Bicycle Accident Lawyers Serving Queens, NY and Surrounding Areas
From the scenic views of the East River to the quaint streets and unique neighborhoods, biking in Queens is a great way to explore this vibrant borough. Unfortunately, while cycling can be fun and enjoyable, it can also be dangerous. As a cyclist in Queens, you face potential risks such as reckless drivers, uneven pavement, and unpredictable road conditions, which can cause bike accidents to occur.
At The Barnes Firm, our team of Queens bicycle accident lawyers understand that bicycle accidents can be traumatic events, and we’re here to help you through the entire legal process. We handle claims for riders of traditional bicycles, e-bikes, Citi Bikes, and scooters. We will take the time to answer all your questions, explain your legal options, and fight for your rights. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in Queens, you may be entitled to compensation. Our attorneys have worked on bicycle accident cases throughout New York City and will work hard to get you the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case at (800) 800-0000.
Why Do I Need a Queens Bicycle Accident Attorney?
After a bicycle accident, you may be left feeling overwhelmed and confused about what happens next. Never accept the first offer from insurance following an accident. Insurance companies often do not have your best interest in mind and will try to lowball you to close your claim quickly. It is in your best interest to hire an experienced Queens bicycle accident lawyer to represent you after an accident for several reasons:
- To protect your legal rights and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
- To investigate the accident, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and determine who is at fault.
- To negotiate with insurance companies who are often reluctant to pay out large settlements or verdicts to bicycle accident victims.
- To represent you in court if a settlement cannot be reached.
- To provide peace of mind in a stressful and overwhelming situation so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
Hiring a Queens bicycle accident attorney at The Barnes Firm can help you navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and ensure that you receive the financial compensation you deserve.
Call us today at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE case consultation.
Where Cyclists Are at Risk in Queens
Queens is one of the most densely populated boroughs with over 2 million people. More people means more traffic on roadways and highways, and cyclists often share busy streets with motor vehicles. Corridors where cyclists ride alongside heavy traffic include:
- The Queensboro Bridge, a major crossing for cyclists traveling between Queens and Manhattan
- Northern Boulevard
- Roosevelt Avenue
- Queens Boulevard, where NYC DOT completed a redesign in 2024 that added protected bike lanes in Sunnyside and Long Island City
- Jamaica Avenue
If you or a loved one have been injured in a bike accident on one of these dangerous roadways in Queens, or anywhere in New York City, our team of Queens bicycle accident lawyers at The Barnes Firm are here to help you through the legal claims process and to help you get the results you deserve. Call us today at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE case review and to have any questions regarding your accident answered.
How do Bicycle Accidents in Queens Happen?
Bicycle accidents in Queens can happen for a variety of reasons, but some of the most common causes include:
- Motorist negligence, including drivers failing to yield to cyclists, driving under the influence, speeding, or distracted driving.
- Poor road conditions, such as potholes, uneven surfaces, or debris on the road, can make it difficult for cyclists to maintain control of their bikes and lead to accidents.
- Lack of bike lanes, and other infrastructure can also increase the risk of accidents, as cyclists may be forced to share the road with cars and trucks or ride in unsafe conditions.
- Dooring can cause serious injuries when a driver opens a car door into the path of a passing cyclist.
- Turning and reversing vehicles, including drivers who turn left or right across a cyclist’s path or back up without looking.
No matter the cause of your accident, our team of Queens bicycle accident attorneys at The Barnes Firm are equipped with the expertise to help you get the best result possible. Call us today at (800) 800-0000 to learn more about filing a bicycle accident claim.
E-Bike, Citi Bike, and Scooter Accident Claims in Queens
E-bikes, Citi Bikes, and electric scooters are a common way to get around Queens, and riders can be seriously hurt when drivers turn, reverse, or open doors without looking. The Barnes Firm handles injury claims for riders of e-bikes, Citi Bike and other shared bikes, and scooters, as well as traditional bicycles.
How these claims work can depend on the vehicle and the facts. For example, how no-fault insurance applies can depend on how an e-bike or scooter is classified, and rides on rental bikes may involve additional insurance and terms of use. If a driver, a delivery company, or a defective product caused your crash, you may have a claim. We review the details of your crash and your coverage to determine your options.
What Injuries can Result from a Queens Bicycle Accident?
Injuries from bicycle accidents can range from minor cuts and bruises to more serious injuries that require medical attention. Bicycle accident injuries are often more severe as bicycles do not offer protection like motor vehicles do and the cyclist often makes direct contact with the ground, or the vehicle that hit them. Our team of bicycle accident lawyers at The Barnes Firm have found some common injuries that may result from a bicycle accident include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Fractures and broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Road rash
- Internal injuries
In addition to physical injuries, bicycle accidents can also cause emotional trauma, such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a bicycle accident, even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously injured. After seeking medical attention, consult with a skilled Queens bicycle accident lawyer at The Barnes Firm to discuss your legal options.
Deadlines for a Queens Bicycle Accident Claim
Most New York bicycle accident lawsuits must be filed within three years of the accident. Claims against the City of New York or other government entities, such as a crash caused by a road defect, require a notice of claim, generally within 90 days, and the deadline to file suit is also shorter. If you were hit by a motor vehicle, no-fault benefits also have short filing deadlines. If you miss a deadline, you may lose your right to file a claim.
