New York Bicycle Laws Every Cyclist Should Know
For many people, cycling is how they commute, stay active, and move quickly through New York. You should not have to fear sharing the road. Unfortunately, busy streets and distracted drivers also mean crashes happen far too often. A single accident can leave a rider facing serious injuries, expensive medical treatment, and time away from work.
If this has happened to you or a loved one, you may be wondering about your rights to pursue bicycle accident compensation. Let us be clear here: Though every case is different, if you were injured because of someone else’s negligent action or inaction, you have a legal right to recovery for what you have been through. Compensation cannot undo the accident, but it can provide the resources needed for treatment, stability, and rebuilding.
Understanding Bicycle Accidents in New York
The League of American Bicyclists ranks bike-friendly states annually according to a number of factors, such as bike infrastructure, laws, and education. New York most recently ranked #15 and is noted as one of the only states that doesn’t have a specific measurement (e.g., three feet) for enforcing a safe driving distance between bikes and motor vehicles.
According to the New York Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, in New York State, there were 7,523 bicycle crashes and 50 fatalities in 2022. Given how exposed your body is on a bicycle, injuries are rarely minor. Broken bones, concussions, spinal trauma, and lasting disabilities are common.
How Insurance Coverage Works For Bike Accidents
You may already be familiar with how insurance works in a vehicle accident. New York’s no-fault insurance laws also apply to bicycle crashes that involve a motor vehicle. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is the first source of coverage. If you own a car, your PIP policy could cover your medical expenses and part of your lost wages even though you were on a bike at the time.
If you do not own a car, the driver’s insurance usually provides these initial benefits. Still, PIP is limited and only pays for certain economic losses. It does not cover noneconomic damages like pain and suffering.
For that type of recovery, your injuries must meet the “serious injury” threshold set by New York law. This includes fractures, permanent loss of use of an organ or limb, significant limitation of a body function, or being unable to perform normal activities for 90 days or more. Meeting this standard allows you to bring a lawsuit for broader compensation for cycling accident damages.
Types Bicycle Accident Compensation You May Be Entitled To
It is reasonable for you to ask, “How much compensation will I get for bike accident injuries?” The answer depends on the specifics of your accident. The severity of the injuries, how long recovery takes, and the effect on your job or daily life are all relevant factors, but the bottom line is that your compensation should make it easier for you to heal and move forward.
Potential damages include:
- Medical expenses from emergency care to rehabilitation and long-term treatment;
- Lost income wages missed during recovery and any future loss of earning capacity;
- Cyclist injury damages covering pain, emotional suffering, and reduced quality of life; and
- Property loss, like the cost of repairing or replacing the bicycle and gear.
Together, these are important considerations for a bike injury settlement or trial award. An experienced attorney can help you understand exactly how much your unique case is worth and what type of bicycle injury compensation you are entitled to.
Determining Fault in a Bicycle Crash
Despite the fact that New York is a no-fault insurance state, it could still matter who caused the accident. Drivers are required to share the road and exercise reasonable care around cyclists. If a motorist opens a door into a bike lane, speeds through a red light, or fails to yield, they may be legally responsible for the crash.
At the same time, New York has a pure contributory negligence policy. This means that if you are also found to have violated traffic rules, any recovery awarded will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Evidence such as police reports, photos from the scene, and witness statements is critical to determining responsibility. This is also why it is so important to have a skilled legal advocate to help confirm that fault is properly assigned.
What to Expect from a Bike Injury Settlement
There is no single average settlement for bicycle accident claims. Some cases resolve for tens of thousands of dollars, while severe injuries involving permanent disability or long-term care can result in settlements or verdicts in the hundreds of thousands or even millions.
The most important factor is making sure your bike accident compensation claims reflect costs now and in the future. An experienced attorney can help you negotiate for the highest possible recovery.
Why Quality Legal Representation Matters
Insurance companies are not on your side and often look for ways to pay less than what a claim is truly worth. Adjusters may pressure you to accept quick settlements that do not cover the full extent of your losses. It’s important to understand that once you accept an offer, you cannot go back and ask for more.
Having an attorney changes the process. A skilled lawyer will evaluate your case, handle negotiations, and present evidence in court if necessary.
At Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Law, our firm has represented accident victims across New York since 1959. Our approach is built on decades of experience and a commitment to clients as individuals. When you work with us, you can expect:
- Direct communication with your attorney,
- Clear explanations of your options,
- Detailed preparation of your case, and
- A bilingual team ready to serve both English and Spanish-speaking clients
Our role is to manage the legal process so you can focus on recovery.
Contact Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Law
A bicycle accident can change your life in an instant, but legal help can make the road ahead more manageable. If you are considering a bike injury settlement or want to understand your options for bicycle accident compensation losses, speaking with an attorney is the next step.
At Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Law, we are here to listen, guide, and fight for you. Call us today for a free consultation. Together, we will pursue the recovery you need to heal and move forward.
