New York Bicycle Accident Attorneys

With the advent of bicycle lanes and the Citi Bikes bike sharing system in New York there are more bicycles being ridden in New York than ever before. However, with that comes a troubling side effect, the risk of injury you are exposed to when riding a bicycle in New York City. Many bicyclists are injured each year – would you know what to do if you were in an accident? Too many New Yorkers are unaware of their rights as bicyclists and, as such, fail to receive just compensation for damages to their bodies and property.  With the right bicycle accident attorney by your side, you can receive the compensation that you are entitled to so that you can recover from your injuries and resume a healthy, happy life.

Unfortunately, some injuries are life changing with irreversible effects. That is when you really need an experienced personal injury law firm like The Edelsteins, Faegenburg and Brown, LLP on your side.

When should I contact a bicycle accident attorney?

Legal representation is wise in nearly all bicycle accident cases. An attorney can assist you in the following situations:

  • Driver neglect – Many drivers fail to look for bicyclists before making a turn. If you or a loved one were struck by a vehicle due to driver neglect, you may sue for injuries, property losses, and related damages. If the bicyclist was killed as a result of the accident, you may also file a wrongful death claim.

  • Road conditions – In some cases, a bicyclist may be harmed due to poorly maintained roads or unmarked pavement, both of which can be extremely dangerous to bicyclists. This may result in a lawsuit against a city, or a private property owner.

  • Equipment failure – If an injury occurred as a result of equipment failure, a claim could be made against the manufacturer, distributor, or a repair shop. Equipment failure may include a spoke breaking or a wheel falling off while the cyclist was riding the bike.

  • Poor event organization – Accidents that occur during an organized bicycle ride could be as a result of improper markings, poor traffic directing, and other issues. This could entitle you to a settlement from the event organizer.

I can’t afford a lawyer – what should I do?

Many people do not seek legal representation because they feel that they cannot afford it. The truth is that personal injury lawyers, which include bicycle accident attorneys will provide services on a contingency basis. This means that they are only paid based on the net recovery they obtain in your case. At the law firm of The Edelsteins, Faegenburg and Brown, LLP, there is never a fee for a consultation for accident victims.With this knowledge in mind, it’s important that you contact a lawyer promptly after the accident occurs. As with most legal matters, time is of the essence. The earlier you seek help, the more likely it is that your rights will be protected and you may be compensated for your injuries. Whether your bicycle accident and injuries were caused by being struck by a car, truck, bus or taxi we can help. Other causes of bicycle accidents include being “doored” by a car or NYC taxi, injured due to a pot hole,street plate,man hole cover or other street defects or as a result of a blocked or obstructed  bike lane. If your injuries require medical attention or hospitalization, it is important that you have experienced bicycle accident lawyers representing you like The Edelsteins, Faegenburg and Brown, LLP.

Always accept medical attention at the scene of the accident, whether by the police or ambulance personnel. Even if you are wearing a helmet, a violent fall to the pavement can cause brain damage. It is important to get x-rays or ct scans to identify possible internal bleeding by the brain that can cause brain damage or paralysis. Also, you want to make sure you have not suffered bone fractures or other injuries. Always accept the ride to the hospital by police car or ambulance.The shock of a bicycle accident sometimes masks what may prove to be serious injuries. Always request a copy of the police or hospital report. Get the benefits of our three generations of experience representing injured New Yorkers.The Edelsteins, Faegenburg & Brown, LLP is a family practice dedicated to raising the level of safety for all residents and visitors to New York.

Don’t lose your right to obtain justice and full and fair financial compensation. There are statutes of limitations in which your claim must be filed. Contact us today to speak with a New York bicycle accident attorney about protecting your rights.

In his ongoing web series "Pulling Back the Curtain," New York City attorney Paul Edelstein explains his philosophy on how to approach the age old question: When to settle vs. when to go to trial?

In his ongoing series "Pulling Back the Curtain," New York City attorney Paul Edelstein points out a flaw in the civil justice system. He is not allowed to tell juries that the person or company who is being sued has insurance. This create scenarios where the jury makes decisions about the severity of a case for the wrong reasons.