NYC Bicycle Accident Lawyer

1. Prioritize Your Health

• Seek medical attention immediately.
• Attend all follow-up appointments.
• Document all injuries and treatment.

2. Gather Evidence

Strong evidence is critical for your case:

• Police report: Obtain a copy for official documentation.
• Medical records: Keep all treatment notes, prescriptions, and hospital documents.
• Eyewitness statements: Collect contact info and statements from anyone who saw the accident.
• Photos/Videos: Document the scene, your injuries, and property damage.

3. Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Early legal guidance preserves your rights, ensures proper evidence collection, and protects you from insurance company tactics.

4. Avoid Common Mistakes

• Don’t post about the accident or injuries on social media
• Don’t accept the first settlement offer
• Let your lawyer handle insurance communications

Additional reading: What to do after a bike accident

How a Bicycle Accident Case Works

Establishing Liability

To establish a strong bicycle accident case, certain legal elements must be present:

1. Duty of Care: The responsible party had a legal obligation to prevent harm.
2. Breach of Duty: They failed to act as a reasonable person would, e.g., running a red light, dooring a cyclist.
3. Causation: Their breach directly caused your injuries.
4. Damages: You suffered losses such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

Statute of Limitations

In New York, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including bicycle accidents, is three years from the date of the accident.

Types of Damages You Can Recover

• Economic Damages
  • Medical expenses: hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehab, ongoing care
  • Lost wages: income lost during recovery, future lost earning potential
  • Property damage: repairs or replacement for damaged bicycles or other property
• Non-Economic Damages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress, anxiety, or PTSD
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Loss of consortium
• Punitive Damages
  • Awarded in rare cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct to punish the responsible party

Additional reading: Bicycle accident lawsuit settlement amount

How Ajlouny Injury Law Helps Injured Cyclists

• “Dooring” cases: Representing cyclists injured by car doors opening into traffic
• Recovering lost wages: Gathering employer and medical documentation
• Medical bills assistance: Helping navigate insurance claims
• Property damage claims: Ensuring fair compensation for bicycle or property loss
• Emotional recovery support: Guiding clients through the stress and emotional strain of recovery

Fee Structure

We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay only if we win. No upfront costs are required.

Important Advice for Accident Victims

• Understand NYC bicycle laws to know your rights
• Attend all medical appointments
• Avoid social media posts about the accident
• Don’t accept early insurance offers without consultation
• Let your lawyer handle communications with insurers

Common Causes of Bike Crashes

• vehicles turning across cyclists’ paths
• cyclists entering traffic
• collisions at intersections
• child cyclists not following traffic laws
• hit-and-runs
• road rage incidents

Our firm specializes in personal injury cases, addressing not just physical injuries but also emotional well-being, lost wages, and recovery. We are committed to securing the compensation you deserve and supporting you through every step of the legal process.

Get Help After Your Bicycle Accident in NYC

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, our experienced New York City bicycle accident lawyers are here to guide you every step of the way. From managing the legal process and collecting crucial evidence to advocating for the compensation you deserve, we handle the complex work so you can focus on your recovery.

Serving clients across all of NYC—including Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and Garden City—our team is committed to providing personalized attention and aggressive representation, no matter where you are in the city.

Meet Your Bicycle Accident Lawyers

• Paul Ajlouny – Founder who combines medical insight with legal expertise to guide clients through complex injury cases.
• Michael Levitz – Trial and appellate advocate committed to aggressive representation and 24/7 client support.

Call us today at (888) 495-8087 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.

Bike Accident FAQs

How can I claim for a hit-and-run bicycle accident?

If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run bicycle accident, it’s crucial to report the incident to the police immediately. If possible, provide any details or a description of the vehicle involved. Your own insurance policy may cover the damages through uninsured motorist coverage. A skilled bicycle accident lawyer can help you navigate the claims process.

Is it illegal to ride a bike on the sidewalk in New York City?

Yes, riders 13 and older cannot ride on sidewalks; violators face fines. Children 12 and under are allowed. Adults should use bike lanes or streets but may walk their bike on the sidewalk if needed.

Where do most fatal bicycle accidents occur?

Most fatal accidents happen in urban areas, often at intersections or on busy streets. Common scenarios include dooring, collisions with vehicles, and accidents involving large trucks. Brooklyn and Queens see higher rates in NYC.

Will my health insurance cover bicycle accident injuries?

Health insurance usually covers medical treatment but not property damage, lost wages, or pain and suffering. A lawyer can help pursue additional compensation from the responsible party.

Do I need a lawyer for a minor bicycle accident?

Yes. Even minor injuries can develop into long-term issues, and insurance companies may undervalue claims. A lawyer ensures you’re fully compensated for current and future costs. In New York, you generally have three years to file a claim.

How do insurance companies handle bicycle accident claims?

Insurance companies often aim to settle quickly and for less. Avoid giving recorded statements without legal advice. A lawyer ensures fair treatment, proper injury valuation, and full compensation for medical bills, lost income, and damages.