New York City Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Injured in an NYC Bicycle Accident? Here’s What to Do Next

First of all, get to safety and call 911 for emergency assistance. Assess the scene to gather evidence, if your condition allows, and preserve all official records and reports of the accident. Contact a lawyer, and don’t admit your fault.

Here’s a detailed guide on what to do after a bike accident in NYC:

• Get to Safety and Call for Help

  Immediately move to a safe location if possible, since the upcoming traffic can cause you further damage. Next, notify the emergency services and ask for medical assistance and police unit dispatch. While the former checks for any signs of hidden injuries, the latter will document the accident. The fact that the incident is over does not mean that you are no longer in harm’s way. Don’t underestimate your seemingly minor injuries and damages.

• Record the Scene and Gather Evidence

  Assess the accident scene and document it in detail right after the crash, if you can. Talk to witnesses, take pictures, and record videos of all the conditions, from possible road defects and missing traffic signs to the current weather. If the at-fault party does not seem overly agitated and hostile, approach them and ask for their contact details as well. Being aware of how to gather evidence after a bike accident in NYC can help you build a strong claim prepared for a maximum settlement.

• Seek Medical Attention and File a Police Report

  Prioritize a thorough medical check-up right after the incident, and immediately file a police report after an NYC bike accident. Some injuries have barely traceable signs that only a trained expert can notice. Even if you didn’t call an ambulance at the crash scene, a doctor visit creates an official paper trail necessary for a successful case estimation and resolution. When speaking to the police, make sure that you recount the facts and details of the accident without personal assumptions. Request that these be added to the police report.

• Call an NYC Bicycle Lawyer Before You Contact Insurance

  An insurance provider can try to use your words against you to minimize the compensation you can claim. Timely legal guidance will help you steer clear of that risk and recover a fair settlement for the sustained injuries and losses. At Bicycle Accident Lawyers Group, we offer free consultations so that you know what to say when you report the incident to the insurance company. Contact us now to start building a strong case.

Who Are Our New York City Bicycle Accident Attorneys?

Our NYC bicycle accident attorneys are dedicated legal professionals with proven experience winning complex bike injury cases across the city and adjacent areas. We focus on getting injured cyclists the maximum compensation they deserve. Our lawyers make sure that the process is transparent and stress-free.

With Bicycle Accident Lawyers Group, you get a free case evaluation, 24/7 access to an assigned bicycle accident lawyer, persuasive insurance negotiations handled by a professional, and no upfront fees. We work with a transparent, no-fee, no-win approach.

Your rightful compensation recovery starts with one quick form — get in touch with us today!

We Serve All NYC Boroughs and Nearby Areas

Were you hit by a car in Brooklyn, the most dangerous NYC borough for cyclists? Doored on the busy streets of Manhattan? Or injured due to a pothole in Long Island? You need an NYC boroughs bike accident lawyer who knows the local area well. Our team includes attorneys who work in all parts of New York City and adjacent areas.

• Brooklyn
• Manhattan
• Queens
• The Bronx
• Staten Island
• Long Island
• Other areas, such as Mid- and Lower Hudson Valley, Jersey City. Newark, and more

Brooklyn

One of the most populated boroughs of New York City, Brooklyn is home to over 2.7 million residents. Not surprisingly, the borough has the highest cyclist injury rate in NYC. Cyclist collisions make up over 11% of all accidents recorded in the area. Busy intersections, such as 4th Avenue and Ninth Street, only increase the risks. Our dedicated Brooklyn bicycle accident lawyer will help you obtain the rightful compensation, no matter the case’s complexity.

Manhattan

In 2024, riders constituted 23% of all crash victims in Manhattan. Moreover, 25% of all biking incidents happened on one of the longest streets of the borough, Broadway. Narrow lanes, heavy traffic, and multiple obstructions, even in protected lanes, lead to complicated collisions that only a skilled Manhattan bicycle accident lawyer can untangle.

Queens

Queens ranks third in terms of bicycle accident volume. In fact, Northern Boulevard in Queens is the 8th most dangerous street for cyclists in New York City. Growing levels of congestion, high speeds, and heavy commercial traffic are a few potential reasons why you may need a trusted Queens Island bicycle accident lawyer at your side.

The Bronx

With a population slightly over 1.4 million, the Bronx may seem safer for bicycling. However, bike rider injury and fatality rates remain high here. Accidents are especially common at such intersections as Jerome Ave & Fordham Rd crossing, with their narrow lanes and heavy road user flow. If you were in a crash in this borough, our skilled Bronx bicycle accident lawyer will become your reliable partner in the legal process.

Staten Island

Although Staten Island has a much smaller cycling community, and there were no deadly cycling collisions in 2024, bicycle accidents accounted for over 5% of all crashes recorded in the area. The borough has only around 75 miles (ca. 121 km) of bicycle lanes and greenways. This lack of proper infrastructure, combined with high speed limits for cars, puts riders at risk. Our qualified Staten Island bicycle accident lawyer knows what the local bicyclist community has to deal with and how to help you recover the fairest settlement.

