Bicycle Accident Attorney New York

Serious Representation For Injured Cyclists

When a person on a bicycle is struck by a car, truck, or bus in New York, the rider usually takes the full force of the impact. Helmets and bike lanes help, but they cannot fully protect a cyclist from a direct hit, a door opening into their path, or a dangerous road defect. If you were hurt in a bicycle crash here, you may be facing real pain, missed work, and mounting medical costs at the same time that insurers are already asking questions.

At Godosky & Gentile, we represent people in exactly that situation. Our trial lawyers are known in New York courts as a powerhouse personal injury team that handles high-stakes cases and pursues significant compensation for those who need it most. We understand how quickly a bike ride can turn into an emergency, and we work to take control of the legal side so you can focus on your health.

Call today for a free consultation if you were injured in a bicycle accident in New York. We will handle the insurance and legal process while you focus on healing.

Why Injured Cyclists Turn To Our Trial Lawyers

After a serious crash, many riders want more than a basic insurance claim. They want a legal team that is prepared for a fight and that understands how life-changing an injury can be. Our firm has built a reputation as a premier trial practice in New York, known for handling complex cases such as construction accidents and police misconduct where the stakes are very high. We bring that same level of preparation and determination to bicycle cases.

Our attorneys have secured record-breaking verdicts and settlements for injured people. Results like these do more than make headlines. They show insurers and defendants that when we say we are ready to go to court, we mean it. That history of trying and resolving serious cases can give injured cyclists meaningful leverage when the other side tries to downplay a crash or blame the rider. We also have former judges on our team. They spent years watching cases play out in New York courtrooms, and they bring that perspective to our strategy. They understand how judges look at evidence, how they evaluate witness credibility, and what can make a difference when liability is disputed. For a cyclist who is worried about being unfairly blamed, that insight can be critical.

Lawyers and judges across this state turn to for their own legal representation, including in disciplinary matters that can affect their careers. That kind of trust from people who know the legal system from the inside is not given lightly. When you hire us after a bicycle crash, you have a firm on your side that is respected in the very courts where your case may be heard.

What To Do After A Bicycle Crash in New York

A bicycle collision is sudden and disorienting. Taking a few key steps in the hours and days that follow can protect both your health and your legal rights. Every situation is different, and your safety always comes first, but there are general actions that often help.

Prioritize Safety & Medical Care

First, seek medical attention as soon as you can. Call 911 if you or anyone else appears seriously hurt. Many cycling injuries, such as concussions, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage, may not show full symptoms at the scene. A prompt medical evaluation documents what happened to your body and helps establish a clear connection between the crash and your injuries.

Report The Collision & Gather Information

Report the collision to the police. In New York City and other parts of the state, an official accident report can play an important role in your claim. When officers arrive, give an accurate description of what you remember, but do not guess about details you are unsure of. If you are taken from the scene by ambulance and cannot speak with the police, it can help later to obtain a copy of the report and note any errors or missing information.

If it is safe to do so, gather information at the scene. This can include the driver’s name and contact information, license plate number, and insurance details, as well as contact information for any witnesses. Photos can be very valuable. They may show vehicle positions, skid marks, the location of a bike lane, a pothole, or other hazards that might change quickly after the crash.

Preserve Evidence & Be Careful With Insurers

Try not to repair or discard your damaged bicycle, helmet, or other gear right away. These items can sometimes help show how the collision occurred and how severe the impact was. Store them in a safe place instead of throwing them away or having them fixed immediately.

You may start getting calls from insurance companies within days, or even hours, of the crash. Adjusters may seem polite, but their job is to limit what is paid out. Before giving a detailed or recorded statement, it is wise to understand your rights. Our team can speak with you about your situation, help you understand which questions you should answer, and take over communications so you are not left dealing with repeated calls on your own.

How Our Attorneys Build Strong Bicycle Accident Cases

Once your immediate medical needs are addressed, the next concern is often how to protect your claim and your future. For many cyclists, this means working with a firm that treats their case with the same seriousness as any other life-altering injury matter. At , we approach bicycle crashes as more than traffic incidents. We see them as complex personal injury cases that deserve careful attention.

Evaluating The Full Extent Of Your Losses

We also pay close attention to the full scope of your damages. A serious bicycle crash can lead to fractures, surgeries, ongoing therapy, or permanent changes in mobility. It may influence your current job, your career path, and your daily activities for years to come. Our attorneys consider medical needs, lost income, the impact on your family, and how your injuries affect your quality of life when assessing the value of a claim.

Our trial lawyers prepare every serious case with the understanding that it may need to be presented in a courtroom. That mindset shapes the way we evaluate evidence and develop a strategy. Insurers know which firms are genuinely prepared to go to trial and which are not. Our history of handling high-stakes cases across this state means we are comfortable in that setting and that we are ready to keep moving forward when negotiations are not fair.

