New York Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Why Choose De Caro & Kaplen for Your New York Bicycle Accident Case

• Over 4 Decades Experience: De Caro & Kaplen partners Shana De Caro and Michael V. Kaplen each have over 45 years experience successfully prosecuting New York bicycle and micro-mobility accident claims, including dooring and intersection collisions.
  Direct Partner Access: Every case is handled directly by senior partners Shana De Caro and Michael V. Kaplen, ensuring personal attention rather than delegation to junior associates.
  No-Fault Expertise: Immediate assistance with the mandatory 30-day No-Fault insurance application to secure medical and wage benefits.
  Municipal Liability: Our partners are experienced in pursuing claims against government entities and understand the strict 90-day Notice of Claim deadlines for accidents involving public infrastructure or vehicles.
  Comprehensive Investigation: We advance all costs for professional accident reconstruction, witness canvassing, and the retrieval of surveillance or dashcam footage to establish liability.

A History of Multi-Million Dollars Verdicts & Settlements in Bicycle and Vehicle Accident Cases

De Caro & Kaplen has a history of multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for our New York bicycle and vehicle accident clients. Recent cases which resulted in successful recovery include:

• $750K settlement for a bicycle rider injured in a dooring accident. (case study)
• $8,500,000 award against a truck driver during trial for brain injuries sustained by our client, who was driving a car struck by the negligent driver.
• $3,500,000 for traumatic brain injury sustained by a college student against university which directed students to drive themselves to an athletic practice in hazardous weather conditions, in violation of safety standards and university rules, resulting in motor vehicle skidding on an icy roadway and colliding with a truck.
• $2,100,000 settlement for a skull fracture to an infant automobile passenger, which occurred when the vehicle was rear-ended by a truck.
• $2,000,000 pre-trial settlement for a vehicle accident caused by a negligent driver who struck our client’s vehicle, resulting in a concussion and post-concussion syndrome.
• $2,000,000 jury verdict for a taxi passenger’s Parkinson’s disease, caused by the collision between a bus and the taxi.
• $1,900,000 settlement for a motor vehicle accident caused by improper maintenance of brakes in a truck, resulting in a head-on collision and closed-head brain damage for our client.
• $1,390,000 settlement during trial for spinal injuries caused when an inattentive bus driver rear-ended our client’s car
• $1,000,000 for abdominal injuries sustained by vehicle operator involved in head-on collision with a pickup truck which crossed over the center median line.

Our Credentials, Recognition & Track Record in Bicycle Accident and Personal Injury Cases

• Professional Recognition: De Caro & Kaplen partners Shana De Caro and Michael V. Kaplen are consistently selected as New York Super Lawyers.
• High-Value Recoveries: Our firm has recovered over $100M for our personal injury and vehicle accident clients, including a recent $750,000 settlement for a bicycle dooring injury.
• Board-Certified Leadership: Partner Michael V. Kaplen is triple board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, reflecting over 45 years of trial readiness and courtroom experience.
• Specialized Brain Injury Expertise: Partner Michael V. Kaplen teaches the nation's only course on traumatic brain injury law at George Washington University Law School; both partners focus on brain injury litigation.
• Elite Industry Leadership: Shana De Caro served two terms as Chairwoman of the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA); Michael V. Kaplen is a past president of the Brain Injury Association of New York State.
• Risk-Free Representation: We operate on a 'No Win - No Fee' contingency basis, with no upfront costs or retainer fees required from our clients.
• Statewide Reach: While based in Manhattan, our firm represents injured cyclists across all five boroughs and throughout New York State.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries in New York

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. Find out more about the types of bicycle accident our firm can assist with.

How De Caro & Kaplen, LLP Prepares Your New York Bicycle Accident Case

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.

Types of Damages Recoverable in a New York Bicycle Accident Claim

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 to discuss your options and learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

How does De Caro & Kaplen handle New York's 'Serious Injury' threshold and No-Fault insurance?

Our firm understands New York’s 'Serious Injury' threshold and provides expert navigation of No-Fault insurance claims. We ensure your case meets the necessary legal standards for compensation.

Can De Caro & Kaplen help with claims against government entities in New York, including the 90-day notice deadline?

Our firm has specific expertise in handling claims against government entities in New York. We are well-versed in the critical 90-day Notice of Claim requirement and will ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time.

What kind of bicycle accident settlements has De Caro & Kaplen achieved?

Our firm has a proven track record, including a significant $750,000 settlement for a bicycle dooring accident. We have recovered over $100M for our vehicle accident and personal injury clients.

No, De Caro & Kaplen offers representation on a contingency basis. This means there are no upfront costs or retainer fees required to hire our firm. You only pay if we win your case.

Does De Caro & Kaplen cover all litigation and investigation costs for my case?

Our firm advances all litigation and investigation costs associated with your case. We operate on a 'No Win - No Fee' basis, ensuring you can pursue your claim without financial burden.

Will I work directly with a partner at De Caro & Kaplen?

Yes, our partners Shana De Caro and Michael V. Kaplen maintain limited caseloads to ensure you receive direct partner-level attention from start to finish.

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 our bicycle accident clients.