New York City is the busiest city in the United States, with heavy traffic congestion. Many commuters choose to ride their bikes to work and for pleasure. But all it takes is one negligent driver to cause you devastating injuries. When another party causes your bicycle accident injuries, you can be due compensation for lost earnings, medical bills, and pain and suffering. Hach & Rose Attorneys at Law have you covered in New York City if another driver or entity causes your bicycle accident injuries. Our bike crash lawyers have an outstanding record holding others responsible for their negligence. Contact our New York City bicycle accident attorneys today at (212) 779-0057. [dynamic-toc]
Why Choose Us?
Law firm principal attorney Michael Rose has spent decades representing personal injury victims in the greater New York City region. He is known as one of the best trial attorneys in New York City. New York Magazine has recognized Attorney Rose as one of the best lawyers in the area, and he was named to the New York Super Lawyers list from 2013 to 2021. The other personal injury attorneys at Hach & Rose are also highly qualified and have long, successful records. Recent favorable case results include:- $8 million jury motorcycle accident jury verdict
- $2.8 million settlement for rear-end car accident
- $2.7 million settlement for police chase car accident
- $2.5 million wrongful death settlement in parking lot accident
Bicycle Accident Compensation
An unfortunate fact about living and working in New York City is that there are many auto accidents. If a car hits a bicyclist, the injuries can be devastating, so it’s critical to obtain maximum compensation. The amount of compensation in a New York City bike accident claim isn’t an easy answer because there are many case-specific factors. Settlements for bike accidents in NYC can range anywhere from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands or even millions for a severe accident. The amount hinges on a few key things: how bad your injuries are, how they’ve impacted your life, and who’s at fault. For instance, if you’ve got minor injuries like scrapes or a sprained ankle, you’re likely looking at the lower end for settlement value, perhaps a few thousand dollars covering medical bills and some lost earnings. But if it’s something serious, like a spinal injury or brain trauma that needs long-term care or keeps you from working, you can have a claim worth hundreds of thousands or beyond. Big cases, like one where a cyclist got paralyzed from a head-on crash and got millions, show how high a settlement can go when the stakes are high. Always call one of our proven bike accident attorneys when you have a severe injury.Economic And Non-Economic Damages Matter
Your out-of-pocket costs count, too, such as medical expenses, bike repairs, and lost income. Pain and suffering can increase your compensation, but you need a skilled bicycle accident attorney in New York City to fight for the most payment. New York’s no-fault rules don’t apply to cyclists, so you usually deal with the at-fault driver’s insurance or sue the city if road conditions cause your accident. You should have an experienced Hach & Rose bike accident attorney helping you in these cases. Most bike accident claims in NYC settle out of court, and insurance companies often start low. You might not get what you deserve without solid evidence, like medical records, photos, or witnesses. An experienced lawyer at Hach & Rose can make a big difference in sizing up your case and negotiating. Then, they will work hard to prove liability and negotiate the most money from the liable insurance company.Where Bicycle Accidents Happen In New York City
Thousands of cyclists travel in New York City daily, and there are regular serious and fatal accidents. You can file a claim against the driver who hits you if they caused the accident and these and other busy intersections:- 6th Ave and W. 23rd Street in Chelsea
- Jay Street and Tillary Street in Brooklyn
- Atlantic Avenue and Bedford Avenue in Crowns Heights
- 3rd Avenue and E. 14th Street in East Village
- Chrystie Street and Delancey Street on the East Side of Manhattan
Types Of Bicycle Accidents
There are many types of bike accidents on busy New York City streets daily, including:- Right-hook crashes: These accidents happen when a vehicle traveling in the same direction as a cyclist passes them and then makes a right turn, cutting across the cyclist’s path. It’s commonplace at intersections where bike lanes run alongside traffic, and drivers may not check for cyclists before turning. These accidents are a leading cause of cyclist injuries in New York City.
- Dooring: A cyclist gets hit by a car door opening into their path, typically when riding near parked cars. This is common in areas without protected bike lanes, where cyclists must ride close to parked vehicles. The sudden obstruction often throws the rider into traffic or onto the ground, leading to serious injuries.
