Bicycle Accident Attorneys in New York City, New York

Like our fellow New Yorkers, our personal injury lawyers know traffic in New York City is known for being notoriously congested and hectic. As one of the most densely populated cities in the world, the streets are consistently crowded with vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.

The complex grid street system, high volume of vehicles, and frequent road closures can lead to the fast-paced and competitive nature of the city, which can contribute to aggressive driving behavior and loosely followed traffic rules.

These factors combined have resulted in a significant biking culture, including bicycle messengers operating citywide. Unfortunately, the growing number of bicyclists pay the price during traffic crashes throughout the city. Motor vehicle collisions are more likely to result in fatalities when accidents occur at high speeds or when they involve someone other than another vehicle, like a bicyclist.

Data from the New York Police Department and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported out of 100,508 motor vehicle accidents in New York City last year, 5,688 involved a bicycle. This means bicyclists are involved in 6% of all citywide collisions.

Since 1998, the New York City bicycle accident attorneys at David Resnick & Associates, P.C. have worked tirelessly to enforce New York laws that allow victims of negligence to hold the responsible party liable for damages resulting from the accident.

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a bicycle accident caused by negligence, contact our dedicated personal injury lawyers in New York City today to share your story during a free consultation.

Our law firm represents bicycle accident victims throughout New York City, including Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and the Bronx, and only works on a contingency basis. You do not pay our legal fees if we do not win your case. That’s a promise.

What are the Bicycle laws in New York City?

Navigating the bustling streets of New York City on a bicycle requires more than just pedal power—it also demands a thorough understanding of local traffic laws and regulations. Cyclists must adhere to specific rules designed to promote safety and minimize the risk of accidents. Familiarizing oneself with these laws can help cyclists navigate the city streets with confidence and avoid potential legal repercussions.

Bicycle Lanes: New York City boasts an extensive network of bicycle lanes designated for cyclists’ use. Cyclists are required to use these lanes whenever available, except when making turns or avoiding hazards. When riding in bicycle lanes, cyclists must travel in the same direction as traffic and yield to pedestrians.

Traffic Signals and Signs: Cyclists are subject to the same traffic signals and signs as motorists. This includes obeying red lights, stop signs, and yield signs. Cyclists must also signal their intentions when turning or changing lanes to alert motorists and pedestrians of their movements.

Helmet Laws: While not mandated by law for adults, wearing a helmet is strongly encouraged for cyclists of all ages in New York City. Children under the age of 14 are required by law to wear helmets while cycling.

Right of Way: Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists when sharing the road. This includes the right of way at intersections and crosswalks, as well as yielding to pedestrians in designated areas.

Prohibited Behaviors: Certain actions are prohibited for cyclists in New York City, including riding on sidewalks (unless designated), riding against traffic, and clinging to moving vehicles. Cyclists must also refrain from using electronic devices while riding, as distracted cycling can lead to accidents.

Understanding and adhering to these bicycle laws is essential for cyclists to safely navigate the streets of New York City. By respecting traffic regulations and practicing defensive cycling techniques, cyclists can minimize the risk of accidents and contribute to a safer urban environment for all road users.

Why Choose David Resnick & Associates, P.C.?

At David Resnick & Associates, P.C., we have a proven track record of representing cyclists who have been injured in accidents throughout New York City. Our team of dedicated attorneys combines legal experience with a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by cyclists. We are committed to holding negligent parties accountable and fighting tirelessly to secure maximum compensation for our clients.

As leading bicycle accident attorneys in New York City, we offer personalized attention and unwavering support to each client we represent. From conducting thorough investigations to negotiating with insurance companies and litigating in court, we employ a comprehensive approach to achieve favorable outcomes for our clients. Our goal is to provide peace of mind and guidance throughout the legal process, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we handle the complexities of your case.

What Are the Most Common Injuries in a Cycling Accident?

Cycling is a popular mode of transportation and recreation in New York City, but it also comes with inherent risks, especially in a densely populated urban environment. Unfortunately, accidents involving bicycles can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which may have long-lasting consequences for victims.

Head Injuries: Head injuries are among the most serious and potentially life-threatening consequences of cycling accidents. Even a relatively low-speed collision can result in traumatic brain injury (TBI) if the cyclist is not wearing a helmet. Helmets can significantly reduce the risk of head injuries, but they do not guarantee protection against all impacts.

