Ridgewood Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Getting struck while cycling through Ridgewood’s streets leaves you facing more than just physical injuries, you need an experienced personal injury attorney to protect your rights. The driver who hit you walks away while you’re left navigating hospital visits, insurance claims, and weeks or months away from your bike and your normal routine.

At Grigor Law Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we fight for cyclists injured at dangerous intersections like Myrtle & Wyckoff or along busy corridors like Fresh Pond Road.Our founder, Chrissy Grigoropoulos, has earned recognition as a Top 40 Under 40 Rising Star for taking on insurance companies and securing real compensation for injured cyclists.

You need someone who understands both the law and the local roads where these accidents happen. Our team provides round-the-clock support in English, Spanish, Greek, French-Creole, and Korean, because getting help shouldn’t depend on business hours or language. Contact us anytime for immediate assistance. We handle the insurance battles and legal complexities while you focus on recovery.

Your consultation costs nothing, and you won’t pay us unless we win your case. When you’re ready to hold the responsible driver accountable, we’re here to fight alongside you.

Injured in a Bike Crash in Ridgewood? We Can Help

When a careless driver strikes you while cycling, the aftermath hits fast and hard. Medical bills pile up while you’re unable to work, and dealing with insurance companies becomes another source of stress when you should be focusing on healing.

We understand that every day matters when you’re dealing with mounting expenses and lost income. That’s why we offer free consultations and work around the clock to protect your rights. Our multilingual team speaks Spanish, Greek, French-Creole, and Korean because everyone deserves access to justice, regardless of language barriers.

You don’t pay us anything unless we win your case. When you’re ready to fight for the compensation you deserve, we’re here to stand with you every step of the way.

Should I Get a Bicycle Accident Attorney for My Bicycle Accident Case?

Absolutely, and here’s why hiring a Ridgewood bicycle accident lawyer immediately protects your case. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers and adjusters working to minimize your payout from the moment they learn about your crash. Without legal representation, you’re fighting an uphill battle against professionals trained to deny or reduce claims.

A bicycle accident attorney in Ridgewood can level the playing field by handling insurance negotiations, gathering crucial evidence, and ensuring you meet all legal deadlines. We know which medical experts to consult, how to document your injuries properly, and what your case is truly worth based on both current and future damages.

The sooner you contact us, the better we can protect the evidence that proves your case. Security footage gets deleted, witnesses move away, and physical evidence disappears, but we act quickly to preserve everything needed to build a strong claim.

What to Do if You’ve Been Injured in a Bicycle Accident

Getting hurt in a bicycle crash leaves most people shaken and unsure of their next steps. The actions you take immediately after the accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation later.

Your first priority should always be your health and safety. Even if you feel okay initially, some injuries like concussions or internal bleeding don’t show symptoms right away. Seek medical attention at a nearby facility like Wyckoff Heights Medical Center or St. Barnabas Hospital.

Contact the police to file an official report, even for seemingly minor accidents. The 104th Precinct covers most of Ridgewood, and having an official police report creates important documentation for your case.

If you’re physically able, gather evidence at the scene:

• Take photographs: Capture images of your bike, any vehicle damage, your visible injuries, and the accident scene from multiple angles.
• Get witness information: Ask anyone who saw the crash for their contact details, as witness testimony can be crucial later.
• Document road conditions: Note any potholes, poor lighting, or missing traffic signals that may have contributed to the accident.

Avoid giving statements to insurance companies before speaking with an attorney. Insurance adjusters may seem helpful, but they’re trained to find ways to reduce your claim. A simple statement taken out of context can hurt your case later.

Bicycle Accident in New York

New York’s busy streets pose unique challenges for cyclists, especially in dense neighborhoods like Ridgewood where traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists share limited space. The city has made efforts to improve cyclist safety with dedicated bike lanes and traffic calming measures, but accidents still occur far too frequently.

