New York City Bicycle Accident Lawyers

NYC Bicycle Accident Statistics

Cycling in New York City has transformed over recent years, with both the number of riders and city infrastructure expanding dramatically. Recent data reveal concerning trends for cyclist safety:

• Despite fewer total crashes, accident severity has increased significantly.
• Cycling increased by 150% from 2015 to 2016, outpacing both employment and population growth.
• Most cyclist fatalities occur on streets without proper bicycle infrastructure.

The impact of bicycle accidents varies by borough. Here’s a detailed breakdown of cycling injuries and fatalities in 2023 by borough:

Types of Bicycle Accidents in NYC

New York City's dense urban environment creates manifold accident risks for cyclists. Each accident scenario presents distinct liability factors and evidence requirements for victims pursuing legal claims.

According to available statistics, pedestrian injuries linked to e-bikes have surged since 2017, rising roughly twice as fast as fatalities. Meanwhile, e-bike-related deaths have climbed from one to two deaths annually in 2017–2018 to 7–18 deaths per year by 2022–2023.

The increasing prevalence of both bike riding and bicycle crashes poses distinctive legal hurdles for accident victims. Our attorneys remain ahead of evolving regulations to secure fair compensation for clients involved in these collisions.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in NYC

New York's congested streets create countless hazards for cyclists. While driver actions are to blame for most bike crashes, identifying all possible contributing factors can strengthen your injury claim.

The most common causes of bicycle accidents in New York include:

• Driver Negligence Speeding, reckless driving, and failure to yield top the list of causes.
• Distracted Driving Phone use, eating, and other distractions can result in cyclists being overlooked.
• Bike Lane Violations Motorists driving or parking in designated bike lanes sometimes force riders into dangerous traffic.
• Impaired Driving Alcohol and drug use dramatically elevate the risk of a crash.
• Car Door Accidents Vehicle occupants frequently open doors without checking for approaching cyclists.
• Traffic Law Violations When motorists and bicycle riders fail to follow the rules of the road, the consequences can be dire.
• Poor Road Conditions Potholes, construction zones, and damaged pavement create more opportunities for injurious crashes.

Even low-speed collisions frequently cause severe injuries for cyclists, including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal damage. Our personal injury attorneys can collaborate with accident reconstruction professionals to demonstrate precisely how various factors contributed to your crash and resulting injuries.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

Cyclists are extremely vulnerable on New York City’s streets. Without the protective shell of a vehicle, even seemingly minor collisions can cause devastating injuries, such as:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries Even with helmet use, head injuries remain common.
• Spinal Cord Damage From vertebral compression fractures to complete paralysis.
• Road Rash and Soft Tissue Injuries Deep abrasions that often require skin grafts.
• Broken Bones Particularly collarbones, wrists, and ribs.
• Joint Injuries Shoulder, knee, and hip damage that may require surgery.
• Internal Injuries Including organ damage from impacts with handlebars.
• Facial Trauma Dental injuries, eye damage, and facial fractures.
• Psychological Trauma PTSD, anxiety, and fear of cycling again.

These injuries often necessitate extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and time away from work. We’ll work with medical professionals to document the full impact of your injuries and secure compensation that covers both your immediate and long-term needs.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in NYC

The moments following a bicycle crash are critical for protecting both your health and your legal rights. Taking the proper steps will strengthen your case and safeguard your claim for compensation.

New York’s Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accidents

New York gives you three years from the date of the initial accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, claims against municipalities require you to file a Notice of Claim within just 90 days. If you miss these deadlines, you’ll permanently forfeit your right to seek compensation, regardless of how solid your case is.

Damages You Can Recover After a Bicycle Accident

Bicycle accident victims often sustain life-altering injuries that call for extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Our capable attorneys will pursue full compensation for both your economic and non-economic impacts, which may include the following:

• Medical Expenses Emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and future medical needs.
• Lost Income Wages and benefits lost during recovery and reduced earning capacity.
• Property Damage The cost of repairing or replacing your bicycle, damaged equipment, and personal items.
• Pain and Suffering The physical and emotional discomfort arising from your injuries.
• Reduced Quality of Life The impact on your ability to enjoy activities and hobbies you once loved.
• Disability Long-term or permanent physical limitations and necessary accommodations.
• Disfigurement Visible scarring and enduring physical changes.
• Emotional Trauma Psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

Our attorneys will work with reputable local healthcare providers and life-care planners to calculate the full value of your current and future losses and secure the resources you need to move forward.

New York's No-Fault Insurance for Cyclists

Bicycle accidents in New York fall under the state's no-fault insurance system, creating a unique claims process that differs from other states. As a cyclist hit by a motor vehicle, you can access benefits from the driver's insurance company regardless of who caused the accident.

No-fault benefits offer up to $50,000 for medical expenses and a portion of lost wages. However, these benefits don’t cover pain and suffering or make up the costs of serious injuries. For complete compensation, you’ll need to pursue a legal claim against the at-fault driver.

To recover damages beyond no-fault benefits, you must demonstrate a "serious injury" as defined by New York law. Serious injuries include:

• Fractures
• Significant disfigurement
• Permanent limitation of a bodily organ or member
• Significant limitation of a bodily function or system
• Full disability for at least 90 days

Our attorneys will meticulously document your injuries to build a robust claim for compensation that exceeds the limits of the state’s no-fault system.

NYC Bicycle Laws Every Cyclist Should Know

New York City has specific laws governing cyclist conduct and rights. Familiarizing yourself with these regulations can help you and your legal professional establish fault in your bicycle accident claim. Here are some key points:

• Right to the Road Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles.
• Bike Lane Requirements Cyclists must use bike lanes when they’re available and safe.
• Sidewalk Riding Cyclists over the age of 12 may not ride on the sidewalk except in designated areas.
• Helmet Laws Helmets are mandatory for commercial cyclists and all riders under 14.
• Equipment Requirements Bicycles must have functioning brakes, reflectors, and lights for night riding.
• Door Zone Laws Drivers must check for cyclists before opening doors in areas with heavy traffic.
• Passing Distance Vehicles must maintain a three-foot minimum passing distance at all times.

Drivers who violate these laws often provide clear evidence of negligence. Our attorneys know how to leverage this evidence to build compelling cases for injured clients.

How Our NYC Bicycle Accident Lawyers Can Benefit Your Case

When you choose Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, LLP, to handle your bicycle accident claim, you gain a team of advocates who blend practical insights with proven courtroom success. Our strategic approach includes:

• Efficient Investigation We visit accident scenes quickly to gather evidence before it disappears.
• Skilled Collaboration We work with trusted professionals in the fields of bicycle safety, accident reconstruction, and medicine.
• Forceful Negotiation We’ll handle all communications with the insurance companies to refuse unfair offers and prevent manipulation.
• Full Case Preparation We develop every case as if it's going to trial, fortifying our clients’ positions in settlement talks.
• Partner Attention Our senior attorneys will handle your case personally from start to finish.
• No Upfront Costs We advance all necessary case expenses and only get paid when you win.

Our lawyers have assisted countless injured cyclists in obtaining just compensation for the negative effects they’ve suffered. We know how to counter common defense tactics and prove driver negligence in even the most challenging circumstances.