If you were involved in a bike accident anywhere in New York City, you may be facing painful injuries, medical bills, and uncertainty about what to do next. At Michael J. Redenburg, Esq. P.C., we help bicycle accident victims hold negligent drivers accountable and fight for the compensation they deserve.
As an experienced bicycle accident attorney, we’ve represented injured cyclists throughout the five boroughs — whether the crash involved a car, truck, taxi, or rideshare vehicle. We understand the unique challenges that come with bicycle accident injuries, and we’ll guide you through every step of your case.
Understanding Bicycle Accidents in NYC
Bike accidents in New York City are unfortunately common. Despite improvements in bike infrastructure, crashes involving motor vehicles continue to result in serious and sometimes life-threatening bicycle accident injuries.
Cyclists often suffer the most in a collision. With little protection against a car or truck, even a low-speed impact can lead to broken bones, head trauma, or long-term complications. In 2023 alone, hundreds of cyclists were hurt across the city, with Brooklyn seeing the highest number of reported cases.
Our firm has handled many bicycle accident cases involving everything from inattentive drivers to unsafe road conditions. Each crash has its own story — and we take the time to understand yours.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Most bike accidents in NYC happen because drivers don’t take cyclists seriously — or don’t see them at all. These preventable crashes often leave cyclists dealing with painful injuries and costly medical treatment.
Some of the most common causes we see include:
- Dooring accidents – when a parked driver opens their door into a cyclist’s path.
- Failure to yield – especially at intersections or while turning.
- Distracted driving – texting, using GPS, or not watching the road.
- Unsafe passing – clipping cyclists by passing too closely.
- Poor road conditions – potholes, broken pavement, or missing signage.
- Blocked bike lanes – forcing cyclists into fast-moving traffic.
As a bicycle accident lawyer serving NYC for over a decade, we’ve represented riders injured in every borough. Whether your bicycle crash involved a private driver, delivery truck, or city vehicle, we’ll fight to hold the right party accountable.
The Importance of Hiring a Bicycle Accident Attorney
After a serious crash, many bicycle accident victims are left overwhelmed — dealing with injuries, paperwork, and insurance adjusters who aren’t on their side. This is where a skilled bicycle accident attorney can make a real difference.
Insurance companies often try to settle quickly — and for far less than your case is worth. Without proper legal guidance, you might walk away with a check that doesn’t come close to covering your ongoing medical care, lost wages, or long-term needs.
We’ve helped countless cyclists navigate the claims process and, when necessary, file a personal injury lawsuit to pursue full compensation. From the moment you contact our office, we take over the legal side so you can focus on recovery.
Your case matters. And we’ll treat it that way.
after securing a hard-fought win for an injured cyclist
How an Experienced NYC Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
Not all bicycle accident cases are straightforward. Sometimes the driver flees the scene. Other times, the insurance company tries to shift blame onto the cyclist. That’s why having an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side matters.
At Michael J. Redenburg, Esq. P.C., we dig into the details. We review police reports, interview witnesses, gather medical records, and work with experts when needed. Our goal is to build the strongest case possible — one that gets results.
As a long-standing bicycle accident lawyer in NYC, we know how to deal with insurance companies that don’t want to pay. We’re not afraid to take a case to trial if that’s what it takes to protect your rights.
From start to finish, we handle the legal work so you can focus on getting your life back.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
New York Law and Bicycle Accidents
Bicyclists in New York have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. But when a crash happens, many people — including insurance adjusters — don’t fully understand how the law protects cyclists.
Under New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1231, cyclists are treated as vehicles. That means drivers must yield to them, share the road, and respect their space. When a driver fails to follow these rules and causes an accident, they can be held liable.
There are also specific laws that directly protect cyclists:
- Section 1214 makes it illegal to open a car door into the path of a cyclist.
- Section 1238 requires children under 14 to wear helmets, though helmets are recommended for all riders.
