There are more than cars and trucks on New York City’s congested streets. In 2017, more than 58,000 injuries and 221 fatalities involving bicycles and motor vehicles were reported by the New York City Department of Transportation.
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Personal Injury Law
Hit By a Car While Riding Your Bike in NYC? We Can Help
Countless cyclists are also navigating crowded roadways, and are even more exposed to the dangers of negligent motorists. Given the number of bicyclists, cars, and pedestrians, traveling throughout the city, even the safest operators can be involved in a cycling accident. Bicycle accidents in New York City can be truly horrific, involving severe injuries, long recovery times, and require veteran bicycle accident lawyers.
At Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., our bike accident lawyers have the knowledge and skill you need to hold a negligent party accountable. With decades of experience and hundreds of millions of dollars recovered for accident victims in situations a lot like yours, our NYC injury lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been hit by a car while riding a bike or had some other type of cycling accident, we should be your next call.
Contact us online or call 212-490-5700 to schedule a free, no-risk consultation. There are no up-front costs, and you owe nothing unless we win you compensation.
Common NYC Bicycle Accidents We Handle
Despite the city’s efforts to make streets safer for cyclists, bike riders in New York City are often in danger from negligent drivers, cabbies, Uber and Lyft drivers, truck drivers, and even pedestrians. While the most typical scenario for a New York bike accident is a rider being “doored” you are also susceptible to any number of hazards like drivers recklessly overtaking you bike, poorly maintained roads, are uncovered manholes,
At Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., we know your frustration and can assist you with;
- Dooring Accidents
- Hit and Runs
- Cab vs. Bike Collisions
- Bike vs. Bus Collisions
- Bike Accidents with Commercial Vehicles
- Bike Collisions with Municipal Vehicles
- Left and Right Cross Bike Accidents
- Blind Spot Bike Accidents
- Overtaking Bicycle Accidents
Compensation for Bicycle Accidents in New York
If you have been injured in a bicycle crash, you are probably worried about who is going to pay your medical bills, your lost wages, and who will compensate you for your pain and suffering. This when working with an experienced attorney as soon a possible will be most important.
There are various circumstances after a bike collision that demand immediate action. New York is a No-Fault state, which means claims must be filed within 30 days of the incident. To do this, you need to identify the other party as well as their insurance company. This sounds easy enough, but it can be complicated in hit and run bike cases or if you did not exchange information with the other driver. In cases involving municipalities, a Notice of Claim needs to be filed within 90 days.
By working with the bike accident lawyers with Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., we’ll ensure every aspect of the collision is properly investigated and fully documented. This will help us establish liability and build the strongest possible claim. From there, we will pursue full and fair compensation for all your damages through a personal injury claim or lawsuit.
We will strive to ensure you are compensated for your:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Earnings and benefits
- Pain and Suffering
- Emotional Distress
- Disfigurement
- Disability
- Reduced Earning Capacity
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
New York Bicycle Accident Laws
Bicycles are “vehicles” and therefore share the road with automobiles. New York law requires that cyclists follow most of the same rules that drivers do. For example, bike riders must travel in the same direction as cars. Just like motor vehicle operators, bicyclists are subject to traffic tickets if they fail to follow the rules of the road.
For the safety of all, and especially for an unprotected bike rider, motorists must obey all traffic rules, including those of yielding the right-of-way when it is required. As with pedestrians, motorists must exercise “due care” to avoid accidents with cyclists. But if despite your best efforts, you have been in an accident involving a bicycle, as a rider, motorist, or pedestrian, you may need the services of a New York City bicycle accident lawyer.
Additional Laws for Bicyclists in NYC
Because studies show that serious head injuries can occur in bicycle accidents, the use of helmets in encouraged and sometimes legally mandated. Researchers reported in the American Journal of Surgery a few years ago that bike helmets cut the risk of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) by half. Furthermore, those wearing helmets are less likely to die and to break facial bones than non-helmet riders.
In New York, all bicyclists age one through 13 must wear an approved bicycle helmet. Some local jurisdictions around the state require everyone, no matter the age, wear helmets while biking. If your child is riding your bicycle with you and is between one and four years old, a helmet and a child safety seat are required.
