Harlem Citi Bike Accident Lawyer

NYC Citi Bike & Bicycle Accident Attorneys Serving All Five Boroughs

Greenstein & Pittari, LLP – Compassion, Advocacy & Justice for Injured Cyclists in New York City

If you were hurt on a Citi Bike in Harlem or anywhere in New York City – whether on Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd, Lenox Avenue, 125th Street, Midtown, Downtown, or Brooklyn – your life can change in seconds. One moment you’re commuting, exercising, or sightseeing; the next, you’re on the pavement wondering:

• How bad are my injuries?
• Who will pay my medical bills?
• What happens if I can’t work?
• Do I need a Harlem Citi Bike accident lawyer?

You don’t have to figure this out alone.

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our New York City personal injury attorneys represent injured Citi Bike riders, pedestrians, and families throughout Harlem, Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. We understand NYC traffic, bike lanes, docking stations, and the unique issues in bike share accident cases. Our goal is simple: protect your rights and pursue the full compensation you deserve.

Free Consultation • No Fee Unless We Win
Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) or contact us online to speak with a Harlem Citi Bike accident lawyer today.

Citi Bikes in Harlem & NYC: Convenience and Risk

Citi Bike has become a key part of New York City’s transportation system. In Harlem and across NYC, thousands of riders use these blue bikes every day to:

• Commute to work or school
• Run errands and shop locally
• Explore Harlem and nearby neighborhoods
• Sightsee as tourists

While bike share systems can be relatively safe, Citi Bike riders still share the road with:

• Cars, SUVs, taxis, and rideshare vehicles (Uber, Lyft)
• MTA buses and private buses
• Trucks and delivery vans
• Pedestrians, scooters, and other cyclists

When a crash happens, it’s usually the unprotected cyclist who pays the price – with broken bones, head injuries, spinal damage, and other severe trauma.

If your Harlem Citi Bike accident or NYC bike share crash has turned your world upside down, our NYC bicycle accident lawyers are ready to help.

Common Causes of Citi Bike Accidents in New York City

Every Citi Bike accident in NYC is different, but specific causes keep recurring.

1. Negligent Drivers in NYC Traffic

Motorists are responsible for most bicycle collisions in New York City. Ordinary driver negligence includes:

• Speeding or driving too fast for Harlem traffic
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Failing to yield to cyclists in NYC bike lanes or crosswalks
• Passing too closely or sideswiping riders
• Opening car doors into bike lanes (“dooring” accidents)
• Illegal U-turns or sudden, unsignaled lane changes
• Distracted driving (texting, GPS, apps, phone calls)
• Drunk or drug-impaired driving
• Drowsy driving and road rage

When a driver hits a Citi Bike rider, their auto insurance is often the first source of coverage. A New York City bike accident lawyer can help you pursue those claims properly.

2. Commercial Vehicles, Buses & Delivery Trucks

In Harlem and throughout NYC, Citi Bike riders share the road with:

• Commercial trucks and vans
• UPS, FedEx, and Amazon delivery vehicles
• Food delivery vans and box trucks
• MTA and private buses

These vehicles have wide turns, large blind spots, and drivers are often under pressure. If a bus, truck, or delivery vehicle hits you, both the driver and their employer or company may be liable under New York law.

3. Dangerous Streets, Bike Lanes & Docking Stations

Even with programs like Vision Zero and the Green Wave Cycling Plan, many NYC streets and bike lanes remain dangerous. Common hazards include:

• Potholes and broken or uneven pavement
• Faded or missing bike lane markings
• Poorly designed intersections in Harlem and beyond
• Construction zones with debris, loose gravel, or steel plates
• Unmarked or poorly lit wheel stops and curbs around Citi Bike docks
• Docking stations placed too close to active traffic or parking lanes

When street design, inadequate infrastructure, or hazardous docking stations cause or worsen a Citi Bike crash, responsible parties can include:

• The City of New York or other public entities
• Citi Bike operators and maintenance contractors
• Property owners and private contractors

These cases involve strict deadlines and special rules, especially when municipal entities are involved. A NYC bike share accident attorney can guide you through these complexities.

