever since my accident they paid close attention to my needs and welcomed any questions. Any issue I had was met with a prompt response via phone or ...”

    Efren V.
  • Dan & the Flanzig Team made the whole unfortunate experience a lot smoother.

    “Daniel and his team made the whole unfortunate experience a lot smoother, ultimately securing a settlement above my expectations. Recommended!”

    Chris S.
  • Daniel & his team handled all the legal heavy lifting & logistics so that it wouldn’t be burden.

    “I could not recommend Flanzig & Flanzig more highly for their expertise, skill, professionalism, and care. After being hit by a car, I was hospitalized for a month due to multiple fractures and ...”

    Kathryn L.
New York Bike Lawyers The Flanzig Difference
  • Leaders in the Safe Streets Movement
  • Committed Advocates for New York Cyclists
  • Top-Rated New York Attorneys
  • Dedicated to Helping Cyclists
  • Free Consultations
Representing the Rights of Seriously Injured Cyclists A Nationally Recognized Firm

Whether you have questions or you’re ready to get started, our legal team is ready to help. Complete our form below or call us at (866) 352-6944.

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy