According to NYC data, an estimated 60 percent of fatal bicycle and pedestrian accidents stem from illegal or negligent driver behavior.  Drivers who fail to yield are responsible for 27 percent of crashes that seriously injure or kill our New York cyclists and pedestrians, leaving victims saddled with hospital bills, lost wages, and in some cases, permanent disability.

And with New York’s bike share program Citi Bike even more cyclists are put in harm’s way as they navigate Manhattan’s clogged urban center.  Even though free helmets are offered to all Citi Bike participants, surprisingly few riders actually use them, putting themselves at risk for life-changing injuries in the event of a collision.

At The Sanders Firm, our New York personal injury attorneys are committed to helping improve safety levels for all cyclists, and have deftly advocated for individuals who’ve been injured on both personal bikes and shared Citi Bikes. If you or a loved one has been harmed, we invite you contact our firm for a no-charge consultation with bicycle accident lawyers NYC trusts.

Bicycle accident lawyers with decades of experience

Bicycle accidents can have life-altering consequences for the victims. Because bikes offer much less protection than motor vehicles, victims often end up hospitalized and may suffer permanent injuries. Medical expenses can quickly spiral out of control. At The Sanders Firm, our veteran attorneys have nearly five decades of experience successfully defending the rights of people who were injured in a bicycle accident through no fault of their own.

Many plaintiffs who have sought damages for their medical expenses, lost income, property damage and emotional trauma have obtained multi-million dollar settlements and awards for their bicycle accident injuries.

In most personal injury actions arising from bicycle accidents, plaintiffs allege the reckless or negligent driving of another motorist. However, if a cyclist is harmed as a result of a poorly maintained Citi Bike, the bike manufacturer or city may be held legally responsible for any accidents that ensue.

Whether your accident happened in Queens, the Bronx, Manhattan or Long Island, you may benefit from a free case review at The Sanders Firm. Legal costs are waived unless we win or settle your claim.

Types of bicycle accidents

A review of studies on pedestrian and bicyclist safety by the NHTSA concluded that the failure of motor vehicle drivers to properly yield to bicyclists accounted for more than a quarter of all crashes, while a driver’s failure to note the bicyclist accounted for another 12 percent. Hit and run drivers caused 14 percent of accidents.

Serious injuries resulting from a bicycle accident often include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Injuries to the neck
  • Paralysis
  • Injuries to the face
  • Lacerations and abrasions
  • Internal bleeding

Injured cyclists in New York may be eligible for monetary damages to cover related medical costs, lost income and diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other losses. After any kind of traumatic personal injury, it’s crucial to choose your legal counsel wisely to ensure you can achieve maximum compensation. Experience, financial resources and litigation expertise in front of a jury are paramount when choosing your bicycle accident attorney.

At Sanders, we boast the resources of one of New York’s largest and most trusted personal injury law firms, but offer our clients the individualized attention and personal service of a much smaller practice.

Liability issues in NY Citi Bike accidents

If a bicycle accident was not the fault of the rider, then third parties who were at fault may be held liable for injuries or wrongful death.

If the accident occurred on a road or other premises where visual obstructions or dangerous design elements are featured, or if numerous accidents have occurred at the location in the past, than the city or other property owner may be held liable. Construction companies may also be liable, if their employees created a road hazard.

Every year in New York City, bicycle riders who were injured in an accident because of the fault of others, or who have died because of the negligence of other parties, receive substantial monetary damages, either through settlements or favorable jury verdicts.

Sanders Firm NYC car accident lawyers

New York City is more bicycle-friendly than ever, thanks to the Citi Bike sharing program and new bike lanes, but the number of cyclist injuries continues to rise in part to careless motorists who open their doors without first  looking. Our New York car accident attorneys are passionate about winning justice for motor vehicle accident victims, including bicyclists and pedestrians. Our expertise extends to New York’s No-Fault insurance law, as well as the legalities surrounding underinsured and uninsured motorists.

We understand the catastrophic financial and emotional toll that a serious injury can place on families, especially when the negligence of another party is to blame. We will do everything within our power to see that justice is served for our clients.

Sound legal advice for victims

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a bicycle accident in New York, including in Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, or Long Island, a complimentary consultation with The Sanders Firm can help you determine whether you are eligible to file a car accident lawsuit in NY. You deserve excellent representation from professionals who care. Call us today toll-free: 1-800-Fair-Play (800-324-7752).