Riders must also comply with laws that require reporting accidents to the Department of Motor Vehicles that involve death or serious injury. Various forms are required depending on the type of accident. If a minor child was injured or involved, parents must fill out the forms on their behalf. Our bike accident attorneys can advise you regarding this paperwork and determine if you have a claim for damages that may have arisen from the accident.
What To Do After a Bike Accident in NYC?
Having an accident is a traumatic experience and could leave you physically injured as well. If you have a bike accident, here’s what to do:
- If able, move yourself out of danger if in the roadway
- Seek medical help if injured
- Call police
- Look for witnesses
- Exchange information with others in the accident and make notes if possible
- Ask for and keep police and medical records
- Consult with a bike accident lawyer concerning damages and insurance claims
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who Is Responsible for a Bike Accident?
A variety of parties may be responsible for bike accidents, including the other driver, the cyclist, a pedestrian, or someone who influenced the environment in which you were riding (such as a construction company or government entity). In order to determine all of the people and companies responsible, you should talk to an attorney who can conduct an investigation of your accident.
2. What If I am Partially to Blame for the Bike Accident?
If you were the cyclist and you think you may be partially to blame, you should speak with an attorney right away. New York has a comparative negligence law that allows you to recover some compensation even if you were partially at fault.
3. Can I Still Recover Damages If I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet?
Yes, if you were injured in a bike accident and you weren’t wearing a helmet, you can still recover damages from the person who was negligent.
Additionally, in New York State, only children age 14 and younger are required to wear helmets. Some municipalities have enacted stricter laws. Thus, it’s unlikely that you were legally required to wear a helmet if you were riding a bike.
Let our NYC Bike Accident Lawyers Help You
If you’ve been injured in a bicycling accident, you should be focused on healing. But, bike accident claims can become complicated and contentious, where fault and liability are hotly debated. You need an aggressive advocate who knows how insurance companies avoid paying what’s fair.
At Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., we have the experience and reputation you need to deal with these tactics and obtain the compensation you deserve. When you work with our bicycle injury lawyers, you can concentrate on getting better while we fight for everything you need to fully recover.
Hold negligent drivers accountable. Contact us online or call 212-490-5700 to schedule a free, no-risk consultation. There are no up-front costs, and you owe nothing unless we win you compensation.
CLIENT REVIEWS
05/01/2015
“I cannot recommend Jon Damashek highly enough. I attribute the favorable outcome of my case to his consummate and tireless dedication and tenacity. Just as important, he was truly there with me every step of the way. He was very…
5
Mike, HKD CLIENT
05/01/2015
“I had the opportunity to work with Jon Damashek and had an amazing experience. I have known Jon for many years and always felt very comfortable relying on his expertise, knowledge of the law, and more importantly – his ability…
5
Steven, HKD CLIENT
06/05/2019
I had the opportunity of having this amazing team of lawyers work on my case. When I first met with Jordan Hecht and Michael Kusz, I really liked their energy and the spunk that they had, it meant business and…
5
Anonymous, HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I cannot recommend Jon Damashek highly enough. I attribute the favorable outcome to my case to his consummate and tireless dedication and tenacity. Just as important, he was truly there with me every step of the way. He was very…
5
Mike W., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I had the opportunity to work with Jon Damashek and had an amazing experience. I have known Jon for many years and always felt very comfortable relying on his expertise and knowledge of the law and more importantly his ability…
5
Steven B., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I have worked with countless attorneys over the years and Jon Damashek stands out among them. I have seen first hand him advocate for his clients vigorously. He fights for the rights of the seriously injured, does not back down…
5
Wendy B., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I know all three named partners at this firm and highly recommend them. They are very professional and tireless advocates for their clients. If you need a personal injury attorney, you cannot do better than Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek.
5
Eric G., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
After meeting with Jon Damashek I knew immediately he was the right attorney for me. I had met with other attorneys in the past, but Jon’s experience, knowledge, and track record were most impressive. I highly recommend Jon Damashek and…
5
Ryan G., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
After meeting a half dozen lawyers at different firms, I decided to go to Hecht, Kleeger and Damashek. As soon as I met Jon Damashek, I knew I had to look no further. Mr. Damashek made me feel at ease…
5
Michael R., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I retained Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek for a serious personal injury case. They were very professional and managed to obtain a settlement for me that far exceeded my expectations. I would strongly recommend this firm for anyone’s legal needs.
5
Peter M., HKD CLIENT