4. Defective or Poorly Maintained Citi Bikes

Shared bikes must be maintained in a safe working condition. Dangerous issues can include:

• Worn or defective brakes
• Loose or damaged handlebars and components
• Underinflated, worn, or defective tires
• Faulty chains, gears, or drivetrains
• Electric-assist (e-bike) sudden braking or malfunction
• Structural frame failures

If a Citi Bike defect or maintenance failure contributed to your injury, you may have a product liability or negligent maintenance claim against the bike operator or manufacturer.

Common Injuries in Harlem Citi Bike & NYC Bicycle Accidents

Because Citi Bike riders are fully exposed, injuries are often severe and long-lasting:

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and concussions
• Skull fractures and facial fractures
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Neck and back injuries, including herniated discs
• Broken bones (wrists, arms, legs, ribs, clavicle, hips, pelvis)
• Torn ligaments and soft tissue injuries
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Deep lacerations, road rash, and disfigurement
• Permanent disability and chronic pain
• Wrongful death

Even if you initially think your injuries are “not that bad,” it’s essential to get checked – and to speak with an experienced New York City bike accident lawyer as soon as you can.

What To Do After a Citi Bike Accident in Harlem or NYC

Your actions after a crash can protect both your health and your legal rights.

Step 1: Call 911 and Get a Police Report

• Report the collision and request police and EMS.
• Make sure an official NYPD accident report is created. This often becomes critical evidence in a Citi Bike or NYC bicycle accident case.

Step 2: Get Medical Care Immediately

• Go to the ER, urgent care, or your doctor, even if you think you are “okay.”
• Tell medical providers about every symptom: head, neck, back, dizziness, numbness, and emotional distress.
• These records help document your injuries for your New York personal injury claim.

Step 3: Preserve Information at the Scene

If you are able:

• Exchange information with drivers or riders:
  • Names, addresses, phone numbers
  • License plate numbers
  • Driver’s license details
  • Insurance company and policy numbers
• Get contact information for witnesses.
• Take photos and video of:
  • All vehicles and the Citi Bike
  • Road conditions, debris, potholes, construction zones
  • Docking stations, wheel stops, curbs, and bike lanes
  • Traffic lights, signs, and your injuries

Step 4: Report the Incident to Citi Bike

• Citi Bike typically requires riders to report incidents within a short timeframe (often within 24 hours).
• Ask for an incident or reference number, and keep your description factual and brief.

Step 5: Remember You’re Responsible for the Bike

• Until the bike is returned correctly or turned over to Citi Bike, you may be responsible for it and potential fees.
• If you’re seriously hurt, ask someone you trust or a bystander to help secure or return the bike.

Step 6: In the Days After the Crash

• File a No-Fault (PIP) application if a motor vehicle was involved – usually within 30 days.
• Save all:
  • Medical records and bills
  • Police reports
  • Citi Bike emails and reports
  • Insurance letters and claim numbers
• Do NOT give a recorded statement to any insurance company before speaking with a lawyer.

Step 7: Talk to a Harlem Citi Bike Accident Lawyer

The earlier you involve a NYC bike accident attorney, the better your chances of:

• Preserving important evidence
• Identifying every liable party
• Meeting strict New York statute of limitations and Notice of Claim deadlines

Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) for a free case evaluation.

Who Pays My Medical Bills? – New York No-Fault for Cyclists

If your Citi Bike crash involved a motor vehicle in New York City, the No-Fault (PIP) insurance system usually applies, even if you were on a bike.

No-Fault Basics in NYC

• The car’s or truck’s No-Fault insurer typically pays up to $50,000 in:
  • Medical expenses
  • A portion of lost wages
  • Certain out-of-pocket costs
• You generally must:
  • Notify the insurer promptly; and
  • Submit a No-Fault (NF-2) application within 30 days of the accident.

