Over half a million bicycle trips are made daily in New York City, and about 1.6 million New Yorkers ride a bike regularly, according to the New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT).
Although bicyclists are everywhere in the city, motorists continue to put them at risk by driving recklessly and disobeying traffic laws. If a driver hit you while riding your bike or you were injured in some other way, you might be entitled to significant compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other related losses.
A New York City bicycle accident lawyer with Belluck Law, PLLC, can help you pursue the maximum compensation you need. For over 35 years, founding attorney Joseph W. Belluck has advocated for the rights of injured New Yorkers and has recovered more than $1 billion in compensation for them. Our legal team understands how difficult the aftermath of a severe bike injury can be, so we work hard to make the legal process as easy as possible.
Contact us today for a free consultation and learn more about what we can do for you. Joe and his team have a nationwide reputation for excellence. We have the resources and respect to handle your case and get the best results for you and your family.
Do I Have a Bicycle Accident Claim?
You might have a bicycle accident claim if you were injured in a bike crash caused by a negligent motorist, other road user or dangerous road condition. That means you might be entitled to seek compensation for your injuries through the at-fault party’s insurance or a personal injury lawsuit.
An experienced bicycle accident lawyer in New York City at Belluck Law, PLLC, can determine who is liable for your injuries and identify all potential sources of compensation. We can also draft and file bicycle accident claims on your behalf.
Benefits of Hiring Our Bicycle Accident Lawyer
An experienced New York City bicycle injury attorney at Belluck Law, PLLC, can handle your case so you can focus on healing from your injuries. When you hire our firm, you can count on us to help you by:
- Using our firm’s extensive resources and experience in bicycle accident claims to build a solid case on your behalf
- Providing compassionate, personalized client service, including regular progress updates and direct access to Joe Belluck’s cell phone
- Investigating the accident to identify who is liable for your injuries
- Identifying all potential sources of compensation, including insurance coverages
- Gathering helpful evidence to build a strong case for compensation
- Drafting and filing claims on your behalf and keeping track of important deadlines and paperwork
- Communicating with insurers and other parties for you
- Going to court and trial if necessary to fight for the compensation you deserve
Insurance Coverage for New York Bike Accident Injuries
Under New York law, all motorists must carry no-fault insurance, which also covers a pedestrian or bicyclist who is hit and injured by the insured motorist. Injured pedestrians and bicyclists with an auto insurance policy of their own will be covered by this policy.
However, this insurance does not cover pain and suffering and other non-economic or personal losses. To pursue compensation for these losses, a party must file a third-party insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit, provided they meet specific criteria established by the state. That is why it is crucial to speak to an experienced attorney who can calculate your losses after a bicycle accident and determine which claims you can file.
Statute of Limitations on Bicycle Accident Lawsuits in New York
Under New York’s statute of limitations for injury cases, you typically have three years from the date of a bicycle accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver or another liable party. If you file suit after the three-year deadline, the court will most likely dismiss your case, and you will lose your opportunity to seek compensation in civil court.
While three years might seem like plenty of time, building a solid bicycle accident case can take months, so it’s best to speak to a lawyer as soon as possible after a crash. Our New York City bicycle injury attorney can keep track of important deadlines and file the necessary paperwork, so you don’t miss your chance to pursue compensation.
Are There Specific Laws Regulating Bicyclists in New York City and NY State?
In New York, the same laws that apply to motorists also apply to bicyclists, except where such laws, by their nature, can apply only to operators of motor vehicles. Specific laws regulate the use of bicycles in New York City and throughout the state. It’s essential for all cyclists to familiarize themselves with the following rules:
- All bicyclists under 14 must wear helmets that are certified safe by the Snell Memorial Foundation or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). However, bicyclists of any age riding for commercial purposes must wear a helmet their employer provides.
- Bicycles may not be ridden on sidewalks in New York City, except where signs permit riding on the sidewalk or unless the bike has wheels less than 26 inches in diameter and the rider is 12 years old or younger.
- Bicycles may not be ridden on expressways, drives, highways, bridges, thruways and interstates unless authorized by signs.
- Bicycles must be ridden on bike paths or lanes where provided, except when turning or when necessary to avoid hazards, in which case they may be ridden in the main traffic lanes.
- Two bicycles may ride side by side on roadways, except when overtaken by other vehicles or when passing cars, bikes or pedestrians.
- Bicycles may not be ridden in any New York City park except in places designated for bike riding.
- Bicycles must be equipped with brakes, a bell or horn, a headlight, a taillight and reflectors on the wheels.
- Bike riders may not wear more than one earphone.
- Bicyclists must ride on a permanent seat with their feet on the pedals.
- Bicycles may transport only the number of passengers they are designed and equipped to carry.
- Bicyclists may not attach themselves or their bicycles to any vehicle being operated on the road.
- Children under 1 may not be carried on a bicycle, while children ages 1 through 4 must be carried in an affixed child carrier.
