Everyone has a shared responsibility to follow the rules of the road, yet some motorists fail to give cyclists enough space. This irresponsible behavior can lead to a serious accident, subsequent injuries, costly medical bills, and a bicycle that’s now totaled. An experienced bicycle accident lawyer at Trantolo & Trantolo can 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 will fight to hold negligent parties accountable. We know the devastating impact a bicycle accident can have on your health, finances, and future.
How Our Long Island Bicycle Accident Lawyers Build and Win Your Case
After a bicycle accident on Long Island, the steps taken in the first few weeks can determine whether you receive full compensation or face insurance pushback. Our Long Island bicycle accident lawyers guide you through every phase of the legal process, from investigation to settlement or trial in Nassau or Suffolk County courts.
Immediate Investigation of the Crash Scene
Bicycle accidents on Long Island frequently occur on high-traffic corridors such as Hempstead Turnpike, Sunrise Highway (Route 27), Jericho Turnpike, Middle Country Road, Fulton Avenue, Old Country Road, Montauk Highway, etc.
Some areas lack protected bike lanes, while others have narrow shoulders or inconsistent cycling infrastructure. In certain Long Island communities, designated bike lanes are limited or poorly maintained, increasing the risk of “right hook,” “left cross,” and dooring collisions, not to mention the “Death Valley” reputation of Hempstead Turnpike and Sunrise Highway.
Our legal team immediately investigates:
- Road design and visibility conditions
- Presence or absence of marked bike lanes
- Traffic signal timing
- Surveillance footage from nearby businesses
- Police accident reports
- Vehicle black box data (when applicable)
Identifying All Responsible Parties
Bicycle accident claims may involve:
- Negligent drivers
- Commercial vehicle operators
- Delivery companies
- Government entities responsible for roadway maintenance
- Vehicle manufacturers (in defect cases)
Under New York’s comparative negligence laws, determining fault accurately is critical. Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto cyclists. We gather evidence to counter these tactics and establish driver negligence under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law, including the three-foot passing rule.
Filing the Claim Within Legal Deadlines
In New York, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including bicycle accidents, is generally three years from the date of the crash.
However, critical exceptions apply:
- Government entities: If the accident involves a municipality or a government-owned vehicle (such as a NICE or SCT bus), a formal Notice of Claim must typically be filed within 90 days of the accident.
- Wrongful death: Claims involving a fatality must generally be filed within two years from the date of death.
- Road maintenance: If your accident was caused by a defect on a state, county, or town-maintained road, strict procedural deadlines apply.
- Minors: If the cyclist was a minor (under 18) at the time of the crash, the “clock” is generally paused (tolled) until they turn 18. They then typically have three years from their 18th birthday to file. However, the 90-day notice requirement for government claims still applies, and a parent or guardian must usually file it on their behalf shortly after the accident.
Our Long Island bicycle accident lawyers ensure all filings are completed properly and within these accelerated timeframes to protect your right to recovery.
Litigating in Nassau and Suffolk County Courts
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to file your case in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Nassau County, or the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Suffolk County. These courts handle serious personal injury litigation, including catastrophic bicycle accident cases.
In cases involving commercial defendants, out-of-state parties, or federal jurisdiction issues, matters may proceed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York.
We are familiar with local court procedures, motion practice, discovery rules, and trial expectations throughout Long Island.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Insurance carriers often attempt to:
- Minimize cyclist injuries
- Argue comparative fault
- Downplay long-term impairment
- Offer early low-value settlements
If settlement offers are inadequate, we move forward with litigation.
Taking the Case to Trial if Necessary
When insurers refuse to pay fair compensation, our Long Island bicycle accident lawyers prepare for trial. This includes:
- Retaining accident reconstruction experts
- Presenting medical expert testimony
- Demonstrating roadway design hazards
- Showing violations of traffic safety laws
- Establishing long-term physical and financial impact
Our trial preparation signals strength, often leading to stronger settlement negotiations.
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; you 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.
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 and that this failure directly caused 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.
Common Types of Bicycle Injury Cases We Represent in Long Island
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 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 occurs when a car passes a cyclist and then makes a right turn in front of them, causing a collision. Right-hook accidents are often caused by drivers failing to pay attention or look out for cyclists before making a turn.