- Left-cross crashes: These occur when a vehicle from the opposite direction makes a left turn into the path of an oncoming cyclist. Drivers may misjudge cyclists’ speed or fail to see them entirely, especially at intersections without clear bike signals, which are prevalent in parts of NYC.
- Rear-end collisions: A vehicle hits a cyclist from behind, often when the cyclist slows down or swerves to avoid a road hazard like a pothole. This type is more likely on streets without dedicated bike lanes, where cyclists share the road with faster-moving traffic.
- Sideswipes: A vehicle brushes or collides with a cyclist while passing, usually because the driver didn’t leave enough space or wasn’t aware of the cyclist. This can happen on narrow streets or where bike lanes are poorly marked, forcing cyclists and cars into proximity.
Types Of Bicycle Accident Injuries
Drivers rush in hectic New York City, which may cause serious injury on your bicycle. Always call one of our elite bike accident attorneys if a negligent driver causes one of these injuries:- Head and brain injuries: Even with helmets, cyclists can suffer concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) when they hit the ground or are struck by a vehicle. These injuries can range from mild to life-altering, especially if you didn’t wear a helmet.
- Fractures and broken bones: Collisions with cars, falls, or being thrown from a bike often lead to broken arms, legs, wrists, collarbones, or ribs. These injuries are common because cyclists lack the protective structure of a vehicle.
- Neck and spinal injuries: The force of a crash can cause whiplash, herniated discs, or even spinal cord damage. Severe cases might result in chronic pain or paralysis.
- Facial injuries: Without full protective gear, a cyclist’s face can strike the ground, a vehicle, or another object, leading to broken teeth, jaw fractures, or lacerations.
- Internal injuries: Blunt trauma from a crash can damage organs or cause internal bleeding, particularly if a cyclist is struck by a vehicle or lands on their handlebars.
- Limb and joint damage: Knees, elbows, and shoulders often take the brunt of a fall or collision, resulting in dislocations, torn ligaments, or cartilage damage.
Fighting The Insurance Company
You are not alone after a bike accident. A bike crash lawyer can be a tremendous asset when dealing with an insurance company after an accident. They’re skilled at navigating the often tricky process of filing claims and negotiating with insurers, who might otherwise try to lowball you or deny your claim altogether. Specifically, they can help by gathering evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records, to build a strong case that proves the extent of your injuries and damages. They’ll also handle all the communication with the insurance adjusters, so you don’t get tripped up by their tactics or say something that can hurt your claim. Suppose the insurance company disputes liability or offers a settlement that doesn’t cover your medical bills, lost earnings, or pain and suffering. In that case, our car accident lawyer in New York City knows how to push back. They can calculate the full value of your claim, factoring in both immediate costs and long-term impacts, like ongoing rehab or bike repairs. If the insurer doesn’t offer a decent settlement, our aggressive bike accident attorney will sue and take the case to court. Our auto accident attorney levels the playing field to ensure you are not fighting a serious injury and a difficult insurance company.What To Do After A Bicycle Accident
A driver blew a red light near the Flatiron Building in New York City and hit you on your bike. What should you do? Take the following actions to preserve your health and legal options:- Document the scene. Take photos of the crash site, your bike, any vehicles involved, and visible injuries. Get the other party’s contact info, including name, phone number, and insurance details if it’s a driver. Look for witnesses and ask for their names and numbers; their statements can be critical to your case.
- Report the crash to the police. In NYC, they must file a report if there’s injury or significant property damage. This document can be critical for insurance claims or legal action. If you’re using a Citi Bike, report the incident to their customer service within 24 hours by calling 1-855-BIKE311, and they’ll guide you through their process.
- Seek medical attention, even if it’s just a follow-up visit later. In New York, if a motor vehicle was involved, the driver’s no-fault insurance can cover up to $50,000 of your medical bills and lost earnings, regardless of who’s at fault. Don’t hesitate to get care out of fear of costs.
- Talk to our bicycle accident attorney, especially if you’re hurt or facing disputes. You have three years from the crash date to file a personal injury claim in New York, but acting fast can help preserve evidence and strengthen your case. If it’s a serious injury, our bike crash attorney can deal with insurance companies and fight for compensation for medical bills, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.