NYC Bicycle & E-Bike Accident Lawyers
Pedal bikes, e-bikes, electric scooters. When negligent drivers injure cyclists on New York streets, we fight for the compensation you deserve.
Cycling Injuries in NYC: By the Numbers
Cycling in NYC: Growing Ridership, Growing Risk
New York City has invested heavily in cycling infrastructure over the past decade. Over 1,400 miles of bike lanes, Citi Bike stations across four boroughs, and a growing network of protected paths. More New Yorkers cycle to work, for deliveries, and for recreation than ever before.
But the infrastructure hasn't kept pace with the risks. Cyclists share the road with reckless drivers, delivery trucks, and distracted pedestrians. Bike lanes get blocked by double-parked vehicles. Intersections remain poorly designed. The result: thousands of cyclists are injured every year, and dozens are killed.
At AEE Law, we represent cyclists injured by negligent drivers, dangerous road conditions, and defective equipment. We understand the unique challenges of bicycle accident cases and fight for full compensation.
E-Bikes, Electric Scooters, and the New Risks
The explosion of e-bikes and electric scooters has changed cycling in New York. Delivery workers, commuters, and recreational riders now travel at speeds that traditional bike infrastructure wasn't designed for. In 2023, e-bikes accounted for 77% of cyclist fatalities in NYC.
New York classifies e-bikes into three categories:
| Class | Type | Max Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Pedal-assist only | 20 mph |
| Class 2 | Throttle-assisted | 20 mph |
| Class 3 | Pedal-assist, higher speed | 25 mph |
Regardless of e-bike class, when a driver's negligence causes a crash, the cyclist has a right to full compensation. We handle cases involving all types of bikes, e-bikes, and electric scooters.
Delivery Workers: You Have Rights
If you're a delivery cyclist injured on the job, you may have both a workers' compensation claim and a third-party lawsuit against the negligent driver. NYC's delivery worker protection laws also require employers to provide safety equipment. We help delivery workers navigate these overlapping claims.
Types of Bicycle Crashes
We handle all types of cycling accident claims:
- Dooring accidents. A driver or passenger opens a car door into a cyclist's path
- Right-hook collisions. A vehicle turns right across a bike lane, cutting off the cyclist
- Left-cross crashes. An oncoming vehicle turns left into a cyclist's path
- Bike lane obstruction. Double-parked vehicles force cyclists into traffic
- Intersection collisions. Drivers failing to yield to cyclists at crossings
- Rear-end strikes. A vehicle hits a cyclist from behind
- Road hazard crashes. Potholes, construction debris, broken pavement causing falls
- Citi Bike and rental bike defects. Mechanical failures causing crashes
Evidence Disappears Quickly
Traffic camera footage, surveillance video, and GPS data are overwritten in days or weeks. If you've been injured, contact an attorney immediately so we can send preservation letters and secure this evidence before it's gone.
Comparative Negligence for Cyclists
Insurance companies routinely blame cyclists for their own injuries. They claim you were riding too fast, ran a red light, or weren't wearing a helmet. New York uses pure comparative negligence. This means you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, but never eliminated entirely.
Not wearing a helmet does not bar an adult cyclist's claim. New York only requires helmets for riders under 16. Even for minors, failure to wear a helmet may reduce damages but does not eliminate the driver's liability for causing the crash.
Common Injuries
Cyclists lack the protection of a vehicle frame, airbags, or seatbelts. Even low-speed collisions cause serious injuries:
- Traumatic brain injury. The leading cause of cyclist fatalities and permanent disability. See our TBI page.
- Fractures. Collarbones, wrists, hips, and legs are commonly broken in cycling crashes. See our broken bones page.
- Spinal injuries. Impact with a vehicle or road surface can damage the spine. See our spinal cord page.
- Road rash and disfigurement. Sliding across pavement strips skin and tissue. See our disfigurement page.
- Soft tissue injuries. Torn ligaments, sprains, and muscle damage. See our soft tissue page.
- Internal injuries. Handlebar impact can cause organ damage and internal bleeding. See our internal injuries page.
What Compensation Is Available?
