New York Bicycle Accident Lawyer - Michael J. Redenburg, Esq. P.C.

According to statistics provided by the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, fatalities involving traffic crashes between bicycles and motor vehicles are rising every year.

Bicyclists have very little protection compared to cars and can be susceptible to serious injury in such a crash.

If you have been hurt as a bicyclist in an accident involving a motor vehicle, contact Michael J. Redenburg, Esq. P.C. as possible. We are tough advocates for injured people in New York City.

Why Choose Michael J. Redenburg, Esq. P.C.?

Our attorneys have more than a decade of experience representing clients in NYC.
We are dedicated advocates and will fight for your right to full and fair compensation.
Maintaining a smaller caseload enables us to give your case our attention.

New York City Bicycle Accident Facts

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in the most recent year for which statistics are available, 1,105 bicyclists were killed and 46,195 were injured in traffic crashes in the U.S. Bicycle fatalities significantly increased from the previous year.

With more than 1,000 deaths per year, bicycle deaths account for less than two percent of all traffic fatalities, although bicycling accounts for only one percent of all trips in the U.S.

The following facts are provided by the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center:

45 is the average age of bicyclists killed in crashes with motor vehicles.
88% of bicyclist fatalities in a recent year were male.
71% of fatal crashes occurred in urban areas.
35% of fatal bicycle crashes involved a driver or a bicyclist with blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents and Injuries

The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center reports that nearly one-third of all bicyclist injuries occur when bicyclists are struck by cars. The following are the most common causes of bicycle accidents.

29% — Hit by a car
17% — Falls
13% — Roadway or walkway not in good repair
13% — Rider error or inattentiveness
7% — Crash or collision
4% — Dog ran out in front of a cyclist

Typical Bicycle-Motor Vehicle Accident Scenarios in NYC

Many bicycle accidents occur when the driver of a motor vehicle fails to yield the right-of-way to a bicyclist. Accidents and injuries are frequently caused when:

A vehicle makes a left turn in front of a bicycle
A motorist fails to yield the right-of-way to a bicycle at a stoplight
A vehicle clips a bike while passing

Who Is Liable for Bicycle Accident Injuries in New York City?

In a collision between a bicyclist and a motor vehicle, it is usually the bicyclist who suffers serious injuries. Under New York no-fault insurance rules, an injured bicyclist may file a claim with the insurance company of the motor vehicle driver involved in the accident for related medical expenses and lost wages. This process is separate from a personal injury lawsuit filed to recover compensation for physical and emotional pain and suffering.

Bicycle Courier Accidents

One of the most dangerous occupations in the city has to be that of the bike courier. You have to zip in and out of traffic while traveling at high speeds on a bicycle. These messengers are responsible for delivering goods all over the city in a timely manner. There are other couriers in the city, but only a bike courier travels by bicycle.

Bike couriers are always racing against the clock while they have a package in their possession. Companies promise that a package will be delivered by a certain time and the courier must adhere to that timetable. So, bicycle couriers can be a bit distracted while they are on the road, and they have an increased risk of injury. One of the main causes of all accidents is distracted driving, and bicyclists have the added danger of having no protection around them. Couriers also have increased physical strain because of lifting their packages and the stress of traveling throughout the city.

New York City Bike Couriers Have an Increased Risk of Accidents

As a bike messenger, you are always at risk of being injured while you’re on the job. Many messengers spend an average of 9 or 10 hours on the road making deliveries. While out on these roads, you have to deal with the ebb of flow of New York City traffic. Bicycle delivery workers only work in cities, so traffic will always be an issue. Companies hire couriers because they are more efficient at traveling through traffic. When cars are stopped bumper to bumper, you have the ability to get around these traffic jams. So, companies can get a package delivered a lot faster through bicycle couriers than through anybody else. However, car accidents are dangerous and can be life-threatening when they involve bicyclists.

Drivers can sometimes have difficulty sharing the road, which is why safety equipment is so important. Bicycle couriers should wear safety gear while they are on the job, which might include elbow pads, knee pads, and a helmet. However, this gear is not enough to save you from serious injuries. The New York State Department of Transportation reports that most of the bike fatalities in the city are a result of an automobile. In a third of these cases, the automobile is the size of a truck or bus. If you’ve been in an accident with an automobile, what are your next steps? You must hire an experienced personal injury lawyer to handle the specific details of your case.

