Brooklyn Bicycle Accident Attorney

Legal Help For Injured Cyclists In NYC

Riding a bike in the city should not mean risking your health and livelihood. When a driver opens a door into your path, cuts you off at an intersection, or drifts into the bike lane, a crash can leave you suddenly facing medical bills, lost income, and a damaged bike.

If you or a loved one were hurt while cycling in or on the way to Brooklyn, The Law Office of Seni Popat, P.C. is here to help. We focus on guiding injured people through the aftermath of serious traffic collisions, including crashes involving cyclists. Our goal is to help you understand your options and make informed decisions about your next steps.

With more than 15 years of legal experience and over $30 million recovered for clients, we know how high the stakes can be after a serious injury. We offer free initial consultations, so you can speak with our team and get clear answers without any upfront cost.

Call (718) 866-3186 now to schedule your free consultation.

New York Bicycle Laws

New York law grants bicyclists many of the same rights—and responsibilities—as motorists. Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law, bicyclists are considered legitimate road users, and drivers must exercise reasonable care to avoid causing harm.

Key New York bicycle laws include:

• Same Rights as Vehicles: Cyclists generally have the same rights and duties as drivers of motor vehicles.
• Bike Lane Protections: Drivers may not drive, stop, or park in designated bicycle lanes except when permitted by law.
• Safe Passing Law: Motorists must leave a safe distance when passing a cyclist, typically at least three feet.
• Right of Way: Drivers must yield to bicyclists when required by traffic signals, signs, or crosswalk rules.
• Helmet Laws: Helmets are required for cyclists under age 14 and for commercial cyclists of any age.

When drivers violate these laws, they may be held financially responsible for injuries they cause. Our Brooklyn bicycle accident lawyer can investigate whether traffic law violations played a role in your crash.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Most bicycle accidents in Brooklyn are preventable and occur because drivers fail to operate their vehicles safely. Common causes include:

• Distracted Driving: Texting, using GPS, eating, or adjusting in-car technology.
• Failure to Yield: Especially at intersections, crosswalks, and when making left or right turns.
• Speeding: Reduces reaction time and increases the severity of injuries.
• Dooring Accidents: Drivers or passengers opening car doors into the path of a cyclist.
• Unsafe Lane Changes: Merging or turning without checking for cyclists.
• Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol or drugs impair judgment and reaction time.
• Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: A frequent cause of severe intersection collisions.

Because cyclists lack the physical protection of a vehicle, even low-speed crashes can result in catastrophic injuries.

Common Types of Bike Accident Injuries

Bicycle accident injuries are often severe and may require long-term medical treatment or rehabilitation. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Including concussions, even when a helmet is worn.
• Spinal Cord and Back Injuries: Which may lead to partial or permanent paralysis.
• Broken Bones: Particularly to the arms, legs, ribs, collarbone, and pelvis.
• Road Rash and Lacerations: Severe abrasions that can lead to infection or scarring.
• Internal Injuries: Damage to organs such as the lungs, liver, or spleen.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Including torn ligaments, muscles, and tendons.
• Wrongful Death: In the most tragic cases, fatal bicycle accidents may occur.

At the Law Office of Seni Popat, P.C., we work closely with medical professionals to fully document the impact of your injuries and ensure no damages are overlooked.

Recovering Compensation After a Bicycle Accident

If a negligent driver caused your bicycle accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation. A Brooklyn bicycle accident attorney can help you pursue damages such as:

• Medical Expenses: Emergency care, hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, and future treatment.
• Lost Wages: Income lost due to time away from work.
• Loss of Future Earning Capacity: If your injuries affect your ability to work long term.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
• Property Damage: Repair or replacement of your bicycle and gear.
• Permanent Disability or Disfigurement
• Wrongful Death Damages: Funeral costs, loss of companionship, and financial support for surviving family members.

New York’s comparative negligence rules may reduce compensation if a cyclist is partially at fault, but you can still recover damages even if you share some responsibility. Our firm aggressively fights insurance companies that attempt to unfairly shift blame onto injured cyclists.

Bicycle Accident FAQs

What should I do after a bicycle accident in Brooklyn?

Seek medical attention immediately, call the police, document the scene if possible, and avoid speaking with insurance adjusters before consulting a lawyer.

How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in New York?

In most cases, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the accident. Claims involving government entities may have much shorter deadlines.

Can I recover compensation if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?

Possibly. While helmet use may be raised as an issue, not wearing one does not automatically bar recovery.

What if the driver fled the scene?

You may still have options, including uninsured motorist claims or other legal avenues. An attorney can help explore all possibilities.

How much is my bicycle accident case worth?

Every case is unique and depends on factors such as injury severity, medical costs, lost income, and long-term effects.

Why Injured Cyclists Turn To Us

After a serious bicycle crash, you need more than general information. You want a firm that understands traffic collisions in New York City and that has a track record of meaningful results. At the Law Office of Seni Popat, P.C., we bring years of focused personal injury work to every new case we evaluate.

Our attorney, Seni Popat, has more than 15 years of experience handling injury cases and has helped recover over $30 million for clients across the city. Our results include record-setting motor vehicle outcomes, such as $2.1 million in a motor vehicle accident case, $1.7 million in a commercial auto accident, and $1.2 million in a rideshare accident. These figures cannot predict any future case, but they show the level of claims we are trusted to handle.

Many bicycle crashes involve the same kinds of issues that arise in these serious vehicle collisions. Insurance companies may dispute fault, downplay injuries, or argue that a cyclist was not paying attention. We work to cut through these tactics, using the knowledge we have gained from hundreds of traffic-related cases to build strong claims for our clients.

What sets our firm apart is how we work with you. When you contact us, you can expect direct access to an experienced attorney and one-on-one guidance. We take the time to learn how the crash happened, how your injuries are affecting your life, and what your goals are for the future. Our team is available 24/7 for client support, and we strive to keep you updated so you are never left wondering what is happening with your case.

Contact us today to get started on your claim.