New York City Bicycle Accident Lawyer

There is no doubt that cycling is a popular form of transportation and exercise throughout New York. In New York City alone, approximately 778,000 New Yorkers ride their bikes at least several times a month, while another 272,000 ride at least once a month, according to the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT). Although riding a bicycle is good for you and the environment, it can also put you at risk of accidents and injuries. In fact, according to the NYC Open Data Portal, a compilation of data from numerous New York City agencies, there have been at least 3,835 dead or injured cyclists in New York City in the past year. In addition, according to crash data published by the federal government, hundreds of additional riders across Long Island and Westchester have been killed in bicycle accidents over the last several years.

It is important to be aware of the common causes of bicycle accidents and ways to avoid them so that you can stay free from unnecessary serious injuries. In the event, that you suffer an injury while cycling, and you believe the accident was someone else’s fault, you should not wait to contact our New York City bicycle accident lawyers for guidance.

How a New York City Bicycle Accident Attorney Can Help You

When you suffer an injury in a bicycle accident caused by someone else, you may be entitled to compensation under New York law, but you will likely need assistance in litigation your case. Our personal injury law firm has been litigating bike accidents in New York for 40 years. Our New York bicycle accident attorneys understand New York law and how to properly position a case to obtain maximum compensation on your behalf. We can:

Thoroughly investigate the facts and circumstances of your bike accident
Engage world-renowned bike accident reconstruction experts to digitally recreate your bike accident and determine the parties at fault
Document your injuries and financial losses
Collect and safeguard evidence
Prepare and file all required court documents
Participate in court conferences, mediations, and settlement discussions with an understanding of what your bicycle accident case is worth based on decades of experience
Prepare for trial and present your bike accident case before a jury

Our New York City bike accident lawyers, we have obtained some of the largest verdicts and settlements in the State of New York on behalf of our deserving clients, including tens of millions of dollars on behalf of bicycle accident victims. Our New York bicycle accident attorney, support staff, and in-house legal nurse consultants will work as a collective unit to handle every single aspect of your bicycle accident case so that you can focus on your medical recovery while we focus on your financial recovery.

Compensation Available for New York City Bicycle Accident Victims

When injured cyclists were hurt by someone else’s negligence, they may be entitled to compensation for certain economic and non-economic damages under New York law.

Economic damages include compensation for losses that can be easily calculated, such as:

Medical bills and expenses
Lost wages for the time you missed from work
Lost or reduced earning capacity caused by any permanent or lingering injury

Non-economic damages include compensation for losses that cannot be easily calculated, such as:

Pain and suffering
Loss of quality of life
Emotional distress
Loss of consortium

Contact our New York City Bicycle Accident Law Firm to learn more.

What Is the Statute of Limitations to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in New York?

If you are seeking compensation for your bicycle accident injuries, you must file a lawsuit as soon as possible to protect your legal rights. In New York State, the statute of limitations – the time in which a lawsuit must be filed – is typically three years following the date of your bike accident.

If your bicycle crash involved a vehicle owned or operated by a driver employed by New York State or a municipality such as New York City, or if you believe that your accident was caused by a road that was defectively designed or a failure to properly maintain the roadway, then you must file a “Notice of Claim” or “Notice of Intention” within 90 days of the date of your bike accident.

Certain exemptions may extend the period in which victims must file bicycle accident cases, Notice of Claim, or Notice of Intention following a bike accident, however, if you miss the applicable filing deadline, you could be forever barred from bringing a claim.

Steps You Can Take to Avoid A Bicycle Accident in New York City

While you cannot control the actions of others, there are some steps you can take to avoid a bicycle accident:

Avoid distractions while riding, such as talking on your cell phone, texting, or taking pictures, so you can identify any possible hazards or vehicles in your path as soon as possible
Always wear a helmet to help protect you from head or brain injuries
Avoid riding your bicycle while intoxicated
Try to stay off the roads from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm when possible, as this is the most common time for bike accidents
Stay particularly alert when riding in urban settings like NYC
Carefully plan your route if you are riding on roads with traffic
Follow all traffic laws, signs, and signals
Have reflective clothing, lights, and other visibility tools when riding early in the morning or at night

No matter how careful you might be, there is always the chance that you will still suffer an injury in a bicycle accident. If this happens, the best way to protect your rights is to first get the medical treatment you need, and then consult with a Manhattan personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries Suffered in New York City

Bicycle accident injuries can vary depending on the type of accident. Bike accidents involving motor vehicles such as cars, vans, or trucks are often more severe than those involving bicycles only. Some of the most common injuries suffered in a bike accident include:

Broken bones
Torn ligaments
Bruises and cuts
Whiplash
Head injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI) or skull fractures
Spinal cord injuries
Internal organ damage
Wrongful death

Common Causes of Bicycle Crashes in New York City

Every bicycle accident is unique, with its causes and effects. Staying informed regarding the most common causes of bicycle accidents can help you prevent an accident before it takes place.

Motor Vehicle Drivers

Almost one-third of bicycle accident injuries happen due to the actions of motor vehicle drivers. When drivers are negligent and make mistakes or poor decisions on the road, they can collide with cyclists, run them off the road, and more. Some common types of collisions caused by automobile drivers include:

Rear-end accidents
Right hook crashes
Dooring accidents
Blindspot accidents
Distracted driving accidents
Aggressive driving accidents

When negligent drivers collide with riders or cause bicycle accidents, they should be held responsible for the injuries and losses that result.

Road Hazards

Motor vehicles can crash when they encounter dangerous road hazards, but cyclists are much more vulnerable to accidents in this type of scenario. Road hazards that might lead to a bicycle accident include:

Potholes
Sewer grates
Large cracks in the pavement
Gravel on the road
Bike lanes with poor design
Bike lanes in disrepair
Trolley or rail tracks
Storm debris on the road

Motor vehicle drivers are not responsible for all bicycle accidents, as some accidents happen due to road hazards and involve only the cyclist. When this happens, the company or agency responsible for road or bike lane upkeep might be liable for the resulting bicycle accident injuries.

Defective Bicycles

Sometimes, bicycle accidents happen for reasons not involving the environment, such as road or traffic conditions, and instead are caused by problems with the bicycle itself. Bike manufacturers are expected to design and assemble bicycles that are safe to ride and that will operate properly. Unfortunately, some companies sell bikes that have defects and can malfunction, often causing cyclists to lose control, crash, and suffer injuries. This is called a product liability case — where the manufacturer can be held liable for your injuries.

Some common bicycle defects that might lead to accidents include:

Brakes that do not work properly or fail altogether
Defective frames that can come apart or fail to support a cyclist
Defective wheels or tires that can detach or blow out suddenly
Carbon fork failures
Defective quick-release hubs on a bike’s front wheels
Defective safety helmets that do not provide the expected level of protection from head injuries

When a defect is the cause of a bicycle accident, the manufacturer responsible for making and selling the bike should be held accountable. A New York City personal injury attorney can help you determine if your situation calls for a defective product claim.