It is essential to consult with a personal injury lawyer at The Barnes Firm as soon as possible after a bicycle accident to ensure that you meet all necessary deadlines and to discuss the specifics of your case. Our team of Queens bike accident lawyers can help you by gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and filing a lawsuit if necessary to seek compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and other damages.
Call us today at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE case evaluation.
Fault, Comparative Negligence, and the 2026 Changes
New York generally uses comparative fault: fault for a crash can be divided among the people involved, and your compensation is reduced by your share. How that works changed in 2026 for claims involving motor vehicles.
- Claims against a driver (filed on or after May 26, 2026): A cyclist found more at fault than the driver, or drivers combined, may be barred from recovering damages. A cyclist found 50% or less at fault can still recover, with the award reduced by their share.
- Other claims, such as against the City for a road defect, another cyclist, or an equipment maker, generally follow the ordinary rule: your recovery is reduced by your share of fault, but not barred.
Insurers often try to shift blame to riders by claiming a cyclist ran a light, rode against traffic, or wasn’t visible. A lawyer can gather evidence such as video and witness statements to challenge that. Speak with an attorney at The Barnes Firm who can help you determine liability and advocate on your behalf.
Damages to Recover After a Queens Bicycle Accident
Our team of Queens bicycle accident lawyers have successfully recovered compensation for our clients for the following damages:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damages
- Lost future earnings
- Emotional distress
- And more…
If you have experienced a bike injury because of another motorist’s negligence, call The Barnes Firm today at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE case evaluation. Our attorneys will fight to get you the best result possible for your accident claim.
Bicycle Accident Settlements We’ve Recovered in New York City
- $1,000,000: A cyclist was struck and suffered severe injuries.
- $275,000: An e-bike rider was injured in a collision with a vehicle.
- $237,500: A cyclist collided with a vehicle making a left turn, causing ankle, hand, and knee injuries.
- $195,000: A cyclist was struck by a reversing vehicle, causing leg injuries.
Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Speak With a Queens Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
Our experienced Queens bicycle accident attorneys are here to help. We understand the complexities of bicycle accident injury cases and are here to fight on your behalf. Contact The Barnes Firm today at (800) 800-0000 to learn how we may be able to help you get the best result possible.
Our team of attorneys want to hear from you.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, slip and fall, construction accident, or have suffered another type of personal injury contact our team today.
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Answers to Your
Queens Bicycle Accident Questions
Prioritize your health and safety by seeking medical attention right away, even for injuries that seem minor, since some, like internal bleeding, may not be apparent at first. Call 911 if anyone is hurt and report the accident to the police so you can get a copy of the police report. Collect contact information from witnesses, and take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any damage. Preserve your bicycle, helmet, clothing, and gear, and don’t repair or discard them before speaking with a lawyer.
New York law requires cyclists under the age of 14 to wear helmets while riding bicycles. For adults, wearing a helmet is not mandatory by law but is strongly recommended for safety reasons. Not wearing a helmet as an adult does not automatically prevent you from seeking compensation for injuries sustained in a bike accident.
Common injuries from bicycle accidents in Queens include fractures, head injuries (even if wearing a helmet), cuts, bruises, and soft tissue injuries such as sprains and strains. These injuries can range from minor to severe, requiring medical treatment and potentially impacting your ability to work or enjoy daily activities.
Read More: What are the Most Common Bicycle Accident Injuries?
The length of a Queens bicycle accident case depends on factors such as the complexity of the case, the severity of your injuries, and whether liability is disputed. Some cases resolve through settlement negotiations relatively quickly. Others require a lawsuit, which may be filed in Queens County, where the Supreme and Civil Courts sit in Jamaica, and can take months or even years to reach a resolution.
You may be able to. Roadway defects such as potholes, uneven pavement, or inadequate signage can create hazardous conditions for cyclists. In Queens, the responsible party is often a government agency such as the City of New York. Claims against the City have strict deadlines, including a notice of claim generally due within 90 days, and the City often must have had prior written notice of the defect. Document the defect and your injuries right away, and talk to a lawyer quickly.
Yes. We handle injury claims for riders of e-bikes, Citi Bikes and other shared bikes, scooters, and traditional bicycles in Queens. How insurance and fault rules apply can depend on the vehicle and the facts, so call us for a free case review.
You may still have options through your own coverage or the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC). Report the crash to the police promptly and call a lawyer, since these claims have strict deadlines.
It depends on how the crash happened. Responsible parties can include a driver who failed to yield, turned, or reversed into you, a driver or passenger who opened a car door into your path, a delivery or commercial company whose driver was on the job, or a government agency responsible for a roadway defect. Determining responsibility often requires evidence such as police reports, video, and witness statements.
Possibly. For claims against a driver filed on or after May 26, 2026, a cyclist found more at fault than the driver, or drivers combined, may be barred from recovering damages. A cyclist found 50% or less at fault can still recover, with the award reduced by their share. Other claims, such as against the City for a road defect, generally follow the ordinary rule: your recovery is reduced by your share of fault but not barred. Preserve evidence and talk to a lawyer before giving statements.
Written by The Barnes Firm, reviewed by Richard Barnes