- The Left Cross: This occurs when a car turning left from the opposite direction crosses in front of a cyclist, causing an accident. Left-cross incidents may result from a driver failing to see the cyclist or misjudging the cyclist’s 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 a collision with a car. On the other hand, if a car’s tires blow out, the driver may lose control and hit 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 Causes Bicycle Accidents in New York?
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the common causes include:
- 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 aggressively, recklessly, 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.
Infrastructure and Cycling Conditions on Long Island
While some Long Island communities have expanded bike lanes and shared roadway markings, infrastructure remains inconsistent across Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
Common contributing factors in bicycle crashes include:
- Narrow shoulders on major roadways
- Lack of protected bike lanes
- High-speed suburban traffic corridors
- Poor lighting on secondary roads
- Construction zones without cyclist accommodations
Understanding these regional roadway realities strengthens claims involving negligent drivers and municipal liability.
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 and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and other losses.
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 today to set up a free, no-obligation consultation or fill out our online contact form.
FAQs for Our Long Island Bicycle Accident Lawyers
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?
New York law requires all bicyclists under the age of 14 to wear a helmet, whether they are riding as an operator or a passenger. For adults, helmets are not generally required when riding a traditional bicycle. E-bike riders, however, may be subject to additional helmet requirements depending on the class of e-bike involved and whether the rider was operating it for work purposes.
While helmet laws are important for safety, failing to wear a helmet does not automatically make a cyclist or e-bike rider at fault for an accident. Liability in a bicycle or e-bike crash is based on what caused the collision—not on whether the rider was wearing protective gear. Unfortunately, insurance companies often try to use helmet use as a distraction to shift blame away from a negligent driver.
That said, helmets play a critical role in reducing the severity of injuries. Studies show that wearing a properly fitted, securely fastened helmet can significantly lower the risk of serious head and brain injuries. From a legal standpoint, injury severity may affect the value of a claim, but it does not excuse dangerous driving or eliminate a motorist’s responsibility to share the road safely.
When helmet use becomes an issue in a Long Island bicycle or e-bike accident claim, Trantolo & Trantolo focuses the case where it belongs—on the driver’s conduct and the actions that caused the crash.
What Laws Apply to Bicyclists on Long Island?
Bicyclists and e-bike riders on Long Island are generally required to follow the same traffic laws as motor vehicle drivers. This includes obeying stop signs, red lights, and yield signs, riding with traffic—not against it—and using appropriate hand signals when turning or changing lanes.
Bikes and e-bikes must also be properly equipped when riding at night, including a front white light and a rear red reflector or light. Riders are required to yield to pedestrians and are generally prohibited from riding on sidewalks.
While e-bikes may have specific operational rules depending on their speed and design, motorists are still required to share the road safely. Even when riders follow every rule, accidents can still occur—often because drivers fail to look for cyclists or refuse to respect their right to the roadway.
Who Could Be Held Responsible for My Long Island Bicycle Accident?
Determining fault in a bicycle or e-bike accident is not always straightforward. Depending on the circumstances, responsibility may rest with a negligent driver, a pedestrian acting carelessly, or even another cyclist.
In some cases, liability may extend beyond those involved in the crash itself. Defective bicycle or e-bike components, battery failures, improper repairs, or poorly maintained roadways may place responsibility on a manufacturer, repair shop, or government entity.
Our Long Island bicycle accident attorneys at Trantolo & Trantolo conduct thorough investigations to identify every potentially liable party and hold them accountable for the harm you’ve suffered.
If I’m Partially at Fault for My Long Island Bike Accident, Can I Still Get Compensation?
Yes. Even if you are found partially responsible for a bicycle or e-bike accident on Long Island, New York’s comparative negligence law still allows you to pursue compensation. Any recovery would be reduced by your percentage of fault—but you are not barred from seeking damages simply because a driver claims you contributed to the crash.
This is especially important in bicycle and e-bike cases, where motorists and insurance companies often try to unfairly shift blame onto the rider. Cyclists are frequently accused of riding too fast, with drivers often saying that the riders came out of nowhere or do not belong on the roadway, even when they were following the law.
Our Long Island bicycle accident attorneys at Trantolo & Trantolo know these tactics well. We take active steps to challenge exaggerated or unsupported fault claims by carefully reconstructing the accident, gathering available street or traffic footage, analyzing road conditions, and building a clear narrative that shows how the driver’s negligence caused your injuries. Our goal is to protect your rights and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
Hear from Our Happy Clients