Content reviewed by:
Alex Shulman
Cycling is often the quickest way to get around Manhattan, but it also comes with inherent dangers. With congested streets, distracted commuters, and rideshare drivers, cyclists are always at risk of being involved in an accident.
When a car fails to yield to a cyclist or a door opens into a bike lane, the cyclist usually sustains the worst injuries. A bicycle accident lawyer in Manhattan can help protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
At Shulman & Hill Injury Lawyers, we step in as your Manhattan personal injury lawyer when negligent drivers cause serious harm. With over $1 billion recovered for injured clients, we have the experience and resources to handle complex bicycle accident claims against drivers, companies, and insurers.
Do You Have a Valid Bicycle Accident Claim?
After a crash, many cyclists wonder whether they have a case, especially if the driver insists the accident was unavoidable. In New York, motorists have a legal duty to share the road safely with bicyclists. When they fail to follow traffic laws or drive responsibly, they can be held liable for resulting injuries.
Under New York law, drivers must exercise due care to avoid colliding with bicyclists and pedestrians. Violations of this law can strengthen a personal injury claim by showing that the driver failed to meet their legal obligations.
To build a strong case, we focus on proving:
- Driver negligence: Speeding, distracted driving, or failure to yield
- Traffic law violations: Running red lights or unsafe lane changes
- Causation: A direct link between the driver’s actions and your injuries
- Damages: Financial and personal losses resulting from the crash
As a bicycle accident attorney Manhattan cyclists rely on, we investigate thoroughly and move quickly to preserve evidence such as traffic camera footage and witness statements.
What is Your Bicycle Accident Case Worth?
Cyclists have very little protection in a collision. Without the safety that a vehicle provides, a crash at a reasonable speed can leave one seriously injured, with a long recovery process. While the extent of the injuries may not appear severe from the outside, the process can be lengthy, including time off work, as well as a significant amount of pain.
Some of the most common injuries we deal with include traumatic brain injuries, broken bones such as wrists or collarbones, disc injuries in the spine, severe road rash that can cause infections or scarring, and internal injuries that need emergency attention. These conditions can involve more than just a one-day hospital stay.
As a Manhattan bicycle accident law firm that clients rely on, we focus on the full financial picture. That includes emergency treatment, follow-up care, rehabilitation, lost income, reduced earning capacity, and the physical and emotional toll the crash has taken on your life.
We work to understand how the injury will affect your long-term stability, career, and overall quality of life before pursuing compensation.
What if the Driver or Insurance Company Blames You?
It is common for drivers and insurers to argue that a cyclist was riding unpredictably or outside a designated bike lane. New York follows a comparative negligence rule under CPLR Section 1411. This means you may still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, though your award may be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
When you hire a bicycle accident attorney in Manhattan from our firm, we take immediate steps to challenge attempts to shift fault. We analyze crash reports, review video footage, and consult accident reconstruction experts when necessary to present a clear and accurate account of what happened.
Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident in Manhattan
The hours and days after a bicycle crash can shape the outcome of your case. Evidence can disappear quickly in a busy area like Manhattan, and insurance companies often begin building their defense right away. Taking a few practical steps early on can help protect both your health and your potential claim.
If you can:
- Call the police: Request an officer at the scene so an official report can be created.
- Get medical care: Visit an emergency room or doctor as soon as possible, even if symptoms seem mild at first.
- Photograph everything: Capture images of your bicycle, the vehicle involved, traffic signals, skid marks, and visible injuries.
- Exchange information: Obtain the driver’s name, contact details, license plate number, and insurance information.
Once you reach out to our Manhattan bicycle accident law firm, we take over the legal side of the process. We secure the accident report, look for nearby surveillance footage, speak with witnesses, and handle communication with insurance carriers.
Our goal is to relieve you of that burden so you can concentrate on recovery while we focus on building a strong claim.
Why Choose Our Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Manhattan?
Bicycle accident claims often involve serious injuries and contested liability. Having experienced legal representation can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case.
We conduct in-depth in-house investigations and prepare each case thoroughly. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We are also available to travel for consultations when needed, ensuring accessibility during your recovery.
Speak With a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Manhattan Today
A serious bicycle accident can disrupt your health, income, and daily life. You should not have to battle insurance companies alone while trying to recover.
With over 200 years of cumulative experience, our personal injury lawyers at Shulman & Hill Injury Lawyers are dedicated to serving Manhattan residents involved in bicycle accidents.
Schedule a free consultation today. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve to move forward with confidence.