Long Island Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicyclists are some of the most alert and disciplined road users, and yet they often get blamed for crashes that aren't their fault. In reality, many bike accidents are caused by drivers who fail to yield, misjudge distance, or simply do not look before turning or opening a door. When a cyclist gets struck by a larger vehicle, the injuries can be catastrophic, and the legal process that follows often feels unfairly stacked against the rider. Our experienced and competitive Long Island bicycle accident lawyer can help level the playing field. We know what evidence to look for and collect to correctly shift the focus back to the at-fault driver. Your justice is our mission, and we're ready to help you pursue the maximum amount of compensation you may be entitled to. Call us at the Law Office of Steven R. Smith today to set up your free initial consultation.

Experienced Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Long Island, NY

A bicycle accident can change your routine in an instant. Unlike motorists, cyclists have little protection, which means even a low-speed collision can result in broken bones, head injuries, or lasting mobility issues. Recovery often requires time away from work, ongoing medical care, and significant adaptations in your daily life.

We represent injured cyclists throughout Long Island who are dealing with these challenges and need trustworthy legal support. You deserve to understand how your claim is progressing and what steps are being taken on your behalf. From the beginning, we focus on clear communication and personalized guidance. Our personal injury firm in Garden City handles insurance correspondence, gathers supporting records, and manages deadlines so you are not left trying to argue your case while recovering from injuries.

Every bicycle accident is different. Some riders are able to heal within months, while others face long-term limitations. Our attorney Steven R. Smith takes the time to understand how the accident has affected your ability to work, commute, exercise, and maintain independence. That insight allows us to pursue compensation that reflects the full scope of your losses, not just the initial emergency treatment.

Our Approach to Bicycle Accident Claims

New York’s no-fault insurance system may apply to certain bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles, allowing injured cyclists to pursue coverage for medical treatment and limited lost income. When injuries meet the legal threshold for seriousness, a claim may also be brought against the at-fault driver. Our Long Island bicycle accident lawyer works closely with you to document how the crash occurred, how your injuries affect your day-to-day life, and why the driver should be held responsible for the harm caused.

Insurance companies often approach bicycle accident claims with skepticism, assuming the cyclist contributed to the crash. At the Law Office of Steven R. Smith, we build claims based on facts, not assumptions. We collect and review police reports, medical records, photographs, video footage, witness statements, and scene evidence to show exactly how the collision occurred and protect your claim for fair compensation.

Bike Accident FAQs

Bicycle accidents raise a lot of questions, especially when injuries disrupt your routine and insurance issues start piling up. Cyclists are often unsure where responsibility falls, what coverage applies, and when legal help makes sense. Our Long Island attorney put together the following information to address common concerns we hear from injured riders across New York. If you have any further questions, or need more specific information regarding your own case, please don't hesitate to contact our firm.

What is the most common cyclist accident?

One of the most common bicycle accidents involves a motor vehicle failing to yield. This often happens at intersections when a driver turns left across a cyclist’s path or pulls out without checking for oncoming riders.

Dooring accidents are also frequent, particularly in busy areas where parked cars line the street. In those situations, a driver or passenger opens a door directly into a cyclist’s lane of travel. Rear-end collisions and unsafe passing incidents are also common, especially when drivers underestimate how much space a cyclist needs to ride safely.

What are my options if my bike accident was a hit-and-run?

Hit-and-run bicycle accidents can feel especially frustrating, but you may still have options. If the crash involved a motor vehicle, your own auto insurance policy may provide coverage through uninsured motorist protection, even if you were riding a bike at the time. Reporting the accident to police right away is important, as it creates a record and may help identify the driver later.

Our lawyer has decades of experience working all kinds of accident cases, including hit-and-runs. We will collect nearby camera footage, witness accounts, and physical evidence from the scene to prove you weren't at fault. We'll also help you explore all available paths to recovery, even when the at-fault driver cannot immediately be found.

Who is usually at fault in bike crashes?

In many cases, drivers are responsible due to distracted driving, failure to yield, unsafe passing, or opening a door without looking. Cyclists are required to follow traffic laws, but drivers also have a duty to share the road and remain alert. Insurance companies sometimes try to shift blame onto riders simply because they were on a bike.

We know how to push back by relying on traffic laws, physical evidence, and witness testimony to show how the collision actually occurred.

What should you not say after a bike accident?

After a bicycle accident, it is important to be careful about what you say at the scene and afterward. Avoid apologizing or making statements that suggest fault, even casually. You should also avoid guessing about how the accident happened or downplaying your injuries. Statements made to drivers, witnesses, or insurance adjusters can be taken out of context later. Focus on getting medical care and providing accurate information to police.

If insurance companies contact you, it is often best to speak with our bike accident lawyer before giving recorded statements.

When should I reach out to a personal injury attorney?

It is usually best to reach out as soon as possible after a bicycle accident, especially if you were hit by a vehicle or suffered more than minor injuries. Early involvement allows us to preserve evidence, gather records, and manage communications with insurance companies from the start. Waiting too long can make it harder to document what happened or connect injuries to the crash.

At the Law Office of Steven R. Smith, our personal injury lawyer helps injured cyclists understand their options and take practical steps forward without unnecessary delays. Give us a call or send us a message when you're ready to discuss your case in a free consultation.