URGENT: NY Car Accident Law Has Changed.For more information on what has changed, see article.
Click here to contact us directly.
In Rochester, as with any urban setting, the mix of bicycle and vehicular traffic can sometimes lead to accidents. Bicycle accidents can result in serious injuries. Understanding the causes, pertinent laws, and means of compensation is crucial for anyone who takes to the roads on two wheels. If you’ve been seriously injured as a cyclist, please don’t hesitate to contact a seasoned Rochester bicycle accident lawyer from Lacy Katzen LLP.
Bicycle Accident Lawyer | Representing Injured Cyclists in Rochester
Cycling is a healthy, eco-friendly, and cost-effective means of transportation. Unfortunately, cyclists are among the most vulnerable on the road, along with motorcyclists and pedestrians. If you’ve sustained an injury in a bicycle accident, a Rochester personal injury lawyer at Lacy Katzen LLP is here to fight for the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
While there are many factors that can contribute to a bicycle accident, certain causes are most prevalent. They are as follows:
- Right of Way Violations: Intersections can be danger zones. Motorists often fail to yield the right of way to cyclists, leading to collisions.
- Dooring: Unique to urban settings like Rochester, ‘dooring’ is when a parked car’s door is suddenly opened into a cyclist’s path, causing a collision.
- Distracted Driving: In our digital age, drivers using phones or other electronic devices often don’t notice cyclists until it’s too late.
- Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven pavement, or lack of proper cycling lanes can lead to accidents.
- Blind Spots: Larger vehicles, like trucks or buses, might not spot a cyclist when making turns, leading to tragic accidents.
New York’s 2026 Law Changes: Why They Matter to Injured Cyclists
Cyclists struck by motor vehicles are covered by New York’s no-fault system: the driver’s insurance pays your initial medical bills and lost wages regardless of fault. But to sue the driver for pain and suffering, you must meet New York’s “serious injury” threshold — and for lawsuits filed on or after May 27, 2026, that threshold is narrower than it used to be, because the 90/180-day category has been eliminated.
Just as important, New York’s comparative fault rules changed. Drivers and insurers often blame cyclists: “he didn’t have lights,” “she came out of nowhere,” “he wasn’t in the bike lane.” Under the old law, that blame only reduced a cyclist’s recovery. Under the new law, a cyclist found more at fault than the driver recovers nothing — and juries decide fault first. Evidence that proves the driver’s fault — camera footage, vehicle data, sight lines, witness accounts — disappears fast. An early investigation can make the difference between full compensation and no recovery at all.
Seeking Compensation after a Bicycle Accident Injury
In the unfortunate event of a bicycle accident, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your injuries if the accident was caused by another party’s negligence. Steps to ensure your rights are protected include:
- Gather Evidence: If you are able to do so, take photographs or videos of the accident scene, your damaged bicycle, any vehicle involved, and your injuries. Gather names, addresses and phone numbers for involved parties and witnesses.
- Report the Accident to Law Enforcement: If a motor vehicle is involved, ensure a police report is filed.
- Seek Medical Attention: Seek immediate medical attention, even if the injuries appear minor. Sometimes you do not realize the severity of your injuries right away. Seeking medical attention can be critical for your health and safety.
- Contact an Attorney: Reach out to a seasoned bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can guide you on the best course of action, begin a prompt investigation to preserve critical evidence and help you to pursue fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent injury, and other related damages.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been seriously injured as a cyclist due to the fault of another, Lacy Katzen LLP is here to help. Contact a bicycle accident lawyer from our firm for a free initial consultation.
