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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"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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"Phenomenal Team!"The team here is nothing short of phenomenal. I reached out about my case on a Sunday afternoon from the hospital and we spoke before the evening was over. Since then, they have been happy to answer any question I have, and walked me through the entire process from handling my no-fault insurance to ultimately getting a settlement offer.
To any cyclist in search of a lawyer who understands the challenges of biking in this city, look no further than Daniel and his team.- Conor -
"I am grateful to her and her firm for their expertise and diligence."Almost 4 years ago I was struck by a delivery truck while on my bike and suffered a shattered wrist. Cathy Flanzig guided me through the process of bringing a suit against the company that owned the truck and the driver. Ms. Flanzig was professional and compassionate and realistic throughout the whole process. I am grateful to her and her firm for their expertise and diligence.- Kathe D.
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"Combination of legal expertise with a compassionate approach"If you are in search of a lawyer who combines legal expertise with a compassionate approach to client care, look no further than Daniel Flanzig and his team at Flanzig and Flanzig. From start to finish, Daniel not only holds an impressive depth of legal knowledge, especially in bicycle laws, but also a remarkable commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for me. Daniel took the time to thoroughly understand the nuances of my case, patiently listened to my concerns, and provided clear, concise explanations of the legal strategies available. This level of transparency and communication instilled a sense of confidence and reassurance during what was initially a daunting process. I highly recommend him for anyone seeking top-tier legal representation.- Runa R.
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"Supported me since DAY ONE of my 2.5 year journey!"Daniel Flanzig was with me on DAY ONE of my 2.5 year journey through the fractured legal system following a serious bicycle accident which left me with two broken wrists. The thirteen day hospital stay included surgeries on both, titanium plates implanted on both, and a severe challenge to my mental health and way of life. Unfortunately, I needed two
more surgeries on the significantly more damaged right wrist. Dan navigated me through the strained New York City Medical System, still struggling in late 2021 from the wrath of COVID. When the lawsuit needed to be moved to New Jersey, Dan seamlessly transferred the case to Joseph G. Hughes. Both men proved to be upstanding attorneys and outstanding human beings, emotionally invested in my traumatic, drawn-out experience, and committed to reaching the settlement deserved. After matters were resolved by Mr. Hughes, I received a call from Dan, closing this chapter of our time together, but cementing a lifelong connection filled with the utmost respect and gratitude.- Marty Keiser -
"Helped me through a difficult time with great results!"I recently suffered a grievous injury being struck by a drunk driver while cycling, when dealing with short-term disability, hospital bills, and all manner of associated paperwork I received care and support from the lawyers at Flanzig & Flanzig. Can't recommend their services enough, they really helped me through a difficult time with great results!- Brandon W.
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"Ever since my accident, they paid close attention to my needs & welcomed any questions."Exceptional lawyers with great client services. Ever since my accident they paid close attention to my needs and welcomed any questions. Any issue I had was met with a prompt response via phone or email. They made the process easy and produced results. I would definitely return if I ever needed their services again.- Efren V.
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
