White Plains, NY Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Hurt while riding your bike in White Plains? Our attorneys can help you get back on the road to recovery
Cycling is a healthy, eco‑friendly way to get around White Plains, whether you’re commuting to work, running errands, or enjoying the Bronx River Pathway. But for all its benefits, biking comes with risks. Many city streets still lack dedicated bike lanes, and drivers often fail to look for cyclists when making turns or opening their car doors. A sudden collision with a vehicle or hazard can leave a cyclist with serious injuries.
If you were injured while riding, you deserve to be taken seriously. Under New York law, people on bicycles have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. Motorists must share the road, give cyclists at least three feet of clearance when passing, and exercise due care to avoid collisions. When they don’t, they can be held accountable for the harm they cause.
The White Plains bicycle accident lawyers at Giampa Law have been advocating for injured cyclists throughout Westchester County for years. We know how to investigate bike crashes, stand up to insurance companies, and pursue the compensation you need to recover. Contact us today for a free consultation.
FAQs About White Plains Bicycle Accidents
- What makes bicycle accidents unique in White Plains?
- What should I do after a bicycle accident?
- Do New York cyclists have the same rights and duties as drivers?
- Who can be held liable for a bicycle accident in White Plains?
- What if a car door opened into my path?
- Can I file a claim if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
- What compensation can I receive after a bicycle accident in White Plains?
- How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in New York?
- Do I need a White Plains lawyer for my bicycle accident case?
What makes bicycle accidents unique in White Plains?
Bike crashes differ from typical car collisions for several reasons. First, cyclists are vulnerable. They have no frame, airbags, or seatbelts to protect them from impact. Even wearing a helmet, a rider can suffer severe injuries when hit by a car or thrown from their bike. Second, local infrastructure isn’t always bicycle-friendly. While White Plains has made strides with shared lanes and trails, many roads are narrow and crowded with parked cars. Drivers may not expect to see bikes, especially at night or during rush hour.
Additionally, cyclists face the risk of uneven pavement, potholes, debris, and storm grates. Drivers often misjudge a bicycle’s speed or fail to yield when turning across bike lanes. Doorings are also a common danger on streets with curbside parking.
Because these risks are different from typical car crashes, a thorough understanding of bicycle law and local conditions is important when investigating a cycling accident. That’s where the White Plains bicycle accident attorneys at Giampa Law come in.
What should I do after a bicycle accident?
If you’re involved in a bike crash, your safety and health come first. Move out of traffic if you can and call 911 to report the accident. Even if you feel okay, seek medical attention right away. Some injuries may not show symptoms immediately, especially internal injuries and concussions. Having a medical record also documents that your injuries are related to the crash.
While still at the scene (if you are able), collect as much information as possible:
- Take photos of the vehicles, your bike, any visible injuries, and the surrounding area. Capture skid marks, broken glass, and road conditions.
- Get the driver’s name, contact details, and insurance information. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and phone numbers.
- Keep your damaged bike and gear. Do not repair or dispose of anything until an attorney or investigator has had a chance to review it; these items may serve as evidence.
Finally, reach out to a White Plains bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner we begin investigating, the better chance we have to preserve evidence and build a strong claim on your behalf.
Do New York cyclists have the same rights and duties as drivers?
New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1231 states that people riding bicycles have all the rights and are subject to all the duties of drivers. Drivers must share the road, be patient when passing, and check their mirrors before turning or opening their doors.
Unfortunately, not all drivers respect these rules. They may honk or yell at cyclists, squeeze past too closely, or cut them off at intersections. When a motorist violates a cyclist’s right of way, they can be held liable for any resulting injuries. Giampa Law can use motorist violations as evidence when proving liability and building your case.
Who can be held liable for a bicycle accident in White Plains?
Depending on the circumstances, several parties may share responsibility for a White Plains bicycle crash, including:
- A motor vehicle driver: The most common scenario is a car or truck driver who was speeding, distracted, impaired, or failed to yield. If a driver turns left across your path, drifts into a bike lane, or rear-ends you at a light, they can be held responsible for your injuries.
- Another bicyclist: In rare cases, one cyclist may collide with another due to reckless riding. The at-fault rider can be liable for causing injuries.
- A property owner or government entity: Dangerous road conditions such as potholes, broken pavement, or unsafe construction zones can contribute to crashes. If the entity responsible for maintaining the road knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to fix it, they may be liable.
- Manufacturers: Defective bicycles or parts (such as brakes, tires, or frames) can cause a rider to lose control. If equipment malfunction contributed to your crash, you may have a product liability claim.
