Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Cycling is a way of life. But with packed streets, distracted drivers, and aging infrastructure, it also comes with serious risk. Bicycle accidents in New often involve major injuries, complex liability issues, and unique legal protections that demand an attorney who understands the laws inside and out. There are layers of city, state, and sometimes even federal rules that come into play.

At Horn Wright, LLP, our team understands how overwhelming it can feel after a bike crash. Whether you're recovering at home, navigating insurance headaches, or dealing with lost wages, we’re here to take that stress off your shoulders. Our attorneys have years of experience holding reckless drivers, careless construction crews, and even city agencies accountable for harm done to cyclists.

What Makes Bicycle Accident Claims Special?

Bike crash cases aren’t like the usual car accident claim. Why? Because cyclists are more vulnerable. The law treats them differently. For starters, New York has special rules protecting cyclists, including the "due care" requirement outlined in VTL § 1146. This law says that drivers must use extra caution around people walking or biking. If they don’t, and it leads to a crash, they can be held liable.

Bicycle accident claims often involve something called comparative negligence. That means even if you were partly at fault, you can still recover damages. Maybe you rolled through a stop sign, but the driver was speeding. In New York, your compensation would just be reduced by your share of fault, but not wiped out entirely.

This is important, especially when insurance adjusters try to point fingers at the cyclist. Even if you were going slightly above the speed limit or weren’t in a marked bike lane, you may still have a valid claim. That’s why understanding how these laws work together, and how they apply to your exact scenario, is so important.

Top Causes of Bike Crashes 

The roads can feel like a minefield for cyclists. Drivers aren’t always watching. Streets aren’t always safe. And sometimes, equipment just fails.

Here are the most frequent causes of bike crashes we see:

• Driver negligence: Unsafe turns, tailgating, dooring incidents, running red lights, or outright speeding.
• Distracted driving: Phones, GPS systems, food, or even heated conversations take attention off the road.
• Hazardous infrastructure: Potholes, debris, poor drainage, or sudden construction work can easily knock a cyclist off balance.
• Defective equipment: Brakes that lock up, gears that jam, or frames that snap can all lead to serious falls.

Each of these causes presents its own set of legal challenges. Sometimes the fault is clear. Other times, it takes investigation and expert input to figure out exactly what went wrong.

Even something as simple as an open car door can launch a cyclist into traffic. That’s why documenting these accidents, identifying responsible parties, and collecting evidence is essential from day one.

Real-World Scenarios: When and Where Bike Accidents Happen

Not all bike crashes happen the same way. Each type of accident tells its own story and affects liability in different ways.

Bike Lane Accidents

Bike lanes are supposed to keep cyclists safe, but that only works when drivers respect them. In places like the East Village or along Amsterdam Avenue, blocked bike lanes can push cyclists into fast-moving traffic. Right-hook collisions, where a driver turns into a cyclist riding straight, are especially dangerous. Illegal parking in bike lanes also forces last-minute swerves.

Drivers are legally required to yield to bikes in these lanes. But when they don’t, they put lives at risk. These cases often involve video footage and eyewitness testimony to prove who failed to follow the rules.

Intersection Accidents

Intersections are one of the most dangerous spots for cyclists. Left-turn crashes happen when drivers don’t see or yield to bikes. Some speed through red lights. Others misjudge how fast a cyclist is moving. The result? High-impact collisions at crosswalks, traffic lights, or stop signs.

Busy intersections like Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn or Queens Boulevard see higher crash rates. Proving who had the right of way in these moments often hinges on traffic camera footage, light sequencing, and third-party witnesses.

Child Bicycle Accidents

When kids are involved, the stakes rise dramatically. Children are afforded extra legal protection under New York law, and drivers are expected to exercise even more caution. Emotional harm is also a major factor, especially for young riders dealing with the trauma of a crash.

Courts recognize that children don’t have the same judgment or reaction time as adults. That’s why negligence standards shift when a minor is the victim. These claims may also include long-term psychological treatment or educational support depending on the injury’s impact.

Hit-and-Run Cases

Hit-and-run crashes are sadly not rare in the city. In these cases, uninsured motorist coverage often comes into play. Victims may also qualify for compensation through New York’s Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC). Sometimes, depending on the severity and scope, federal authorities may get involved.

These are among the most frustrating and emotionally taxing cases we see. Without a known driver, the injured cyclist often feels helpless. But there are still options—especially if you act quickly to report the incident, preserve evidence, and file necessary paperwork.

