Bicycle Accident Lawyer
BICYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYER BROOKLYN, NY
Cyclists share Brooklyn’s streets with thousands of vehicles every day, and when a careless driver, a dangerous road condition, or a poorly marked bike lane puts you on the pavement, the consequences can be life-changing. Medical bills, lost income, and long recoveries pile up quickly while insurance companies work to minimize your claim or deny it entirely.
Our Brooklyn attorneys have been fighting for injured cyclists since 2008. We understand the unique laws that protect bike riders in New York, and we know how to hold negligent drivers, property owners, and city agencies accountable. You pay nothing unless we win.
$45M+
RECOVERED FOR CLIENTS
2008
ESTABLISHED IN BROOKLYN
$0
FEE UNLESS WE WIN
After the Accident
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Brooklyn
The steps you take immediately after a bicycle accident will directly affect the strength of your claim and the compensation you may recover.
Seek Medical Attention Right Away
Even if your injuries seem minor, see a doctor the same day. Head injuries, internal bleeding, and soft tissue damage are not always visible at the scene. A same-day medical record is critical evidence for your case.
Call 911 and File a Police Report
Request that police come to the scene and file an official report. Make sure the report accurately reflects what happened. If the driver fled, provide as much detail as possible including plate number, vehicle color, and direction of travel.
Document Everything at the Scene
Photograph your bicycle, the vehicle involved, your injuries, skid marks, road conditions, bike lane markings, and any traffic signs. The more documentation you have, the stronger your case.
Collect Witness Information
Bystander testimony can be decisive in disputed liability cases. Get the names and phone numbers of anyone who witnessed the crash before they leave.
Do Not Speak to the Other Driver’s Insurance
Do not give a recorded statement or accept any settlement offer from an insurance adjuster before speaking with an attorney. Early settlements are almost always far below what your case is worth.
Common Causes
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Brooklyn
Brooklyn’s dense traffic, aging infrastructure, and growing cycling population create dangerous conditions for riders throughout the borough.
Driver Failure to Yield
Drivers turning at intersections or pulling out of driveways frequently fail to notice or yield to cyclists, causing some of the most serious bicycle crash injuries.
Dooring Accidents
Occupants of parked vehicles who open their doors without checking for approaching cyclists send riders flying into traffic. Dooring is one of the most common bicycle accidents in Brooklyn.
Unsafe Passing
Drivers who pass cyclists too closely or cut back in too quickly force riders off the road or into collisions with curbs, parked cars, and other obstacles.
Running Red Lights and Stop Signs
Drivers who blow through traffic controls at busy Brooklyn intersections place cyclists directly in the path of high-speed impact.
Distracted Driving
A driver looking at a phone for just a few seconds can strike a cyclist without any warning or time to react.
Dangerous Road Conditions
Potholes, broken pavement, uneven surfaces, missing bike lane markings, and defective traffic signals create hazards that can send cyclists to the ground without any other vehicle involved.
Wrong-Way Drivers
Drivers traveling against traffic in bike lanes or one-way streets leave cyclists with nowhere to go and no time to avoid a collision.
Injuries We Handle
Bicycle Accident Injuries We Represent
Cyclists have no structural protection in a crash. Even with a helmet, the injuries sustained in a bicycle accident can be severe and long-lasting.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Skull Fractures and Head Trauma
- Spinal Cord Injuries & Paralysis
- Broken Bones & Fractures
- Road Rash and Severe Skin Abrasions
- Shoulder, Knee, and Hip Injuries
- Facial Injuries and Scarring
- Internal Bleeding and Organ Damage
- Nerve Damage and Chronic Pain
- Soft Tissue and Ligament Injuries
- Dental and Jaw Injuries
- Wrongful Death of a Family Member
Your Recovery
What Compensation Can You Recover
In New York, cyclists injured by a motor vehicle are entitled to no-fault Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits through the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy. If your injuries meet New York’s serious injury threshold, you also have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver for additional damages. If a road defect caused your accident, a claim against the responsible city agency may also be available.
- All past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Bicycle repair or replacement costs
- Rehabilitation and ongoing care costs
- Out-of-pocket injury-related expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and anxiety
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of consortium for your family
Why Cherny & Podolsky
Brooklyn's Trusted Bicycle Accident Law Firm Since 2008
We Know How Insurers Target Cyclists
Insurance companies frequently blame cyclists to reduce payouts, claiming riders were in the wrong lane, running a light, or behaving unpredictably. Our attorneys know these tactics and build cases that dismantle them with evidence and expert analysis.
Over $45 Million Recovered
Our track record speaks for itself. We have secured millions in settlements and verdicts for accident victims throughout Brooklyn and the greater New York area.
Locally Rooted in Brooklyn
We are a Brooklyn law firm at 2681 East 14th Street, not a national referral service. We know the local courts, the most dangerous intersections, and the agencies responsible for maintaining Brooklyn’s bike infrastructure.
Multilingual Legal Team
Our staff serves clients in English, Russian, Spanish, and more. Every client deserves to fully understand their rights and their options, and we make sure they do.
No Fee Unless We Win
We handle all bicycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay absolutely nothing upfront. Our fee comes only from the compensation we recover for you.
Direct Attorney Access
You will work directly with your attorney from your first call to your final settlement. No paralegals, no case managers, no runaround.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file a no-fault claim as a cyclist hit by a car in New York?
Yes. Unlike motorcycle riders, cyclists injured by a motor vehicle in New York are entitled to no-fault PIP benefits through the at-fault driver’s auto insurance. These benefits cover medical expenses and a portion of lost wages regardless of who caused the accident. If your injuries meet the serious injury threshold, you can also pursue a personal injury lawsuit for pain and suffering and additional damages beyond no-fault limits.
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident lawsuit in New York?
The statute of limitations for personal injury in New York is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, if a city agency or government entity is responsible, such as a poorly maintained road or defective bike lane, you may have as little as 90 days to file a Notice of Claim. Acting quickly is essential. Contact us as soon as possible to protect your rights.
What if the driver who hit me drove away?
If you were hit by a hit-and-run driver, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage or through a Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC) claim if you do not have your own policy. We will identify every available source of recovery and file all necessary claims on your behalf.
Can I recover compensation if a pothole or road defect caused my bicycle accident?
Yes. If a defective road surface, missing signage, or poorly maintained bike lane caused or contributed to your crash, you may have a valid claim against the city or municipality responsible for maintaining that road. These cases require strict compliance with Notice of Claim deadlines, which makes contacting an attorney quickly critical.
What if I was not wearing a helmet when I was injured?
New York law does not require adult cyclists to wear helmets, and not wearing one does not automatically bar you from recovery. However, the defense may attempt to use it to reduce your damages. Our attorneys are experienced in addressing these arguments and will work to ensure your compensation reflects the full extent of your injuries.
How much is my bicycle accident case worth?
The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, your medical costs, your lost income, the degree of permanent impact on your life, and the insurance coverage available. Bicycle accident cases involving serious injuries can result in significant recoveries. We offer free consultations to give you a thorough and honest evaluation of your specific situation.
Injured in a Brooklyn Bicycle Accident?
Do not let an insurance company convince you your injuries are minor or that you share the blame. Evidence fades, witnesses move on, and filing deadlines can permanently end your right to recover. The sooner our team gets involved, the stronger your case will be.
Call us today for a free consultation. We will review your accident, answer every question you have, and walk you through your options with no pressure and no upfront cost.
