New York Bike Crashes with Motor Vehicles
The most common type of cycle or bike crash a rider in New York is bound to face will be one with a car, taxi, bus, or other motor vehicle. Despite New York City's new efforts for safe bike riding, riders are still faced with reckless drivers and being "doored" by vehicles. Riders are also subject to crashes due to street defects, such as defective street cuts and manhole covers and improperly maintained street hardware. If you have been injured in a bicycle crash, you are probably worried about who is going to pay your medical bills, your lost wages, and who will compensate you for your pain and suffering.
We believe it is important to contact an attorney quickly because there are many circumstances that require immediate action. No-Fault claims, which are how your medical bills will be paid, must be filed in 30 days of the collision. In order to do that, you will need to identify the other driver and their insurance company. Cases involving a municipality, such as the City of New York, usually require a Notice of Claim to be filed within 90 days of the accident. In addition, prompt investigation, photography, and other data needs to be obtained as soon as possible. If the case involves a road defect or construction location, the condition can change within hours.
Here are the most common questions we are asked from cyclists:
If I pursue a claim against the driver, what happens to him or her?
When you bring a lawsuit against a driver or property owner who causes you injury, in almost all cases their insurance company must cover the payments made to the injured person. If a lawsuit is filed, the cost of defense is also paid by the insurance company, usually with no additional expense to the insured.
What type of damages can be recovered in a bike crash case?
New York law allows recovery for medical expenses that are not covered by a collateral source (health insurance or no-fault), lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, property damage, and other non-economic damages. Claims for lost wages, pain and suffering, and medical expenses encompass both past and future damages. You can also recover for the property damage to your bike.
What if I am involved in a hit-and-run crash?
These can be very complicated cases. You need an experienced attorney who is not just familiar with cycling crashes, but also with the ins and outs of insurance claims and insurance policies. In most cases, you can make a claim. Even if you cannot find the person who caused you injury, you still may be able to make a recovery.
If you own a motor vehicle, or someone in your household does, you may be able to make a claim with that automobile insurance company under the underinsured or uninsured (SUM) provision of that policy. This is an area of law that not all attorneys are familiar with.
We offer free consultations, so there is no harm in calling or e-mailing us. We are always happy to provide some guidance, and have done so time and time again. We are committed to helping New York's cycling community.
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"Daniel and his team are incredible professionals and very knowledgeable."Daniel and his team are incredible professionals and very knowledgeable about NYC/New York State bike law. Daniel was incredibly responsive and attentive during my multi-year incident. I was impressed with his knowledge about the NYC/New York State court system, as well as his relationships. He seems to know everyone in the field and is incredibly well respected. The process ended successfully, largely due to Daniel's expertise. I highly recommend his services.- Pavan R.
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"Dan and the team at Flanzig & Flanzig are exceptional."Dan and the team at Flanzig & Flanzig are exceptional. From the day of my incident to the final settlement, Dan and the entire Flanzig & Flanzig team were attentive and communicated all steps clearly. The process is not easy or fast (although mine seemed to progress quicker than others), and it was comforting to know I could focus on recovery while the Flanzig & Flanzig team took care of all the paperwork, court sessions, and negotiated a great outcome. Thank you, Dan and Team!!!- Bouker P.
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"I highly recommend working with them."Daniel Flanzig and his team have been a pleasure to work with. I experienced an unfortunate bike accident over the summer and Daniel and Shirley were nothing short of compassionate, clear, and organized while guiding me through the no-fault process. They have been incredibly responsive and easy to reach, no matter the question(s). I highly recommend working with them.- Alix M.
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"Flanzig & Flanzig should be your first call"If you’re a cyclist seeking justice after an accident, Daniel Flanzig and his team at Flanzig & Flanzig should be your first call.
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"Persistent and Professional"
I highly recommend Cathy if you’re looking for a lawyer who is persistent, professional, and truly cares about her clients. I was hit by a taxi cab while riding my bike, and the process to get a settlement took much longer than expected due to COV
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"Went above and beyond to get a favorable settlement"Dan and his team were quick to respond after my bike accident and went above and beyond to get a favorable settlement.- Jared
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"Daniel and his team made what was a stressful situation much less overwhelming"After being hit on my bike, Daniel and his team made what was a stressful situation much less overwhelming. Daniel himself explained everything thoroughly and I felt supported throughout the whole process with followup from his team. Super grateful to have found Daniel and wouldn't hesitate to recommend him.- Cody
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"Fantastic to work with"Daniel & team were absolutely fantastic to work with over a 4 year period after I was involved in a serious cycling accident.- Chris Aspinall
Why Choose Flanzig & Flanzig, LLP?
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Leaders in the Safe Streets Movement
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Committed Advocates for New York Cyclists
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Top-Rated New York Attorneys
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Dedicated to Helping Cyclists
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Free Consultations
