New York City Bicycle Accidents

With a staggering 1,525 miles of bicycle lanes, New York City is a cyclist’s paradise. However, despite an impressive network of dedicated bike lanes, cyclists cannot always avoid road traffic in the city–and that’s when they are most vulnerable to accidents. Even slow-moving urban traffic can pose considerable risks for cyclists who lack the protection and safety features of cars.

Severe injuries could cause financial hardship, chronic pain, and permanent impairment. If you were significantly injured, you may qualify for damages, such as medical bills, pain and anguish, wage losses, and more.

Panzer Law, P.A.’s New York City bicycle accident lawyers can help determine whether you have a legal case and walk you through your options. Contact us today to find out more in a free consultation.

How Common Are Bicycle Accidents in New York City?

According to NYCDOT, more than 9,000 bicycle riders were injured or killed in traffic accidents in New York City in 2022 alone. Motor vehicles were involved in over 8,500 of those crashes. Unfortunately, without the protection of a steel cage, bicycle riders are severely disadvantaged in collisions with cars and other vehicles. Even minor accidents can lead to serious injuries and have lifelong consequences for bicycle riders.

Causes of Bicycle Accidents

While there can be numerous reasons for a bicycle accident, many of them happen due to the negligent conduct of motor vehicle drivers. Common causes of bicycle accidents in New York can include:

  • Unsafe lane changes
  • Driving distracted or intoxicated
  • Turning without checking blind spots for cyclists
  • Driving too close to bicycle riders
  • Speeding
  • Running a red light or stop sign

If you or a loved one suffered severe injuries due to another’s careless or dangerous driving, you could have legal recourse and may be able to recover damages. A New York City bicycle accident lawyer at Panzer Law, P.A. could help clarify your legal options and move forward with a claim.

Common Injuries in New York City Bicycle Accidents

A study published by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) determined that collisions with motor vehicles cause the most severe injuries in bicycle accidents. According to the AAFP, bicycle accidents cause around 900 deaths, 23,000 hospitalizations, and 580,000 emergency department visits annually in the U.S. Common injuries in bicycle accidents can include:

  • Facial injuries
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Fractures of the arms and wrists
  • Dental injuries
  • Sprains and strains
  • Spinal cord damage
  • Lacerations
  • Neck and back injuries

Bicyclists can suffer life-changing injuries in accidents despite wearing helmets and observing traffic laws. If someone else caused your injuries carelessly or recklessly, you deserve justice.

How a New York City Bicycle Accident Lawyer Could Help

Navigating the legal process alone can feel overwhelming, especially if you have suffered significant injuries. A New York City bicycle accident lawyer at Panzer Law, P.A. could handle your case from start to finish, fighting for fair compensation on your behalf. Here’s how an lawyer could help:

Proving Negligence

To have a chance at recovering damages and prevailing in a lawsuit, bicycle accident victims must prove the at-fault party’s negligence. An lawyer could help you gather information to strengthen your case, including:

  • Police accident reports
  • Traffic or dash camera footage
  • Witness statements

Recovering a Fair Insurance Settlement

Insurance companies are not on your side and may use manipulative tactics to deny or minimize a payout. A New York City bicycle accident lawyer can try to protect your rights and negotiate aggressively with an insurer to try and recover a fair settlement. They could:

  • Review the insurance policy to help you understand coverage details
  • Try to protect your legal rights when communicating and negotiating with insurers
  • Review settlement offers to try to prevent you from leaving money on the table

Filing a Lawsuit

Insurers often give bicycle accident victims the runaround and may refuse an adequate settlement. When this happens, you may have to file a lawsuit to fight for what you deserve. Handling a lawsuit on your own can be tricky as you need to know the laws applying to your case and the formalities that have to be observed. When representing yourself, especially at trial, a minor mistake could sink your entire case.

A New York bicycle accident lawyer by your side can give you a better chance of recovery. Moreover, when a lawyer represents you, you can concentrate on your healing from your accident while they can work on your legal case.

Compensation Bicycle Accident Victims Could Recover

No two bicycle accidents or injuries are the same. Therefore, the compensation you could recover with an insurance claim or lawsuit can depend on the scope of your injuries and other specifics of your case. However, bicycle accident victims could qualify for the following damages and others:

  • Property damage
  • Healthcare expenses
  • Rehabilitation costs
  • Lost income
  • Disability
  • Pain and anguish
  • Reduced life enjoyment

A New York City bicycle accident lawyer could assess your case and help determine your damages.

Your Next Best Steps After a Bicycle Accident in New York

Knowing your next best steps after a bicycle accident in New York can be critical for protecting your health and rights. Here’s one recommended course of action:

  1. If you or anyone else is injured, call 911 for the police and medical help
  2. Take pictures of the accident scene and involved vehicles
  3. Gather the driver’s contact and insurance information
  4. Ask eyewitnesses for their contact details
  5. See a doctor as soon as possible to assess and document your injuries
  6. Note the details of the accident
  7. Contact a New York City bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible

Contact Panzer Law, P.A. Today

A bicycle accident could cause chronic pain and other serious consequences for your home and work life for years to come. However, you don’t have to go through this alone. Our New York City accident lawyers understand what bicycle accident victims are going through. We could try to help you obtain damages that can allow you to put your life back together and move forward after a bicycle accident.

The time to file a lawsuit is limited in New York, so get started today and contact Panzer Law, P.A., for a free case review.

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