We routinely help Citi Bike riders and injured cyclists file and manage No-Fault claims as part of their overall NYC injury case.

If no motor vehicle was involved (for example, a docking station hazard or defective bike), coverage may come from:

• Your health insurance
• Optional MedPay or similar benefits
• A lawsuit against the party responsible for the dangerous condition or defect

Who Can Be Held Liable in a New York City Citi Bike Accident?

Every crash is different. A complete investigation by a Harlem Citi Bike accident lawyer can identify:

Negligent Motorists

• Private car and SUV drivers
• Taxi and rideshare drivers (Uber, Lyft)
• Delivery drivers and commercial fleets
• Bus and truck operators

Their insurance is often the first layer of coverage.

Employers & Commercial Entities

When drivers are working, their:

• Employers
• Delivery companies
• Bus operators
• Commercial fleets

may also be liable for on-the-job negligence and for negligent hiring, training, or supervision.

Citi Bike Operators & Maintenance Contractors

These entities may be liable when:

• Bikes are defective or poorly maintained
• Helmets or safety equipment (if provided) fail
• Docking stations are dangerously designed or placed
• Hidden wheel stops or unmarked barriers create tripping or crash hazards

The City of New York & Public Authorities

The City or other municipal entities may be liable for:

• Dangerous road or bike lane conditions
• Negligent street or traffic design
• Poorly marked or secured construction zones

Important: Most municipal claims require a Notice of Claim within 90 days and have shortened lawsuit deadlines (often 1 year and 90 days).

Property Owners & Contractors

Construction sites and adjacent properties can create hazards for Citi Bike riders, including:

• Unmarked debris or trenches
• Unsafe detours
• Poorly maintained private roadways or driveways

Property owners and contractors may be liable in premises liability or construction negligence claims.

What Compensation Can a NYC Citi Bike Accident Lawyer Pursue?

If you suffered a serious injury under New York law, you may pursue compensation beyond No-Fault, including:

Economic Damages

• Emergency room visits and hospital care
• Surgeries and specialist treatment
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Medical devices and home modifications
• Past and future medical care
• Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
• Out-of-pocket expenses (transportation, prescriptions, etc.)

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress, anxiety, PTSD
• Loss of enjoyment of life and hobbies
• Scarring, disfigurement, and permanent disability
• Loss of independence and lifestyle changes

Wrongful Death Damages

For families who have lost a loved one in a Citi Bike crash:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support and household services
• Loss of companionship and parental guidance
• Emotional suffering

In extreme cases, such as drunk driving or reckless conduct, punitive damages may also be available.

Legal Deadlines in New York Citi Bike Cases

Time limits in New York City bicycle accident cases are crucial:

• No-Fault (PIP) application: usually 30 days from the accident
• Personal injury (private parties): typically 3 years from the date of the crash
• Wrongful death: usually 2 years from the date of death
• Claims against NYC or public entities:
  • Notice of Claim: often due within 90 days
  • Lawsuit: often 1 year and 90 days from the accident

Missing a deadline can permanently bar your claim – even if liability is clear. Early advice from a NYC personal injury lawyer is vital.

How Greenstein & Pittari, LLP Helps Citi Bike & Bicycle Accident Victims

We provide full-service legal representation for Citi Bike and other bicycle accident victims throughout New York City.

Our Work Includes

• Comprehensive accident investigation
• Site inspections and scene documentation in Harlem and other NYC neighborhoods
• Retrieval of video evidence (traffic cameras, business security cameras, dash cams)
• Witness interviews and statement preservation
• Analysis of NYPD accident reports and incident records
• Citi Bike maintenance and defect investigation when appropriate
• Identifying every liable party and all available insurance coverage
• Filing and managing your No-Fault (PIP) claim
• Coordinating with your doctors and medical experts
• Aggressive negotiation with insurance companies
• Preparing and, when necessary, taking your case to trial

We treat every client with dignity, empathy, and unwavering commitment. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial – and insurance companies know it.

