Hit While Riding? We’ll Fight for Your Comeback
Long Island streets, bike lanes, and shared pathways see thousands of cyclists every day. What’s alarming is that drivers who are distracted, speeding, impaired by drugs and alcohol, or simply disregarding traffic laws put every one of them at risk.
When a bicycle crash happens, the consequences for the rider are almost always severe: broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, road rash, and worse. Unlike the driver, you had no metal frame protecting you, so you’re much more likely to suffer a life-changing injury. That’s why drivers have a duty of care to you and can be held accountable when they breach it.
At TonaLaw, our Long Island bicycle accident lawyers fight for injured riders like you. We investigate the crash, deal with the insurance companies, and build the strongest possible case on your behalf. Call 1-833-866-2529 today for a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer and let us help you turn this setback into a comeback.
2% of all Traffic Accidents Happen on a Bicycle
Recent data shows that over 1,100 bicyclists were killed in motor vehicle crashes in the United States in 2023, the highest number ever recorded. In addition, tens of thousands of cyclists are injured each year due to unsafe road conditions, with estimates ranging from 42,000 roadway injuries annually.
Here are some other, equally alarming trends:
- Emergency department data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also shows that around 120,000 bicyclists are treated for crash-related injuries each year.
- Bicycle fatalities on unsafe streets have increased significantly over the past decade. For example, deaths rose from 902 in 2014 to 1,377 in 2023, reflecting a sharp upward trend.
- Although bicycling accounts for a small share of total trips in the United States (about 1%), cyclists represent a disproportionate share of roadway harm. Bicyclists make up roughly 2–3% of all traffic deaths nationwide.
If you’ve been injured in a bike ride accident in or around Long Island, let TonaLaw help. You can work with a Long Island bicycle accident lawyer to pursue compensation for yourself from all liable parties, including any at-fault motorists.
To learn about your legal options after your bicycle accident, you can speak with an experienced bike accident attorney in New York for free. Schedule your no-obligation consultation today when you call 1-833-866-2529 or contact us online today.
You Have a Right to Compensation. It’s the Law
As a cyclist or even a pedestrian, anyone struck by a vehicle on Long Island is entitled to medical benefits, regardless of who caused the crash or their state of residence. You can file a personal injury claim under the driver’s third-party liability insurance policy with the help of a Long Island biking accident lawyer.
At TonaLaw, our bicycle accident attorneys handle all types of claims involving cyclists in Nassau County and Suffolk County, including but not limited to:
- Distracted drivers who back out or pull into a road in front of or in the path of a cyclist
- Motorists who fail to give cyclists enough room on the shoulder
- Motorists who cross over into the bicycle lane due to driver inattention or do unsafe lane changes
- Motorists who fail to travel at a reasonable speed when passing cyclists, causing them to lose their balance and possibly swerve off the road
- Motorists who open their doors directly into the path of a visible cyclist
- Motorists who were driving under the influence
- Motorists whose failure to yield causes a crash
- Bicycle manufacturers who produce defective bicycle parts
- Infrastructure issues that result in unsafe road conditions
- Government entities that disregard road repairs or traffic signal issue
If you were in a bike ride accident caused by driver negligence on Long Island or in New York City, our law firm is here to represent you in the recovery of compensation rightfully owed to you under New York State law.
We handle all types of bicycle accident injuries, including:
- Soft tissue injuries
- Catastrophic injuries
- Broken bones, road burns, scarring, or disfigurement
- Collarbone fractures
- Internal injuries
- Dislocation of a joint or joints
- Head injuries, brain trauma, or spinal cord injuries
- Amputation or loss of limb
- Wrongful death involving bicycle accidents
A successful bicycle injury claim can bring you compensation for the following types of economic and non-economic damages:
- Hospital bills, past and future
- Other expenses related to treatment
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
TonaLaw’s Pledge to You
- Financial Comeback: We pledge to pursue every dollar you’re owed, from emergency medical bills and rehabilitation to lost wages and long-term care. When insurance carriers come in low, we push back hard and demand the full compensation you’re entitled to.
- Physical Comeback: Recovering from a serious bicycle accident injury takes time. Let us handle the insurance companies, gather the evidence, and build your case while you work on getting better.
- Emotional Comeback: A bicycle accident can shake you long after the physical injuries heal. The anxiety of getting back on the road, the sleepless nights, and the stress of mounting bills are real losses too. We pledge to fight for compensation that reflects everything this crash has taken from you.
We Will Fight for You and Your Loved Ones
Our Suffolk County-based law firm brings a diverse background to the table, allowing us to effectively and efficiently advocate for each client. We have a combined 50+-year track record of uncompromising ethics! Our unrelenting litigation prosecution allows us to provide superior legal services to clients who suffer from injuries sustained while riding a bicycle throughout Long Island, New York City, and New York State.
