New York City Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Work with a Trusted Bicycle Accident Attorney in New York

At Oresky & Associates, pllc, we represent victims of bicycle accidents in New York City. With a proven track record, our personal injury attorneys have successfully secured over $500 million in verdicts and settlements, including significant recoveries for cyclists impacted by negligent motorists.

Leveraging more than 30 years of legal experience, we are dedicated to helping you seek just compensation. Our New York City team offers guidance through the complexities of the claims process, ensuring you understand your legal options. Call us today at (718) 993-9999 for your complimentary case evaluation and to learn more about working with our New York City bicycle accident lawyers. 

Bicycle Accident Statistics in New York in 2023

In 2023, New York City faced one of the deadliest years for bicycle accident victims since 1999. The city witnessed a significant increase in cyclist fatalities.​

This unfortunate trend underscores the dangers faced by cyclists, particularly in areas lacking adequate safety infrastructure. A startling 94% of the cyclists who lost their lives were on streets without protected bike lanes.

There has been an 18% increase in bicycle injuries and a 26% increase in e-device user injuries, according to NYPD statistics, further emphasizing the escalating safety concerns for cyclists. 

Bike Accidents May Result in Serious Injuries

At Oresky & Associates, pllc, our NYC bicycle accident attorney will demand compensation if you suffered serious injuries including:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Even with a helmet, cyclists can suffer TBIs, leading to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
• Broken bones and fractures: The force of an impact with a vehicle or the ground can easily break or fracture bones.
• Neck and spinal cord injuries: These can range from whiplash to permanent disability, including paralysis.
• Road rash and skin lacerations: Severe skin abrasions and lacerations can occur, especially without protective gear.
• Internal injuries: Internal bleeding and damage to organs can happen in high-impact collisions.

How a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in NYC Can Help

Our legal team is dedicated to protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve after a bicycle accident. Whether your accident involved a collision with a vehicle, truck or busour attorneys are here to help you. Our comprehensive approach includes:

• Evaluating your case: We thoroughly assess the details of your accident to determine its cause and identify the liable parties. This evaluation is essential in building a strong case for your compensation.
• Handling insurance negotiations: Dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming. We take on this burden for you, negotiating assertively and helping to maximize the compensation you receive. 
• Gathering and preserving evidence: When necessary, our team will visit the accident scene, take photos, secure video surveillance, preserve vehicle data, and interview witnesses. Working with accident reconstruction specialists, we ensure that every piece of evidence is meticulously collected and preserved.
• Legal representation in court: Our trial attorneys are prepared to take your case to court, striving for a just verdict or settlement.
• Advocacy and support: We stand as staunch advocates for safer streets in NYC and support cycling communities by holding negligent parties accountable.

Get in Touch with Oresky & Associates Today!

Get in touch with Oresky & Associates, pllc for a free consultation. We’ll assess your case and explain your next steps in the legal process.

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What Are the Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?

Our New York bicycle accident lawyers recognize the various factors that contribute to collisions and are committed to helping victims who have suffered due to these often-preventable causes:

• Driver negligence: This includes speeding, failing to yield, and distracted driving, which are common reasons for collisions involving cyclists.
• Dooring accidents: Cyclists are frequently injured when vehicle occupants open their doors without checking for approaching bicycles.
• Intersection crossings: Many accidents happen at intersections where the right of way is ignored by motorists causing collisions with bicyclists.  
• Failure to yield: Some drivers refuse to yield the right of way to cyclists, leading to injury accidents. 

If you’ve suffered injuries in any of these ways, we will fight for the financial recovery you deserve. 

Damages Available in a Successful New York Bicycle Accident Case

If you suffered injuries in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages from the liable party. Our law firm will collect evidence such as your witness statements, medical records, reports and bills, photographs of the accident scene, and other proof to prove your case. 

Once we’ve determined the value of your case, we will fight for the settlement you are entitled to. Our team will attempt to resolve your cases for a fair and just settlement, and/or bring your case into court to get the wheels of justice turning as soon as possible.  We will aggressively negotiate for compensation that covers all your losses. Some of your recoverable damages may include:

Economic Damages

Economic damages are those with a fixed price. Most medical bills are covered by no-fault, but this can depend upon the severity of the injuries. They can vary from medical expenses to lost wages and union benefits and often include:

• Medical care
• Ambulance transportation
• Hospitalization and treatment costs
• Rehabilitation and therapy
• Past and future lost wages
• Diminished earning capacity
• Repair or replacement of your bike
• Other related out-of-pocket expenses

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages cover your intangible losses such as:

• Past pain and suffering
• Future pain and suffering
• Loss of services
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life 
• Reduced quality of life 

Since these damages do not come with an exact financial value, our team will help prove and provide evidence to help a jury determine just compensation for them.   

Wrongful Death Damages

If your loved one died in a New York bicycle accident, you may be eligible to hold a motorist liable and recover compensation through a wrongful death claim. Your recoverable damages may include: 

• Funeral and burial costs 
• Loss of the decedent’s financial support 
• Loss of services 
• Medical expenses related to your loved one’s fatal injury
• Conscious pain and suffering of the decedent prior to death

What Should You Do Immediately After a Bicycle Accident in New York?

Taking the following steps right after your bike accident can ensure your safety and protect your legal rights: 

• Seek medical attention: Get medical care and attention to document what hurts.
• Document the scene: After seeking immediate safety, photograph the scene of the accident with your phone or ask someone to take photos.
• Gather witness information: Obtain adverse driver information and collect contact details from any witnesses, as their accounts can be crucial for your case.
• File a police report: Ensure an official police report is filed, as it's an important document for your legal claim.

How Long Do You Have to File a Bicycle Accident Claim in New York?

According to CPLR § 214, you generally have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York. Exceptions to the statute of limitations may apply, however, so it is in your best interest to speak with our legal team as soon as possible.  

Can You Claim Compensation if You Were Partially at Fault for the Bicycle Accident?

In New York, even if you are partially at fault for the accident under such circumstances, the state’s comparative negligence laws still allow you to claim compensation. However, the amount you can recover will be proportionally reduced by your degree of fault. For instance, if you are found to be 40% responsible for an accident, any compensation awarded would be reduced by 40%. In a bicycle accident, there are various scenarios where a cyclist could be considered partially at fault. These may include:

• Ignoring traffic signals: Running a red light or stop sign, or otherwise violating traffic laws.
• Riding against traffic: Bicycling on the wrong side of the road, contrary to traffic flow.
• Not using proper lights or reflectors: Especially important during night riding or in low-visibility conditions.
• Riding on sidewalks: Where local laws prohibit it, leading to potential accidents with pedestrians or vehicles.
• Failing to signal: Not using hand signals to indicate turns or lane changes.
• Distractions: Similar to drivers, cyclists can be at fault if they are distracted by mobile devices or other means.

By hiring an attorney from Oresky & Associates, pllc, you have someone on your side to prove that you deserve compensation, even if you contributed to your accident.