The Big Apple is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the US, boasting 1,550 miles of bike lanes. But even with this extensive bike lane network, riders still find themselves sharing roadways with cars and trucks. And that’s what makes them vulnerable. Without the steel frame that protects motor vehicle drivers, even minor collisions can result in catastrophic injuries.
You wear a helmet and stick to bike lanes whenever possible. Yet every day on NYC streets feels like a gamble. Taxi doors swing wide open without warning, and delivery trucks make unexpected turns and stops; you’re constantly navigating hazards.
Injured in a bicycle accident? Discover your legal options and how a Manhattan bicycle accident attorney can fight for fair compensation.
Why NYC Has a Bike Accident Problem
The numbers tell a sobering story about cycling safety in New York City. Data from the New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) shows that over 9,000 cyclists were injured or lost their lives in traffic collisions across the city during 2022. Despite Vision Zero initiatives and more bike lanes, people are still getting injured and dying.
Bicycle accidents just keep happening in NYC, especially at dangerous intersections like Columbus Circle or Union Square. The surge in bike use, whether among commuters or food delivery workers, has outpaced the city’s recent safety improvements. And what’s making things worse: some drivers treat cyclists as an annoyance or an obstacle rather than fellow road users with equal rights.
As a NYC cyclist, you have the same legal protections as motor vehicle drivers. And when drivers violate your rights and cause injuries, you could qualify for compensation. A Manhattan bicycle accident attorney can protect you from getting pushed into a minimal settlement by insurers assuming you won’t know your claim’s true value.
Common Ways NYC Cyclists Get Hurt
Cyclists get hurt in many different traffic scenarios across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. Some cyclists experience serious injuries while drivers may claim they never saw the bike. Here are some common causes of cycling accidents across NYC:
- “Dooring” Accidents: Car passengers, taxi passengers, and Uber riders may open doors wide without checking, potentially causing cyclists to slam into open doors. NY Vehicle & Traffic Law Section 1214 makes opening doors without due care illegal, which could strengthen your case in a lawsuit.
- Unsafe Turns: Drivers who make turns without checking for cyclists in their blind spots can cause severe crashes where cyclists had the right of way.
- Bike Lane Violations: NYC’s mix of painted bike lanes, protected lanes, and buffered lanes can confuse drivers, leading to violations and accidents. Cars parked or operated in designated bike lanes frequently force cyclists into dangerous inner-city traffic.
- Hit-and-Runs: Some drivers simply take off after hitting a cyclist. However, helmet cameras and surveillance footage can often identify hit-and-run drivers, and victims may be able to hold them accountable.
- Aggressive Driving: In the city that never sleeps, road rage incidents where drivers deliberately intimidate or threaten cyclists aren’t uncommon.
- Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, debris, and construction zones can become a hazardous obstacle course for cyclists or force them into road traffic unexpectedly. If you’re hurt in an accident involving a badly maintained road, the city may be liable for your damages.
No matter how you were hurt, whether you slammed into an open car door or were hit by a car on a bike, a NYC bicycle accident lawyer can help you get justice.
Struck by a Car on a Bike in NYC? What You Need to Know
Being hit by a car while cycling is not only upsetting, but the aftermath of an accident can also feel overwhelming, especially if you’re seriously injured. Here are some of the issues to be aware of:
- No-Fault Benefits: You’re typically covered under the at-fault driver’s no-fault insurance. While this covers some medical bills and lost wages, basic no-fault coverage is only worth $50,000, which may not be enough if you have a severe injury.
- Serious Injury Claims: If your injuries meet New York’s “serious injury threshold,” you could file a lawsuit for full compensation beyond no-fault limits. Fractures, permanent injuries, and disfigurement typically qualify.
- Statute of Limitations: In New York, you have 3 years to file a personal injury claim against a driver. Missing the deadline could mean losing your right to compensation forever.
- Road Defect Claims: If poor road conditions contributed to your crash, you could have a claim against the NYC government. Claims against the government come with additional hurdles, such as a tighter timeline of just 90 days to file a notice of claim.
Cycling accidents aren’t your typical fender bender and can involve specialized legal rules with strict deadlines. Acting quickly and hiring a Manhattan bicycle attorney can be crucial for protecting your rights and compensation.
What Your NYC Bike Accident Case Could Be Worth
After an accident, you may not know the full extent of your injuries for a while. That’s typically when insurance companies will try to seize the moment to make a lowball settlement offer to try and take advantage of your vulnerability. Remember, depending on the facts of your case and the severity of your injuries, you could be entitled to so much more than just your immediate medical expenses and wage losses. Here’s what you could recover in a personal injury lawsuit:
Economic Damages
The cost of medical treatment after an accident doesn’t just involve emergency room visits, especially if you’re seriously hurt. For example, road rash requires specialized wound care and, in severe cases, even skin grafts. Fractures may need orthopedic specialists and multiple surgeries. And a traumatic brain injury may result in long-term neurological treatment. Not to mention the mental health toll an accident can take, potentially requiring counseling for anxiety and PTSD.
Then there’s the lost income if you can’t work during recovery. Permanent injuries may even reduce your future earning capacity for years or decades to come. And don’t underestimate property damage either: high-end bikes cost thousands to replace, and specialized gear adds up quickly.
Non-Economic Damages
For many New Yorkers, cycling is more than just a way to get from A to B. It’s their passion, stress relief, daily exercise, and more. The mental and physical impact of an accident injury can prevent individuals from getting back into the saddle and represent a major lifestyle change for cycle enthusiasts.
If you’re injured in a cycling accident in NYC, you could recover non-economic damages:
- Pain and suffering when extensively injured
- Anxiety about returning to NYC streets
- Loss of cycling for exercise and stress relief
- Disfigurement from road rash and facial injuries
- Reduced quality of life
In extreme cases involving drunk driving or deliberate cyclist harassment, a NYC court may award punitive damages to punish egregious conduct and deter future dangerous behavior. If you were injured and want to determine the value of your case, consider scheduling a free consultation with a NYC bicycle accident attorney.
What to Expect During Your Free Consultation with a Bicycle Accidents Attorney
Your free consultation is your opportunity to understand your case’s value and find the right bicycle Accidents attorney for you. Make sure you come prepared with photos of your injuries and bike damage, the police report number, insurance information, and medical records. Here are some excellent questions to help you determine whether the attorney is the right match:
- Have you handled similar cycling accident cases to mine?
- What’s my case potentially worth?
- What are your fees, and will I have to pay any upfront costs?
- Have you won trials for injury victims?
- How often can I expect to communicate with you during the case?
- Will you be handling my lawsuit or someone else in your firm?
A good bicycle accident attorney in NYC will give you honest answers about your case’s merit and challenges, not just make unrealistic promises. They should understand cycling culture and the dangers you face on city streets. If you leave feeling confused or pressured after the free consultation, keep looking for a better match.
Berkowitz & Weitz Law, P.C. Fights for Injured NYC Bicyclists
We’ve seen how serious cycling accidents can devastate lives. Don’t let insurance companies treat you like you did something wrong or don’t belong on NYC roads when someone else is responsible for your injuries and losses. Our Manhattan bicycle accident attorneys understand cyclists’ rights and have the trial experience to take on insurance companies that want to shortchange victims.
Berkowitz & Weitz Law, P.C. has recovered millions for accident victims throughout New York City, including those suffering severe injuries from careless drivers. We can fight for every dollar you deserve while you focus on recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn about your rights and the next best steps.