If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a bicycle accident in New York City, you may be entitled to significant compensation. At Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., our NYC bicycle accident lawyers are known for holding drivers, city agencies, and others accountable and delivering results for injured cyclists across the five boroughs.
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Cyclists face constant risk on NYC’s congested streets—from reckless drivers to poorly maintained roads and limited bike lane protection. When bike accidents happen the injuries are often very serious. At Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., our bicycle accident attorneys understand these cases and what it takes to win. With decades of proven success and over $825 million recovered , if you were hurt on a bike in NYC, we should be your next call.
Under New York law, cyclists injured by negligent drivers, hazardous road conditions, or unsafe infrastructure have the right to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim. At HKD, attorneys Jordan Hecht, Judd Kleeger, and Jonathan Damashek are trusted leaders in NYC personal injury litigation, known for standing up to insurance companies and municipal agencies on behalf of seriously injured cyclists citywide.
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.
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
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicycle crash accident victims can suffer a range of injuries, some of which are more common than others.
Head Injuries: From mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries, head injuries are common, particularly if the cyclist was not wearing a helmet.
Road Rash: This is a skin abrasion caused by sliding across the pavement, which can vary in severity and may require professional medical treatment to prevent infection.
Fractures: The impact can cause broken bones, with common sites including the wrists, arms, and legs as cyclists often fall on their sides or extend their arms to break a fall.
Internal Injuries: These can be serious and life-threatening, involving organs like the spleen or kidneys, often necessitating immediate medical attention.
Dental and Facial Injuries: These can include broken jaws, loss of teeth, or severe lacerations to the face.
Such injuries underscore the importance of wearing appropriate protective gear and following road safety rules while cycling.
When you’re hurt while riding your bike because of someone’s negligence, call HKD to explore your personal injury recovery options.
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.
Fault & Liability in NY Bike Accidents
Being able to assign fault and liability for an accident involves knowing if someone acted negligently. An automobile driver can be found liable if they breach their duty of care, if that breach causes your injuries.
They’ll be considered negligent, and you can recover damages from them. A personal injury lawyer can help you collect evidence that shows a driver’s negligence led to your damages.
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
How a NY Bike Accident Injury Lawyer Can Assist You
Navigating the aftermath of a bike accident requires skilled legal representation. Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C. provides this through:
A Detailed Case Evaluation
We meticulously investigate your bike accident, collecting evidence, and analyzing accident reports to build a robust case.
Strategic Negotiations
Our team engages with insurers and opposing parties to ensure your claim is treated with the seriousness it deserves, striving for the maximum possible settlement.
Maximizing Possible Compensation
We aim to secure comprehensive compensation for your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, acknowledging the significant impact on your life.
Advocacy for Bikers’ Rights
In addition to your case, we champion biking safety and rights, advocating for changes that enhance protection for cyclists across New York City.
Contact us online or call 212-490-5700 to schedule a free, no-risk consultation. No up-front costs, and you owe nothing unless we win. Our law firm is located in Midtown Manhattan and serves clients in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, and all across New York City.
“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…
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:
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.
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.
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 to schedule a free, no-risk consultation. There are no up-front costs, and you owe nothing unless we win you compensation.