Because our attorneys are recognized in professional responsibility and ethics, clients can also feel confident that their matter is being handled with care and integrity. We understand that an injury case is not only about money. It is about your name, your reputation, and your future, and we take that responsibility seriously.

Common Causes & Injuries In New York Bicycle Crashes

Understanding how and why these crashes happen can help you make sense of what occurred and why your injuries may justify serious legal action. Cyclists here share crowded streets with cars, taxis, buses, rideshare vehicles, and trucks, often in tight spaces where a single careless move can lead to disaster.

Who May Be Liable After A Bicycle Accident

Many cyclists worry that they will automatically be blamed for a crash. They may hear comments about riding too fast, not being visible enough, or not choosing a different route. In reality, responsibility under the law depends on the specific conduct of each person and entity involved, not simply on the fact that someone was riding a bicycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Have A Case If I Was Not Wearing A Helmet?

Not wearing a helmet does not automatically prevent you from bringing a claim after a bicycle crash. The core question in most cases is whether another party’s conduct caused or contributed to the collision and your injuries. In some situations, insurers may argue that the absence of a helmet affected the extent of a head injury, but that is only one factor among many. New York comparative fault rules generally allow recovery even if more than one person’s choices are considered. Our team can review the facts with you and explain how these issues might be evaluated in your specific situation.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire Your Firm For A Bicycle Accident Case?

We handle injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This typically means you do not pay us upfront, and our fee is a percentage of the recovery if we obtain compensation for you. If there is no recovery, you generally do not owe a legal fee. During a free consultation, we can explain how this arrangement works, what percentage would apply in your case, and what other case-related costs may be involved. Our goal is to make high-level trial representation accessible to injured cyclists who are already facing financial strain.

What Should I Do If The Driver’s Insurance Company Is Already Calling Me?

If an insurance company contacts you soon after a crash, it is wise to be cautious. Adjusters may ask you to give a recorded statement or sign forms that allow them to access parts of your medical history. You are generally not required to provide a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer, and what you say can be used later to limit or dispute your claim. Before answering detailed questions, you can talk with our team about your rights and your options. We can help you understand which information is appropriate to share and can take over communications if we represent you.

How Long Do Bicycle Accident Cases Usually Take In New York?

The length of a bicycle injury case can vary based on several factors, such as how severe your injuries are, how clear liability is, and how crowded the court’s schedule is in the area where your case is filed. Some claims may be resolved through settlement after your medical condition is better understood and the insurance company has reviewed the evidence. Others may require filing a lawsuit and moving through stages such as discovery and motions, which can take longer. During your consultation, we can outline the typical steps in a case like yours and discuss the factors that most often affect timing.

Can You Help If I Was Hit By A Car While Riding In A Bike Lane?

Yes, many of the cases we see involve collisions that happen in or near bike lanes. Drivers sometimes turn across a lane without checking for cyclists, drift into the lane while distracted, or stop and open doors into a rider’s path. The presence of a bike lane does not reduce a driver’s responsibility to look for and yield to cyclists where required. We understand how these lanes are meant to function in city traffic and how driver choices can violate that safety. During a consultation, we can review what happened in your specific crash and talk about potential options.

What Makes Your Firm Different From Other Bicycle Accident Lawyers?

Our firm is known as a powerhouse trial practice in this state, with record-breaking verdicts and settlements in serious injury cases. We are trusted with complex matters such as construction accidents and police misconduct, and we bring that same level of preparation to bicycle crashes that cause life-changing injuries. Our team includes former judges who know how New York courts evaluate evidence and arguments. Lawyers and judges across the state choose us for their own representation, especially in disciplinary matters that require careful legal judgment. For injured cyclists, that combination of trial strength, ethical focus, and deep local experience is a powerful asset.

When Should I Contact A Bicycle Accident Lawyer After A Crash?

It is often helpful to speak with a lawyer as soon as your immediate medical needs are under control. Important evidence, such as camera footage or physical conditions at the scene, can change quickly. There are also legal time limits to bring claims, and additional notice requirements can apply if a public entity is involved. Early guidance can help you avoid missteps, such as signing forms or making statements that could harm your case later. When you contact us, we can review what has happened so far and suggest practical next steps based on your situation.

Talk With Our Bicycle Accident Lawyers Today

After a bicycle crash, you should not have to handle insurance calls, legal questions, and future planning alone. Our trial lawyers at are here to shoulder that burden, explain your options clearly, and work to secure the compensation you need to move forward. We understand both the realities of riding in this city and the way serious injury cases are handled in New York courts.

When you reach out to us, you can speak with a team that is known for record-breaking results, trusted by lawyers and judges, and committed to maximizing recovery for people facing some of the hardest moments of their lives. Consultations are free, and you do not pay upfront legal fees. Our fee is typically contingent on obtaining a recovery, so getting answers about your rights does not add to your financial stress.

To discuss your case with a bicycle accident lawyer New York at Godosky & Gentile, call (212) 742-9706 today.