Long Island

Although only 15% of New York State’s population lives on Long Island, it accounted for 18% of cyclists’ deaths statewide in 2023. Wider suburban roads encourage drivers to make more dangerous maneuvers, and poor cycling infrastructure means that riders have to share the road with speeding cars. If you got into a collision on Sunrise Highway, Jericho Turnpike, or any other location, you can count on our Long Island bicycle accident lawyer to work tirelessly to solve the case in your favor.

Other Areas Around NYC

Our legal services aren’t limited to these locations. We assist injured cyclists all over the metropolitan region. Whether you’ve had an accident in Lower Hudson Valley, Newark, or Jersey City, our attorneys are ready to protect your rights and fight for the just compensation you deserve!

Our Case Settlements

Bicycle Accident Lawyers Group has helped injured cyclists and their families recover millions of dollars in compensation. Our NYC bike accident settlements speak for themselves. Around 80% of our clients obtained six-figure reimbursements, and several reached well over $1 million.

• Case 1: $1.5M Hit‑and‑Run Recovery

  A bicyclist was struck by a careless driver who left the scene of the accident. A detailed case investigation helped us identify the at-fault party and recover a rightful hit-and-run NYC bike settlement.

• Case 2: $825K Unsafe Road Conditions

  After a rider got injured because of improper road maintenance in Brooklyn, our team managed to hold the municipality accountable. We’ve reached a settlement of $825K for the road defect bicycle accident in NYC.

• Case 3: $300K Distracted Driving Collision

  A negligent driver was texting behind the wheel and struck a cyclist at an intersection in Manhattan. Surveillance footage and phone records assessment allowed us to recover a six-figure settlement in this distracted driver cyclist case in NYC.

  While the standard insurance coverage compensates only up to $25,000 for injuries a person suffered in an accident, many cases entail damages that reach much higher amounts. Our attorneys perform detailed investigations and careful calculations to make sure you get the settlement that you actually deserve.

How Much Compensation Can You Expect for an NYC Bike Accident?

Average NYC bike accident compensation often covers two main types of damages that a victim can sustain. They are economic (medical expenses, lost wages, and damaged property) and non-economic (emotional and psychological trauma, loss of joy in life, and physical pain).

The case’s worth depends on the extent of fault assigned to the parties involved, past and future medical treatment, the ongoing effect of the accident on the injured, the strength of the case, and more. In New York, settlement amounts range from a few thousand dollars to multi-million-dollar reimbursements. 

Want to know the potential value of your claim? Contact our attorneys for a free case review, or use our settlement calculator to get an estimation!

Who Can You Hold Liable for a Bicycle Accident in New York City?

Usually, you can hold a negligent driver, the City of New York, other cyclists, pedestrians, or even bike rental companies accountable for a cycling incident. Recent data proves that negligent motor vehicle operators are the most frequent at-fault party. In 2024, drivers were responsible for 2,600 collisions, while cyclists and other vulnerable road users caused 467 crashes. 

In some cases, multiple parties can share fault for a collision, while in hit-and-run accidents, the responsible driver could be unknown. A qualified lawyer will analyze all the circumstances and evidence to determine NYC bike accident liability, even in the most complex situations.

Bicycle Laws in New York City

Major NYC bicycle laws outlined by the New York City Department of Transportation and the state Vehicle and Traffic regulations include the following rules:

A full breakdown of current NYC regulations is available in our section on local cycling laws.

2025 New York City Bicycle Accident Statistics

Overall, bicyclist fatalities seemed to be on a decrease in 2024. Still, 24 riders sustained deadly injuries citywide. Over the first half of 2025, 11 bike riders lost their lives.

Key 2025 NYC bicycle accident statistics:

• Since 2022, over 90 miles (ca. 145 km) of protected bike lanes have been introduced into local infrastructure. 
• In Brooklyn, 1,698 cyclists were injured, and 10 died from the sustained traumas. 
• As many as 5,147 cyclists sustained injuries across NYC in 2024.

Still, despite these statistics, New York City experienced a 64% increase in ridership over the past decade.

What Are the Typical Causes of Bicycle Accidents in New York City?

The most common NYC bike accident causes include:

Being aware of the leading causes of bike collisions in New York can help a rider better protect themselves.

What Are the Most Common Bicycle Accident Injuries in New York City?

According to the National Safety Council, the most typical NYC bicycle accident injuries include:

• Head traumas: Around 33% of all non-fatal traumas suffered after a collision are injuries to the head.
• Fractures: Broken bones make up 26% of the sustained physical damage due to the force of the crash.
• Back injuries: The lack of structural protection on a bike often leads to a spinal injury after a bicycle accident.
• Road rash: Skin abrasions constitute 15% of all bicycle-related injuries.

The most serious accidents can also cause internal organ damage or even loss of limbs and consequent disabilities. No matter the type of injury, our lawyers will ensure that your settlement reflects the full extent of your physical and emotional traumas.

