Queens Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Q: What Are The Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Queens?

Common causes of bicycle accidents in Queens include: Reckless Driving and Violation of Bike Lanes “Dooring” Incidents Pedestrian Interactions Vehicle Blind Spots Inadequate Infrastructure and Unsafe Road Conditions Motorcyclists in Bike Lanes Construction Worker Violations

Queens Personal Injury Attorney » Queens Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Legally Reviewed by:

Alex Nocerino

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Alex Nocerino is a founding partner at our firm and a successful trial lawyer with roots in New York. He is a member of the New York State Bar Association, the New York State Trial Lawyers Association, and the American Association for Justice. He has helped injured individuals win hundreds of millions in compensation from large corporations, government entities, and wealthy landlords.

With 18 years of experience, he has been recognized as a Super Lawyer since 2019 and has a five-star Avvo rating. He is a true New Yorker and a successful trial lawyer who is unafraid to go up against even the powerful and combative defendants.

Content Last Updated: April 23, 2024

The legal team at Chopra & Nocerino knows how to handle bicycle accidents in Queens. Our experienced bicycle accident lawyers provide excellent legal representation to cyclists injured due to negligence. From navigating insurance claims to arguing your case in court, you can count on us to protect your rights. We are standing by to offer expert guidance and support in your bicycle accident case.

Passengers in enclosed vehicles have significant protection in the event of an auto accident. By contrast, because bicyclists are completely exposed to the full force of a collision, they often suffer severe injuries in the event of a crash. Our Queens bicycle accident lawyers are here to provide legal support and fight for your rights if you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident. Do not wait to take legal action.

Schedule your free consultation today to learn more about the challenges cyclists face and how we can help you seek the compensation you deserve. Reach out today by calling (855) NYC-HURT or filling out our online contact form.

Why Choose the Queens Bicycle Accident Lawyers at Chopra & Nocerino?

Chopra & Nocerino is a full-service personal injury law firm serving all five boroughs of New York City. We are the exclusive personal injury law firm of the New York Mets. Like the Mets, we are real New Yorkers you can count on to step up to the plate.

Our top-tier legal team has the skills and resources needed to handle even the most complex bicycle accident lawsuits. With us fighting in your corner, you can rest assured that your case is being handled by seasoned professionals—no nonsense, no politics, no talking, just straight to war.

As trial attorneys with over 20 years of combined experience, our bicycle accident lawyers aren’t scared to take your case to court and are passionate about ensuring our clients get the justice they deserve. Our stellar case results and glowing client testimonials speak for themselves.

Homerun Case Results

A $2.25 million settlement for a 57-year-old man who was knocked off his bicycle by an NYPD officer.
$1.25 million settlement for a 37-year-old female pedestrian who was struck in the crosswalk while crossing the street. This resulted in an open reduction internal fixation surgery to the left leg
$1.5 million settlement for a 45-year-old male, who was struck by a truck while crossing the street. The injury required a single-level discectomy to the cervical spine and surgery on the left shoulder.

Client Testimonials: We Go To Bat for Our Clients

TESTIMONIALS

I can’t recommend Chopra & Nocerino enough. They took my case when no one else would and earned me a settlement that most didn’t think was possible. They have the resources of a larger firm but treat you as if you are their only client. Great firm with great lawyers, especially Alex Nocerino.

Marty B

My experience with the law firm Chopra & Nocerino was one of the best experiences I had. The staff is very professional and helpful, guarantee to get the job.

Tedesha Phillips

Extremely happy with Chopra & Nocerino! Throughout my whole case they kept me updated & always handled all of my concerns promptly & thoroughly. Having them handle my case was the best decision and I’m beyond happy at the outcome of my settlement. Highly recommend.

Brenna Long

Highly professional, and hard working. Made my experience as seamless as possible. Handled everything for me, even scheduling appointments etc. And my case had a great outcome!

