Manhattan Based Bicycle Accident Attorneys, Helping New York Cyclists Receive Justice & Compensation For Over 45 Years

Our partners (Michael V. Kaplen and Shana De Caro) have over 45 years experience prosecuting bicycle accident, and other personal injury cases in New York.

And unlike many firms, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial to ensure you receive full justice and compensation for your injuries.

We invite you to visit our bio pages (Shana, Michael) for more information on our credentials, or follow the links below.

• We are preferred attorneys of The Brain Injury Association of America (link)
• Michael is a professorial lecturer at law, teaching a course in brain injury law at the George Washington University Law School (link)
• Shana De Caro served two terms as Chairwoman of The Brain Injury Association of America (link)
• Michael served two terms as Chair of the New York State Traumatic Brain Injury Services Coordinating Council (link)
• Both Shana and Michael have been selected as New York Super Lawyers (link, link)

If you were injured in a bicycle accident in New York caused by the negligence of another party, De Caro & Kaplen can take on your case and represent you. If you’re unsure about liability in your case, please contact us today for a free consultation.

Below are some of the most common types of bicycle accidents handled by our law firm. But this list is not exhaustive. If you don’t see the cause of your accident below, but suspect the another individual or entity was to blame, please reach out. We're here to help.

Collisions with other motor vehicles are by far the most common cause of bicycle accidents in New York, accounting for around 85% of all reported incidents. And according to the NYC DOT, 72% of crashes involving bicycles are directly caused by the actions of another motorist.

In 2023 there were 5,702 reported crashes in NYC involving cyclists, 4,829 reported injuries, and 22 fatalities (source).

Common crash causes include:

• drivers failing to check blind spots,
• sudden lane changes,
• running red lights or stop signs,
• failing to yield at intersections.

Dooring accidents are particularly hazardous and common in busy urban areas like New York. According to the NYC DOT, over 300 accidents involving cyclists were caused by “dooring” in 2021.

Cyclists struck by opening car doors often suffer severe injuries such as:

• broken bones,
• head trauma,
• or spinal injuries due to sudden impacts or falls.

While accidents involving inadequate road conditions make up a smaller percentage of overall reported bicycle accident cases (3-5% according to NYC.gov) they can lead to serious injury. It is also likely that these incidents are under-reported, since not all cyclists will be aware that their accident was directly caused by poor road conditions. Many cyclists may also choose not to report an accident if they considered their injuries to be minor.

Dangerous road conditions include:

• potholes,
• debris,
• improperly marked lanes,
• and poorly maintained infrastructure

Municipalities can be held liable if negligent maintenance contributes to an accident.

Intersections can be particularly hazardous for cyclists in New York. According to figures from the NYC DOT around 65% of accidents involving cyclists occur at intersections, with a common (and particularly devastating) cause being left-turning drivers failing to yield—the direct cause of 21% of cyclist fatalities in the city.

Due to large vehicles' blind spots and turning radius, accidents involving trucks or buses frequently result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities for cyclists.

Faulty bicycle components such as brakes, tires, wheels, or frames can cause riders to lose control unexpectedly, leading to serious accidents. Manufacturers can be held liable for defects that contribute to accidents and injury.

Victims of hit-and-run bicycle accidents face unique challenges, since investigation will be required to trace the responsible party. Dedicated legal representation can help identify responsible parties and secure appropriate compensation.

Additional bicycle accident scenarios we handle include:

• Accidents involving distracted pedestrians
• Collisions due to inadequate street lighting or signage
• Injuries resulting from aggressive or reckless driving behaviors by motorists
• Single-bike crashes caused by evasive maneuvers

If negligence contributed to your bicycle accident injury, you deserve compensation.

Contact us today for a free consultation.

While preparing a bicycle accident case we retain the services of qualified experts to assist us in understanding and proving the degree of harm and loss you suffered. This process, which is designed to maximize your compensation to the fullest extent possible, takes into account:

• Physical disabilities and injuries
• Past care and treatment
• Medical expenses
• Present and future loss of income
• Emotional trauma and related treatment/expenses
• The necessity for future medical and rehabilitation services
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of the pleasures and pursuits of life

Initial consultation (which can either be in person, or virtual via Skype/Zoom etc) is free. And if you choose De Caro & Kaplen, LLP to represent you in your bicycle accident case we will work on a contingency basis, which means there are no costs to pay upfront, and we will only receive a fee if we are successful in recovering compensation on your behalf.