When a bicycle accident happens in New York, specific laws and regulations come into play that don’t exist in other states. Understanding these rules can make the difference between recovering fair compensation and walking away with nothing.

New York’s no-fault insurance system means that regardless of who caused the accident, the motor vehicle’s insurance policy must cover your immediate medical expenses and lost wages up to certain limits. This system is designed to get you the medical care you need quickly, without waiting for fault determination.

However, if your injuries meet New York’s “serious injury threshold,” you can step outside the no-fault system to pursue additional compensation for pain and suffering, future medical needs, and other damages that no-fault doesn’t cover.

Who Pays No-Fault Benefits for an Injured Cyclist

The motor vehicle’s insurance policy pays your no-fault benefits, not your own health insurance or bicycle insurance. This coverage, called Personal Injury Protection (PIP), provides up to $50,000 in basic economic benefits, including medical expenses, lost earnings, and essential services.

To preserve your right to these benefits, you must file your no-fault application (Form NF-2) within 30 days of the accident. Missing this deadline can result in denial of coverage, leaving you responsible for all medical bills and lost wages.

If you were struck by an uninsured driver or in a hit-and-run accident, you may still be eligible for benefits through the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC). MVAIC serves as a safety net for victims who would otherwise have no insurance coverage available.

The process of filing for no-fault benefits involves specific forms, deadlines, and requirements that can be overwhelming when you’re trying to recover from injuries. We handle all of this paperwork for our clients, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.

What Grigor Law Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Does From Day One

From the moment you hire us, we take immediate action to protect your case and your rights. Our first step involves filing your no-fault application to ensure your medical bills and lost wages are covered while your case develops.

We send preservation notices to all relevant parties, including the at-fault driver’s insurance company, local businesses with security cameras, and government agencies. These notices legally require them to preserve any evidence related to your accident, including video footage that might otherwise be deleted.

Our team coordinates with your medical providers to ensure your injuries are properly documented and that you receive appropriate care. We work with specialists who understand the unique injuries cyclists face and can provide the expert testimony needed to prove the full extent of your damages.

We also begin investigating the accident scene, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with accident reconstruction experts when necessary. Building a strong case requires thorough preparation, and we start this process immediately rather than waiting for your injuries to heal.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Ridgewood

Most bicycle accidents in Ridgewood result from preventable driver negligence rather than unavoidable circumstances. Understanding these common causes helps establish liability and build stronger cases for our clients.

Distracted driving tops the list of causes, with drivers texting, talking on phones, or otherwise not paying attention to the road. When drivers aren’t watching for cyclists, they’re more likely to make dangerous moves like sudden turns or door openings.

“Dooring” accidents occur frequently along Ridgewood’s busy commercial strips. This happens when a driver or passenger opens a car door directly into the path of an oncoming cyclist. New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1214 specifically prohibits this behavior, making liability clear in most dooring cases.

Right-hook and left-hook accidents happen at intersections when drivers turn across a cyclist’s path. These crashes often result in serious injuries because cyclists have little time to react or avoid the collision.

Other common causes include:

• Failure to yield: Drivers not giving cyclists the right-of-way at intersections or crosswalks.
• Following too closely: Drivers tailgating cyclists, especially in areas without dedicated bike lanes.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases crash severity.
• Impaired driving: Alcohol or drug use significantly impairs a driver’s ability to see and react to cyclists.

Who Is Liable for Your Queens Bicycle Crash?

Determining liability in bicycle accidents often involves multiple parties, and identifying all responsible parties is crucial for maximizing your recovery. While the driver who struck you is usually the primary defendant, other parties may share responsibility.

The vehicle’s driver bears liability when their negligence caused the crash. This includes violations like speeding, distracted driving, failure to yield, or driving under the influence. Even if you made a mistake, the driver may still be primarily responsible under New York’s comparative negligence laws.