People injured in bicycle accidents may recover:
- Medical expenses. Emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, future treatment
- Lost wages. Time missed from work during recovery
- Reduced earning capacity. If injuries affect future employment
- Pain and suffering. Physical pain and emotional distress
- Bicycle replacement. Cost of damaged or destroyed bike and equipment
- Loss of enjoyment of life. Activities you can no longer do
What We Do for You
We investigate the accident scene, obtain traffic camera footage, and secure GPS and ride data before it's overwritten. We work with accident reconstruction experts to establish exactly how the crash occurred and who was at fault.
We document your injuries, calculate the full value of your claim, and handle all communication with insurance companies and defense attorneys. We prepare every case for trial because that's what gets results.
Related Practice Areas
- Car Accidents. General motor vehicle claims
- Pedestrian Accidents. Struck while walking
- Wrongful Death. When crashes are fatal
- Product Liability. Defective bikes, helmets, and e-bike batteries
Related Guides and Analysis
- NYC Bicycle Helmet and No-Fault Rules: What Cyclists Need to Know
- Cyclist Fatalities on NYC Routes
- Brooklyn Bridge Accident Data: Exposed Bike Lanes and Rising Injuries
- E-Bike Crashes in NYC
- Dangerous Intersections in Brooklyn
Bicycle Accident Lawyers by Location
- Brooklyn Bicycle Accident Lawyers
- Queens Bicycle Accident Lawyers
- Bronx Bicycle Accident Lawyers
- Manhattan Bicycle Accident Lawyers
- Long Island Bicycle Accident Lawyers
NYC Department of Transportation. Cycling in the City: Cycling Trends in NYC.
https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/bicyclists/bikestats.shtmlNew York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1214. Opening and closing vehicle doors.
https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/VAT/1214NYC Department of Transportation. (2024). Bicycle Crash Data Summary.
https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/bicyclists/bikestats.shtmlFrequently Asked Questions
I was hit by a car while riding my bike. What should I do first?
Call 911 and get medical attention immediately. Document the scene with photos of your bike, the vehicle, and the intersection. Get the driver's information and insurance details. File a police report before leaving. Do not give recorded statements to any insurance company. Contact a bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Does it matter if I was riding an e-bike or a regular bicycle?
The core negligence analysis is the same, but e-bikes and electric scooters involve additional regulatory considerations. New York classifies e-bikes into three classes with different speed limits and rules. Class 3 e-bikes (up to 25 mph) are treated differently than pedal-assist bikes. Regardless of your bike type, if a driver's negligence caused your injuries, you have a claim.
I was doored while cycling in a bike lane. Can I sue?
Yes. Dooring accidents happen when a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of a cyclist. This is negligence. The person who opened the door failed to check for oncoming traffic before opening it. Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1214, no person shall open a vehicle door unless it is reasonably safe to do so. We handle dooring cases regularly.
Can I recover damages if I wasn't wearing a helmet?
Yes. New York does not require adult cyclists (16 and older) to wear helmets. Even for riders under 16 where helmets are required, not wearing one does not bar your claim. The defense may argue comparative negligence, but a jury will focus on the driver's conduct that caused the crash. New York's pure comparative negligence rule means you recover damages reduced only by your percentage of fault.
I'm a delivery cyclist and was injured on the job. What are my options?
Delivery cyclists may have multiple claims. If you're an employee, you're entitled to workers' compensation benefits. You can also file a third-party lawsuit against the negligent driver. If you're classified as an independent contractor, you may not have workers' comp coverage but retain full rights to sue. We analyze your employment status and pursue every available source of compensation.
What is the serious injury threshold for bicycle accident cases?
New York's no-fault insurance system requires you to meet the serious injury threshold before suing for pain and suffering. This means proving a significant injury: fractures, permanent limitation of a body organ or member, significant disfigurement, or a medically determined non-permanent injury that prevents you from performing daily activities for at least 90 of the 180 days after the accident. Bicycle crashes frequently produce injuries that meet this threshold.
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident lawsuit in New York?
You generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a city vehicle or city road defect caused your crash, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days. Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and surveillance footage gets overwritten. The sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case.
What compensation can I recover from a bicycle accident?
You may recover medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, future treatment), lost wages and reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, bicycle replacement or repair costs, and loss of enjoyment of life. Severe cycling injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and multiple fractures can result in significant compensation reflecting long-term impact.