What Are My Legal Rights If I Was Hit While Riding a Bike in NYC?

Riding a bicycle in New York City offers many benefits, including convenience, exercise, and a way to beat traffic, but it also comes with risks. Cyclists must share the busy streets with cars, trucks, buses, and taxis, many of which are operated by impatient or distracted drivers. When a collision occurs, it’s the cyclist who suffers the most serious injuries.

If you were hit by a car while riding a bike in NYC, you may be facing medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. You also may be wondering: What are my legal rights? Can I be compensated? Who is responsible for what happened?

At Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C., we help injured cyclists understand their rights and recover compensation after an accident in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens. Here’s what you need to know if you’ve been hit while biking in New York City. For personalized advice and representation, call our office to speak with an experienced New York bicycle accident lawyer.

You Have the Right to Seek Compensation

Cyclists in New York have the same legal right to use the roads as motorists, and drivers are obligated to share the road and exercise caution. If a driver’s negligence caused your injuries, you have the right to seek compensation through a personal injury claim. In serious injury cases, this includes compensation for:

• Medical expenses (emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy)
• Lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working
• Pain and suffering for the physical and emotional impact of the accident
• Property damage to your bicycle and gear

Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may also be entitled to compensation for future medical care or long-term loss of earning capacity.

No-Fault Insurance May Still Apply

New York is a “no-fault” insurance state, which means that after a crash involving a motor vehicle, certain medical and lost wage expenses are covered by the vehicle owner’s insurance, regardless of who was at fault. This law applies even if you were on a bicycle at the time.

So, if you were hit by a car, your auto policy or the vehicle’s insurance provider should cover up to $50,000 in basic economic losses through their no-fault policy. This includes medical treatment and a portion of your lost income, but it does not include compensation for pain and suffering.

To access these benefits, you must file a no-fault application (Form NF-2) with the driver’s insurance company, usually within 30 days of the accident. Missing this deadline could result in the denial of your claim.

You Can File a Personal Injury Lawsuit for Serious Injuries

If your injuries meet New York’s legal threshold for a “serious injury,” you can pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the driver for pain and suffering and other non-economic damages. Under New York law, a serious injury includes the following conditions, among others:

• Bone fractures
• Significant disfigurement
• Permanent limitation of use of a body organ or member
• Substantial disability lasting 90 days or more
• Dismemberment or loss of a fetus

If your injury qualifies, you are no longer limited to no-fault coverage and can sue the driver for the full extent of your losses.

Comparative Negligence: What If You Were Partially at Fault?

Even if you were partially responsible for the accident—such as by not using a bike lane, riding against traffic, or failing to signal a turn—you can still recover compensation. That’s because New York follows the rule of “pure comparative negligence.”

This means your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your share of the fault. For example, if you were found 30% at fault and your total damages were $100,000, you could still recover $70,000.

An experienced attorney can help counter exaggerated claims of fault by the other party’s insurance company to maximize your recovery and ensure your rights are protected.

What to Do After a Bike Accident in NYC

If you’re physically able after a crash, taking the following steps can help protect your rights and strengthen your case:

• Call 911 and make sure a police report is filed
• Get medical attention, whether treated at the scene, taken to the hospital, or following up with a physician
• Gather evidence, including photos of the scene, damage, and your injuries
• Get the driver’s information, including insurance details and license plate number
• Get contact information for any witnesses
• Do not admit fault or make detailed statements to insurance companies without legal guidance

Call a New York Bike Accident Lawyer for Help

The aftermath of a bike accident can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with painful injuries and pushback from insurance companies. At Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C., we have over 30 years of experience helping injured New Yorkers get the compensation they deserve after being hit by negligent drivers.

We will investigate the accident, deal with the insurance companies on your behalf, and build a strong case to pursue full and fair compensation, whether through a negotiated settlement or in court.

If you’ve been hit while riding a bike in NYC or nearby communities in Westchester or Nassau County, contact Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C. for a free consultation. We’re here to protect your rights and help you move forward.