New York City Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycling in New York City is not just a mode of transportation; it’s a way of life for thousands of residents and visitors. Central Park, the West Side Greenway, and Williamsburg Bridge are just a few of the areas where cyclists are a common sight. However, sharing the road with motor vehicles often puts bicyclists at significant risk. When a bicycle accident happens, it can lead to life-altering injuries, emotional distress, and financial burdens.

If you or someone you love has been involved in a bicycle accident in New York City, you may be entitled to compensation. The Rothenberg Law Firm, LLP has been standing up for accident victims for over 50 years. Our trusted New York City bicycle accident lawyer can provide the legal guidance and support you need to hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions.

New York City Bicycle Accident Guide

Why Choose the Rothenberg Law Firm for Your New York City Bicycle Accident Claim?

The aftermath of a bicycle accident can be incredibly overwhelming. You may be dealing with severe injuries, mounting medical bills, and an insurance company trying to minimize your compensation. That’s where The Rothenberg Law Firm steps in. For over five decades, we have tirelessly fought for our clients, recovering billions in compensation for injured individuals and their families.

Here’s why you can trust The Rothenberg Law Firm to advocate for you:

1. Proven Track Record: We’ve handled thousands of personal injury cases and understand what it takes to build a successful claim. Our team leaves no stone unturned when investigating your bicycle accident and preparing your case.
2. Dedicated to Maximizing Recovery: Our mission is simple but powerful—to secure the maximum recovery possible for our clients. Whether through negotiation or trial, we fight to obtain the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
3. Compassionate Legal Team: At The Rothenberg Law Firm, we treat our clients like family. We understand that a serious accident doesn’t just impact the injured person—it affects their entire family. Our team works with medical professionals, counselors, and financial advisers to help you get the support you need.
4. Trial-Ready Advocacy: We are not a law firm that settles for less. When the insurance companies fail to offer fair compensation, we are prepared to take your case to court and fight for justice.

With the Rothenberg Law Firm by your side, you’re not just hiring a bicycle accident lawyer, you’re gaining a team that genuinely cares about your recovery and well-being.

Bike Riding is Popular in New York City

In recent years, New Yorkers have increasingly turned to bike riding for exercise, sport, or simply a relaxing way to spend quality time in the outdoors together with good friends and family. The Big Apple has embraced this trend, installing 21.4 miles of protected bicycle lanes, with an additional 22.8 lane miles of dedicated cycling space in neighborhoods.

The number of bicycle riders in New York City skyrocketed as thousands of commuters have chosen biking as their mode of transportation, abandoning subways and buses for bike-sharing options like Citi Bike. During the pandemic, there was an estimated 80% increase in cycling trips in New York compared to the year earlier, due largely to an extraordinary 147% increase in riding by female bike riders.

The increase in bike ridership is a positive development for New York City residents, with the potential to improve the city's air quality, reduce its carbon footprint, and enhance public health. At the same time, however, the increase in ridership on New York City's busy streets has led to a43% increase in bicycle injuries. As the number of bike crash victims and bicycle fatalities continues to rise, it is essential for bikers to know their legal rights.

What Are New York’s Bicycle Laws?

New York bicyclists generally have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. That means cyclists may use many public roads, but they must also follow traffic signals, stop signs, yield signs, pavement markings, and right-of-way rules. Cyclists should ride in the same direction as traffic, use hand signals when turning or stopping, and yield to pedestrians when required.

These rules can become important after a bicycle accident because insurance companies may argue that the cyclist violated a traffic law or contributed to the crash. A traffic violation does not automatically prevent an injured cyclist from recovering compensation, but it may affect how fault is evaluated.

New York Bicycle Equipment Requirements

New York law requires bicycles to have certain safety equipment, especially for riding in low-light conditions. Bicycles used at night generally must have a white front light, a red or amber rear light, and a rear reflector. Bicycles must also have a bell or other audible device that can be heard from a reasonable distance, and they must have working brakes.

Equipment issues can become relevant after a crash if a driver or insurance company argues that the cyclist was hard to see or failed to comply with bicycle-safety rules. However, the existence of an equipment issue does not automatically absolve a negligent driver. The key question is how the crash happened and whether the driver, cyclist, or another party caused or contributed to the collision.

Do Cyclists Have to Use Bike Lanes in NYC?

New York City has several types of bike lanes, including protected bike lanes, painted bike lanes, and shared lanes. When a designated bike lane is available, cyclists generally must use it unless the lane is blocked, unsafe, or the cyclist needs to leave the lane to turn, avoid a hazard, or continue safely.

Bike-lane issues often matter in bicycle accident claims. For example, a crash may involve a blocked bike lane, a vehicle parked in a bike lane, a driver turning across a cyclist’s path, or a cyclist forced into traffic because the bike lane was unsafe.

Can You Ride a Bicycle on the Sidewalk in New York City?

In New York City, bicycle riding on sidewalks is generally prohibited unless an official sign allows it. Sidewalk-riding allegations may come up after a crash, especially when an insurance company tries to blame the cyclist for the accident.

Even if the insurance company argues that a cyclist violated a rule, that does not automatically end the case. The full circumstances matter, including where the crash happened, what each party was doing, whether the driver was negligent, and whether the cyclist’s conduct actually contributed to the collision.

New York City Bike Accident Statistics

According to the latest data, there were 3,835 crashes between motor vehicles and bike riders on New York City streets in which the cyclist was injured or killed. In many of these collisions with motor vehicles, the bicycle accident victims suffered a catastrophic injury and required extensive medical treatment.

