A crash on your bike can shatter your day and your sense of safety. One moment you are riding to work or home. The next you are hurt, confused, and facing police reports, medical bills, and insurance calls. The legal system may feel cold and distant. You may worry that your voice will disappear in a stack of forms. You do not have to face this alone. A Brooklyn bicycle accident lawyer can explain your options, help you protect your rights, and guide each step. This blog walks through what happens after a crash in Brooklyn. You will see what to do at the scene, how to handle insurers, and when to file claims. You will learn how New York law treats cyclists, how fault is decided, and how you can seek payment for your losses.
Step One: Stay Safe and Call for Help
First, move out of traffic if you can. Check yourself and others for harm. Then call 911. Tell the operator you were in a bicycle crash in Brooklyn. Ask for both police and medical help.
The police report will matter later. It records the date, time, place, and the people involved. It may also list witnesses. Insurers often lean on this report when they decide fault.
If you can, do three things before you leave the scene.
- Exchange names, phone numbers, and insurance details with the driver
- Get contact information for witnesses who saw the crash
- Take photos of the cars, your bike, the street, and your injuries
Step Two: Get Medical Care and Keep Records
Next, see a doctor the same day if possible. Even if you feel strong, some injuries can hide. A doctor visit creates a clear link between the crash and your harm.
Keep copies of all records.
- Emergency room or clinic notes
- X rays or scan reports
- Receipts for medicine and supplies
- Physical therapy or follow up visit summaries
These papers show what you went through. They support your claim for payment. New York’s no fault rules for motor vehicle crashes can be complex. The New York State Department of Financial Services gives plain language guidance on no fault benefits at https://dfs.ny.gov/. This resource can help you see which medical costs may be covered.
See also: Fast Business Assistance
Step Three: Notify Insurance and Protect Your Words
You should tell your own auto insurer about the crash as soon as you can. If you do not own a car, coverage may come from the driver’s policy. Each policy has time limits for notice and for no fault forms.
When you speak with any insurer, be calm and brief.
- Stick to basic facts of time, place, and vehicles
- Do not guess about speed or fault
- Do not say you feel fine if you still hurt
Insurers may ask for a recorded statement. You have the right to wait and speak with a lawyer first. Your words can affect fault and payment. Careful choices now protect you later.
How New York Law Treats Cyclists
New York law treats a bicycle as a vehicle on the road. You must follow traffic laws. Drivers must share the road and use care around you. When a driver fails to yield, speeds, or uses a phone, that breach can support your claim.
New York uses a rule called pure comparative fault. Each person’s share of blame reduces their payment. If you are found 20 percent at fault and your losses are 10,000 dollars, your recovery may drop to 8,000 dollars. This rule can feel harsh. It is important to understand how it may apply to your crash.
Example of Comparative Fault Impact on Recovery
| Total Proven Losses | Your Share of Fault | Driver’s Share of Fault | Estimated Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10,000 dollars | 0 percent | 100 percent | 10,000 dollars |
| 10,000 dollars | 20 percent | 80 percent | 8,000 dollars |
| 10,000 dollars | 50 percent | 50 percent | 5,000 dollars |
| 10,000 dollars | 80 percent | 20 percent | 2,000 dollars |
This table is only an example. Your outcome will depend on the facts of your crash and the proof you collect.
Key Deadlines You Need to Know
Time limits control your rights. If you miss them, you may lose the chance to bring a claim.
- No fault claims often require notice within 30 days
- Claims against a private driver usually must be filed within three years
- Claims against a city or state entity often require a notice of claim within 90 days
Rules for claims against public agencies are strict.
When to Reach Out for Legal Help
You can try to handle simple claims on your own. Still, many bicycle crashes in Brooklyn raise hard questions.
- Fault is disputed or the police report blames you
- You suffered broken bones, head harm, or long term pain
- The insurer delays, denies, or pressures you to settle fast
In these situations, a bicycle accident lawyer can review your case, gather proof, speak with insurers, and prepare court papers if needed. This support gives you space to heal while your rights stay guarded.
Taking Care of Yourself and Your Family
A crash affects more than your body. It can strain work, school, and family routines. You may feel anger, fear, or shame. These feelings are common. You are not weak for needing help.
Three simple steps can support your recovery.
- Talk with someone you trust about what happened
- Write down pain levels, sleep issues, and mood changes
- Ask your doctor about counseling if you relive the crash
These steps can also support your legal claim. Your notes show how the crash changed your days and nights.
Moving Forward After a Brooklyn Bicycle Crash
A bicycle crash in Brooklyn can shake your trust in the streets you use each day. Still, you can take back control. You can gather proof, seek medical care, meet deadlines, and push for fair payment. You do not need to do this alone. With clear information and steady support, you can face the legal system and move toward a safer future ride.
