NYC Bicycle Accident Attorneys
Over 40 years of experience representing cyclists injured by negligent drivers in New York City and Long Island. Free consultation available 24/7.
Protecting Cyclists' Rights in New York
Bicycling in New York City has grown dramatically in recent years, with thousands of cyclists sharing roads and bike lanes with cars, trucks, and buses. Unfortunately, bicycle accidents remain all too common, often resulting in severe injuries to vulnerable cyclists who have no protection against multi-ton vehicles.
At Licatesi Law Group, we have over 40 years of experience representing cyclists injured by negligent drivers. We understand the unique challenges bicycle accident victims face, including insurance companies that try to blame cyclists and minimize their injuries. Our attorneys fight aggressively to hold negligent drivers accountable and recover maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in NYC
Driver Negligence
- Failure to yield to cyclists
- Distracted driving (texting, phone use)
- Unsafe lane changes and turns
- Speeding in bike lanes
- Dooring (opening car doors into bike lanes)
Road Conditions
- Potholes and uneven pavement
- Poorly maintained bike lanes
- Dangerous intersections
- Inadequate signage or markings
- Construction zone hazards
NYC Bicycle Accident Statistics & Most Dangerous Areas
Alarming Statistics
Bicycle accidents annually in NYC
Cyclist fatalities per year in NYC
Of bicycle accidents involve motor vehicles
Causes: Driver inattention, failure to yield, dooring
Most Dangerous NYC Intersections for Cyclists
- Queens Blvd & Various Cross Streets
Known as "Boulevard of Death" - high-speed traffic, complex intersections
- Atlantic Avenue (Brooklyn)
Wide roadway, speeding vehicles, multiple accident hotspots
- Houston Street & 1st/2nd Avenue
Heavy crosstown traffic, frequent turning conflicts with cyclists
- Grand Concourse (Bronx)
Wide lanes, speeding, inadequate bike infrastructure
- Northern Blvd (Queens)
Commercial trucks, high speeds, limited bike lanes
- Flatbush Avenue (Brooklyn)
High traffic volume, delivery trucks, taxi conflicts
If you were injured at one of these dangerous intersections, the city may be liable for inadequate traffic controls, poor road design, or lack of protected bike lanes. We investigate whether hazardous conditions contributed to your accident.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Cyclists have no protection against multi-ton vehicles, making even "minor" accidents potentially catastrophic. Common injuries include:
Head & Brain Injuries
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Concussions (mild to severe)
- Skull fractures
- Facial injuries and scarring
Spinal & Back Injuries
- Spinal cord injuries & paralysis
- Herniated discs
- Vertebrae fractures
- Nerve damage
Orthopedic Injuries
- Broken arms, wrists, collarbones
- Broken legs, ankles, hips
- Shattered bones requiring surgery
- Joint dislocations
Road Rash & Skin Injuries
- Severe abrasions (road rash)
- Deep lacerations requiring stitches
- Burns from sliding on pavement
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
Internal Injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage (liver, spleen, kidneys)
- Broken ribs & punctured lungs
- Abdominal trauma
Soft Tissue Injuries
- Ligament tears (ACL, MCL)
- Muscle strains and sprains
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Whiplash and neck strains
Why Medical Documentation is Critical
Insurance companies frequently try to minimize cyclist injuries or blame pre-existing conditions. Seek immediate medical attention after any bicycle accident - even if you feel okay. Adrenaline masks pain, and some injuries (concussions, internal bleeding, soft tissue damage) may not manifest for hours or days. Comprehensive medical records from the ER, orthopedists, neurologists, and physical therapists are essential for proving your injuries and maximizing compensation.
NYC Bicycle Laws & Your Rights as a Cyclist
New York law grants cyclists the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle operators. Understanding these laws is crucial for proving liability in bicycle accident cases.
Key NYC Bicycle Laws (VTL)
- VTL § 1146: Drivers must exercise due care to avoid colliding with cyclists
- VTL § 1122-a: Cyclists may use full lane when bike lane is unsafe or blocked
- VTL § 1234: Motorists must yield right-of-way to cyclists in crosswalks and bike lanes
- NYC Traffic Rule 4-12(p): Drivers must not block bike lanes (parking, standing, driving)
- 3-Foot Passing Law: Vehicles must give cyclists at least 3 feet of clearance when passing
- Dooring Law: Opening car doors into traffic (bike lanes) is illegal and creates driver liability
Your Rights as a Cyclist
- Right to Use Roadways: Cyclists have the same right to use streets as cars (except limited-access highways)
- Right to Full Lane: When bike lanes are obstructed or unsafe, cyclists may use the full traffic lane
- Right of Way: Drivers must yield to cyclists at intersections, crosswalks, and when turning across bike lanes
- Right to Safe Passage: Drivers must provide safe passing distance and not "buzz" or harass cyclists
- Right to Clear Bike Lanes: Bike lanes must be kept clear of parked cars, delivery trucks, and obstacles
- Right to Compensation: When drivers violate traffic laws and injure cyclists, you have the right to sue for damages
How We Use Traffic Laws to Prove Your Case
At Licatesi Law Group, we leverage NYC traffic laws to establish driver liability in bicycle accident cases. When drivers violate VTL statutes - failure to yield, unsafe passing, dooring, blocking bike lanes - we use these violations as evidence of negligence. We work with accident reconstruction experts to demonstrate how drivers breached their duty of care to cyclists.
Even if you violated a cycling rule (running a red light, riding on sidewalk), New York's comparative negligence law means you can still recover damages if the driver was also at fault. We've successfully recovered compensation for cyclists even when they bore partial responsibility for the accident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Our NYC Bicycle Accident Lawyers Today
Free consultation. No fees unless we win. Available 24/7 for injured cyclists.