Everyone has a shared responsibility to follow the rules of the road, yet some motorists fail to provide enough space to cyclists. This irresponsible behavior can lead to a serious accident, subsequent injuries, costly medical bills and a bicycle that’s now totaled.
Our experienced personal injury lawyers have successfully represented many bicycle accident victims on Long Island who the actions of careless drivers have hurt. After a collision on two wheels, trust Trantolo & Trantolo to help secure the compensation you deserve.
What Duties of Care Are Owed to Cyclists in New York?
Cycling has become increasingly popular in New York State as an alternative to walking, driving cars or using public transportation. Other vehicles are obligated to share the road with them, but what duties of care do they owe bicyclists?
Bicycles are considered vehicles, so car and truck drivers have the same responsibility to keep cyclists safe as they do other drivers. They must yield the right of way when turning, use proper signals and obey the speed limit. New York law also requires drivers to give cyclists at least three feet of space when passing to help prevent accidents.
If someone neglected their duties toward you, our Long Island bicycle accident attorneys at Trantolo & Trantolo will fight to hold negligent parties accountable. We know the devastating impact a bicycle accident can have on your health, finances, and future. Our team can secure compensation, ensuring you receive the justice you deserve.
What Causes Bicycle Accidents in New York?
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 43 cyclists have been killed in Suffolk County and 21 in Nassau since 2005. Common causes include drivers:
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Failing to see a cyclist approaching an intersection
- Failing to use turn signals
- Failing to provide adequate space when passing
- Colliding with or “dooring” a cyclist
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Acting aggressive, reckless or who are distracted
- Under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Bicycle accidents are common on Long Island’s most hazardous roads, putting cyclists at serious risk. For example, in Nassau County, high-traffic areas like Hempstead Turnpike, Conklin Street, and Fulton Avenue have a history of dangerous collisions. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, our skilled Long Island bicycle accident attorneys at Trantolo & Trantolo will take swift legal action to protect your rights. We ensure your claim is filed within the statute of limitations, pursuing maximum compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and other losses.
Common Types of Bicycle Injury Cases Our Long Island Attorneys Represent
While many people enjoy riding bicycles, the activity comes with certain risks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 1,000 bicyclists are killed and over 130,000 are injured in crashes every year in the United States.
Cyclists can be ejected from their bikes, hitting the ground or another stationary object in the process. Some of the most common bicycle injury claims include:
- Hit-and-Run Accidents: Unfortunately, not all drivers are considerate when it comes to sharing the road with cyclists. Certain motorists may deliberately try to hurt someone on a bicycle and flee the scene of an accident.
- The Right Hook: This happens when a car passes a cyclist, then makes a right turn in front of them, causing a collision. Right-hook accidents are often due to drivers not paying attention or not looking out for cyclists before making a turn.
- The Left Cross: This occurs when a car coming from the opposite direction turns left in front of a cyclist, causing an accident. Left cross incidents may result from a driver not seeing the cyclist or misjudging their speed.
- Dooring: When a car driver or passenger opens their door into the path of an oncoming cyclist, the resulting collision is known as “dooring”. While the person simply may not have been paying attention when getting out of the parked car, some purposely open their doors to hurt a cyclist – despite the law against dooring in New York.
- Road Rage: Unfortunately, some drivers become enraged when they see a cyclist in their path. They may try to run the cyclist off the road or even get out of their car and physically attack the cyclist.
- Malfunctioning Equipment: When brakes fail, a cyclist may not be able to stop in time to avoid crashing into a car. On the other hand, if a car’s tires blow out, the driver may not be able to control the vehicle and end up hitting a cyclist.
Cycling in Long Island, New York, comes with serious risks, especially on roads where drivers fail to respect bicyclists’ rights. From reckless motorists to unsafe infrastructure, the dangers cyclists face are real and often life-altering. Holding negligent parties accountable is crucial to improving road safety. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, taking legal action not only helps with your recovery but also reinforces the importance of protecting cyclists across New York’s roadways.
What Damages Can Our Long Island Bicycle Accident Lawyers Obtain in Your Case?
Bicyclists are at a severe disadvantage in an accident, lacking the protective structure that cars and trucks provide. When a collision occurs, cyclists often suffer serious, life-altering injuries, whether from direct impact with a vehicle or from being thrown onto the road or another object.
If you were injured in a bicycle accident on Long Island, you may be entitled to compensation—but only if you can prove that another party’s negligence caused the crash. This means demonstrating that the responsible party failed to act reasonably, directly leading to your injuries. The compensation you can recover depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, whether they are permanent, and the circumstances surrounding the accident:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of use of a body part
- Loss of spousal consortium
- Property damage (bike repair or replacement)
- Burial and funeral expenses (in fatal accidents)
Additional compensation may be available depending on the specific details of your case.
