New York Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Dedicated Advocacy for Injured New York & New Jersey Cyclists
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 857 bicyclists were killed in traffic-related accidents in the United States in 2018 (the latest year for which data is currently available). Many more were seriously injured due to drivers not paying attention when backing up, not yielding to bicycle riders at intersections, failing to stop at red lights or stop signs, and changing lanes or turning in front of bicyclists.
If you were injured in a bicycle accident in New York or New Jersey, Simonson Goodman Platzer PC can help you seek the fair recovery you are owed. Our experienced, award-winning attorneys have a long legacy of success in representing injured individuals and the families of those wrongfully killed, having secured more than $200 million for their clients to date. We know what it takes to thoroughly investigate your case, determine who is liable, and fight to hold those parties accountable for the pain and suffering you have endured as a result of their negligence.
Request a free initial consultation with one of our New York bicycle accident lawyers today; call (800) 817-5029 or contact us online to get started.
Jump to any section on this page by clicking on the topic:
- Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
- Damages in Bicycle Accident Cases
- The Cyclists’ Obligations
- The Drivers’ Obligations
- What To Do If You Are Involved in a Bicycle Accident
- Getting Your Medical Bills Paid Following a Bicycle Accident
- How Simonson Goodman Platzer PC Can Help
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Unfortunately, bicycle accidents occur often in New York and New Jersey because automobile drivers are not looking out for cyclists, even though bicycles on the road have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles.
Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Texting or using a cell phone while driving
- Speeding
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Failure to stop at red lights/stop signs
- Opening car doors into oncoming cyclists’ paths
- Driving in designated bike lanes
- Failure to maintain proper space
- Fatigued driving
In an accident between a bicycle and automobile, the cyclist generally suffers the most severe consequences—often serious, debilitating injuries. These injuries can potentially result in significant losses to the injured person and his or her family.
Damages in Bicycle Accident Cases
State law in New York and New Jersey gives an injured person the right to recover compensation for his or her damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, funeral expenses, and other economic losses, as well as pain and suffering caused by injuries and treatment. While financial recovery cannot truly compensate you for the loss and suffering you have experienced due to a bicycle accident injury, it can ease your financial burdens and hold those responsible for your injury accountable.
Each year, about 54 New York State residents are killed in bicycle crashes, 2,000 are hospitalized due to bicycle-related injuries, and countless others suffer more minor injuries.
The Cyclists’ Obligations
Under New York State Law (Vehicle and Traffic Law 1231), traffic laws apply equally to bicyclists and drivers. Cyclists have additional obligations, such as using a bike lane if one is present, or, if one is not, riding the bike near the right-hand curb/edge of the roadway, or upon a usable right-hand shoulder (Vehicle and Traffic Law 1234). Cyclists are also not permitted to ride more than two abreast on a roadway.
The Drivers’ Obligations
In addition to obeying all of the usual traffic laws, drivers must obey certain laws specific to bicyclists. In particular, drivers must overtake a bicyclist only on the left side (Vehicle and Traffic Law 1122-a) and must use due care to avoid colliding with a bicyclist and shall give warning by sounding the horn when necessary (Vehicle and Traffic Law 1146(a)).
What To Do If You Are Involved in a Bicycle Accident
If you are able to, make sure that you get the name and address of the driver of the vehicle, as well as any witnesses. Photographs showing the damage to the bike and the car involved in the accident are also very helpful. Many times your injuries will make it impossible for you to obtain this information at the scene. In that case, it is vital that you contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as you are able. A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer will know how to obtain the police report, find witnesses, and protect your rights.
Getting Your Medical Bills Paid Following a Bicycle Accident
A New York City attorney who specializes in bicycle accidents will be able to guide you through the process of dealing with the driver’s insurance company, as well as your own health insurance company. In New York State, a bicyclist injured by a car is usually entitled to at least $50,000 of medical care being paid by the driver’s insurance policy. These medical benefits are available regardless of who caused the accident. Navigating the insurance laws, rules, and regulations can be a daunting task, especially when you are injured or incapacitated. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to guide you smoothly through the process.
How Simonson Goodman Platzer PC Can Help
The experienced New York bicycle accident lawyers at Simonson Goodman Platzer PC can help guide you through the difficult process of dealing with medical treatment and billing, negotiating with reluctant insurance companies, and, if necessary, filing suit and going to trial. We will advocate tirelessly for you and work to help you recover the maximum amount available for your injuries.
If you’ve been injured while riding your bike in New York or New Jersey, contact us to discuss how we can help you. We are always available to talk, and there is no charge for an in-depth consultation. We have been representing victims of motor vehicle accidents, including bicycle accidents, for decades, and have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our clients.
Contact us online or by phone at (800) 817-5029 today to schedule your no-cost, no-obligation consultation with a member of our team.
Our Settlements & Verdicts
Our top priority is to devise customized legal strategies that are tailored to the unique legal needs of our clients, no matter how simple or complicated their situations might be.
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$87 Million Work Accident Verdict
The firm won $87 million in the Bronx County Supreme Court for a laborer who was left paralyzed as a result of a work accident in March 2004.
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$18 Million Medical Malpractice Settlement
$18,000,000 verdict on behalf of a twin born after a long delay with a severe brain injury-hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy.
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$7.9 Million Medical Malpractice Verdict
$7,900,000 verdict for failure to monitor glucose levels in post CABG patient leads to death of 47 year old leaving a wife and two children.
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$7.5 Million Medical Malpractice Settlement
$7,500,000 recovery for a baby who was seriously brain-damaged at the time of his birth. Due to a delay in delivery, the baby lost vital oxygen to his brain and develop cerebral palsy.
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$6.4 Million Medical Malpractice Settlement
$6,400,000 recovery for a young woman’s pregnancy that was mishandled before she went into labor leading to seizures with resultant brain damage.
Hear What Our Clients Have to Say
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The attorneys were kind, accommodating and professional. I couldn’t be happier with the settlement they achieved for me.Inbar V.
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They have done an amazing job to win my case without even going to the court.Sezgin T.
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Highly recommend!! I had the pleasure of working with Paul Simonson during the worst time of my life. He is knowledgeable, professional & he truly cares. When other attorneys turned down my case Mr. Simonson got results! I will be forever grateful.Dawn M.
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I would highly recommend this firm. Ted knows the law and did a great job.Dana
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They were honest and clear about the process of bringing a lawsuit forward and managed my expectations.Nate G.
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Thank you, Mr. Goodman and Mr. Simonson very much for looking out for me and always having my best interest at heart!Naresh T.
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Based on my experience with this firm, their name should be empathy, compassion and brilliance. Their kindness and attention to detail was second to none. I truly cannot say enough good things about Paul, Ted and this firm. The gratitude I feel towards them is immeasurable.Nic R.
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Ted Goodman was amazing in the courtroom and eloquently argued my case. If I could give them 10 stars I would, they truly changed my life. There are no amount of words that can show how grateful I am for all they have done.Ashley W.