If you’re hurt in a bicycle accident in New York, protecting your rights starts with getting medical care, documenting what happened, reporting the crash to police, and contacting an experienced attorney. Taking these initial steps protects vital evidence and strengthens your claim for injury compensation.
It’s crucial to act fast, especially since bicycle crashes in New York can happen in a split second. One moment you’re pedaling along a bike lane; the next, you’re facing medical bills, lost time from work, and an uphill battle involving insurance matters. So far in 2025, only one cyclist on a traditional (non-electric) bike has been killed — a record low compared to three deaths in early 2024, six in 2023, and eleven in 2019. While that’s encouraging, serious injuries still happen every day across the city.
In any case, knowing exactly what to do after such a bicycle accident helps you protect yourself and your future.
| Key TakeawaysAlways seek medical attention immediately, even for minor injuries.File a police report and document the scene.Be careful when speaking with insurance adjusters.Contact a New York bicycle accident lawyer early to protect your rights. |
1. Get Medical Attention Right Away
Prioritizing your well-being is crucial, and your medical documentation is invaluable in a personal injury claim. Even in the absence of obvious symptoms, seek medical attention ASAP. In the aftermath of an accident, adrenaline may temporarily dull pain, and injuries such as internal damage or head trauma may not show symptoms right away.
Your medical records will connect your injuries directly to the crash. If you delay treatment, it might be harder to prove that your injuries were caused by the accident, and insurers will likely take advantage of that to challenge claims.
2. Notify the Police and File an Official Report
In New York, incidents resulting in injury or substantial property damage necessitate a police report. This report provides an official record of what happened, including names of drivers, witnesses, and vehicle details.
Ask for the responding officer’s name, badge number, and precinct. Be sure to follow up later to obtain a copy of the official accident report. This record may be critical in proving liability and assisting your lawyer’s case.
3. Document the Scene, If You Can
If your condition allows, take time to gather evidence before you leave the scene. Use your phone to snap photos of key details, such as:
- All vehicles involved, including visible damage and license plates
- Your bicycle and any visible damage
- Road conditions, signage, and traffic signals
- Your injuries and the surrounding area
In case there are witnesses, ask their contact details. Jot down details such as the time, weather, and location — these details may fade from memory quickly. The more evidence you preserve, the stronger your lawyer’s case can be.
4. Notify Your Insurance Company — But Be Cautious
Because New York is a no-fault state, your medical bills and lost income may be covered by your own insurance policy, or possibly the driver’s, regardless of who was at fault. Still, be mindful of what you say when reporting the incident, as your statements could impact your claim down the line. However, strict deadlines apply — often within 30 days — so it’s important to file quickly.
That said, use caution when dealing with insurance adjusters. It’s best not to provide a recorded statement or sign anything without first speaking to a lawyer. Insurance companies may try to limit what they pay out, and having an attorney speak on your behalf can help prevent your words from being used to weaken your claim.
5. Contact an Experienced New York Bicycle Accident Attorney
After a bicycle accident, an experienced lawyer can make a significant difference. Your attorney can:
- Investigate the crash to identify all responsible parties
- Collect and preserve evidence before it’s lost
- Manage all insurance and legal paperwork
- Negotiate with insurers for fair compensation
- Represent you in court if necessary
At Keith D. Silverstein & Associates, we’ve represented New Yorkers injured in serious bicycle accidents for years. We understand how complex these cases can be — especially in a city with heavy traffic, impatient drivers, and limited bike lane protection. Early legal representation ensures your rights are protected from the start.
6. Know Your Rights Under New York Law
New York uses a comparative negligence system, allowing you to seek compensation even if you were partly responsible for the accident. For example, if a driver was texting but you were not wearing reflective gear, your compensation may be reduced, but not eliminated.
You may be entitled to recover:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and loss of future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Bicycle repair or replacement costs
Keep in mind, New York generally allows three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, certain claims have shorter deadlines, especially if a city or government vehicle was involved.
7. Avoid Committing Common Mistakes That Can Weaken Your Case
Even minor mistakes after a bicycle accident can seriously affect your ability to recover compensation. Be sure to avoid:
- Saying sorry or admitting fault at the scene
- Delaying medical care or skipping follow-up appointments
- Sharing details or photos of the accident on social media
- Agreeing to a quick settlement without legal advice
Any of these can give insurers leverage to undervalue or deny your claim.
Protecting Your Rights Starts Now
Being injured in a bicycle accident can take a serious toll, not just physically, but emotionally and financially too. The good news is you don’t have to navigate it all on your own. Acting quickly, documenting everything, and getting skilled legal help can make all the difference.
At Keith D. Silverstein & Associates, we help injured cyclists throughout New York navigate the insurance process and pursue the compensation they deserve.If you’ve been hurt in a bike crash, contact us for a free consultation. We’ll walk you through your legal options and help you take the next steps with clarity and confidence.
Get the help you deserve — book a call today.