Most Common Bicycle Accident Types

The most frequent bicycle accident types in NYC involve left turns, right and left collisions, as well as rear-end crashes. In fact, 19% of vulnerable road users, including cyclists, are killed or seriously injured by vehicles making a left turn, and only 6% during right turns. Common scenarios also include dooring and overtaking accidents, as well as collisions with pedestrians and other cyclists.

Time Limit for Filing a Bicycle Injury Claim in New York

You have three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim according to the NYC bike accident statute of limitations. However, exceptions are possible, so some accident victims might have more or less time to take action. Consulting a New York bicycle accident lawyer is the best way to ensure that you file the claim within the right timeframe and comply with the statute of limitations.

Can Cyclists Be Sued for an Accident in NYC?

Yes, cyclists can be sued and found fully or partially at fault in accidents under New York’s comparative negligence laws. If a rider fails to abide by local cycling laws, ignores the traffic signals and signs, or behaves negligently in any other way, they can be held accountable for their actions. 

However, even if you were partially responsible for the crash, you can still recover some compensation. The state of New York follows the pure comparative negligence rule, which allows the injured party to recover compensation as long as they aren’t found 100% at fault. The settlement will be reduced according to the percentage of the cyclist’s liability.

What to Expect During a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in NYC?

The timeline for filing a bike accident lawsuit in NYC often consists of the following stages:

Most claims can be resolved without ever seeing the inside of a courtroom. However, if the insurance company refuses to provide a fair payout, our confident trial attorneys are ready to guide you through the lawsuit process and represent you in court.

How Insurance Companies Handle NYC Bicycle Accident Claims

Insurance companies are not on the side of the injured because their primary goal is to pay the victim as little as possible. Your insurer or the at-fault party’s insurance in a bike accident in NYC will most likely try to minimize your compensation through one of these tactics:

• Lowball offers: First settlement offers are often too low to cover all the damages the victim has suffered.
• Recorded statements: The insurance adjuster may require a recorded statement from the injured party to use inconsistencies or discrepancies against them.
• Delay strategies: Insurers often lose documents, inquire for more information, and take time to conduct personal investigations to postpone the settlement or exhaust the claimant, hoping they accept a lower offer.

An experienced lawyer knows how to deal with insurance companies to ensure that the victim receives the maximum their case is worth.

Can a Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accident Still Lead to Compensation?

Yes, it is possible to get compensation after a hit-and-run bike accident in NYC. The main options are using the uninsured/supplementary underinsured motorist coverage, applying to the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC), or proving third-party liability.

In 2024, the NYPD reported over 37,000 hit-and-run crashes. At least 50% of them resulted in varying degrees of personal injuries, while the rest led to property damage. 

If you’ve been in a hit-and-run accident, you need to act fast. Quick case analysis and proper assessment will ensure that you can obtain the necessary evidence before it disappears and recover the full compensation you deserve.

What Evidence Helps Prove an NYC Bicycle Accident Claim?

Photos, medical records, witness statements, police reports, and expert evaluations are the most important types of evidence in a bike accident in NYC. The more detailed and precise the proof of the suffered damages, the stronger your accident claim will be. 

Additionally, your bicycle, gear, phone, or even clothes that were damaged in the crash can support your case and prove property damage. In some cases, surveillance camera footage and driver’s logs can be critical, but it’s important to access them quickly — delays can lead to lost evidence. Our lawyers will make sure all key evidence is collected in time.

Do You Need to Hire a New York Bicycle Accident Attorney?

When seeking compensation after a crash, you aren’t legally required to work with a bicycle accident lawyer or law firm. However, you may need a lawyer for a bike accident in NYC if you want to reap the following benefits:

Claim Evaluation

A well-versed legal advisor will calculate your past and future losses to ensure you get the maximum compensation you deserve, and not a lowball offer.

Case Investigation

A local personal injury lawyer has unobstructed access to critical evidence that a victim can’t gather. Moreover, they will involve industry experts if necessary to prove the at-fault party’s negligence and liability.

Insurance Negotiations

Insurance providers are interested in providing compensation that barely covers your financial losses. Trained legal experts know how to pursue a fair reimbursement.

Contingency Fee Basis

A committed personal injury law firm like Bicycle Accident Lawyers Group works without upfront payments. A contingency fee means that you cover legal expenses only after the case is successfully settled.

Court Representation

In case your initial claim is denied, a qualified attorney will help you file a personal injury lawsuit and defend your rights in court.

Contact Our New York City Bicycle Accident Lawyers Today!

If you or your loved one has suffered injuries in a cycling crash in New York, you don’t have to face the challenges on your own. You deserve peace of mind and fair compensation for a speedy recovery, and our law firm is ready to fight for this on your behalf. All you have to do is contact an NYC bicycle accident lawyer for a free legal consultation today!

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Resources

• NYC Crash Mapper: Citywide collision map 2025
• NYC Vision Zero: LEFT TURN Pedestrian & Bicyclist Crash Study
• National Safety Council: Bicycle Safety Statistics May Surprise You
• The New York Senate: Section 214
• New York City Police Department: 2024 Leaving the Scene, Annual Report
• New York City DOT: Bike Network and Ridership
• Transportation Alternatives: Protected Bike Lane Tracker