New Rochelle, NY Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Our attorneys protect injured cyclists and hold negligent drivers accountable
Cycling is a great way to stay active, reduce your carbon footprint, and navigate the streets of New Rochelle. But when motorists fail to share the road, it can put bicyclists at serious risk. If you were hit while riding your bike, the New Rochelle bicycle accident attorneys at Giampa Law are ready to fight for your recovery.
Bicycle accidents often result in catastrophic injuries due to the sheer vulnerability of cyclists. Our team has represented clients throughout Westchester County who were struck by careless drivers, injured by unsafe road conditions, or forced into dangerous situations due to negligence. We understand the challenges you face and we know how to get results. Contact us to book a free consultation today!
FAQs About New Rochelle Bicycle Accidents
- Where do bicycle accidents happen in New Rochelle?
- What are common causes of bike crashes in New Rochelle?
- What injuries result from bicycle accidents?
- What compensation can I recover after a bike accident?
- What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
- What if the driver fled the scene?
- How do I protect my rights after a bicycle accident?
- Are cyclists protected by New York law?
- What if a pothole or poorly maintained road caused the crash?
- Can I sue if I was injured by a rideshare driver?
- How long do I have to file a bike accident lawsuit?
Where do bicycle accidents happen in New Rochelle?
While New Rochelle has made progress in developing safer, more bike-friendly infrastructure, several high-traffic areas still pose serious risks for cyclists. Bicycle accidents often occur in locations where drivers and cyclists must share narrow lanes or navigate busy intersections. Some of the most common trouble spots include:
- North Avenue near Iona University, where a mix of student cyclists and heavy vehicle traffic increases collision risks
- Main Street and Memorial Highway intersections, where fast-moving cars and turning vehicles often fail to see cyclists
- Pelham Road approaching Echo Bay, a scenic but busy stretch with limited bike lane protection
- Quaker Ridge Road, especially in residential zones where drivers may not expect cyclists
Whether you were commuting to work, out for exercise, or simply enjoying a weekend ride, your safety matters. If a careless driver, hazardous road condition, or lack of proper signage led to your crash, you have the right to take legal action. Giampa Law is here to hold the responsible party accountable and help you get the support you need to recover.
What are common causes of bike crashes in New Rochelle?
Most bicycle accidents in New Rochelle are caused by preventable driver negligence. Drivers often fail to respect cyclists’ right to share the road, especially in areas with no dedicated bike lanes. Some of the most common causes include:
- Failing to yield at intersections or during right-hand turns
- Dooring, when a parked driver opens their car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist
- Distracted driving, including texting, using navigation apps, or eating behind the wheel
- Speeding, especially on narrow streets or near bike lanes
- Aggressive driving or unsafe passing, where drivers try to squeeze past cyclists without giving adequate space
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
We also handle cases involving dangerous road design, such as uneven pavement in bike lanes, missing traffic signs, or poorly timed traffic lights. No matter what caused your crash, our New Rochelle bicycle accident attorneys fully investigate the incident to uncover all contributing factors and fight to hold responsible parties accountable.
What injuries result from bicycle accidents?
Bicyclists have little to no protection in a collision, which means even low-speed accidents can result in catastrophic injuries. Helmets and reflective gear help, but they cannot shield the body from the full force of impact. Common injuries include:
- Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Fractures and broken bones, especially in the arms, legs, collarbones, and ribs
- Spinal cord injuries, which may result in partial or full paralysis
- Severe road rash, deep cuts, and permanent scarring
- Internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding
- Facial trauma and dental injuries, which may require surgery or long-term care
These injuries often require emergency treatment, multiple surgeries, rehabilitation, and in some cases, lifelong care. Even after the physical wounds begin to heal, many cyclists suffer from chronic pain, PTSD, or depression. Giampa Law understands the long-term impact of these crashes and fight to recover the compensation you need for your full recovery, not just the immediate costs.
What compensation can I recover after a bike accident?
If your bicycle accident was caused by someone else’s negligence or a hazardous condition, you have the right to pursue financial compensation for the full extent of your losses. This may include:
- Medical bills, including emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment
- Future medical expenses, for injuries that require long-term care or future surgeries
- Lost wages, if your injuries prevent you from working temporarily or permanently
- Reduced earning capacity, if you can no longer do the same job or earn at the same level
- Pain and suffering, to account for your physical pain, trauma, and emotional distress
- Property damage, including bicycle repair or replacement costs and gear that was damaged
Insurance companies often try to offer low settlements that do not reflect the full impact of your injuries. Giampa Law does not let them get away with that. We aggressively negotiate on your behalf and, if necessary, take your case to trial to demand every dollar you deserve. You should not have to bear the financial burden of someone else’s carelessness.