Why Choose Trantolo & Trantolo for Your Long Island Bicycle Accident Case?
When you’re injured in a bicycle accident anywhere in Long Island, you need a trusted legal team that delivers results. At Trantolo & Trantolo, we don’t just handle cases—we fight to win. Here’s why cyclists across Long Island turn to us:
- We have a history of securing outstanding settlements and verdicts for injured cyclists. Our results speak for themselves.
- Insurance companies try to lowball accident victims—we don’t let them. We fight for the maximum payout you deserve.
- From reconstructing the accident to gathering witness statements and street footage, we leave no stone unturned in proving fault.
- No two cases are alike. We build a custom legal plan designed to maximize your settlement based on your injuries and long-term impact.
- You don’t fight solo, have a legal team dedicated to your case backing you up.
- We believe every victim deserves justice. You don’t pay a cent unless we successfully recover compensation for you.
If the insurance company’s offer falls short of the compensation you deserve, our Long Island bicycle lawyers are prepared to litigate your case in Nassau County. We will also continue to explore settlement opportunities even while litigation is underway. Should your case proceed to trial, we will vigorously represent your interests, ensuring your voice is heard and protecting you from unfair tactics or evidence presented by the defense.
Hurt in a Bicycle Accident on Long Island? Call Trantolo & Trantolo
Our team has over 85 years of experience and knowledge to help you navigate the complex legal landscape and hold the negligent driver responsible for your injuries. Call us any time to set up a free, no-obligation consultation or fill out our online contact form.
Long Island Bicycle Accident Lawyers: FAQs
Have questions about bicycle accident claims? Our Long Island bicycle accident lawyers have the answers you need to protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
What Do I Do After a Bicycle Accident on Long Island?
Bicycle injuries are often more severe due to the lack of protection the vehicle provides. After an accident, call 911 and seek medical attention right away. Documentation of any related treatment will be beneficial when pursuing a claim.
If you are physically able, collect as much information from the scene as possible to help prove you were not at fault. Take photos of the road conditions, traffic lights and signs, any skid marks from the collision and resulting bike damage.
Exchange information with the other motorist but do not discuss the details of the accident before calling an attorney. If it was a hit-and-run, try to remember details about the car and ask any witnesses if they saw the driver.
If you’ve been injured by another motorist while riding your bike, it’s important to know your legal options. When you contact Trantolo & Trantolo, your dedicated legal team will help gather evidence to prove the driver was at fault and help you navigate your medical treatment.
What Are the Bicycle Helmet Laws on Long Island?
In New York State, all bicyclists under 14 years old are required to wear a bicycle helmet as an operator or passenger. There is no law that requires adults to wear a bicycle helmet, unless they are working cyclists.
Yet helmet use can reduce the risk of brain injury by 88 percent. Wearing a properly fitted, secured bicycle helmet while riding can help protect you from serious injuries in the event of a crash.
What Laws Apply to Bicyclists on Long Island?
Bicyclists on Long Island must obey all traffic laws, including stop signs, red lights and yield signs. They should also ride with traffic, not against, and use the appropriate hand signals when turning.
It’s also required for bicycles to be fitted with a front white light and rear red reflector or light when riding at night. Riders must yield to pedestrians and are not allowed to ride on sidewalks.
Unfortunately, even when you do everything right, hazards beyond your control can cause bicycle accidents. Particularly, other motorists who may not feel they need to share the road with you.
Who could be held responsible for my Long Island bicycle accident?
Figuring out fault in a bike accident can be tricky. It could be a driver, a pedestrian acting carelessly, even another cyclist. Sometimes, a defective bike part or poorly maintained roads—meaning the manufacturer or a government entity—are to blame. Our Long Island bicycle crash attorneys investigate thoroughly to pinpoint exactly who’s responsible and hold them accountable for your injuries.
If I’m partially at fault for my Long Island bike accident, can I still get compensation?
Even if you share some responsibility for your Long Island bicycle accident, you may still be able to recover damages. New York’s comparative negligence laws allow for recovery even if you’re partially at fault. Your reimbursement would be reduced by your percentage of fault. While this system offers some protection, insurance companies often try to unfairly shift more blame onto the injured cyclist. Our bike accident attorneys in Long Island will fight to protect you from this tactic, thoroughly building the strongest possible case and negotiating for maximum compensation.