No Fee Unless We Win – We work on a contingency fee basis. If we don’t recover money for you, you don’t pay a legal fee.

Why New Yorkers Choose Greenstein & Pittari

• Local Harlem presence, plus offices in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County
• 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) – easy to remember, easy to reach
• NYC-focused personal injury law firm
• Bilingual services available
• Hundreds of positive reviews and testimonials
• We handle the insurance companies so you can focus on healing

Our motto is: “Don’t Be a Victim Twice.”

If you are a victim of a Citi Bike crash, uninsured driver, or underinsured motorist in New York City, call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) to schedule a confidential consultation.

FAQ – Harlem & NYC Citi Bike Accident Lawyer

1. Do I have to file a police report after a Citi Bike crash in NYC?

Yes. A police report is crucial in any New York City bicycle accident. Always call 911 and ask that an NYPD accident report be prepared.

2. What if I didn’t return the Citi Bike within 24 hours?

Citi Bike may charge fees or penalties, but that does not prevent you from bringing an injury claim for your NYC bike share accident.

3. Who pays my medical bills after a Citi Bike accident?

If a motor vehicle was involved, the vehicle’s No-Fault (PIP) insurer typically pays your initial medical bills and some lost wages. If no car was involved, your health insurance or a liability claim may apply. We’ll help you sort out coverage and protect your rights.

4. What if a pothole, construction zone, or bad road caused my crash?

You may have a municipal or premises liability claim against the City, a public authority, or a contractor. These cases require a Notice of Claim within 90 days, so it’s essential to speak with a NYC bike accident attorney immediately.

5. Can I sue if the Citi Bike itself malfunctioned?

Yes. If a defective or poorly maintained Citi Bike caused your crash, you may have a claim against:

• The bike manufacturer
• The maintenance contractor
• The Citi Bike operator

These cases often require expert analysis and fast investigation.

6. What if the driver fled the scene (hit-and-run)?

You may still recover through:

• Uninsured Motorist (UM) benefits
• No-Fault coverage
• Other available insurance policies

We investigate all possible avenues, including surveillance video and witness statements.

7. I wasn’t wearing a helmet. Do I still have a case?

Yes. In New York, most adults are not legally required to wear helmets. Not wearing one does not automatically bar your claim. It may affect how damages are argued, but you may still have a strong case.

8. Do I really need a lawyer for a Citi Bike accident?

You’re not required to have one, but Citi Bike cases often involve:

• Multiple defendants
• Complex No-Fault and liability issues
• Strict New York deadlines
• Serious injuries with long-term consequences

Insurance companies routinely undervalue cyclist injuries. A New York City bicycle accident lawyer helps level the playing field and can often significantly increase your recovery.

9. I live outside New York but was hurt on a Citi Bike in Harlem. Can you help?

Yes. If the crash happened in New York City, New York law will almost certainly apply, regardless of where you live. We regularly represent out-of-state and international clients, handling most of the process remotely.

10. How much is my Harlem Citi Bike accident case worth?

Case value depends on factors like:

• Severity and permanence of your injuries
• Medical bills and future treatment needs
• Lost wages and impact on your career
• Pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life
• Available insurance coverage and assets
• Strength of liability evidence

During your free consultation, we’ll review your situation and provide an honest, practical assessment – then fight for every dollar you’re entitled to under New York City personal injury law.

Speak With a Harlem Citi Bike Accident Lawyer Today

A Citi Bike or bicycle accident in Harlem or anywhere in NYC can disrupt your health, career, and life – but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone.

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we are committed to protecting injured New Yorkers and securing the compensation they need to move forward.

Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) today for a FREE case evaluation or contact us online to tell us what happened.

Greenstein & Pittari, LLP
Protecting Injured Cyclists. Fighting for Maximum Compensation in Harlem and Across New York City.