What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
New York law only mandates helmet use for bicyclists under the age of 14, meaning adults are not legally required to wear one. However, insurance companies may try to use the lack of a helmet to shift blame onto you, especially if you sustained a head or facial injury. They might argue that your injuries were worse because you were not wearing protective gear, even if the driver clearly caused the crash.
Giampa Law pushes back hard against these blame-shifting tactics. We make it clear that the at-fault driver’s negligence, not your helmet choice, is what caused the accident, and we fight to make sure that does not reduce the compensation you deserve.
What if the driver fled the scene?
Hit-and-run bicycle accidents are unfortunately common, especially in urban areas like New Rochelle where drivers may panic and speed off after hitting a cyclist. If the driver who hit you is never identified, you may still have legal options. In many cases, your own auto insurance policy’s uninsured motorist (UM) coverage can help cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages, even though you were on a bike at the time.
If you do not have a policy, you may still qualify for compensation through New York’s Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC). These cases are often complex and time-sensitive, but our firm knows how to handle them and will guide you through the process from start to finish. Giampa Law will work quickly to preserve evidence, file the necessary paperwork, and explore every available source of recovery. We will fight to make sure you are not left to shoulder the financial burden of a hit-and-run crash on your own.
How do I protect my rights after a bicycle accident?
Taking the right steps after a bicycle crash can make a big difference in the strength of your claim. First, always seek medical attention, even if you feel okay. Injuries like head trauma or internal damage may not show symptoms right away, and early documentation can protect both your health and your case.
Next, call the police so there is an official accident report on file. This report can serve as key evidence later. If you are physically able, take photos of the scene, including the position of the vehicles and your bike, any damage, nearby traffic signals, and your visible injuries. Also try to gather contact information from any witnesses, as their statements can support your version of events and help establish fault.
Avoid speaking with the other driver’s insurance company. Their goal is to reduce what they pay, and anything you say could be used against you. Instead, let our New Rochelle bicycle accident attorneys handle all communication. We can secure time-sensitive evidence, interview witnesses while memories are fresh, and start building a strong case on your behalf.
Are cyclists protected by New York law?
Cyclists in New York have clearly defined rights under the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law, which treats bicycles as legitimate vehicles entitled to share the road. That means motorists are legally obligated to yield to cyclists when turning, give them adequate space when passing, and exercise caution in bike-heavy areas. When a driver ignores these responsibilities and causes an accident, they can be held fully liable for the injuries and damages that result.
Additionally, if your injuries meet New York’s serious injury threshold, for example fracture, disfigurement, significant disability, or long-term impairment, you may pursue a personal injury lawsuit beyond the basic no-fault insurance benefits. This allows you to seek compensation for pain and suffering, lost future income, and more. The New Rochelle bicycle accident attorneys at Giampa Law know how to navigate these legal standards and fight for everything you are entitled to under the law.
What if a pothole or poorly maintained road caused the crash?
If your bicycle accident was caused by a hazardous road condition such as a pothole, cracked pavement, loose gravel, or an unmarked construction zone, you may be able to file a claim against the government agency or private property owner responsible for maintaining that area.
In New Rochelle, that could mean filing against the city, county, or even a contractor. However, these cases are time-sensitive and often require filing a Notice of Claim within 90 days if a government entity is involved. Proving liability can also be challenging without immediate documentation. Giampa Law understands the strict procedural requirements for these cases and will act quickly to preserve evidence, photograph the scene, and file the necessary paperwork before any deadlines expire.
Can I sue if I was injured by a rideshare driver?
If you were struck by a driver working for a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, you may be eligible for compensation through their insurance coverage. These companies carry up to $1 million in liability insurance, but coverage depends on whether the driver was logged into the app, actively picking up a rider, or completing a trip at the time of the crash.
Determining which policy applies, personal or commercial, can be complicated, especially when the rideshare company tries to deny responsibility. Our legal team is experienced in handling these types of cases and will conduct a thorough investigation to identify the correct insurance coverage and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
How long do I have to file a bike accident lawsuit?
In New York, you generally have three years from the date of your bicycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This legal deadline, known as the statute of limitations, applies to most injury cases and is strictly enforced. If you miss the deadline, you may lose your right to recover compensation entirely.
Even if you make the deadline but wait too long, evidence can disappear, and witnesses can move away or forget certain details. That is why it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Giampa Law can make sure your case is filed on time and handled properly from the start.
Contact our New Rochelle bicycle accident lawyers for a free consultation
If you were hit by a car while riding your bike in New Rochelle or anywhere in Westchester County, you need a strong legal advocate on your side to handle the complicated paperwork and deal with the insurance companies. Giampa Law is committed to fighting for the rights of injured bicyclists.
When you schedule your free consultation, we’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain your legal options in plain terms. We provide honest legal advice to help you get the best possible case outcome with no pressure to hire us.
Plus, we work on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t owe us anything unless we win your case. Contact us today to set up your free case evaluation and let us help you on the path to recovery.