When you work with a Long Island bicycle accident lawyer at TonaLaw, you can know with confidence that your attorney will handle your case to the absolute best of their abilities. We always examine applicable law in combination with relevant past case rulings to identify your best options for pursuing the maximum amount of compensation from all liable parties.
Your personal injury lawyer will handle all of the major casework for you while still keeping you informed and empowered to make major decisions. We lay out all of your legal options and advise as to the best course of action given your unique situation in light of other cases similar to it. You can also reduce your stress knowing that your lawyer will file all needed paperwork, stay on top of deadlines, and negotiate with insurers on your behalf.
As for documenting your injuries and expenses, our trial attorneys use the strictest standards to detail all related costs and losses so that they can be added to your requested damages. Our personal injury law firm works with medical and financial experts to estimate your future losses, as well, including your total potential earnings reduction and the future cost of treatment or long-term rehabilitation.
What to Do If You Have Been in a Bicycle Accident on Long Island
- Evaluate your current injuries and the injuries of anyone involved in the crash.
- Call for emergency medical services and a police respondent.
- Document your injuries, the damage to your bicycle, the license plates of any vehicles involved, the scene of the accident, and other physical evidence. Record contact and insurance information for all drivers involved.
- Speak with eyewitnesses; request a recorded statement and their contact information.
- Describe your accident in detail to the police officers who arrive at the scene. Ensure that your crash report is thorough, detailed, and accurate.
- Receive all available emergency medical assistance once it arrives.
- At the emergency room, hospital, or clinic, request a thorough medical evaluation that rules out all possible injuries given your crash scenario and your symptoms.
- Save all receipts, hospital bills, and medical documentation to serve as evidence of your injuries and their costs.
- Contact a bicycle accident attorney in New York as soon as you can to discuss your options for filing a claim against any involved motorists.
- Avoid discussing your pending case with anyone, and be wary of disclosing any information to representatives of the driver’s insurance company that cannot be found on your driver’s license or on the accident report.
10 things you need to know if you have been injured in a car accident
Free “No Stress” Personal Injury eBook
by Thomas Tona, Esq.
FAQs About Bicycle Accident Claims on Long Island, New York
How Does New York’s No-Fault Insurance Law Apply to Bicycle Accidents?
New York’s no-fault insurance system can apply to bicyclists injured by motor vehicles. In many cases, the driver’s auto insurance will cover the cyclist’s basic economic losses, including medical expenses and a portion of lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash.
This coverage is called Personal Injury Protection (PIP). However, no-fault benefits don’t cover pain and suffering. To pursue additional compensation, you’ll need to meet the state’s “serious injury” threshold. Understanding how no-fault rules apply can affect how your claim is filed and what damages may be available beyond basic benefits.
What If the Driver Who Hit Me Left the Scene?
If a driver flees after hitting you, it becomes a hit-and-run accident, but you still have options. You should report the incident to the police as soon as possible and provide any identifying details you can recall.
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may apply, usually through a household member’s auto insurance policy. This coverage can help pay for medical expenses and other damages when the at-fault driver can’t be identified. Acting quickly is important, since delays can affect your ability to access available insurance coverage.
Can I Recover Compensation If I Was Partially At Fault?
Yes, New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule. That means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for the bike crash. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 30% responsible, your total compensation will be reduced by that amount.
Insurance companies may try to assign more blame to limit what they pay, so evidence like witness statements, photos, and accident reports becomes critical. Establishing an accurate account of what happened helps protect your ability to recover fair compensation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Bicycle Accident Claim in New York?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York. If your claim involves a government entity, such as a city vehicle or poorly maintained public roadway, much shorter deadlines apply. You may need to file a Notice of Claim within 90 days and bring a lawsuit within one year and 90 days.
Missing these deadlines can prevent you from recovering compensation. Because timelines can vary depending on the facts, it’s important to act promptly and confirm which deadlines apply to your situation.
Get a Free Consultation From a Long Island Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Bicycle accidents on Long Island frequently occur on high-traffic roads, near intersections, and in areas with limited bike lanes. In these cases, liability may extend beyond just the driver to include property owners, municipalities responsible for road conditions, or other third parties. Identifying the full extent of your damages and the parties responsible is key to pursuing fair compensation.
If you were injured in a bicycle crash on Long Island, contact TonaLaw to discuss your situation. We’ve helped other clients in your situation and want to do the same for you. Call 1-833-866-2529 or reach out online to schedule a free consultation.
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