The Lasting Toll of Bicycle Injuries

Cyclists have almost no protection in a crash. The injuries can be severe, even life-changing.

Some of the most serious ones we see include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (with or without helmet use)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Complex fractures and shattered joints
• Severe road rash and skin damage

The physical recovery is just one part of the puzzle. Many victims also face:

• Long-term rehab and ongoing medical treatment
• Lost income or the end of a chosen career
• Psychological trauma, including anxiety and PTSD

And let’s not overlook the hidden toll. Depression, isolation, and lifestyle changes can last for months or even years. When kids are injured, the impact ripples across entire families. Parents often struggle with guilt and fear. Siblings may feel shaken and unsure. A crash touches everyone close to them.

Evidence That Wins Bicycle Claims

Time is important after a crash. The sooner evidence is gathered, the stronger your claim will be.

Key pieces of evidence include:

• Photos and videos: Dash cams, traffic cameras, or even security footage from nearby buildings.
• Eyewitness accounts: Onlookers who saw the crash unfold can offer unbiased support.
• Police reports: The MV-104A report often contains essential facts and officer observations.
• Medical records: These documents help prove the seriousness of your injuries.
• Expert testimony: Accident reconstruction experts or doctors may be needed to validate your version of events.

If a claim involves a government agency—say, a pothole on a city-maintained road—photographs and public maintenance records become especially valuable.

Preserving evidence isn’t just smart. It’s vital. If surveillance footage is overwritten or witnesses disappear, you could lose key support for your claim.

What Compensation Can You Expect After a Bicycle Crash?

So what can injured cyclists recover in a claim?

Typical damages include:

• Medical costs—both immediate and long-term
• Lost wages and reduced earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Bicycle repair or replacement costs

New York’s system operates differently from states like New Hampshire or Maine. It’s a "no-fault" state, which means your own insurance may pay some medical bills upfront. But if your injuries are serious, you can file a liability claim for full damages.

Understanding the value of your claim means factoring in more than just your ER visit. You also need to think about future surgeries, therapy, and the emotional toll of no longer being able to ride.

Settlement talks often take place outside the courtroom. But if the insurance company won’t play fair, going to trial remains an option. And yes—having strong, organized evidence makes a huge difference in either setting.

Legal Deadlines You Can’t Afford to Miss

You don’t have unlimited time to act. In New York, the general statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years. But that’s just the beginning.

If your crash involves a municipal agency, say, a city bus or a poorly maintained public road, you need to file a Notice of Claim within 90 days. If the federal government is involved, you may need to follow the Federal Tort Claims Act, which has its own set of deadlines and procedures.

Missing these dates can kill your claim before it starts. That’s why legal guidance early on can make or break your case.

Also important: if you’re dealing with multiple parties, i.e., a driver and a government contractor, you may have overlapping deadlines. Each one needs to be handled properly, or you risk losing part of your recovery.

Why Having a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Makes a Big Difference

Insurance companies know how to twist the facts. They’ll argue you weren’t paying attention, weren’t wearing a helmet, or swerved into traffic. They may even try to downplay your injuries.

Experienced bicycle attorneys know how to fight back:

• Gather strong liability evidence quickly
• Counter blame-the-cyclist tactics
• Identify all responsible parties, including cities, contractors, and manufacturers
• Coordinate with medical experts to validate injuries

 It’s about protecting your rights from being buried by bureaucracy and big insurance tactics. A lawyer who’s handled bicycle-specific cases understands the loopholes, and how to close them.

Even something as basic as understanding how MVAIC applies or how to file a municipal claim correctly can dramatically change the outcome of your case.

How Bicycle Injury Claims Help Make Streets Safer

One case won’t change the world, but it can spark change. When drivers, cities, or companies are held accountable, it forces better behavior.

Bicycle lawsuits push for:

• Safer road designs and bike lanes
• Tougher enforcement of traffic laws
• Public awareness that cyclists have full rights to the road

Your claim could lead to better lighting in dangerous areas, or more protected bike lanes in accident-prone zones. Change comes one case at a time—and your experience could help keep the next rider safe.

We’re Here for Cyclists

After a bicycle accident, your first priority should be healing. Let us handle the rest. At Horn Wright, LLP, we focus on helping New York cyclists get the justice they deserve. We’ve handled all types of bike crash cases, from chaotic Midtown intersections to pothole-riddled side streets in Brooklyn. 

If you're ready to take back control, contact our offices today for a FREE consultation.