What If I'm Blamed By The Insurance Company For The Bicycle Accident?

All too often, insurance companies will attempt to place more of the blame on the victim in order to reduce their own financial responsibility for an accident. In New York, however, the law of comparative negligence requires that all parties involved must pay their fair share. You can still be compensated even if you were partly responsible, but your award might be reduced to reflect your share of the blame. To make sure that doesn't happen, always have an experienced personal injury lawyer represent you. Our Brooklyn bike accident lawyers at Rosenberg & Rodriguez know how to handle the insurance company when they try to lowball you with a subpar settlement offer. We're not going to let them take advantage of you, and we'll fight back if needed.

What Kind Of Compensation Can I Receive After A Bicycle Accident?

The compensation you may receive for a bicycle accident varies depending on the details and severity of injuries related to your accident, however, our bicycle accident lawyers in Brooklyn have represented countless similar cases and will be able to accurately calculate the damages you are owed. We will investigate every detail of your accident to help get you the best result possible. Bicycle accident victims in Brooklyn may be able to obtain compensation for the following: Medical bills and expenses Lost wages Property damages Pain and suffering Emotional distress Physical therapy, and more If you were recently injured in a bicycle accident that wasn't your fault, call Rosenberg & Rodriguez now. Our bicycle accident lawyers in Brooklyn will review your case for free and let you know what next steps to take. There's no risk or obligation, so don't hesitate to reach out today.

What Are The Bicycle Helmet Laws In New York?

If you are under the age of 14, New York law requires you to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle. Although it is recommended that everyone wears a helmet, those above the age of 14 are not required by state law to do so. There are some exceptions to this rule in specific communities within New York that have passed local ordinances requiring all riders, regardless of age, to wear helmets.

Brooklyn Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Injured In An Accident?

Call Rosenberg & Rodriguez, PLLC

(866) 367-8257

Bicycle Accident Lawyer Brooklyn, NY

When a car strikes a cyclist, the injuries are severe. Broken bones. Head trauma. Road rash that requires skin grafts. Spinal cord damage. And while you’re dealing with surgeries and rehabilitation, the driver’s insurance company is already working to minimize what they pay.

Our Brooklyn, NY bicycle accident lawyer fights for injured cyclists. At Rosenberg & Rodriguez Personal Injury Lawyers, we recovered $275,000 for a cyclist who suffered head injuries after being struck by a vehicle. We’ve secured an $875,000 settlement in a difficult liability case, jury verdicts of $815,000 and $760,000, and millions of dollars for accident victims throughout New York.

Why Choose Rosenberg & Rodriguez Personal Injury Lawyers for Bicycle Accident Cases in Brooklyn, NY?

We’ve Won for Injured Cyclists

Insurance companies often blame cyclists for their own injuries. They claim you weren’t wearing a helmet. They argue you were riding outside the bike lane. They say you should have seen the car door opening. We know how to fight back against these arguments.

Our firm recovered $275,000 for a cyclist who suffered a head injury when struck by a vehicle. We’ve also secured:

• $875,000 settlement in a high-risk liability case

• $815,000 jury verdict

• $760,000 jury verdict

• $550,000 rear-end accident settlement

• $250,000 jury verdict for a pedestrian struck by a vehicle

• $225,000 settlement for a woman who tripped on a raised sidewalk

These results come from thorough preparation, aggressive negotiation, and the willingness to take cases to trial. If you need a personal injury attorney in Brooklyn, NY, our track record speaks for itself.

Attorneys Who Understand Cycling Cases

Laura Rosenberg has been licensed in New York and New Jersey since 2001. Super Lawyers has recognized her every year from 2019 through 2026, placing her among the top 5% of attorneys. She is a member of the Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association, and the New York State Trial Lawyers Association.

Ivan Rodriguez has practiced personal injury law in New York for 25 years. He has tried cases in both State and Federal Courts and understands the unique challenges cyclists face when pursuing injury claims. Bicycle accidents require knowledge of traffic laws, right-of-way rules, and the tactics insurance companies use against riders.

We Handle the Insurance Battle

After a bicycle accident, you should focus on healing. We handle everything else. We communicate with insurance adjusters. We gather police reports, witness statements, and medical records. We calculate the full value of your claim and fight to recover every dollar you deserve.

Contingency Fee Representation

You pay nothing upfront. We advance all costs and only collect a fee if we win your case. This arrangement puts experienced lawyers in your corner without adding financial stress during your recovery.

What Our Clients Say

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I was so stressed after my accident and didn’t know where to turn. Rosenberg & Rodriguez Personal Injury Lawyers took over and handled everything. They kept me updated, answered all my questions, and got me a settlement that helped me move forward. I’m so grateful I found them.” – Sherdina Ross

Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.

Types of Bicycle Accident Cases We Handle in Brooklyn, NY

Cyclists face unique dangers on Brooklyn streets. We handle all types of bicycle collision claims.