Determining liability often requires investigating multiple factors. Our White Plains bicycle accident lawyers can examine police reports, photos, witness statements, and expert analyses to identify every party that may owe you compensation.
What if a car door opened into my path?
Dooring is a serious hazard for cyclists, especially on streets with parallel parking. In New York, Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1214 prohibits opening a vehicle door on the side available to moving traffic unless it is reasonably safe to do so and can be done without interfering with traffic. Drivers and passengers must check for approaching bikes before opening their doors. When they fail to look and a cyclist crashes into the door, they can be held liable for resulting injuries.
If you were doored, try to get the driver’s information and take photos of the scene. If the driver leaves, report it to the police and note the vehicle’s plate number if possible. Even if you manage to avoid hitting the door but swerve and crash into another car or fall, the person who opened the door may still be responsible for forcing you into harm’s way. Our White Plains bicycle accident attorneys are familiar with these cases and know how to prove the driver’s negligence under the dooring statute.
Can I file a claim if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
While helmets are strongly recommended and, for children under 14, required by law, failing to wear one doesn’t automatically bar you from seeking compensation. New York follows a comparative negligence system; not wearing a helmet may be considered a factor in reducing your recovery if it can be shown that a helmet would have lessened your injuries. However, the burden is on the defendant to prove that your injuries would have been significantly reduced by helmet use. Even then, you can still recover damages for other injuries that are unrelated to head trauma.
It’s important to remember that helmets primarily protect against head injuries. They don’t prevent other injuries such as broken bones, spinal injuries, or road rash. Giampa Law can help counter arguments that try to unfairly place all the blame on you for not wearing head protection.
What compensation can I receive after a bicycle accident in White Plains?
As with other personal injury cases, bicycle crash victims can recover economic and non-economic damages. These may include:
- Medical expenses: Emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, medication, medical equipment, and future care.
- Lost wages: Compensation for the income you missed while recovering and for any future earning capacity you lose due to your injuries.
- Property damage: The cost to repair or replace your bicycle, helmet, and other gear.
- Out-of-pocket costs: Transportation to medical appointments, home modifications, or help with household tasks during your recovery.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and the impact your injuries have on your daily life.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If you can no longer participate in biking, sports, or other activities you once loved.
- Scarring or disfigurement: Compensation for visible scars or permanent changes to your body.
Giampa Law will leave no stone unturned when determining how much money you’re owed and fighting for every dollar of it, carefully calculating the full extent of your losses to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible.
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in New York?
Bicycle accident claims fall under New York’s three-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. This means you typically have three years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. If a government entity is involved (say, because of a dangerous road condition), you must file a notice of claim within 90 days. If your loved one died in a bike crash, a wrongful death claim generally must be filed within two years of the date of death.
Keep in mind that while you may have up to three years, it’s best to start the process as soon as possible. Evidence can be lost or destroyed, witnesses may forget details, and insurance companies begin building their defense immediately. A White Plains bicycle accident lawyer at Giampa Law can help protect your rights and keep your case on track.
Do I need a White Plains lawyer for my bicycle accident case?
While you’re not legally required to hire a lawyer, having experienced representation often makes a significant difference. Insurance companies are not on your side. They have teams of adjusters and attorneys who will look for any reason to deny your claim or pay less than you deserve. A skilled White Plains bicycle accident attorney knows how to gather evidence, calculate damages, and negotiate effectively. Giampa Law can handle communications with insurance carriers, file necessary paperwork, and, if needed, take your case to court.
Without an attorney, you may inadvertently say something that hurts your case or accept a settlement that doesn’t cover your long-term needs. The legal process can be difficult, particularly when dealing with comparative negligence, multiple liable parties, or government entities. Working with Giampa Law means you’ll have an advocate who understands the nuances of New York bicycle laws and will fight tirelessly to protect your rights.
Let a trusted White Plains attorney help you after a bicycle crash
If you’ve been hurt while riding your bike in White Plains, Giampa Law is ready to advocate for you every step of the way. Our law firm offers free consultations and works on a contingency fee basis. This means no upfront or hidden costs. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
During a free consultation, we’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain your legal options, so you know what to expect moving forward. Our firm serves cyclists across Westchester County and the surrounding areas. We know the local streets, understand the challenges of sharing the road, and have experience holding negligent drivers accountable.
Whether your crash happened on a residential street, near a shopping district, or on a busy commuter route, we’re ready to help. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and let us fight for the full recovery you deserve.