Who Is at Fault in a Bicycle Accident? NY Road Laws

In a city as fast-paced and densely packed as New York City, bicycle accidents are sadly becoming a common sight.

From delivery riders weaving through traffic to commuters using bike lanes to escape subway delays, more people than ever are choosing bicycles as a daily mode of transportation.

With this growing number comes rising risk. Under New York law, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of any motor vehicle.

This means they are required to follow traffic laws, obey traffic signals, and stop at stop signs just like everyone else.

Despite these protections, bike accidents continue to happen, often due to negligent drivers, sudden car door openings, or unsafe lane changes. Injured cyclists are frequently left with serious injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and one question: Who is at fault in a bicycle accident?

NY Bicycle Accident Cases Are Common in 2025

Long Island sees a significant number of bicycle accident lawsuits at intersections, near parked cars, and along suburban roads where drivers may not expect cyclists.

These collisions can lead to emergency hospital visits, lost work, and difficult insurance claims, especially under New York’s no-fault benefits system, which may not always provide full coverage for medical bills or long-term care.

Is It Expensive to Consult Bicycle Accident Lawyers?

Mounting medical bills, time away from work, and uncertainty about insurance claims can make the thought of paying a lawyer feel overwhelming. However, consulting with most bicycle accident lawyers in New York is not only affordable but also often free. They can explain who is at fault if my dog gets hit by a car NY as well.

Companies such as The Law Office of Carl Maltese offer free consultation sessions to evaluate the case, explain the victim’s legal options, and determine whether a personal injury lawsuit is appropriate. During this consultation, there is no pressure, no upfront cost, and no commitment. They can also consult on who is at fault in a pedestrian accident NY.

Most bicycle accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if the victim wins the case or secures a fair settlement.

Who Is at Fault in Bicycle-Car Accidents?

Bicyclists and motor vehicle drivers are subject to the same traffic laws. This means both parties have responsibilities: to obey traffic signals, follow speed limits, and respect the bike lanes.

Still, fault determination is not always straightforward. In some cases, the injured cyclist may also share responsibility, such as riding against traffic, ignoring a stop sign, or failing to wear visible gear.

Because New York operates under a pure comparative negligence rule, fault can be divided between the driver and cyclist, and any financial compensation awarded is reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned to each party.

Who Can File Bicycle Accident Claims in New York?

Injured cyclists are often too overwhelmed by medical expenses, trauma, and confusion over the legal process to take immediate action. However, under the law, several parties may be eligible to file bicycle accident claims, depending on the circumstances of the incident and the harm caused.

Any New York cyclist injured due to the negligence of a motor vehicle driver, city agency, or third party can pursue a personal injury lawsuit.

This includes motor vehicle accident cases caused by traffic violations, unsafe road conditions, an open car door, or failure to yield in bike lanes. Long Island bicycle accident law firms my be able to advise.

Cyclists who suffer serious injuries, including broken bones, spinal trauma, or traumatic brain injuries, often exceed the limits of no-fault insurance benefits and are therefore entitled to file for financial compensation.

In tragic cases involving fatal bike accidents, surviving family members may also seek compensation by filing a wrongful death claim. These cases allow loved ones to recover damages for funeral costs, lost wages, and the emotional toll of losing someone due to a negligent driver or unsafe roadway.

Determining Fault in Bike Accidents When the Traffic Light Is Green

When a bicycle accident happens at an intersection where the traffic light is green, determining who is at fault can become surprisingly complicated.

While many assume that a green light gives a cyclist or motor vehicle driver the absolute right of way, New York law demands much more than simply following a signal. The turning movements, lane use, visibility, and timing matter just as much.

In many bike accidents, the at-fault party is the one who misjudged a turn, failed to yield while turning left, or swerved unexpectedly across a designated bike lane.

A car driver may have had a green light, but so did the cyclist on their way straight through the intersection. In these scenarios, the law focuses on whether either party failed to exercise reasonable care, even while following the traffic signal.

Proving fault in such personal injury claims is often time-consuming. It involves gathering evidence, including the police report, witness statements, camera footage, and road markings.

An Attorney Can Help Victims Gather Evidence

After bicycle accidents, injured riders are often left overwhelmed, facing not just physical pain but a whirlwind of medical expenses, lost time, and frustrating silence from an insurance provider.

In New York, where navigating the claims process is rarely simple, gathering strong, admissible evidence is key to holding the at-fault driver accountable. Most victims don’t know where to start, and that’s where an experienced attorney steps in.

From securing surveillance footage and police reports to collecting medical records and interviewing eyewitnesses, an attorney builds the foundation of a strong case.

In many cases, victims rely on their health insurance or auto insurance coverage for initial treatment. However, when the cost of care rises, especially after surgery, physical therapy, or long-term rehabilitation, insurance alone may not fully cover medical expenses.

Pursuing legal recourse becomes more than an option; it becomes a necessity.

Final Words

New York's laws, including its no-fault insurance system and comparative negligence rules, were built to offer protection, but they often require skilled navigation.

Insurance companies may attempt to delay, deny, or underpay. Victims may be pressured into settling early or misled about what their auto insurance or health insurance will actually cover.

A compassionate, experienced legal team can shift the balance, guiding victims through the claims process and fighting for fair, rightful results.