- City laws impose additional penalties for failing to yield to a cyclist, especially when injuries result.
In no-fault cases, injured cyclists can typically file a claim for medical expenses and lost wages with the car driver’s insurance — even if the cyclist was partially at fault. But serious injuries may allow you to file a separate lawsuit for additional damages.
We understand these laws inside and out — and we use them to build strong, effective cases for our clients.
Compensation and Damages for Bicycle Accident Victims
A bicycle accident can leave you with more than just physical injuries — it can put your entire life on hold. That’s why pursuing full and fair compensation matters. At our firm, we work to recover damages that reflect the true cost of your injuries, both now and in the future.
You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses — ER visits, surgery, rehab, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost wages — including time missed from work and any impact on your future earning ability.
- Pain and suffering — for the physical pain and emotional toll the accident has taken.
- Property damage — including repair or replacement of your bicycle and gear.
- Future care needs — if your injuries require long-term support or therapy.
In some tragic cases, families who’ve lost a loved one in a bicycle crash may be able to file a wrongful death claim for funeral costs, lost financial support, and emotional loss.
Insurance companies are often quick to offer low settlements that don’t come close to covering everything. We push back. We calculate what your case is truly worth — and fight for it.
Time Limits and Legal Deadlines
In New York, the clock starts ticking the moment your bicycle accident happens. If you wait too long to take legal action, you could lose your right to recover compensation entirely.
Here’s what you need to know:
- You generally have 3 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York.
- If a city vehicle or public agency was involved (like an NYPD car or sanitation truck), you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the crash.
- In wrongful death cases, the time limit is usually 2 years from the date of death.
- Insurance claims should also be filed promptly — some policies require notice within 30 days.
These deadlines aren’t flexible. Miss one, and your case could be dismissed before it ever gets started. That’s why it’s so important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner we get involved, the better chance we have to gather evidence and build a strong case.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in NYC
What you do in the moments and days after a bike crash can affect your entire case. If you’re physically able, taking the right steps early on can help protect your health and your legal rights.
Here’s what we recommend:
- Call 911 – Always report the accident. The police will file an official report, which can be a key piece of evidence.
- Get medical attention – Even if you feel okay, get checked out. Some injuries don’t show up right away.
- Take photos – Capture the scene, your bike, your injuries, and any vehicles involved. Road conditions, traffic signs, and skid marks can also matter.
- Collect info – Get the names, phone numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance details of everyone involved — and any witnesses.
- Don’t admit fault – Even something as simple as “I’m sorry” can be used against you later. Stick to the facts.
- Talk to a lawyer before the insurance company – Insurance adjusters may call quickly. Let us handle that. You focus on recovery.
At our firm, we can guide you through every post-accident step — including dealing with medical providers, insurance forms, and deadlines — so you don’t have to go it alone.
Why Choose Michael J. Redenburg, Esq. P.C.?
Not all law firms are the same. At Michael J. Redenburg, Esq. P.C., we take pride in offering personalized, aggressive legal representation for injured cyclists across New York City. When you hire us, you get more than just legal experience — you get a team that actually cares about what happens next in your life.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Over a decade of experience handling serious injury cases in NYC
- Focused caseload — so your case gets the attention it deserves
- Proven results in negotiating with insurance companies and going to trial when needed
- Clear, honest communication throughout your case — no surprises, no runaround
- Local insight — we know how NYC streets work, and we understand what juries here care about
Whether your case involves a negligent driver, a commercial vehicle, or dangerous road conditions, we’re ready to help you get answers — and results.
We’re not a settlement mill. We’re a trial-ready firm that fights for real outcomes. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, we’re ready to stand in your corner. Whether you were injured on your commute, while making deliveries, or just riding through the city, our team is ready to help. We offer free consultations, and you don’t pay us unless we win your case.
Call us today at (212) 240-9465 or contact us online to schedule your case evaluation. Let us handle the legal side so you can focus on healing.