Sadly, bicyclist fatalities in New York City have been trending upwards. 27 cyclists were hit and killed in one recent year, up from just 10 the previous year, and the highest number of bicycle accident fatalities in twenty years. The great majority of deaths were due to motor vehicle accidents.

Some recent New Yorkbike riding statistics show:

• There are nearly 900,000 avid cyclists in New York who regularly ride a bicycle (at least several times a month)
• 33% of adult New Yorkers, approximately 2 million people, ride a bike at least once a year
• 1,301 lane miles of bike lanes were installed in New York City in recent years
• 501 lane miles of protected bike lanes were installed in New York City in recent years
• On a typical day, there are over 510,000 cycling trips made in New York City

What Duty Do Motorists Owe to Bicyclists in New York City?

New York’s traffic laws are designed to protect all road users, including bicyclists. Operators of motor vehicles have a legal obligation to follow these rules and exercise caution when sharing the road:

• Yielding the Right of Way: Drivers are required to yield to bicyclists in bike lanes or when cyclists have the right of way.
• Adequate Following Distance: Motorists must maintain a safe distance when overtaking or following a cyclist to prevent collisions.
• Avoiding Door Zone Accidents: Before opening a car door, drivers and passengers must check for approaching cyclists to prevent hazardous “dooring” incidents.
• Obeying Traffic Signals: All road users are required to stop at red lights or stop signs, ensuring cyclists using crosswalks or intersections are safeguarded.

Similarly, bicyclists have responsibilities under New York law, including obeying traffic signals, yielding to pedestrians, and using lights at night. However, violations of these rules do not automatically absolve a negligent driver of their responsibility in an accident. If you’ve been injured, speak with a New York City bicycle accident attorney to discuss how the law applies to your case.

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What if I’m Partly to Blame for My Injuries?

Bicycle accidents often involve complex circumstances, and determining fault isn’t always straightforward. While drivers frequently bear primary responsibility for collisions, bicyclists can sometimes contribute to an accident in various ways. Examples include failing to signal turns, riding against traffic, or not wearing reflective gear at night.

If you believe you were partially at fault, don’t assume you’re ineligible for compensation. New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover damages even if you were partly to blame for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you are found 20% responsible for the accident, you would still receive 80% of your damages.

Because insurance companies may try to exaggerate your level of fault to reduce your payout, it is vital to have a skilled attorney representing you.

What Should You Do After a Bicycle Accident in New York City?

After a bicycle accident, your first priority should be safety. Move out of traffic if you can do so safely, call 911, and request medical help if anyone is injured. You should also report the crash to the police, especially if there are injuries, significant property damage, or a motor vehicle involved.

If you are able, document the scene before evidence disappears. Take photos of your bicycle, the vehicle, license plates, road conditions, bike lanes, traffic signals, skid marks, debris, visible injuries, and anything that may show how the crash happened. Get the driver’s name, contact information, insurance details, and license plate number. You should also collect contact information from witnesses.

Seek medical attention even if your injuries seem minor at first. Some injuries worsen after the adrenaline wears off. Keep copies of medical records, bills, repair estimates, photos, police information, and insurance communications. Avoid giving detailed statements or accepting a quick settlement before you understand the full extent of your injuries and legal options.

The Insurance Company Made Me an Offer. Should I Take It?

It’s natural to feel tempted to accept the first offer from an insurance company after a bicycle accident. The promise of quick cash might seem like a lifeline during a challenging time. However, accepting an offer without consulting an experienced lawyer could significantly limit the compensation you’re entitled to receive. Insurance companies often make lowball offers right after an accident, hoping victims will settle quickly before understanding the full value of their claim.

Insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company’s bottom line, not your best interests. They may downplay the severity of your injuries, argue that you share a significant portion of the blame, or even pressure you into accepting a settlement before you’ve fully assessed your losses. By consulting with a seasoned bike accident lawyer, you can ensure that all damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term costs, are accounted for when negotiating a fair settlement.

Compensation Available to NYC Bicycle Accident Victims

A bicycle accident can cause tremendous upheaval in your life, but pursuing compensation ensures you have the resources needed to recover. Victims may be eligible to claim various damages, including both economic and non-economic losses. These can include:

• Medical Expenses: Costs related to emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
• Lost Income: Compensation for wages lost during recovery and any reduction in earning capacity due to lasting injuries.
• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Property Damage: Repairs or replacement costs for your damaged bicycle and gear.
• Wrongful Death Damages: If you lost a loved one in a bicycle accident, you may be eligible to pursue damages, including funeral costs, loss of companionship, and future financial support.

The bicycle accident lawyers at Rothenberg Law Firm are committed to securing the maximum compensation possible for our clients, allowing them to focus on healing while we handle the legal complexities.

New York City Bicycle Accident Claims FAQs

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions regarding bicycle accident cases:

Contact the New York City Bicycle Accident Lawyers at Rothenberg Law Firm Today

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, the legal team at the Rothenberg Law Firm can help you recover the compensation you need for your medical bills and other losses. Here’s how we can assist you:

• Thoroughly investigate your accident to identify all liable parties.
• Handle all communications with insurance companies to protect your rights.
• Work with medical and financial professionals to accurately calculate your damages.
• Negotiate aggressively on your behalf or take your case to trial if necessary.

Don’t face this alone. Contact the NYC personal injury lawyer from Rothenberg Law Firm today at (866) 771-4988 or through our online form to discuss your case during a free, no-obligation consultation.