New York Bicycle Laws Every Cyclist Should Know
Bicycle accident injuries are not only physically painful, but they can also lead to overwhelming medical bills, lost income, and lasting emotional trauma.
If you or a loved one is facing this situation, you are not alone. At Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Law, our firm has guided injured cyclists across New York since 1959, and we are here to help you navigate both the medical and legal challenges ahead.
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Understanding Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicycle accident injuries can range from relatively minor bruises to catastrophic, life-changing trauma. While every accident is unique, certain injury patterns are more frequent among cyclists because of their limited protection compared to motor vehicle occupants.
Common Bike Injuries You May Face
Some of the most common bike injuries after a collision include:
- Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Even with a helmet, cyclists remain at risk of concussions or severe brain damage. According to the American College of Surgeons, helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 48% and traumatic brain injury by 53% but do not eliminate it.
- Spinal cord and back injuries. A sudden impact can damage vertebrae, discs, or the spinal cord, sometimes resulting in partial or full paralysis.
- Fractures and broken bones. Wrists, arms, collarbones, and legs are particularly vulnerable in falls and collisions.
- Soft tissue injuries. Torn ligaments, sprains, and muscle injuries can significantly limit mobility and daily function.
- Facial and dental injuries. Striking the pavement or a vehicle can lead to broken teeth, jaw fractures, or lasting disfigurement.
These injuries often require immediate emergency treatment, followed by months or years of rehabilitation. Even injuries that seem minor can worsen over time if left untreated. Recognizing the seriousness of bicycle accident injuries early allows you to seek the medical care and legal support necessary to protect both your health and your future.
Bike Crash Injury Types and Their Costs
Medical care following a bicycle accident can be incredibly expensive, and you should not have to cover the cost of someone else’s negligent behavior. Emergency transport, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation costs add up quickly. One University of California, San Francisco study found that there were over 400,000 bicycle injuries requiring hospitalization reported across the US in 2022.
Treatment costs vary widely depending on the type and severity of the injury. For example:
- Head and brain injuries. Treatment could range from $20,000 for a mild concussion to more than $3 million for long-term care after a severe TBI.
- Spinal cord injuries. Initial hospitalization could be more than $100,000, while lifetime care for a young adult with paralysis can exceed $2 million.
- Broken bones. Depending on the complexity of the fracture, surgical repairs may cost tens of thousands of dollars.
- Soft tissue injuries. Though less costly initially, physical therapy and ongoing treatment may still amount to thousands of dollars over time.
These figures are general estimates based on national data. Actual medical costs in New York will vary depending on the individual circumstances of each case.
However, learning about the basics of these bike crash injury types and their associated costs can be helpful for understanding the potential range of the financial burden after an accident.
Cyclist Injury Medical Costs and Insurance in New York
New York follows a no-fault insurance system for motor vehicle accidents. This means that if you own a vehicle with personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, your policy may cover your medical expenses and part of your lost wages, even if you were injured while riding your bike. If you do not own a vehicle, the negligent driver’s insurance may be responsible for these initial costs. However, no-fault coverage has limits. It does not compensate for noneconomic damages such as pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life, which are also important considerations for recovery.
Under New York insurance law, cyclists who meet the “serious injury” threshold may pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver to recover additional compensation. This includes injuries such as significant disfigurement, bone fractures, permanent loss of use of a body organ, or a disability lasting at least 90 days within the 180 days following the accident.
An experienced bicycle accident attorney can help you determine whether your injuries qualify and guide you through the claims process.
Bicycle Fall Injuries Beyond Collisions
Not all cycling injuries involve a vehicle. Bicycle fall injuries can result from hazards like potholes, uneven pavement, obstructed bike lanes, or defective bike parts, among other things. In these cases, liability may rest with the city, a property owner, or a manufacturer.
For example, under New York General Municipal Law, injured cyclists must file a notice of claim within 90 days if a municipality is responsible for the hazardous condition. Missing this deadline could prevent you from pursuing compensation altogether, so it’s important to act quickly.
The True Cost of Common Bike Injuries
The financial strain of bicycle accident injuries extends far beyond hospital bills. Many victims face:
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity;
- Long-term rehabilitation and therapy expenses;
- Needs for adaptive equipment such as wheelchairs or braces; and
- Psychological care for trauma, anxiety, or depression.
These hidden costs make it even more important to pursue fair compensation. Without legal guidance, insurance companies may undervalue your claim, leaving you responsible for expenses you should not have to bear alone.
Taking the Next Step
Bicycle accident injuries can change the course of your life in an instant, but you do not need to face this challenge alone. Whether you are dealing with bike accident injuries from a collision, bicycle fall injuries from unsafe road conditions, or long-term medical bills from common bike injuries, you deserve experienced legal guidance.
Our team at Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Law has been standing with injured New Yorkers for more than sixty years. We are ready to help you pursue the compensation you need and deserve.
If you or a loved one has suffered bicycle accident injuries in New York, contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you move forward toward recovery.