Fractures and Orthopedic Injuries: Cyclists involved in accidents often suffer fractures, sprains, and other orthopedic injuries due to the force of impact on vehicles or stationary objects. Common injuries include broken bones in the arms, legs, and pelvis, as well as dislocated joints and ligament damage.

Road Rash and Abrasions: When cyclists are thrown from their bikes during an accident, they may slide across the pavement, resulting in road rash and abrasions. These injuries can range from minor scrapes and bruises to deep lacerations requiring medical attention. Road rash can also increase the risk of infection if not properly treated.

Spinal Cord Injuries: In severe cycling accidents, spinal cord injuries can occur, leading to partial or complete paralysis. Damage to the spinal cord can have profound and life-altering consequences for victims, affecting mobility, sensation, and bodily functions.

Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissue injuries, such as contusions, strains, and sprains, are common in cycling accidents due to the forces exerted on the body upon impact. These injuries can cause pain, swelling, and limited range of motion, potentially requiring weeks or months of rehabilitation to fully recover.

What are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents and Injuries in New York City?

As of last year, there were 1,525 miles of bicycle lanes throughout New York City. While many are designated for pedestrian and bicycle traffic, other options require bicyclists to travel alongside motorists who give them little respect and refuse to share the road, leading to catastrophic crashes throughout the city.

Other significant factors that contribute to bicycle accidents in New York City include drivers who are:

• Distracted.
• Failing to obey traffic signs and signals.
• Failing to yield the right of way to bicyclists.
• Impaired.
• Passing too close to cyclists.
• Speeding.

If you have been injured by a negligent motorist while riding, contact our skilled New York City bicycle accident attorneys today to discuss your case and how the incident has impacted your life. Our experienced lawyers offer free consultations to all bicycle accident victims throughout New York City and take all qualifying cases on a contingency basis, so you pay no upfront or out-of-pocket fees and nothing if we do not win your case. That is a promise.

Why Do New York City Bicycle Accident and Injury Victims Require a Personal Injury Lawyer’s Help?

Unfortunately, bicyclists face an enhanced risk of a motor vehicle accident causing a catastrophic injury or death due to the lack of protection a bicycle provides relative to a car.

As mentioned, bicyclists are involved in 6% of all citywide collisions. The more startling statistic is that 5% of car accidents in NYC involve an injured or killed cyclist. That means only 1% of bicyclists involved in accidents in New York City last year walked away unscathed.

Over the same period, 4,639 bicyclists were injured, and 12 were killed in New York City alone.

Some of the most catastrophic injuries associated with bicycle accidents in New York City include:

• Amputation and Crush Injuries.
• Dental and Facial Injuries.
• Dislocated Joints.
• Fractured, Broken, or Crushed Bones.
• Head Injuries, including Traumatic Brain Injuries.
• Internal Bleeding.
• Loss of Mobility, including Full or Partial Paralysis.
• Neck and Spinal Cord Injuries.
• Organ Damage.
• Torn Tendons, Muscles, and Ligaments.
• Wrongful Death.

While not an exhaustive list, these catastrophic injuries are why cyclists need a skilled New York City bicycle accident attorney’s help. Catastrophic injuries often result in long-term or permanent consequences, which require extended medical care, prolonged absences from work — or the inability to work at all — and life-long expenses that are challenging to calculate without a dedicated lawyer’s help. The reality is that the insurance company is not going to provide a fair valuation for your injuries. Insurance representatives will do everything possible to undervalue or even deny your claim. You and your family deserve more.

At David Resnick & Associates, P.C., our leading bicycle accident and injury attorneys in New York City work to secure fair compensation that accounts for current expenses and future medical costs and the impact the crash has on our client’s daily activities and overall quality of life.

Once you partner with David Resnick & Associates, P.C., your physical, emotional, and financial well-being is the priority. Call us today for a free case evaluation.

Contact Our Skilled NYC Bicycle Accident Attorneys at David Resnick & Associates, P.C. to Help Build Your Case for Success

The David Resnick & Associates, P.C. legal team understands how a bicycle accident can impact you and your family. We work hard to obtain the maximum damages you’re entitled to. We serve accident victims throughout New York City, including Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and the Bronx.

If you have other questions about your bicycle accident, contact the New York law firm of David Resnick & Associates, P.C., online or call us at 212-279-2000 today for a free consultation about your case.

There is never a charge to speak with our skilled New York City bicycle accident attorneys. If your case qualifies to move forward, we will handle every aspect from start to finish without charging any upfront or out-of-pocket fees. You will pay nothing for our elite bicycle accident attorney services unless we win your case. That is a promise.