What To Do After a Bicycle Accident

Bicycling in New York City is an efficient and eco-friendly way to get around, but accidents can and do happen. Whether you’re riding through Central Park, along the Hudson River Greenway, or navigating the busy streets of Midtown, a bicycle accident can leave you with serious injuries, medical bills, and uncertainty about your legal options. Knowing what to do immediately after a crash can protect your health, finances, and legal rights.

Immediate Steps To Take After a Bicycle Accident

1. Prioritize Safety and Seek Medical Attention

The aftermath of a bicycle accident can be overwhelming, especially if you are injured. Your first priority should be your safety:

• Move to a Safe Location: If possible, get out of traffic to avoid further harm. Move to the sidewalk or a safe space like a designated bike lane.
• Check for Injuries: Even if you feel fine initially, adrenaline can mask pain. Common bicycle accident injuries include fractures, concussions, soft tissue injuries, and road rash.
• Call 911: Reporting the accident ensures that emergency responders and police arrive at the scene. If you are seriously injured, request an ambulance.
• Seek Medical Care: Visit a hospital or urgent care center even if injuries seem minor. Facilities such as Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan or NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital can assess hidden injuries like internal bleeding or concussions.

2. Call the Police and File an Accident Report

New York law requires police to file an accident report if a person is injured or property damage exceeds $1,000. When the NYPD arrives:

• Provide Accurate Information: Stick to the facts without admitting fault.
• Request a Copy of the Report: This document can serve as crucial evidence if you pursue a claim.
• Obtain the Officer’s Name and Badge Number: This can be useful for follow-up inquiries.

3. Gather Evidence at the Scene

Preserving evidence is key to protecting your rights and strengthening your case. If possible, collect the following:

• Photographs and Videos: Capture images of your bicycle, the vehicle(s) involved, street conditions, traffic signals, and your injuries.
• Driver’s Information: Get the driver’s name, license plate number, insurance details, and contact information.
• Witness Statements: Ask bystanders if they saw the accident and request their contact details.
• Location Details: Note the exact location, including cross streets (e.g., 5th Avenue and 42nd Street near Bryant Park).

4. Do Not Negotiate with the Driver or Insurance Company Alone

The driver’s insurance company may contact you soon after the accident. Be cautious:

• Do Not Admit Fault: Anything you say can be used against you.
• Avoid Providing a Recorded Statement: Insurance adjusters may twist your words to minimize their payout.
• Consult a Bicycle Accident Lawyer: Legal guidance can help protect your rights and maximize your compensation.

5. Notify Your Insurance Provider

If you have auto insurance or cyclist-specific coverage, notify your provider about the accident. Depending on the circumstances, you may be eligible for compensation under New York’s no-fault insurance laws or uninsured motorist coverage.

6. Keep Records of All Expenses and Losses

Documenting your losses is crucial for recovering compensation. Keep a record of:

• Medical Bills: Including hospital visits, physical therapy, and prescriptions.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working.
• Property Damage: Repairs or replacement of your bicycle and gear.
• Pain and Suffering: A personal journal detailing the impact of the accident on your daily life.

7. Understand Your Legal Options

New York law allows injured cyclists to seek compensation through various legal avenues, such as:

• No-Fault Insurance: Covers medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of fault.
• Personal Injury Claim: If a negligent driver caused the accident, you may pursue damages for pain and suffering.
• Third-Party Claims: If a defective road condition or malfunctioning bicycle part contributed to the crash, you may have a case against a municipality or manufacturer.

8. Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in New York City

If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, an experienced bicycle accident lawyer can help you navigate the claims process, negotiate with insurers, and take legal action if necessary. At Greenberg Law P.C., we understand the complexities of New York’s traffic laws and fight for injured cyclists’ rights. Whether your accident occurred in the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, or near Times Square, we are here to help.

When to Contact Greenberg Law

If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident in New York City, from Manhattan to Staten Island, contact Greenberg Law P.C. We understand the unique challenges cyclists face in our city. Our team can help you:

• Navigate complex insurance claims
• Understand your legal rights
• Document your case properly
• Deal with medical providers
• Secure fair compensation for your injuries

Every bicycle accident case is unique, especially in a city as dynamic as New York. Whether you were hit on the Williamsburg Bridge or doored on Fifth Avenue, our legal team at Greenberg Law is here to support your recovery and protect your rights.

Understanding Your Rights as a NYC Cyclist

New York City has specific laws protecting cyclists. As bicycle accident lawyers serving the five boroughs, we understand these regulations intimately. Cyclists have the same rights as motorists on most city streets, and additional protections in designated bike lanes like those on Ninth Avenue or along the Brooklyn Bridge.

Determining Fault

Establishing fault in a bicycle accident is essential for pursuing a legal claim. In New York, liability may be assigned to different parties depending on the circumstances of the accident:

1. Motor Vehicle Drivers: If a driver was speeding, distracted, ran a red light, or violated traffic laws, they may be held responsible for the accident.
2. Cyclists: Bicyclists must also follow traffic laws, including obeying traffic signals and yielding when required. If a cyclist was riding against traffic or ignored signals, they could share some liability.
3. Pedestrians: In some cases, a pedestrian who suddenly steps into a bike lane without looking may contribute to the crash.
4. Government Entities: Poorly maintained roads, lack of signage, or hazardous conditions like potholes may place liability on the city or state agencies responsible for road maintenance.
5. Third Parties: Defective bicycle parts or malfunctioning safety gear may result in a product liability claim against a manufacturer.

New York follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning that even if a cyclist is partially at fault, they may still recover damages, but the compensation could be reduced by their percentage of fault. Consulting with a bicycle accident lawyer can help determine liability and navigate the legal process.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in NYC

• Doorings on busy streets
• Vehicles turning into bike lanes
• Pedestrians stepping into bike paths
• Poor road conditions, especially after winter
• Construction zone hazards
• Delivery vehicle conflicts
• Rideshare pickup/dropoff incidents

Long-Term Considerations

1. Physical Recovery

Focus on your recovery by:

• Following medical advice precisely
• Attending all recommended therapy sessions
• Maintaining documentation of ongoing symptoms
• Being honest about your limitations during recovery

2. Financial Impact

Consider both immediate and long-term financial effects:

• Medical bills and ongoing treatment costs
• Lost wages and future earning capacity
• Bicycle repair or replacement
• Transportation expenses during recovery
• Impact on work capabilities

3. Legal Timeline

Be aware of important deadlines:

• New York’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases
• Notice of claim requirements for accidents involving municipal vehicles
• Insurance filing deadlines
• Documentation submission timelines

Prevention and Future Safety

While we’re here to help after bicycle accidents occur, prevention is always better. Consider:

• Using designated bike lanes when available
• Wearing appropriate safety gear
• Following NYC cycling regulations
• Maintaining your bicycle properly
• Being aware of high-risk areas in your regular routes
• Using bike-sharing services like Citi Bike safely

Take Action Today

Bicycle accidents can have life-altering consequences, but you don’t have to face them alone. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in New York City, contact Greenberg Law P.C. for a consultation. We are committed to helping injured cyclists recover the compensation they deserve.
For legal assistance, call Greenberg Law P.C. or fill out our online contact form today.