Brooklyn Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Brooklyn is the most populous New York City borough, and its heavy traffic makes traveling in a motor vehicle time-consuming. Many people turn to bicycling to quicken their commutes. Bicycling is also a convenient and economical alternative to taxis and subways and has excellent health benefits.
However, bicycling carries risks. If you suffer injuries from a bicycle accident, getting legal assistance from a qualified Brooklyn bicycle accident attorney is essential. The lawyers at Chopra & Nocerino have significant experience representing personal injury victims, including those from bicycle accidents. We can seek compensation for your losses.
Why Hire the Brooklyn Bicycle Accident Attorneys at Chopra & Nocerino?
Filing a bicycle accident claim is serious business. You don’t want to risk losing your case simply because you hired an inexperienced lawyer. Instead, put your claim in the hands of the competent legal team at Chopra & Nocerino.
We have years of experience representing clients in various personal injury matters. Our Brooklyn bicycle accident lawyers understand New York’s complex personal injury laws. Moreover, we know what it takes to defeat insurance companies that want to avoid paying you fairly.
When you hire us, we get to work immediately. We’ll collaborate with expert witnesses who can review your accident and identify its cause. Our attorneys will act as your representatives with insurance adjusters so they don’t take advantage of you during the claims process.
We will recommend medical providers who can treat your injuries and guide you toward rehabilitation. Your doctors will document the extent of your injuries and the estimated recovery time, which is crucial for determining your case’s value.
Our award-winning attorneys do everything possible to secure fair compensation for our clients. If the insurer doesn’t offer a fair settlement, we’ll take your case to court.
Brooklyn Bike Accident Claims We've Handled
Our firm obtained a $2.25 million settlement for a 62-year-old man who was knocked off his bicycle by an NYPD officer in Brooklyn. Our client was innocently cycling through Brooklyn when a plainclothes NYPD detective grabbed his arm and caused him to crash into a parked vehicle. The victim suffered extensive injuries to his back, chin, foot, and knee, which required three surgeries and physical rehabilitation.
Because of the Internal Affairs Bureau’s investigative delays, it took nearly three years for New York City to turn over video footage of the accident. Once we received it, our bike crash attorneys substantiated the victim’s claims and secured the settlement. The high dollar amount was partially due to the city Law Department’s delay in submitting the Internal Affairs Bureau documents.
Glowing Client Testimonials
Here’s what some of our satisfied clients had to say about our service and representation:
Brooklyn Neighborhoods We Serve
- Park Slope
- Bedford-Stuyvesant
- Sunset Park
- Bay Ridge
- Crown Heights
- Gowanus
- Williamsburg
- Bushwick
- Ridgewood
- Coney Island
- Sheepshead Bay
- Bensonhurst
- Flatbush
- East Flatbush
- Brownsville
- Cobble Hill
- Brooklyn Heights
- Flatlands
- Marine Park
- Fort Greene
Brooklyn Bicycle Accident FAQs
New clients often have many questions when considering a Brooklyn bicycle accident lawsuit. Here are a few common inquiries and their answers.
Who Is Usually at Fault if a Bicycle Is Involved in an Accident?
All bicyclists must adhere to New York’s motor vehicle regulations and operate their bicycles safely, including using designated bike paths and lanes. If a crash occurs, the person or entity who caused the accident is assigned fault.
The at-fault party may be a bicyclist, a motor vehicle driver, a pedestrian, or another entity. Courts and insurance companies review the facts of the case to determine who is at fault.
New York uses a “pure comparative negligence” standard when determining liability for personal injuries. Under the law, plaintiffs can recover monetary compensation if they are not 100 percent responsible for the accident. New York reduces available damages in proportion to the claimant’s share of the blame.
For example, assume you are 40 percent responsible for a bike accident and incur $100,000 in damages. You could recover $60,000 in compensation but would forego the remaining $40,000 in proportion to your fault for the accident.
Determining liability for a bike accident can be complex. Speak to a qualified Brooklyn bicycle accident lawyer who will review your claim and decide whether you’re eligible for compensation.
What Is the Time Limit for Filing a Bike Accident Claim in Brooklyn?
