$120+ Million Recovered | No Fee Unless You Win | Free Consultation
A driver ran a red light on Second Avenue. You were in the bike lane, following every rule. Now you are facing surgery, weeks away from work, and a stack of bills that keeps growing. If this sounds familiar, you are in the right place.
The New York City bicycle accident lawyers at Tucker Lawyers can help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering after a crash caused by a negligent driver.
We have helped injured cyclists across NYC, Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau County, and Long Island recover full and fair compensation if you’ve been injured in a cycling crash.
Led by John J. Tucker, Esq., our team knows how insurance adjusters work because our founder spent years on the other side of the table. We use that knowledge to fight for you.
Whether a cab door swung open in Midtown, a delivery truck cut through a protected lane in Brooklyn, or a distracted driver struck you crossing the Queensboro Bridge, we are ready to discuss your case.
To discuss a case or request a consultation, contact Tucker Lawyers PC today.
Do I Need a Bicycle Accident Attorney in NYC?
Most injured cyclists recover significantly more compensation when represented by an attorney.
You are not legally required to work with a personal injury lawyer when you have a claim against an at-fault driver. However, you will likely have a much better outcome if you do, especially if your injuries required medical treatment or caused you to miss work.
Data consistently shows that legal representation drastically improves case outcomes. According to a comprehensive personal injury survey conducted by Martindale-Nolo Research, 91% of victims who were represented by an attorney received a payout, compared to only 51% of people who did not hire an attorney.
Even after attorney fees, represented victims usually take home significantly more money.
That same study showed that the average payout for represented victims was $77,600, compared to just $17,600 for those who handled their claims themselves.
Our experienced New York City bicycle accident attorneys can evaluate the true value of your claim, handle communications with insurers, and build a case that positions you for a fair outcome.
Beyond the financial advantage, having an attorney allows you to focus on healing. We handle the paperwork, phone calls, and legal strategy while you focus on getting better.
Why Hire Our New York City Bicycle Accident Lawyers?
Insurance companies have teams of adjusters trained to minimize what they pay you. They may offer a quick settlement that sounds generous but falls far short of covering your future medical care, lost income, or the pain you will carry forward.
Choosing the right attorney affects every part of your case. Here is what sets Tucker Lawyers apart from other personal injury firms in New York.
Insurance Industry Experience Working for You
John J. Tucker, Esq., began his career working inside insurance claims departments at companies like Eagle Insurance and General Accident Insurance. He saw firsthand how insurers work to protect their bottom line. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to anticipate their moves and push back on any attempts to minimize your claim.
Proven Track Record in Bicycle Accident Cases
Tucker Lawyers has recovered over $120 million for injured clients throughout the New York City area. Our results include seven-figure settlements for clients with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal damage, and permanent disabilities from cycling crashes. We prepare every case as if it is going to trial, even when we expect to settle.
Local Knowledge Across All Five Boroughs and Long Island
With offices in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau County, and Suffolk County, our attorneys know the streets where you ride. We understand the dangers of the BQE, the congestion around Times Square bike lanes, the hazards along Ocean Parkway, and the challenges cyclists face on the LIE service roads. This local familiarity strengthens our ability to investigate your crash and present compelling evidence, including insights into how protected crosstown bike lanes reduce cyclist injuries.
No Fee Unless We Recover Compensation
We work on contingency, which means you pay nothing upfront and owe us nothing unless we win your case. This arrangement gives you access to aggressive legal representation without financial risk during an already difficult time.
Ready to discuss your case? Contact our NYC bicycle accident attorneys for a free consultation.
What Causes Most New York City Bicycle Accidents?
Most bicycle accidents in New York City are caused by driver negligence.
New York City’s streets present unique hazards for cyclists. According to the NYC Department of Transportation, there were over 50,000 traffic-related injuries in one recent year.
Cyclists remain among the most vulnerable road users because they have little protection against larger vehicles.
Bicycle fatalities in New York City reached a 24-year high recently, with 30 deaths, including 23 e-bike riders. Serious injuries are much more common, with over 1,300 cyclists injured by drivers in Manhattan alone in one recent year, and thousands of others throughout the other boroughs.
Vision Zero’s street safety redesigns throughout New York City show some promise, with the number of bicycling accident deaths starting to decline. Still, more than 14 bicyclists are injured every day in New York City on average.
Our bicycle accident lawyers handle cases involving:
Dooring accidents
A driver or passenger opens a car door directly into a cyclist’s path. This happens frequently along busy streets in Manhattan, Brooklyn Heights, and Park Slope, where parked cars line the curb next to bike lanes.