Vehicle owners who aren’t the driver can also be liable, especially if they knew the driver was unfit to operate the vehicle or if they failed to maintain their vehicle properly. This often applies in cases involving company vehicles or cars lent to family members.

The City of New York or other government entities may be liable when dangerous road conditions contributed to your accident. Poor road maintenance, inadequate signage, or dangerous intersection design can create liability for municipal defendants.

Employers face potential liability when their employees cause accidents while working. This includes delivery companies, rideshare services, and any business whose employee was driving for work purposes when the crash occurred.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Bicycle Accident?

Bicycle accident victims in New York can pursue several types of compensation depending on the severity of their injuries and the circumstances of their crash. Understanding what’s available helps you make informed decisions about your case.

Economic damages cover your direct financial losses from the accident. Medical expenses include emergency room visits, surgery, physical therapy, prescription medications, and any future medical care related to your injuries. Lost wages compensate you for time off work, while loss of earning capacity addresses permanent impacts on your ability to earn income.

Property damage covers the cost to repair or replace your bicycle, helmet, and other damaged equipment. For serious cyclists with expensive bikes or specialized equipment, these costs can be substantial.

Non-economic damages compensate you for the physical pain and emotional suffering caused by your injuries. This includes compensation for permanent disabilities, scarring, and the overall impact the accident has had on your quality of life.

In cases involving drunk driving or other egregious conduct, punitive damages may be available to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.

Do You Have a Case if You Were Partly at Fault?

You can still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for the accident. New York follows a pure comparative negligence system, which means your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault rather than eliminated entirely.

For example, if you were found 20% at fault for not wearing a helmet and your total damages were $100,000, you could still recover $80,000. The key is proving that the other party was more at fault than you were.

Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto cyclists by claiming they were speeding, not following traffic laws, or not wearing proper safety equipment. As your Queens bicycle accident attorney, we know how to counter these arguments and protect your right to fair compensation.

Common scenarios where cyclists might share fault include running red lights, riding against traffic, or making sudden movements without signaling. However, even in these situations, drivers still have a duty to exercise reasonable care and watch for cyclists.

How New York No-Fault Works for Cyclists

New York’s no-fault insurance system provides immediate benefits to injured cyclists regardless of who caused the accident. This system ensures you can get medical treatment and replace lost income while your case is being resolved.

No-fault benefits cover medical expenses, lost earnings up to $2,000 per month, and essential services like housekeeping or childcare that you can’t perform due to your injuries. These benefits are available for up to three years from the date of your accident.

To pursue additional compensation beyond no-fault benefits, your injuries must meet New York’s “serious injury threshold.” This threshold includes fractures, significant disfigurement, permanent loss of use of a bodily organ or function, or a medically determined injury that prevents you from performing substantially all of your daily activities for at least 90 days.

Meeting this threshold allows you to step outside the no-fault system and pursue compensation for pain and suffering, future medical expenses not covered by no-fault, and other damages. We work with medical experts to ensure your injuries are properly documented to meet these requirements.

Deadlines That Can Make or Break Your Claim

New York imposes strict deadlines for filing various claims and applications related to bicycle accidents. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your right to compensation, making it crucial to act quickly after your accident.

The 30-day deadline for filing your no-fault application (NF-2) is the most immediate concern. This application must be submitted within 30 days of your accident to preserve your right to medical benefits and lost wage reimbursement.

If a government entity such as New York City may be liable, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of your accident. This formal notice is required before you can file a lawsuit against any government defendant.

In New York, the general statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is three years from the date of your accident. If you plan to sue a government entity, be aware there are strict deadlines after filing a Notice of Claim, so consult an attorney promptly to protect your rights.

Because wrongful death claims have a shorter two-year statute of limitations, taking immediate legal action after a fatal bicycle accident is especially important.

Types of Bicycle Accident Cases We Handle

Our firm represents all types of cyclists injured in accidents throughout Ridgewood and the surrounding Queens communities. We understand that each type of cycling involves unique risks and legal considerations.

