Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Port Washington, NY

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Port Washington, you need a bicycle accident lawyer who understands the unique challenges cyclists face. At Parker Waichman LLP, our team has spent over 40 years helping injured people recover the compensation they deserve. We know how serious bicycle accidents can be, and we’re committed to fighting for your rights. Whether you suffered minor injuries or catastrophic harm, we offer a free consultation to discuss your case. You pay nothing unless we win your claim.

Why Choose Parker Waichman LLP for Your Bicycle Accident Claim

When you choose Parker Waichman LLP, you’re working with attorneys who have recovered over $2 billion for injured clients. Our team includes experienced personal injury lawyers who understand New York’s laws and how to hold negligent drivers accountable. We’re based right here in Port Washington, so we know the local roads, traffic patterns, and courts. Our attorneys have handled hundreds of bicycle accident cases, from minor injuries to catastrophic harm. We’ve secured settlements and verdicts that reflect the true value of our clients’ injuries, including a $10 million settlement for a family who suffered severe injuries in a motor vehicle collision. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us anything unless we recover compensation for you.

How Bicycle Accidents Happen in Port Washington

Bicycle accidents in Port Washington occur in many ways, and drivers are often responsible. Motorists fail to check their mirrors before opening car doors, striking cyclists, and causing serious injuries. Drivers turn left in front of cyclists without yielding the right of way. Some drivers drift into bike lanes while texting or distracted—a form of distracted driving that endangers cyclists. Others speed through intersections and hit cyclists who have the light. Unsafe road conditions also contribute to accidents—potholes, debris, and poor road maintenance can cause cyclists to lose control. When a driver’s negligence causes your accident, you have the right to pursue compensation. The key is proving that the driver’s actions fell below the standard of care that a reasonable driver would exercise. This is where our Port Washington personal injury attorneys can help you build a strong case.

Understanding New York’s Comparative Negligence Law

New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. For example, if you were 30% at fault and the driver was 70% at fault, you can still recover 70% of your damages. Your percentage of fault reduces the amount you receive. This rule protects cyclists who may have made minor mistakes but were hit by a negligent driver. However, the other side will try to blame you for the accident to reduce what you recover. That’s why you need an experienced bicycle accident attorney to investigate the crash, gather evidence, and prove the driver’s negligence. Our attorneys know how to counter these arguments and protect your rights. Understanding New York’s negligence laws is essential to your case.

Types of Injuries from Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents cause serious injuries because cyclists have no protection like car passengers do. Head and brain injuries are common and can be life-altering. Traumatic brain injuries and concussions can cause lasting cognitive problems, memory loss, and personality changes. Fractures and broken bones happen frequently—cyclists break arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones when they hit the ground or a vehicle. Road rash, the scraping of skin against pavement, causes painful wounds that can leave permanent scars. Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis. Internal injuries, including damage to organs, bleeding, and internal bruising, may not be immediately obvious but can be life-threatening. Even injuries that seem minor at first can develop into serious conditions. That’s why seeking medical attention immediately after an accident is critical. If you’ve suffered catastrophic injuries, our team has the experience to pursue maximum compensation.

What Compensation You May Recover

When you file a bicycle accident claim, you can recover two types of damages. Economic damages cover your actual financial losses: medical expenses, surgery costs, physical therapy, lost wages while you recover, and future medical care if your injuries are permanent. To sue a driver for pain and suffering (non-economic damages) in New York, your injury generally must meet the ‘Serious Injury’ threshold defined by Insurance Law § 5102(d) (e.g., a fracture, significant disfigurement, or permanent limitation). While No-Fault pays for minor injuries, we help you prove your injury is ‘serious’ enough to qualify for a lawsuit. In New York, if a vehicle strikes you, that vehicle’s insurance typically pays your medical bills under No-Fault law. However, strict deadlines apply: you generally must file a No-Fault application within 30 days of the accident. If you miss this deadline, the insurance company can deny your medical coverage entirely, leaving you with the bills. Our Port Washington injury lawyers can help you navigate these complex insurance claims.

Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident

Your actions immediately after a bicycle accident can affect your case. First, seek medical attention right away, even if you feel fine. Some injuries develop over hours or days. Second, call the police and report the accident. A police report creates an official record of what happened. Third, document the scene by taking photos of your bicycle, your injuries, the accident location, road conditions, and the vehicle involved. Get the driver’s name, phone number, address, and insurance information. Fourth, collect contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident. Fifth, contact Parker Waichman LLP as soon as possible. The sooner we get involved, the sooner we can preserve evidence and begin building your case. Time is critical in personal injury cases, so don’t delay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident?

Seek medical care first, even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt. Call the police to report the accident. Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and the vehicle. Get the driver’s information and contact details from witnesses. Then call Parker Waichman LLP right away.

Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

Yes. New York’s comparative negligence law allows you to recover even if you were partially responsible. Your percentage of fault reduces your recovery, but you can still receive compensation. For example, if you were 20% at fault, you can recover 80% of your damages. Learn more about how to recover compensation in your case.

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

While the standard deadline is three years, if your accident involved a government entity (like a Town of North Hempstead vehicle) or a road defect (like a pothole), you generally have only 90 days to file a Notice of Claim. Missing this short window can permanently bar your case. However, you should contact an attorney much sooner. The sooner we investigate, the better we can preserve evidence and build your case.

Does no-fault insurance cover bicycle accidents?

Yes. If a vehicle hits you while you’re riding your bicycle, the vehicle’s no-fault insurance covers your medical expenses and lost wages up to certain limits, regardless of who caused the accident. However, no-fault benefits are limited, and you can pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver.

How much is my bicycle accident case worth?

Your case’s value depends on several factors: the severity of your injuries, the cost of medical treatment, how much income you lost, whether your injuries are permanent, and how clear the driver’s liability is. We evaluate all these factors to determine what your case is worth and pursue the maximum compensation available. Review our verdicts and settlements to see what we’ve recovered for clients.

What if the driver doesn’t have insurance?

If the driver is uninsured, you may be able to recover through your own uninsured motorist coverage if you have it. We can also pursue other avenues to recover compensation. Contact us to discuss your options.

How long does a bicycle accident case take?

Some cases settle within months. Others take longer, especially if we need to file a lawsuit and go to trial. We work to resolve your case as quickly as possible while ensuring you receive fair compensation. We’ll keep you informed throughout the process.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP for Your Free Consultation

Don’t wait to get legal help after a bicycle accident. Parker Waichman LLP offers a free consultation to discuss your case and explain your options. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Call 800-968-7529 today to speak with an experienced bicycle accident attorney. We’re ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.