Right-hook collisions
A driver turns right across a bike lane or path without yielding to a cyclist traveling straight. Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1141, left and right-turning drivers must yield to cyclists and pedestrians.
Distracted driving crashes
Texting, phone calls, and other distractions cause drivers to miss cyclists in their path. VTL Section 1225-c prohibits using handheld electronic devices while driving in New York.
Rideshare and delivery vehicle collisions:
The increase in Uber, Lyft, and app-based delivery services has led to more erratic stops and lane changes that put cyclists at risk, particularly in congested areas like Midtown, the Financial District, and Downtown Brooklyn.
Hit-and-run incidents
Some drivers flee the scene after striking a cyclist. Our team works with police reports, traffic cameras, and witness statements to identify responsible parties.
Each of these crash types requires a thorough investigation to establish liability and build a strong claim. Our NYC bicycle accident attorneys know where to look for evidence and how to present it effectively.
What Are the Most Serious Injuries from NYC Bicycle Crashes?
Even with a helmet, cyclists can suffer devastating injuries when struck by a vehicle. The human body is no match for a car, truck, or bus. Our firm handles bicycle accident cases involving:
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
A blow to the head can cause concussions, contusions, or more severe brain damage. Symptoms may not appear immediately, making prompt medical evaluation critical for proper traumatic brain injury recovery.
Spinal cord injuries
Damage to the spine can result in partial or complete paralysis. These injuries often require years of rehabilitation and ongoing care.
Broken bones and fractures
Arms, legs, wrists, collarbones, and ribs frequently break in cycling crashes. Compound fractures may require surgery and extended recovery periods.
Internal organ damage
Blunt force trauma can injure the liver, kidneys, spleen, or lungs. Internal bleeding may not be immediately apparent.
Road rash and soft tissue injuries
Sliding across pavement can cause severe abrasions, nerve damage, and scarring that may require skin grafts.
The compensation you may recover depends on the severity of your injuries, your medical expenses, lost income, and the impact on your quality of life. Our New York City-based bike accident attorneys work with medical professionals and economists to calculate the full value of your claim.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Bicycle Accident in New York?
Injured cyclists in New York may recover compensation for both financial losses and personal suffering. The total amount depends on the specific facts of your case.
Economic damages
These damages cover tangible financial losses:
- Past and future medical expenses, including emergency room visits, surgery, physical therapy, medication, and assistive devices
- Lost wages from time missed at work during recovery
- Diminished earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous occupation
- Property damage, including bicycle repair or replacement costs
Non-economic damages
The damages address impacts that are harder to measure but are just as real and potentially even more damaging:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress, anxiety, and depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
In cases involving fatal bicycle accidents, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim in personal injury case. No amount of money can ever ease the pain of losing a loved one to a needless accident, but the right compensation can lift some of the stress off of you during an already difficult time.
Damages commonly awarded in wrongful death claims include funeral expenses, lost financial support, and loss of companionship.
New York Bicycle Accident Laws You Should Know
Several New York laws directly affect bicycle accident claims. Understanding these rules helps you protect your right to fair compensation.
Pure Comparative Negligence (CPLR Section 1411)
New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% responsible, your damages would be reduced by 20%.
No-Fault Insurance and the Serious Injury Threshold
New York is a no-fault insurance state. If a motor vehicle hits you while you’re cycling, the vehicle’s no-fault insurance generally covers your medical expenses and a portion of lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash.
However, to pursue a lawsuit for pain and suffering, your injuries must meet the “serious injury” threshold under Insurance Law § 5102(d). This includes injuries such as fractures, significant disfigurement, permanent or significant limitations of use, or a medically determined impairment that prevents you from performing substantially all of your usual daily activities substantially for at least 90 of the first 180 days after the accident.
Statute of Limitations (CPLR Section 214)
You generally have three years from the date of a bicycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York. For wrongful death claims, the deadline is two years from the date of death. If the crash involved a city bus, pothole, or other government entity, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days under General Municipal Law Section 50-e. Missing these deadlines may permanently bar your claim.
Our NYC bicycle accident lawyers track every deadline in your case to protect your right to pursue fair compensation.
What Can I Do to Help My NYC Bicycle Accident Claim?
Once you have already received medical attention for your injuries, there are additional steps you can take to strengthen your claim.
- Consult with a bicycle accident lawyer. An attorney can handle communications with insurance companies, gather evidence, and build your case while you focus on recovery. The sooner you have legal representation, the better positioned you are to counter lowball settlement offers.
- Attend all medical appointments. Following your treatment plan creates a documented record of your injuries and recovery. Gaps in treatment can be used by insurance adjusters to argue your injuries are not as serious as claimed.
