New York City
Bicycle Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in New York City, you deserve legal representation that understands both the city and the law. The Silbowitz Firm has decades of experience fighting for cyclists who have been hurt on city streets, including collisions with cars, buses, trucks, and other vehicles. Our team has helped clients recover substantial compensation for injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call us today at (516) 375-6692 for a free consultation to discuss your case with a trusted New York City bicycle accident lawyer.

Cycling in New York City is popular because it is fast, eco-friendly, and allows riders to explore neighborhoods like Williamsburg, SoHo, and Central Park. Unfortunately, the city’s busy streets can be dangerous. Every year, thousands of cyclists face serious injuries, often involving traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, or lasting disability. Understanding your rights and the legal options available is important after a crash.

Types of Bicycle Accidents in New York City

Bicycle accidents in NYC can happen in many ways, and each case requires specific legal expertise. Common scenarios include:

• Cyclists hit by cars, taxis, or rideshare vehicles
• Collisions with buses, delivery trucks, or police vehicles
• Dooring accidents, where a driver opens a car door into a cyclist’s path
• E-bike or e-scooter crashes
• CitiBike or bike messenger incidents
• Collisions caused by poor road conditions or construction zones
• Hit-and-run accidents
• Bicycle lane or shared road crashes
  

Each accident can result in serious injuries, and the compensation you may be entitled to depends on the circumstances of the crash.

Compensation for Bicycle Accident Victims

After a bicycle accident, you may be able to recover financial compensation to cover immediate and long-term costs. Compensation typically falls into three categories:

Economic Losses

Economic damages cover financial losses caused by the accident. These are generally easier to calculate and can include:

• Medical bills, including emergency treatment, hospital care, and rehabilitation
  Lost wages from missed work or reduced earning capacity
• Property damage, such as your bicycle, helmet, or personal gear
  

General Damages

General damages compensate for the emotional and physical impact of your injuries. These may include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress, such as anxiety or PTSD
• Reduced quality of life if injuries prevent you from cycling or enjoying hobbies
• Loss of consortium, or the effect of injuries on family relationships
  

Punitive Damages

In some cases, negligent or reckless behavior by a driver may allow for punitive damages. Examples include:

• Collisions caused by intoxicated drivers
• Accidents involving commercial vehicles where drivers lacked proper training
• Reckless driving, texting while driving, or aggressive maneuvers
  

Punitive damages serve as a financial deterrent for wrongdoing and can be awarded alongside other forms of compensation.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

Taking the right steps immediately after a crash is essential for protecting your rights and building a strong case:

Call the Police

Having a police report establishes responsibility and documents the circumstances of your accident. Stay at the scene if possible and provide a factual account to authorities.

Seek Medical Attention

Some injuries, like concussions, soft tissue damage, or internal injuries, may not be immediately obvious. Getting medical care ensures your health and provides documentation for your case.

Collect Evidence

Gathering evidence can help your attorney build a stronger claim:

• Take photos of the accident scene, vehicles, and your injuries
• Keep your bicycle, helmet, and damaged equipment
• Collect witness names and contact information
• Avoid discussing fault with the driver; communicate only through your attorney
  

Even if you think the accident was partially your fault, you may still have legal options. Our team can evaluate your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue fair compensation. Insurance providers may try to minimize settlements, deny injuries, or delay payments. A skilled lawyer can advocate for you and ensure your recovery is fully addressed.

New York City Bicycle Laws

Cyclists have legal rights on NYC streets, but these rights must be enforced. Some key regulations include:

• Bicyclists have the right of way when required by law
• Riders may share roads with vehicles except on interstates or expressways
• You may ride closer to the left side of the street to avoid hazards
• Riding two abreast is allowed on roadways
• Helmets are required only for riders under 14
• Drivers must exercise due care to avoid collisions

Failure to respect these laws can constitute negligence, giving injured cyclists grounds to pursue a claim. Experienced attorneys can help assign fault and hold negligent parties accountable.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

Bicycle crashes often lead to serious and lasting injuries. Some of the most frequent include:

• Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries
• Facial trauma, including fractured jaws, cheekbones, and dental injuries
• Broken bones in arms, legs, shoulders, and ribs
• Spinal cord injuries, including partial or total paralysis
• Road rash and skin abrasions that may require skin grafts

These injuries can lead to long-term medical treatment, reconstructive surgery, rehabilitation, and even permanent disability. Financial recovery should cover both immediate and ongoing care.

Cycling Safety and Injury Prevention

While helmets can reduce the risk of head injuries, they are not always sufficient to prevent severe brain trauma. Cyclists riding at speeds over 15 miles per hour remain at risk for serious injuries, even with protective gear. Awareness of traffic patterns, road conditions, and city-specific hazards like construction zones, potholes, and vehicle congestion is important for reducing risk.

Notable NYC Locations for Bicycle Risks

High-risk areas for accidents often coincide with busy streets and intersections:

• Manhattan: 5th Avenue, Broadway, and the West Side Greenway
• Brooklyn: Williamsburg Bridge approaches, Flatbush Avenue, and downtown Brooklyn streets
• Queens: Long Island City, Astoria, and main thoroughfares with heavy commercial traffic
• Bronx: Pelham Parkway and Southern Boulevard
• Staten Island: Richmond Avenue and Forest Avenue corridors

These areas see a higher concentration of cyclists and vehicle traffic, increasing the likelihood of collisions.

Statistics on Bicycle Accidents in New York City

Bicycle injuries and fatalities have fluctuated over the years, with recent trends showing:

• Cyclists account for the highest percentage of traumatic brain injuries among NYC traffic crashes at 38 percent
• Head injuries occur in nearly half of all cycling accidents, emphasizing helmet use and caution
• Increasing injuries during warmer months and tourist seasons
• Electric bikes and scooters are increasingly involved in accidents, often leading to severe injuries

These statistics highlight the importance of legal guidance for anyone involved in a crash.

Why Choose Our Firm for Your Bicycle Accident Case

The Silbowitz Firm brings more than three decades of experience in personal injury law. Mitchell Silbowitz has handled over 1,000 successful cases, securing financial recovery for clients injured in traffic accidents, construction sites, and other serious incidents. Our firm is known for:

• Thorough preparation and aggressive trial representation
• Understanding local traffic patterns, laws, and accident trends in NYC
• Personal attention to every case, from consultation to settlement or trial
• Commitment to holding negligent parties accountable

We understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges cyclists face after a crash. Our goal is to help clients recover compensation to cover medical bills, lost income, property damage, and the impact of injuries on daily life.

Long-Term Care and Recovery

Some injuries, like spinal cord damage or permanent facial trauma, require ongoing medical care, therapy, or home support. Settlements should reflect these long-term costs, ensuring you or a loved one can maintain quality of life despite life-altering injuries.

Contingency Fee Representation

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we secure a settlement or judgment for you. This allows clients to pursue justice without worrying about upfront legal costs, ensuring access to experienced legal representation.

Contact Our New York City Bike Accident Attorneys

Cycling in New York City can be rewarding but comes with risks. If you or a family member has been injured, our team can help you explore legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call (516) 375-6692 today to schedule a free consultation. We are ready to discuss your case, answer your questions, and represent your interests with dedication and expertise.

Our attorneys handle cases across all five boroughs, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Whether your accident involved a car, truck, bus, taxi, e-bike, or scooter, we are prepared to pursue justice and recovery for your injuries.