The sooner you file a personal injury claim, the better. Your attorneys will need time to assemble documentation and evidence to prove your claim. Waiting too long can result in the loss of crucial evidence and make it difficult to locate accident witnesses.
New York has a statute of limitations of three years for pursuing personal injury claims and two years for wrongful death lawsuits. That means you must file your claim within three years of the accident date or two years of a loved one’s death. Otherwise, you’ll be time-barred from pursuing damages.
If your bike accident resulted from a New York City governmental agency’s wrongful action or inaction, you must file a notice of the claim directly with the City’s Comptroller within 90 days of the incident. However, filing such a claim against a government entity does not prevent you from pursuing a lawsuit. You can still file suit, but lawsuits against NYC governmental agencies have a shorter deadline than other personal injury cases. You have one year and 90 days from the accident to file suit.
Chopra & Nocerino has won multiple verdicts and settlements against city governmental agencies. We understand the legal process and will file a claim with the Comptroller if the city caused your accident.
How Much Is A Bicycle Accident Claim Worth in Brooklyn?
It depends. Some bike accidents may be worth several thousand dollars, while other settlements stretch into millions of dollars.
The factors determining the value of your bicycle accident claim include the severity of your injuries, who was at fault, and the damage caps of the at-fault party’s insurance policy.
Generally, you may recover economic and non-economic damages in a bicycle personal injury claim.
Economic damages cover your past and future expenses and monetary losses, including the following:
- Hospital stays
- Doctor’s visits
- Rehabilitation
- Surgeries
- Medication
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Property damage
Non-economic damages compensate for emotional pain and suffering and losing the ability to enjoy life as you once did.
Your Brooklyn bicycle accident attorneys will determine your case’s worth and pursue the appropriate parties for compensation.
How Many Bike Accidents Happen in Brooklyn?
In 2022, there were nearly 2,000 bicycle accidents in Brooklyn. The table below provides a breakdown of injuries and fatalities associated with bike collisions.
Injuries | Fatalities |
1,879 | 6 |
Injuries | Fatalities |
84 | 0 |
Injuries | Fatalities |
17 | 0 |
Injuries | Fatalities |
1,980 | 6 |
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents and Injuries
Riding a bicycle is an economical alternative to driving, but it poses risks even if you take safety precautions, such as wearing a helmet.
Causes of Bike Accidents in Brooklyn
Some of the most common reasons for bicycle accidents in Brooklyn include the following:
Nearly 64 percent of bicycle fatalities occur away from intersections, where motor vehicles are more likely to drive at high speeds. Just 27 percent happen at intersections.
Always wear a helmet to reduce your chances of sustaining a serious bicycle accident injury. You also should invest in fluorescent or retro-reflective clothing that makes it easier for drivers to see you on the road. If you ride a bicycle at night, attach front and rear lights to your bike.
Bicycle Crash Injuries
Unlike passenger vehicles such as cars and trucks, bicyclists have very little protection. If an accident occurs, bicyclists may suffer extensive injuries if they fall off their bikes or collide with speeding vehicles.
Some of the most frequent bicycle crash injuries include the following:
- Head injuries, including a skull fracture, concussion, and brain contusions
- Facial fractures
- Broken arm, leg, and ankle
- Dislocated shoulder
- Rib fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
Recovering from a severe bicycle accident takes time. If you cannot work during your recovery, you may worry about paying for your medical and living expenses. It’s essential to seek advice from an experienced Brooklyn bike accident attorney who can fight for you and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Get Help From A Trusted Brooklyn Bicycle Accident Attorney
The skilled lawyers at Chopra & Nocerino assist bicycle accident victims with personal injury claims against negligent drivers and other entities. We have extensive experience recovering maximum compensation from at-fault parties and will fight to recover what you deserve for your losses. If an insurance company or other party refuses to cover all your losses, we will take your case to the Brooklyn courthouse.
To speak with a bike accident lawyer in Brooklyn, schedule a free, no-obligation consultation online or call (855) NYC-HURT. We look forward to providing you with the care and dedication you deserve.
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