- Keep a journal of your symptoms and limitations. Recording your daily pain levels, activities you can no longer perform, and emotional challenges provides powerful evidence of how the accident has affected your life.
- Save all documentation. Medical bills, prescription receipts, pay stubs showing lost wages, and repair estimates for your bicycle all support your claim for damages.
- Avoid discussing your case on social media. Insurance companies monitor social media accounts looking for posts that could undermine your claim.
Taking these steps helps preserve evidence and demonstrates that you are taking your recovery seriously.
Bicycle Accident Lawyers Serving NYC and Long Island
Tucker Lawyers represents injured cyclists throughout the New York metropolitan area. Our offices are located in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau County, and Suffolk County, giving us direct access to courts and resources across the region.
We handle bicycle accident cases in:
New York City: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island including neighborhoods like Williamsburg, Park Slope, Astoria, the Upper East Side, and Tribeca
Nassau County: Garden City, Mineola, Hempstead, Great Neck, and surrounding communities
Suffolk County: Huntington, Babylon, Islip, Smithtown, and the Hamptons
No matter where your crash occurred, our team is ready to investigate the scene, interview witnesses, and pursue the parties responsible for your injuries.
FAQs: Questions Clients Often Ask Our New York City Bicycle Accident Lawyers
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident lawsuit in New York?
For most bicycle accident injury claims in New York, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit under CPLR Section 214. However, if a city vehicle or road defect contributed to your crash, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days. Wrongful death claims have a two-year deadline from the date of death, including cases involving negligence in a wrongful death claim. Acting quickly preserves evidence and protects your legal options.
Can I recover compensation if I was partly at fault for the bicycle accident?
Yes. New York’s pure comparative negligence rule allows you to recover damages even if you share some responsibility for the crash. Your compensation is reduced proportionally by your percentage of fault. An experienced attorney can work to minimize the fault attributed to you.
How much does a NYC bicycle accident lawyer cost?
Tucker Lawyers works on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. This means you can pursue your claim without upfront costs or financial risk. If we do not win your case, you owe us nothing for our services.
What if the driver who hit me was uninsured or fled the scene?
If you are struck by an uninsured motorist or the victim of a hit-and-run, you may still have options. Your own auto insurance policy (if you have one) may include uninsured motorist (UM) or supplementary uninsured motorist (SUM) coverage that applies to bicycle accidents.
Additionally, you may be able to file a claim through the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC). Our attorneys can review all potential sources of compensation for your situation.
What should I do if an insurance company contacts me after my bicycle accident?
Be cautious about speaking with insurance adjusters without an attorney present. Adjusters often seek recorded statements they can use to reduce your claim. Politely decline to give a detailed statement until you have consulted with a bicycle accident lawyer. You are not required to accept a quick settlement offer, and the first offer is rarely fair.
Will my bicycle accident case go to trial?
Most bicycle accident cases settle before trial through negotiation with insurance companies. However, we prepare every case as if it will go to court. This trial-ready approach often leads to better settlement offers because insurers know we are willing to fight for our clients. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to present your case to a jury.
Injured While Cycling? Talk to Our Team of NYC Bike Accident Lawyers Today
After a bicycle accident, you need an attorney who fights for you with commitment and a drive to succeed. Tucker Lawyers brings insider knowledge of insurance company tactics, a proven track record of results, and dedication to earning 100% client satisfaction.
We offer free consultations to cyclists injured anywhere in New York City, Nassau County, Suffolk County, or Long Island. There is no obligation, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Contact Tucker Lawyers today to schedule your free case review. Let us help you pursue the full and fair compensation you need to move forward.
To discuss a case or request a consultation, contact Tucker Lawyers PC today.
Managing Attorney John. J. Tucker, Esq.
John has personally handled thousands of clients who were victims of another’s negligence and fights relentlessly for their rights. John enjoys bringing closure to a client’s matter so that the injured party can move forward with their life. His background enables him to evaluate complex liability related claims and bring resolution to claims in a record time frame. [ATTORNEY BIO]
I cannot express enough gratitude for the exceptional service provided by Tucker Lawyers. From the very beginning of my case, they demonstrated unwavering dedication and professionalism. They were consistently ‘on top of everything,’ ensuring no detail was overlooked. Their proactive communication was remarkable I truly appreciated the regular calls and follow-ups after my doctor appointments, which kept me informed and reassured throughout the process. – Meaghan L.
I would highly recommend Tucker Lawyers. During a very stressful time and not knowing where to turn Tucker Lawyers really stepped up to the plate and put my mind at ease. They were very attentive and guided me and my family through this ordeal with a very successful outcome. John Tucker was fantastic. Very diligent and kept on top of things. You have a client for life for life. – Joan L.
