New York City Bike Accident Attorney

Bicycle Accidents in Brooklyn & Throughout NYC

Bicycles are a common way to navigate New York City’s busy streets, whether commuting to work, running errands, or enjoying the city’s many neighborhoods. Unfortunately, even experienced cyclists face serious risks when motorists fail to share the road safely. A bicycle accident can result in severe injuries, extensive medical expenses, lost income, or lifelong disabilities and conditions. 

In 2023, a total of 30 cyclists were killed in New York City, a 24-year high. Over 94% occurred on streets without bike lanes and 66% with no bike infrastructure at all, according to the NYC Department of Transportation Bicycle Crash Data Report.

For more than 50 years, our New York City bicycle lawyers at Rubenstein & Rynecki have represented injured cyclists throughout the five boroughs. If you were injured in a bicycle accident caused by a negligent driver, we can help you pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses while protecting your rights throughout the legal process.

Contact us online or by phone at
(718) 522-1020 to set up a free initial consultation with one of our New York City bike
accident lawyers today.

What Are Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in New York City?

Despite the growing number of bike lanes throughout the city, bicycle accidents remain a serious concern. Cyclists often share overcrowded streets with passenger vehicles, delivery trucks, buses, motorcycles, rideshares and taxis, and scores of pedestrians. When motorists fail to pay attention or follow traffic laws, the consequences can be devastating. Some of the most common causes of bike accidents include:

• Drivers failing to yield the right-of-way
• Unsafe or illegal turns at intersections
• Distracted driving, such as texting 
• Speeding
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Unsafe lane changes
• Sideswipe collisions
• Dooring accidents, opening a vehicle door into a cyclist’s path
• Commercial vehicle and delivery truck collisions

Although cyclists can sometimes contribute to an accident, many bicycle crashes occur because drivers fail to recognize, respect, or safely share the road.

What Are Common Bicycle Accident Injuries?

When a bicycle collides with a passenger vehicle, SUV, truck, or bus, the cyclist often suffers severe injuries as a result of the disparity in sizes and force of impact. Even when wearing a helmet and other protective equipment, riders often face extensive medical treatment, lengthy rehabilitation, and permanent disabilities. Common bicycle accident injuries include: 

• Abrasions, bruising, and cuts
• Amputations
• Brain injury
• Broken bones
• Coma
• Concussion
• Fatal Injuries
• Herniated disc
• Internal bleeding
• Skull fracture
• Spinal cord injury

In the aftermath of a bicycle crash, the physical, emotional, and financial toll of serious injuries often impact multiple aspects of a person’s life. At Rubenstein & Rynecki, we work to recover compensation that reflects both the immediate and long-term impact of a serious bicycle accident.\

What New York Laws Protect Cyclists?

New York law recognizes bicycles as vehicles and grants cyclists many of the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. Some laws that frequently affect bicycle accident claims include the following:

• Drivers must yield the right-of-way when turning across a cyclist’s path.
• Motorists may not open a vehicle door into the path of an oncoming cyclist.
• Cyclists may leave bike lanes to avoid unsafe conditions or road hazards.
• Drivers may not stop, stand, or park in designated bike lanes.
• Cyclists have the right to use most public roads and to share the road safely with vehicles.
• Injured cyclists may still recover compensation, even if they share some responsibility for the accident.

Understanding how these laws apply to a specific accident can be critical when determining liability and pursuing compensation.

What Compensation Can Injured Cyclists Recover?

Depending on the circumstances of the accident and the severity of injuries, you may be entitled to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages after a bicycle accident, including: 

• Medical expenses
• Future medical treatment and rehabilitation
• Lost wages and future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage
• Permanent disability or disfigurement

Family members may also pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim for bicycle accidents that result in a fatality.

Who Can Be Responsible for a Bicycle Accident in New York City?

Determining liability after a bicycle accident is not always straightforward. Although a negligent driver is often responsible, other individuals, companies, or entities may also share liability depending on the circumstances. Potentially liable parties may include:

• Negligent motorists
• Commercial vehicle operators
• Trucking and transportation companies
• Delivery companies
• Employers of negligent drivers
• Government entities responsible for road design or maintenance
• Other parties whose negligence contributed to the accident

A thorough investigation is often necessary to identify all responsible parties and maximize the compensation available to an injured cyclist.

How Can Rubenstein & Rynecki Help After a New York City Bicycle Accident?

After a serious bicycle accident, insurance companies often move quickly to minimize claims and protect their financial interests. Having experienced legal representation can help level the playing field.

At Rubenstein & Rynecki, we investigate bicycle accidents by gathering evidence, obtaining surveillance footage, reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts when necessary. We work to identify all liable parties, document the full extent of our clients’ losses, and pursue maximum compensation through settlement negotiations or litigation.

For more than 50 years, our firm has represented injured clients throughout Brooklyn and New York City. We are committed to helping injured cyclists protect their rights and pursue the financial recovery needed to move forward after a serious crash.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do after a bicycle accident in New York City?

Report the accident to police, document the scene, gather witnesses’ contact information, seek medical attention immediately, and avoid talking to insurers without legal advice.

What if the driver who hit me fled the scene?

A hit-and-run does not prevent you from recovering compensation. Surveillance footage, witness statements, police investigations, and available insurance coverage may help identify the driver or support your claim.

How long do I have to file a bicycle accident lawsuit in New York City?

You have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim, unless the accident involved a government entity. Consult a bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible to ensure deadlines are not missed.

How much does a NYC bike accident attorney cost?

Rubenstein & Rynecki handles bicycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs, and we collect a fee only if we recover compensation on your behalf.

New York City Bicycle Accident Lawyers at Rubenstein & Rynecki Are Ready to Help After a Bike Crash

If you were hurt in a bike crash, the New York City bicycle accident lawyers at Rubenstein & Rynecki are ready to help you seek the compensation you deserve. For more than 50 years, our legal team has fought for injured clients throughout the five boroughs. Call 718-522-1020 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Brooklyn, we serve clients throughout New York City.

Get in touch with us today at
(718) 522-1020 or
submit a free online case evaluation form to get started with your recovery.

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