Bike Crashes

New York City Bicycle Accident Attorneys for Injury Claims

Understand Your Rights After a Bicycle Accident in New York City

New York has never seen a time like this. Whether to avoid mass transit, for recreation, or just for the pure fun of it, New Yorkers are riding now more than ever.

One of the most common modes of alternative transportation in the city is a bike or other single-person vehicle, such as an e-bike, moped, or e-scooter. The list of benefits of these modes of transportation goes on and on: not only are they less expensive than a car, but they can be used to move straight through traffic, are easier to park, fun to ride, and bicycles offer the added benefit of physical well-being while commuting.

However, despite Vision Zero efforts, riders remain vulnerable to accidents and crashes. As dedicated New York bike crash lawyers, and given the time we spend on a bike ourselves, we provide a unique legal experience helping obtain compensation riders and their families deserve for the consequences of another's negligent act.

If you've been injured in a bike accident through no fault of your own, contact our firm today at (888) 290-5994. Our NYC bicycle injury lawyers have the experience you need on your side.

Common Causes of Bike Accidents & Crashes

Negligent and inattentive drivers cause the majority of crashes. Such actions by a driver can cause serious injury or death to a cyclist. Those who bike for a living, such as bike messengers or delivery workers, are at higher risk as well.

Common causes of bicycle crashes include:

Executing unlawful and dangerous turns
Failing to see bike riders on the road
Speeding or reckless driving
Failing to obey traffic control devices
Opening a car door before checking for cyclists, also known as being doored
Driving in or over areas designated for the exclusive use of cyclists and pedestrians
Drunk or impaired driving

With the increased number of Uber, Lyft, taxicabs, and other rideshare vehicles, cyclists continue to become more vulnerable. Delivery trucks, including UPS trucks, Amazon trucks, and FedEx vehicles, also remain a hazard to cyclists as they attempt to move cargo and make deliveries around the city.

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Understanding Bicycle Accident Laws in New York

New York’s legal landscape for cyclists is a unique blend of state statutes and specific city administrative codes. Navigating these rules requires the precision of a seasoned New York City bicycle accident attorney.

The Vehicle & Traffic Law

Under New York State law, specifically VTL § 1231, bicyclists are granted all the rights and are subject to all the duties of a driver of a motor vehicle. This means you have a legal right to the road.

Furthermore, VTL § 1146 mandates that every driver must exercise “due care” to avoid colliding with any bicyclist or pedestrian. If a driver fails to see you or fails to give you adequate space, they are in direct violation of state law.

NYC-Specific Traffic Rules

New York City has its own set of traffic regulations that often provide more protection than the general state laws.

For example:

“Dooring” Protections: Under 34 RCNY 4-12(c), it is illegal for any person to open a door of a motor vehicle into moving traffic unless it is reasonably safe to do so.
Bike Lane Obstruction: Motorists are prohibited from driving, standing, or parking in a designated bike lane under 34 RCNY 4-08(e)(9).
Safe Passing: While state law VTL 1122 requires a “safe distance,” local regulations and evolving standards emphasize the necessity of a buffer when overtaking a cyclist.

No-Fault Insurance & the “Serious Injury” Threshold

In New York, bicycles are generally treated as “pedestrians” for the purposes of no-fault insurance. This means that if you are hit by a car, the vehicle’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or “no-fault” insurance is typically responsible for your medical bills, lost wages, and follow-up care, regardless of who caused the crash.

However, to sue for “pain and suffering” (non-economic damages), your injuries must meet the “serious injury” threshold defined in Insurance Law § 5102(d), which includes fractures, permanent loss of use of a body organ, or significant disfigurement, or other injuries such as torn ligaments or herniated discs.

What To Do After A Bicycle Crash In New York City

The minutes and days after a collision are often a blur, but the steps you take can affect both your health and your legal rights.

Consider the following:

Seek medical care: Call 911 if needed or visit Bellevue Hospital Center, NYU Langone, or a local urgent care if symptoms appear later.
Document the scene: Take photos of the crash location, vehicle license plate, bike damage, road conditions, and injuries.
Gather information: Collect the driver’s license, insurance details, plate number, and contact information for witnesses.
Report the crash: Make sure an official report is created through the NYPD, another responding police department at the scene of the crash, or later through a collision report at the local precinct if officers do not respond.
Preserve evidence: Keep your damaged bike, helmet, clothing, and other items until your claim is resolved.
Speak with an attorney before detailed insurance discussions: A New York City bicycle accident lawyer can help you understand your options before you provide statements that may affect your claim.

Compensation You May Recover After A New York Bicycle Crash

After a serious crash, many riders are surprised to learn that different types of compensation may be available depending on the facts of the case. Damages are generally divided into economic damages, which cover financial losses, and non-economic damages, which address the physical and emotional impact of the crash.

Compensation in a bicycle accident claim can include:

Medical care
Future medical care
Lost income
Property damage
Pain and suffering
Loss of enjoyment of life
And more

In fatal crashes, surviving family members may have rights under New York’s wrongful death laws, which require careful attention to filing deadlines and procedures in the county where the claim is brought, such as Kings County Supreme Court or New York County Supreme Court.

By evaluating each of these categories, a bicycle accident lawyer in New York City can help you understand what is potentially at stake before you decide how to move forward.

Speak with a bicycle accident lawyer in New York City today by calling (888) 290-5994 or reaching out online. Our team of top-rated NYC attorneys offers free consultations and is 100% dedicated to helping cyclists like you.

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Why Choose Flanzig & Flanzig, LLP?

Leaders in the Safe Streets Movement
Committed Advocates for New York Cyclists
Top-Rated New York Attorneys

Dedicated to Helping Cyclists
Free Consultations

Why Choose Flanzig & Flanzig, LLP in a New York City Bicycle Accident Claim

Bike riders suffer some of the most life-changing injuries in their accidents, including loss of limb, road rash disfigurement, and traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. Those suffering them at the hands of someone else's negligence deserve compensation for the suffering they have endured and will endure throughout their life.

Choose our firm for:

Cyclist-focused advocacy: As avid cyclists and safe street advocates, we understand the risks riders face and the challenges involved in bicycle accident claims.
Extensive trial experience: Our partners bring more than 30 years of courtroom experience representing injured cyclists, pedestrians, and other vulnerable road users.
Local knowledge: We have handled bicycle and pedestrian cases throughout New York City’s five boroughs and Long Island, giving us deep local insight.
Proven results: Our track record reflects years of pursuing meaningful compensation for injured riders and their families.

We know how a crash on a busy Midtown corridor differs from a collision on a neighborhood street in Queens, and we tailor our approach to account for local traffic patterns, typical driver behavior, and the courts where your case may ultimately be heard. This allows us to prepare claims that clearly explain your story to insurance carriers and, when needed, to judges and juries in New York.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Have a Case If the Police Report Blames Me?

A police report does not automatically determine fault. Officers may not have reviewed all evidence, spoken with every witness, or fully understood cyclist right-of-way rules. Additional evidence, such as videos, photos, and witness statements, may help provide a more complete picture of what happened.

How Long Do I Have To Bring A Bicycle Injury Claim In New York?

The deadline for filing a bicycle injury claim depends on who caused the crash. Claims involving private authority, the City of New York, or public agencies may have different time limits and requirements. Acting quickly can help protect your rights and preserve important evidence.

Call (888) 290-5994 today to get started with your claim! Our bicycle accident attorney in NYC can support you.

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