Bicycles and New York No-Fault
Like motorcyclists, an injured cyclist's situation under no-fault depends on the circumstances. If you are struck by a motor vehicle while cycling, the no-fault insurance of the vehicle that hit you generally covers your initial medical bills and lost wages. To recover for pain and suffering, you must meet the serious-injury threshold — which severe cycling injuries frequently satisfy. Knowing which insurer applies and filing timely paperwork is essential, and we handle it for you.
Common Bicycle Accident Causes
Drivers turning across a bike lane or a cyclist's path, "dooring" when someone opens a car door into an approaching rider, vehicles passing too closely, drivers failing to yield at intersections, blocked or poorly designed bike lanes that force cyclists into traffic, and road hazards like potholes and uncovered grates that can support a municipal claim. Each scenario requires a tailored proof strategy, which we develop based on the facts.
Injured in New York? You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Your case review is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.
Your Rights as a New York Cyclist
New York law gives cyclists the right to use the road and requires drivers to exercise due care around them. Cyclists generally have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. When a driver violates traffic law — turning unsafely, failing to yield, or driving distracted — and injures a cyclist, that violation is strong evidence of negligence. We use it to establish liability and counter attempts to blame the rider.
Compensation for Injured Cyclists
Cycling injuries often include fractures, road rash, dental injuries, spinal damage, and traumatic brain injury. You may recover medical expenses and future care, lost income and earning capacity, pain and suffering, and the cost of a damaged bicycle and equipment. We document the full impact and pursue every available source of compensation, including the at-fault driver and, where applicable, a municipality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. In New York, the no-fault insurance of the vehicle that struck you generally covers your initial medical bills and lost wages. For pain and suffering, you must meet the serious-injury threshold, which serious cycling injuries usually satisfy.
Yes. Opening a car door into the path of a cyclist violates New York traffic law (VTL §1214) and is strong evidence of negligence. The driver — and sometimes a passenger — can be held liable for your injuries.
You may have a claim against the responsible municipality, but these cases require proving prior written notice of the defect and meeting strict 90-day Notice of Claim deadlines. Contact us immediately so the deadline isn't missed.
Ready to talk to a New York attorney? Call 973-566-5599 any time, or request your free case review online. A legal specialist will reach out within the hour.