Alizeh Habib

Queens Neighborhoods We Serve

We serve hard-working people all over Queens, including in:

Corona
Jackson Heights
Elmhurst
Rego Park
Ridgewood
Woodhaven
Pomonk

How Our Bicycle Accident Lawyers Can Help With Your Case

Our bicycle accident lawyers can provide invaluable assistance by:

Investigating the Accident – Gathering evidence such as witness statements, photographs, and police reports to establish liability.
Assessing Damages – Evaluating the extent of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages to determine the full extent of your losses.
Handling Insurance Companies – Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf to seek fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Explaining Your Legal Rights – Helping you understand your legal rights and options for pursuing compensation under New York’s personal injury laws.
Representing You in Court – Filing a lawsuit and representing you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations.
Providing Guidance and Support – Offering guidance and support throughout the legal process, answering your questions, and keeping you informed every step of the way.

Our Queens personal injury lawyers will advocate for your rights and help you navigate the complexities of the legal system to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.

Damages You Can Recover in a Bicycle Accident Claim in Queens, NY

After a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to a wide range of legal compensation. Among other things, you may be compensated for:

Medical Expenses – Costs associated with hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment for injuries sustained in the accident.
Lost Wages – Compensation for income lost due to missed workdays or reduced earning capacity resulting from the injuries.
Pain and Suffering – Non-economic damages to compensate for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the accident.
Property Damage – Reimbursement for repair or replacement costs of your damaged bicycle, clothing, and other personal belongings.
Disability and Disfigurement – Compensation for permanent disabilities, scarring, or disfigurement resulting from the accident.
Loss of Consortium – Damages for the loss of companionship, guidance, and support suffered by your spouse.

These damages aim to provide financial compensation for the various losses and hardships suffered due to the negligence or misconduct that caused your bicycle accident. You may also receive punitive damages awarded to punish the at-fault party for particularly reckless or egregious conduct. If the accident resulted in a fatality personal representative of the deceased’s estate can seek compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the surviving family.

How Long Do I Have to File My Claim?

In New York, you are responsible for filing your claim before the deadline set by the personal injury statute of limitations, which is three years from the date of injury or two years from the death. In most cases, failure to file before this deadline passes results in your case being dismissed in court. Our bicycle accident attorneys will make sure your case is filed before the all-important deadline.

Who Is Responsible for a Bicycle Accident in Queens?

Multiple parties can be liable for a bike accident, including:

Motor Vehicle Drivers – Drivers who fail to yield to cyclists, make unsafe turns, or violate traffic laws can be held responsible for causing bike accidents.
Bicycle Manufacturers – If a defect in the bicycle’s design or manufacture contributed to the accident, the manufacturer may be held liable for resulting injuries.
Property Owners – Property owners who fail to maintain safe conditions on their premises, such as by blocking bike lanes, may be liable for accidents that occur.
Government Entities – Government agencies responsible for road maintenance and infrastructure may be held liable if poor road design or maintenance contributes to a bike accident.
Other Cyclists or Pedestrians – Negligent actions by other cyclists or pedestrians, such as sudden movements or failure to yield, can also lead to bike accidents for which they may be liable.

Determining liability in a bike accident requires a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident to identify the negligent party or parties responsible for your injuries.

It’s important to note that New York courts follow the doctrine of comparative negligence. This means that bicycle accident victims may be able to recover damages even if they were partially responsible for the accident and subsequent injuries. However, their compensable damages will be reduced by their degree of fault.

How Negligence Factors Into Queens Bicycle Accidents

In the context of bicycle accidents, negligence refers to a failure to exercise reasonable care while operating a vehicle, riding a bike, or maintaining road safety, resulting in harm or injury to a cyclist. To establish negligence in a bicycle accident case, the following elements must typically be proven:

Duty of Care – The defendant owed a duty of care to the cyclist to operate their vehicle safely, maintain safe road conditions, and the like.
Breach of Duty – The defendant breached their duty of care by acting recklessly, carelessly, or negligently, such as by failing to yield to a cyclist.
Causation – The defendant’s breach of duty directly caused the cyclist’s injuries or damages. There must be a clear link between the defendant’s actions or omissions and the harm suffered by the cyclist.
Damages – The cyclist suffered actual harm or damages as a result of the defendant’s negligence, such as physical injuries, emotional distress, and medical expenses.