If you've been injured in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for various types of damages. De Caro & Kaplen, LLP will work diligently to help you recover the maximum compensation possible.

Here are some of the damages you may be able to recover:

• Medical Expenses: This includes past and future medical bills, such as hospital stays, doctor visits, physical therapy, and medication.
• Lost Wages: You can recover lost income if your injuries have prevented you from working. This includes both past and future lost earnings.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and injuries.
• Property Damage: Reimbursement for damage to your bicycle and other personal property.
• Rehabilitation Costs: Coverage for rehabilitation services, such as occupational therapy and vocational training.
• Diminished Earning Capacity: If your injuries have reduced your ability to earn a living in the future, you may be compensated for this loss.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party.

The specific damages you can recover will depend on the circumstances of your case. Contact De Caro & Kaplen, LLP to discuss your options and learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Bicycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor scrapes and bruises to severe and life-threatening conditions. Understanding the potential injuries can help you seek appropriate medical care and legal assistance.

Here are some of the most common injuries sustained in bicycle accidents:

• Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), concussions, and skull fractures are common in bicycle accidents, even when wearing a helmet. These injuries can have long-lasting effects on cognitive function, behavior, and physical abilities.
• Broken Bones: Fractures of the arms, legs, hip, ankle, collarbone, and ribs are common due to the impact of the collision or falls.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries including herniated discs and bulging discs, spine fractures are common.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and tears of muscles, ligaments, and tendons can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
• Road Rash: Abrasions caused by sliding on the pavement can be painful and increase the risk of infection.
• Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
• Dental Injuries: Broken or lost teeth can occur due to facial impact.
• Psychological Trauma: Many bicycle accident victims experience emotional distress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

If you have sustained any of these injuries in a bicycle accident, it's important to seek medical attention and contact De Caro & Kaplen, LLP to discuss your legal options. We can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.

• In 2018, 4,688 cyclists were injured in bicycle accidents in New York city.
• The vast majority of these individuals (4,304) sustained their injuries in incidents involving motor vehicles, however 55 cyclists were injured in accidents involving pedestrians.
• In the same year, 10 cyclists were fatally injured in NYC. All fatalities were the result of incidents involving motor vehicles.
• Brooklyn was the New York borough with the highest number of cyclists sustaining injuries in crashes involving motor vehicles (1,725), while The Bronx had the lowest number of recorded injuries (464).
• There are almost 800,000 regular bike riders in New York City, making a combined total of 490,000 trips every single day.
• Accidents caused by the poor condition of roadways
• In the period 1st Jan - 14th Sept 2021, 12 cyclists were killed in crashes in New York City. This figure was 20% higher than the same period in 2020, and the highest recorded in the period since 2013. (New York Times)

According to research from the New York Daily News, there have been 65 e-bike battery fires recorded in New York in 2021. These fires have injured 57 individuals and tragically, killed 3.

Spare batteries, with obsolete manufacturing standards, are reported to be the cause of the majority of the incidents.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission advises individuals to only use e-bike batteries with UL2272 or UL2849 certification. Additionally they advise:

• Never continue to use a damaged battery
• Never leave an e-bike battery unattended while charging
• Charge e-bike batteries outdoors, and away from other flammable materials

As e-bike use in New York City continues to grow, it is critical that individuals heed these important safety recommendations.

Filing a lawsuit can be stressful. But our partners maintain a limited caseload in order to provide attentive client support and eliminate as much anxiety as possible. You’ll feel confident knowing you have a qualified attorney by your side at every step of your case.

Concerned about the costs of hiring a lawyer? Don’t be. You pay no attorney fees unless we win a settlement or favorable judgment on your behalf.

Our bicycle accident attorneys serve the entire State of New York including New York City, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island and Queens. We also serve Nassau and Suffolk, Rockland, Westchester Counties, Albany, Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse and surrounding areas.

Your bicycle accident case starts with one conversation, directly with one of our partners, Shana De Caro or Michael Kaplen.

Why act today?

Because the earlier you file a claim, the better. Missing deadlines will mean your case is unable to move forward.

• No upfront cost – We’re paid only if we win for you.
• Personal attention – Your case is handled start-to-finish by our partners, not passed to a junior associate.
• Proven results – Multi-million-dollar recoveries for New Yorkers injured in vehicle accidents.

Don’t let evidence disappear or deadlines expire. Reach out now, and let’s start building the strongest claim possible, together.