Dooring accidents. Drivers and passengers opening car doors into bike lanes cause devastating crashes. Cyclists have no time to react when a door suddenly appears in their path. We wrote about dooring accident lawsuits and your legal options.
Right-hook collisions. Drivers making right turns across bike lanes strike cyclists riding straight. These crashes often occur at intersections where motorists fail to check for bikes.
Left-turn accidents. Drivers turning left across oncoming traffic misjudge cyclist speed and cause head-on collisions.
Rear-end crashes. Distracted or speeding drivers strike cyclists from behind, causing the rider to be thrown from the bike.
Sideswipe accidents. Vehicles passing too closely clip cyclists, sending them crashing to the pavement or into parked cars.
Truck and bus accidents. Large commercial vehicles have significant blind spots. Cyclists struck by trucks suffer catastrophic injuries due to the size difference.
Rideshare accidents. Uber and Lyft drivers stopping suddenly for pickups or pulling into bike lanes create hazards for cyclists throughout Brooklyn.
Hit and run crashes. When drivers flee after striking cyclists, we work with police reports and surveillance footage to identify them and pursue claims.
E-bike and electric scooter accidents. Electric-assist bicycles and scooters are increasingly common in Brooklyn. Collisions involving these vehicles follow similar legal principles.

Each case requires investigation into how the accident happened and who bears responsibility.

New York Legal Requirements for Bicycle Accident Cases

New York has specific rules that protect bicycle riders and affect injury claims.

Cyclists Have Equal Road Rights

Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law, bicycles are considered vehicles. Cyclists have the same rights to use roadways as motorists. Drivers must treat cyclists with the same respect they would give another car.

The law requires motorists to pass cyclists at a safe distance. Drivers cannot harass, crowd, or threaten cyclists on the road.

Protected Bike Lane Laws

New York City has expanded protected bike lanes throughout Brooklyn. The NYC Department of Transportation maintains these lanes as part of the city’s cycling infrastructure. Drivers who block bike lanes or drive in them violate traffic laws.

Vision Zero Initiative

New York City’s Vision Zero program aims to eliminate traffic deaths. The initiative has led to reduced speed limits, expanded bike lanes, and increased enforcement against dangerous driving. When drivers violate Vision Zero-related rules, their negligence strengthens your injury claim.

No-Fault Insurance and Cyclists

New York’s no-fault insurance system applies differently to cyclists. If you’re struck by a car, the driver’s no-fault insurance covers your medical bills and lost wages up to $50,000, regardless of fault.

To sue for additional damages, you must meet the “serious injury” threshold under New York Insurance Law Section 5102(d). Qualifying injuries include fractures, significant disfigurement, permanent limitation of a body organ or member, and injuries preventing normal activities for 90 days within 180 days of the accident.

Statute of Limitations

New York’s statute of limitations gives you three years to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, evidence disappears quickly. Witness memories fade. Surveillance footage gets deleted. Contact an attorney promptly to preserve your claim.

Comparative Fault

New York follows pure comparative negligence rules. You can recover damages even if you share some fault for the accident. Your recovery gets reduced by your percentage of responsibility.

Insurance companies aggressively argue that cyclists caused their own injuries. They blame you for not wearing a helmet, riding outside the bike lane, or failing to signal. An experienced attorney counters these arguments with evidence.

What Damages Can You Recover in a Brooklyn, NY Bicycle Accident?

Bicycle accidents often cause severe injuries because cyclists have no protection from impact. Compensation in these cases can be substantial.

Economic Damages

These cover your measurable financial losses:

• Emergency room visits, surgeries, and hospitalization

• Ongoing rehabilitation and physical therapy

• Future medical treatment for permanent injuries

• Lost wages while you recover

• Reduced earning capacity if injuries affect your ability to work

• Bicycle replacement or repair

• Adaptive equipment if needed

• Transportation costs during recovery

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, hundreds of cyclists die in traffic crashes annually, and thousands more suffer serious injuries. The CDC injury data confirms that bicycle accidents cause significant trauma requiring extensive medical care.

Non-Economic Damages

New York allows compensation for pain and suffering, including:

• Physical pain from injuries and medical treatment

• Emotional distress and anxiety about riding again

• Loss of enjoyment of cycling and other activities

• Permanent scarring or disfigurement from road rash

• Loss of consortium affecting your relationship with your spouse

Bicycle accidents frequently cause brain injuries when cyclists strike the pavement. Even with a helmet, the force of impact can cause concussions or more severe trauma. Soft tissue injuries, back injuries, and neck injuries are also common.

Punitive Damages

When a driver’s conduct is particularly egregious, such as road rage or drunk driving, New York courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer.

Contact Rosenberg & Rodriguez Personal Injury Lawyers

If you were injured in a bicycle accident in Brooklyn, our firm can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

We offer free consultations to accident victims. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and answer your questions. No obligation. No pressure.

Our contingency fee arrangement means you pay nothing unless we win. We advance all costs and only collect a fee when you recover compensation.

With over 100 combined years of experience, our attorneys understand the unique challenges cyclists face when pursuing injury claims. We know how to counter insurance company tactics and maximize your recovery.