Proving negligence in bicycle accident cases is normally essential for establishing liability and seeking compensation for the injured cyclist’s losses. Courts evaluate negligence based on the specific circumstances of the accident, considering factors such as traffic laws, road conditions, and the actions of all parties involved.

Queens Bicycle Accidents FAQs

1. How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Queens Bicycle Accident Lawyer?

Getting started on your case is simple. At Chopra & Nocerino, we offer free, no-obligation consultations. You don’t have to worry about out-of-pocket costs, either, as we work on a contingency basis. In other words, you pay nothing unless we win your case.

2. What Should You Do After a Bicycle Accident in Queens, NY?

In 2022, 15 bicyclists died in NYC because of accidents, while 4,676 suffered injuries. After a bicycle accident, take these steps to protect yourself and your right to compensation:

Ensure Safety – Move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries to yourself and others involved in the accident. Call emergency services if anyone requires medical attention.
Gather Information – Exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved, including drivers, witnesses, and pedestrians. Take photographs of the accident scene, vehicle and bike damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
Report the Accident – Contact law enforcement to report the bicycle accident and request that they come to the scene to document the incident. Obtain a copy of the police report for your records.
Seek Medical Attention – Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, but documenting your full injuries is crucial for any potential insurance claims or legal proceedings. You can seek medical attention at Mount Sinai Queens, Flushing Hospital Medical Center, New York-Presbyterian Queens, and Queens Hospital Center.

3. What Are The Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Queens?

Common causes of bicycle accidents in Queens include:

Reckless Driving and Violation of Bike Lanes – Queens has three types of bike lanes: Class I, II, and III. A barrier protects Class I lanes, but Class II and III bikeways are open, meaning reckless and negligent drivers may pass into these lanes and potentially collide with cyclists.
“Dooring” Incidents – Cyclists can be injured when car occupants open their doors into the path of oncoming bicycles. This often happens when parked cars are situated adjacent to bike lanes.
Pedestrian Interactions – Collisions between cyclists and pedestrians can occur when pedestrians negligently enter bike lanes.
Vehicle Blind Spots – Cyclists may enter vehicle blind spots, particularly at intersections or while passing, increasing the risk of collisions in car accidents when drivers are unaware of their presence.
Inadequate Infrastructure and Unsafe Road Conditions – Lack of designated bike lanes, poorly marked intersections, and insufficient signage contribute to unsafe conditions for cyclists and increase the risk of accidents. Potholes and debris also pose significant hazards.
Motorcyclists in Bike Lanes – Motorcyclists have the right to drive in normal lanes, but they cannot use bicycle lanes. If a motorcyclist injured you by forcing you out of your lane, our bike accident attorneys are ready to fight for you.
Construction Worker Violations – Construction is a normal part of life in New York City. But it’s unacceptable when construction workers cause bicycle accidents by obstructing bike lanes with equipment, supplies, and debris.

What Are the Common Injuries in Bicyclist Accidents in Queens?

Because they have little to no protection from the full force of a collision, bicyclists often suffer severe injuries in the event of an accident. Common injuries we see in bicyclist accident cases include:

Traumatic brain injuries
Nerve damage and spinal cord injuries, including full and partial paralysis
Broken and fractured bones
Head and neck injuries
Facial and dental injuries
Orthopedic injuries
Amputations and permanent disfigurement
Road rash
Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and bruises
Internal bleeding and organ damage
Psychological trauma
Wrongful death

Contact Our Queens Bicycle Accident Lawyers to Learn How to Seek Compensation

After a bicycle accident, it’s normal to have many questions about your next steps. Seek legal assistance as soon as possible to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. At Chopra & Nocerino, our award-winning legal team is standing by to fight for you. When you entrust us with your case, you get peace of mind knowing that it is being handled by the best of the best. Schedule your free consultation today by calling (855) NYC-HURT or filling out our online contact form.