New York Bicycle Laws Every Cyclist Should Know
You followed the rules, wore your helmet, and signaled when turning. But in an instant, a car struck your bike and then disappeared into traffic without stopping.
These moments are terrifying. The aftermath can feel even more overwhelming. How will you pay for medical treatment? Who will cover the damage to your bicycle? Is there any hope of identifying the driver?
If you were involved in a hit-and-run bicycle accident in New York, you may still have legal options. At Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, we help injured cyclists pursue compensation, even when the at-fault driver cannot be located. Our goal is to guide you through each step, protect your rights, and help you move forward with confidence.
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Why Do Drivers Flee the Scene?
There are several reasons a driver might leave the scene after hitting a cyclist. Some flee because they panic. Others know they are at fault and want to avoid legal consequences. Often, they may be:
- Driving without a license,
- Operating an uninsured vehicle,
- Under the influence of alcohol or drugs,
- In possession of illegal substances, or
- Distracted and afraid of the repercussions.
Regardless of their reason, leaving the scene of an accident is a crime under New York law. A victim of a bike hit-and-run claim has rights, and fleeing the scene does not absolve the driver of financial liability.
First Steps to Take After a Hit and Run Bicycle Crash
The moments after the crash are critical, not just for your safety but also for your ability to pursue a claim. Here are the steps you should take if you are able:
- Call 911 immediately. Report the accident to the police and request medical assistance. Ensure that your injuries and the incident are properly documented.
- Gather details while you can. Try to remember and record anything about the fleeing vehicle: make, model, vehicle color, partial plate number, or even bumper stickers. Note the time, location, and direction it went.
- Talk to witnesses. If anyone witnessed the incident, ask for their contact information. Witness testimony can help police track down the driver or bolster your civil case.
- Take photos and videos. Capture images of your bicycle, injuries, the crash scene, and any debris left behind.
- Seek medical care. Even if your injuries seem minor, see a doctor. Certain conditions, like internal bleeding or head trauma, may not show symptoms right away.
- Avoid posting on social media. Do not discuss the accident online. What you share could later be used against you by an insurance company.
- Contact a New York bicycle accident attorney. The sooner you reach out to legal counsel, the sooner an investigation can begin.
Your lawyer can also advise you on handling insurance and preserving your right to file a claim.
What If the Driver Is Never Found?
Even if law enforcement cannot identify the driver, you may still be eligible for compensation. Many cyclists are unaware they can turn to their own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage after a hit-and-run bicycle accident.
Understanding Uninsured Motorist Coverage for Cyclists
New York requires auto insurers to include UM coverage in every policy. This coverage can apply not just to drivers, but also to:
- Cyclists struck by vehicles,
- Pedestrians injured in crashes, and
- Passengers in uninsured vehicles.
If you carry auto insurance, or live with a family member who does, you may be covered by a cyclist uninsured motorist claim. This coverage allows you to recover damages even if the driver is never identified or had no insurance at the time of the crash.
Damages You May Be Able to Recover
Compensation in a bike hit-and-run claim may include both economic and noneconomic losses. Economic damages can include:
- Emergency room visits,
- Surgery and ongoing medical care,
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation,
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity, and
- Bicycle repair or replacement.
Noneconomic damages may include:
- Pain and suffering,
- Emotional trauma,
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement, and
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
Depending on the severity of your injuries, your claim may involve long-term medical evaluations and expert testimony. A skilled attorney will be essential in calculating the full scope of your damages.
What If the Crash Was Caused by a City Bus or Municipal Vehicle?
Hit-and-run accidents do not only involve private drivers. In rare cases, cyclists are struck by city-owned vehicles that leave the scene, either knowingly or unknowingly. These claims are subject to different legal rules.
If a city-operated vehicle (such as an MTA bus or sanitation truck) was involved, you may need to file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident. These cases involve tight deadlines and additional procedural steps. Your attorney will help ensure all required notices are submitted on time and to the appropriate agencies.
Time Limits to File a Bicycle Accident Claim
Under New York law, most personal injury claims must be filed within three years from the date of the accident. However, certain factors, such as insurance claims or cases involving municipalities, can shorten that window.
You should speak with a bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible to ensure your case is filed within the appropriate statute of limitations.
Why You Should Not Rely on Insurance Alone
Insurance companies are not neutral parties. Their goal is to limit how much they pay out. In hit-and-run claims, they may try to minimize your injuries or dispute whether a vehicle was involved.
Do not navigate this process on your own. A lawyer can:
- Investigate the crash and collect evidence,
- Identify all available insurance coverage,
- Handle communication with adjusters,
- Negotiate a fair settlement, and
- Take your case to trial if necessary.
At Greenspan & Greenspan, our team understands the complex dynamics of bicycle injury claims. We are familiar with insurers’ tactics and can fight back to secure the results you deserve.
Call Greenspan & Greenspan for Trusted Legal Support
Since 1959, Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers has served victims of serious injury across New York. Our firm understands that recovering after a bicycle crash, especially one involving a hit-and-run, is not just about money. It is about clarity, accountability, and peace of mind.
If you were hurt in a hit-and-run bicycle accident, we are here to help. Our attorneys will listen to your story, explain your rights, and help you pursue every option for compensation, including uninsured motorist claims and personal injury lawsuits.
Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. The sooner we begin investigating, the better your chances of securing the outcome you deserve.
