New York Bicycle Accident Lawyers

NYC Bike Accident Lawyer Represents Injured Clients in All Five New York Boroughs

Biking around the boroughs of New York City has become much more common in recent years.  With the advent of Citi-bikes and the popularity of cycling in general, the city has devoted more financial resources to constructing and labeling dedicated bike lanes. In fact, some would say that NYC streets have been completely redesigned to accommodate cyclists. 

Despite this, the sharp increase in ridership has resulted in an equally sharp increase in bicycle accidents.

Proner & Proner is one of the leading personal injury firms in NYC. If you were involved in a bicycle accident with a motor vehicle in NYC, it is important to learn about your rights and legal options. You may be eligible for compensation for your injuries, lost income, the cost of rehab, and pain and suffering.

Our lead attorney Mitchell Proner not only understands that you may be suffering, he knows how to fight to get maximum compensation so that you can get the treatment you need. Call our experienced bicycle accident lawyers today or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss options in your New York City bicycle accident case.

Causes of Bicycle Accidents in New York City

At Proner & Proner, our founding attorney, Mitchell Proner, handles all types of bicycle accidents in New York, including those caused by:

• Cars turning into the paths of bicycles,
• Drivers opening a vehicle door into the path of a bike (known as “dooring”),
• Vehicles backing up without seeing a bicycle or failing to check the vehicle’s blind spot,
• Cars running stop signs or lights,
• Drivers swerving into the bike lane,
• Drivers who double-park.

In a New York City bike accident that does not cause the death of the bicyclist, the victim may never fully recover.  In some cases, this means that they cannot return to work as a bike messenger or resume their normal activities.

At Proner & Proner, our New York City personal injury lawyers fight to win maximum compensation for bikers injured because of the negligence of drivers of cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other motor vehicles.

Many bicycle accidents in the city are caused by simple negligent driving, which may include:

• Distraction,
• Texting or talking on a cell phone while driving,
• Driving drunk,
• Speeding,
• Violating NYC traffic laws, and
• Failing to check their surroundings.

However, some bicycle accidents result from a third party’s negligence. Missing or obscured street signs, severely damaged road surfaces, and even unleashed dogs can contribute to bike accidents. When that happens, the bicycle accident might be the responsibility of a third party, not another driver.

Our experienced bike accident attorneys at Proner & Proner will investigate to determine exactly how your NYC bicycle accident occurred so that we can hold the responsible party financially accountable.

Bicycle Accidents in NYC Frequently Cause Serious Injury

Because cyclists do not have the protection offered by motor vehicles, they are at a significant disadvantage when hit by a car, truck, or van. As a result, injuries to bicyclists in bike accidents are often severe and life threatening.  Some of the more serious injuries that can result from bicycle accidents in New York include: 

• Brain injuries
• Other serious head injuries
• Neck and back injuries
• Broken bones
• Lacerations
• Internal injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis

In the worst cases, a New York City bicycle accident can result in death.

Protecting Yourself from Bicycle Accidents in NYC

It is always important for NYC cyclists to proactively protect themselves from car and bicycle crashes and other road accidents.  As New York’s cycling culture continues to grow, NYC now boasts:

• Over 300 miles of bike lanes,
• More than 450,000 bicycle trips per day.

Despite the dramatic increase in ridership, bicyclists always incur the most serious injuries when involved in a car and bicycle crash.  To stay safe from bike accidents, riders should:

• Always wear a helmet,
• Approach intersections with heightened caution,
• Use hand signals to alert other drivers when turning,
• Ride in a single file with the flow of traffic,
• Wear bright clothing and reflective gear.

If you have already been injured in a bicycle accident in New York, it’s important to contact an accident lawyer right away.  Timelines for filing a claim for compensation may be extremely limited. In cases where neither you or the at-fault driver have car insurance, it’s important to report your accident immediately to preserve your right to full compensation. 

Our experienced bicycle accident lawyers are here to help recover the most compensation possible in your case.  This includes compensation for:

• Current and future medical expenses,
• Current and future lost wages,
• Rehab and physical therapy,
• Pain and suffering,
• And more.

Call our Experienced NYC Bicycle Accident Lawyers to Discuss Your Injury Claim Today

Biking has enhanced the lives of many NYC residents in recent years but also has the potential to result in catastrophic injury.  If you were injured while riding your own bicycle or a Citi-bike in Manhattan or elsewhere in NYC, you may be entitled to financial compensation. At Proner & Proner, our bicycle accident lawyers know how to successfully help you get the fair compensation you deserve.

To schedule your free initial consultation, call our office or fill out this online contact form today.

Frequently Asked Questions About NYC Bicycle Accident Claims

FAQ: Can the driver of a car be held responsible for opening the door of the vehicle and causing a bicycle accident?  

Yes.  Under New York City law, drivers of motor vehicles cannot open their door on the side of the vehicle where traffic is moving adjacent to the car.  The driver is responsible for waiting until it is reasonably safe to open the driver-side door. This means checking for other motor vehicles and bicycles that may be passing by.

FAQ: I was injured in a car and bicycle crash and the driver of the car did not have insurance.  Is there any way to recover compensation?  

Yes.  While a personal injury lawsuit may be available, you may also be covered by car insurance under New York’s no-fault insurance law.  You may be covered by your own insurance policy or the policy of someone living in your home. You may also be covered by MVAIC insurance, which is a fund administered by New York.  Many cyclists and NYC residents don’t own a car—and so don’t have car insurance. This fund is intended to help those residents who have been injured in a crash caused by an uninsured motorist.