Dooring and Unsafe Turns

Dooring accidents are among the most common and preventable bicycle crashes in urban areas. When drivers or passengers open car doors without checking for oncoming cyclists, the results can be devastating. New York law specifically prohibits opening car doors into traffic, making liability clear in most cases.

Hit-and-Run and Uninsured Drivers

When the driver who hit you flees the scene or lacks insurance coverage, you’re not left without options. We help victims access benefits through the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC) and pursue all available sources of compensation.

Dangerous Streets and City Liability

Poor road design, inadequate maintenance, and missing safety features can contribute to bicycle accidents. We investigate whether government entities failed to maintain safe conditions and hold them accountable when their negligence causes injuries.

Delivery Worker Injuries and Third-Party Claims

Food delivery cyclists face unique risks due to time pressures and frequent stops. If you were injured while working, you may be able to sue for damages in addition to workers’ compensation against the at-fault driver, allowing for maximum recovery.

Why Choose Grigor Law Injury & Car Accident Lawyers for Your Ridgewood Bicycle Case?

Choosing the right legal representation can make the difference between a fair settlement and a disappointing outcome. Chrissy Grigoropoulos has built a reputation for fierce advocacy and exceptional results in complex personal injury cases throughout New York, earning numerous media coverage and awards for her dedicated representation.

Our firm’s multilingual capabilities ensure that language barriers never prevent you from getting the legal help you need. We provide services in Spanish, Greek, French-Creole, and Korean, allowing you to communicate comfortably about your case in your preferred language.

We work exclusively on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. This arrangement allows you to access top-quality legal representation without worrying about upfront costs or hourly fees.

Our 24/7 availability means you can reach us when you need help most, whether that’s immediately after an accident or during a difficult moment in your recovery. We understand that injuries don’t follow business hours, and neither do we.

Contact a Ridgewood Bicycle Accident Lawyer 24/7

Time is critical after a bicycle accident, and every day you wait makes it harder to build a strong case. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and insurance companies begin building their defense against your claim.

Don’t let insurance companies decide your future based on their bottom line. You deserve compensation that reflects the true impact of your injuries on your life and your family’s financial security.

Our consultations are always free, and you’ll never feel pressured to hire us. We’ll give you honest answers about your case and help you understand your options, whether you decide to work with us or not.

Call Grigor Law Injury & Car Accident Lawyers now at (212) 514-5100 or contact us online for your free consultation. Hablamos español. Μιλάμε ελληνικά. We’re here to fight for you when you need it most.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Pays No-Fault Benefits for an Injured Cyclist?

The motor vehicle’s insurance company pays your no-fault benefits, not your own health insurance or any bicycle coverage you might have. You’re entitled to these benefits regardless of who caused the accident.

What Is the 30-Day NF-2 and How Do I File It?

The NF-2 is your official application for no-fault benefits that must be filed within 30 days of your accident. We handle this critical paperwork for our clients to ensure the deadline is met and benefits are secured.

What if It Was a Hit-and-Run or Uninsured Driver?

You can still get compensation through the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC), but you must report the accident to police within 24 hours to be eligible for these benefits.

Do I Have a Case if a Car Door Hit Me?

Yes, dooring accidents violate New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1214, which makes it illegal to open a car door into the path of oncoming traffic. These cases typically have clear liability.

Can I Sue Over a Street Defect and What’s the 90-Day Notice?

You may have a case against the city for dangerous road conditions, but you must file a formal Notice of Claim within 90 days of your accident to preserve your right to sue.

Do I Need a Helmet to Bring a Claim?

No, New York law doesn’t require adults to wear helmets while cycling, and not wearing one doesn’t prevent you from recovering compensation for your injuries.

I Was Working When I Was Hit.Do I Have Workers’ Comp and a Lawsuit?

Yes, you may be entitled to both workers’ compensation benefits from your employer and a separate personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver for maximum recovery.