Bike Couriers Can Be Injured by Road Defects Just as Easily

When you think of a bicyclist sustaining an injury, the first thing that comes to mind is a car accident. However, potholes and other road defects can be just as dangerous as automobiles. Bicyclists can run over deep potholes on roadways and lose control of their bike, run into traffic, or hurt themselves from the impact to the ground. If there is an issue with signage or traffic signals, bicyclists can hurt themselves through these problems as well. If a traffic signal is malfunctioning, a bicyclist can enter traffic and be struck by a vehicle. In this circumstance, who is at fault? The vehicle was obeying traffic signs and the bicyclist was as well. It is these complex situations that require you to seek out legal advice. Contact us to find out who should be held liable in your NYC bicycle courier accident.

I’m a Bicycle Courier and I Was Hit by a Taxi. What Should I Do Now?

Even if you have never been to New York City, you are probably familiar with the image of an NYC yellow taxi. Through various films and television shows, you can see that there are taxis on the roads in NYC at all times. Taxis are especially dangerous for bicycle couriers because they use the same lanes on the side of the street. So, taxis are constantly pulling over to drop off fares or to pick people up, and they can easily run into bicycle couriers or cut them off. If you have been hit by a taxi, you should contact our offices as soon as possible to begin your case. An experienced personal injury attorney will know the proper steps to take to successfully bring your lawsuit against the negligent parties.

I’ve Been in an Accident. How Do I File a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

While you might think this is a typical roadway accident, you were on the clock when this happened. So, you would be eligible for workers’ compensation. In New York, the victim doesn’t have to prove that the other party was negligent. You only have to report the injury and prove that the injuries you sustained were a result of the accident. You could be entitled to indemnity and medical benefits, which is why you need to get your paperwork started today.

Through a workers’ compensation claim, your initial medical bills will be covered, but you will only receive a fraction of your pay during your recovery. You will only receive two-thirds of your weekly pay depending on your disability. You could also continue to receive compensation once you are back at work. If you complete this process on your own there is a significant chance that your workers’ compensation claim might be denied. Hiring a personal injury lawyer, that specializes in bicycle courier accidents, will improve your chances of having a successful workers’ compensation claim.

If you have been injured while working as a bicycle courier in NYC, we can help! Contact us immediately following your accident, so we can discuss the details of your accident to start building your lawsuit.

Bicycle Accident News

On January 1, 2019, a bicyclist in Queens was doored and thrust into traffic moving the opposite direction. He was then struck by an oncoming vehicle and died shortly thereafter. He was only 26 years old.
On February 4, 2019, a 72-year-old man was struck and killed while riding his bicycle in New York City. The hit and run happened at Eighth Avenue and West 45th Street at approximately 5:53 a.m. and it is believed that the bicyclist was in a bike lane when he was struck by a private oil truck that fled the scene of the fatal bicycle accident.
June 16, 2023: An 18-year-old bicyclist was killed in Manhattan around noon while trying to make a turn. Police officers said that a teenager riding the streets of Manhattan was struck and killed by a truck Friday afternoon, and what happened after left witnesses shocked. The truck driver remained on scene after striking the 18-year-old cyclist just after noon in Gramercy, the man seen visibly distraught on a bus bench as police questioned him. Life-saving measures were attempted, but officials say the injures to the young cyclist proved deadly. Medics went over and tried to resuscitate him and they were pressing on his chest, a witness said. As first responders were trying to revive the injured teenager, police say someone took the victim’s electric Citi Bike and rode off. Paramedics placed the bike on the side of the road and then someone stole the bike.
On February 27, 2024, a 64-year old bicyclist was killed after a vehicle opened their door in his path and he was knocked to the ground and run over by another vehicle. It happened on Broadway, in an area known for being hazardous. The danger to riders is already well known to DOT, which called it a Vision Zero Priority Center.

Contact Our Firm for Legal Help With a Bicycle Accident

After a bicycle crash with injuries, it is important to have experienced legal representation to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you are entitled to receive. At Michael J. Redenburg, Esq. P.C., we handle all types of car accident cases, including bicycle accidents on a contingency fee basis, meaning there is no cost to you until we win your case. Attorney Michael J. Redenburg, with decades of experience handling motor vehicle accident cases, also represents clients in a wide range of related cases, including:

If you or your loved one has been hurt in a bicycle accident, call our office today at 212-240-9465 to find out how we can help get the Wheels of Justice spinning for you today!