Most Common Bicycle Accident Injuries in New York City

Greenstein & Pittari, LLP – NYC Bicycle Accident Lawyers for All Five Boroughs

Bicycling in New York City is fast, affordable, and often the quickest way to get around Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. But when a driver looks at their phone, opens a door into a bike lane, or blows through a red light, the person who pays the price is almost always the cyclist.

Unlike motorists, riders have no protective barrier around them. In a split second, a healthy New Yorker can be left with broken bones, a traumatic brain injury, internal bleeding, or permanent disability – along with mounting medical bills and lost income.

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we represent injured cyclists and their families throughout New York City. We understand both the medicine and the law, and we know how devastating a bike crash injury can be for you and your family.

Free Consultation • No Fee Unless We Win
Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) or contact us online to speak directly with a New York City bicycle accident lawyer about your rights and options.

Why Bicycle Accident Injuries Are So Severe in NYC

In a car, you have:

• A metal frame
• Seat belts and airbags
• Crumple zones designed to absorb impact

On a bicycle in New York City, you have:

• A thin helmet (maybe)
• Light clothing
• Your body is taking the full force of the impact

On busy NYC streets, a cyclist can be:

• Thrown onto pavement or into another vehicle
• Pinned between a car and a fixed object
• Dragged along the roadway
• Launched over the handlebars into traffic

Common NYC bike crash scenarios include:

• Drivers turning across designated bike lanes without yielding in Manhattan and Brooklyn
• “Dooring” incidents on narrow streets in the Upper West Side, Harlem, Astoria, or Park Slope
• Drivers drifting into bike lanes or passing too closely on Queens Boulevard or Flatbush Avenue
• Vehicles backing out of driveways or parking spots in the Bronx or Staten Island without looking
• Speeding and aggressive driving in congested areas like Midtown and Downtown Brooklyn
• Distracted driving (texts, apps, GPS, in-car screens)
• Poor road conditions: potholes, metal plates, debris, and uneven pavement

Because of this extreme vulnerability, even a “low-speed” collision in NYC can cause multiple, overlapping injuries that affect your health, income, and quality of life for years.

The Most Common Bicycle Accident Injuries in New York City

Below are the injuries we most often see in NYC bicycle accident cases. Even if a doctor or insurance adjuster calls your injury “minor,” the real-world impact on your life can be anything but.

1. Head Injuries & Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) in NYC Bike Crashes

Head injuries are among the most serious risks NYC cyclists face. Even with a helmet, a hard impact can cause:

• Concussions (mild traumatic brain injuries)
• Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Skull fractures
• Brain swelling (edema)
• Intracranial bleeding or hematomas
• Brain contusions (bruising of brain tissue)

Common concussion/TBI symptoms include:

• Headaches or migraines
• Dizziness, balance problems, or vertigo
• Confusion, memory problems, or “foggy” thinking
• Light and sound sensitivity
• Nausea or vomiting
• Mood changes, irritability, depression, or anxiety
• Sleep disturbances

Some people recover within weeks or months. Others experience permanent cognitive, emotional, or physical changes that affect work, school, relationships, and independence.

Necessary: If your head hits the pavement, a car, a curb, or even your handlebars – or if your helmet is cracked – you should get emergency medical care immediately, even if you “feel fine.” Brain injuries are often missed early and can be life-altering if untreated.

2. Neck, Back & Spinal Cord Injuries

The spine is the body’s main communication highway. A violent collision with a car, truck, or SUV in NYC can twist, compress, or fracture the neck and back, causing:

• Whiplash and neck strains
• Soft tissue injuries (sprains, strains, muscle tears)
• Herniated or bulging discs
• Spinal fractures

Severe cases involve spinal cord injuries, which may result in:

• Partial or complete paralysis (paraplegia or tetraplegia)
• Loss of sensation below the injury level
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Sexual dysfunction
• Chronic nerve pain or burning sensations
• Breathing difficulties

These injuries often require:

• Emergency hospital care and surgery
• Inpatient rehabilitation
• Assistive devices (wheelchairs, walkers, braces)
• Home and vehicle modifications
• Long-term attendant care

Spinal injuries are high-value cases because the financial, physical, and emotional costs extend far into the future – especially in a city like New York, where daily life depends on mobility and public transportation.

3. Facial Injuries, Dental Trauma & Eye Damage

NYC cyclists are particularly vulnerable to facial injuries because helmets typically protect the skull, not the face.

Common injuries include:

• Broken noses and nasal fractures
• Fractured jawbones (mandible)
• Cheekbone and orbital (eye socket) fractures
• Chipped, cracked, or knocked-out teeth
• Deep facial cuts and scarring
• Eye injuries and partial or total vision loss

These injuries affect:

• Breathing and sinus function
• Eating and speaking
• Vision and depth perception
• Appearance and self-esteem

Treatment can involve:

• Emergency dental care
• Root canals, crowns, implants, or dentures
• Oral and maxillofacial surgery
• Reconstructive or plastic surgery
• Long-term ophthalmology and vision care

Any NYC bicycle accident settlement or verdict should account for both the functional impact and the emotional toll of facial, dental, and eye injuries.

4. Broken Bones & Fractures

Fractures are common in bike accidents in New York City. When riders brake suddenly or collide with a vehicle, they instinctively put their arms or legs out – and bones break.

Common fracture sites:

• Clavicle (collarbone)
• Wrists, hands, and fingers
• Arms (humerus, radius, ulna)
• Hips and pelvis
• Femur (thigh bone)
• Tibia and fibula (lower legs)
• Feet and ankles

Fractures can be:

• Simple/closed – bone broken, skin intact
• Comminuted/complex – bone shattered into multiple pieces
• Open/compound – bone breaks through the skin, with high infection risk

Complications include:

• Chronic pain and stiffness
• Post-traumatic arthritis
• Nerve or organ damage from bone fragments
• Non-union or malunion (bones not healing correctly)
• Need for future surgeries or hardware removal

Children’s fractures involving growth plates require careful follow-up to prevent long-term deformities.

5. Soft Tissue Injuries, Sprains & Joint Damage

Many New York bicycle accident injuries are “invisible” to X-rays but are still disabling. Soft tissue injuries affect:

• Muscles
• Tendons
• Ligaments
• Joint capsules

Common examples:

• Whiplash and neck sprains
• Shoulder injuries (rotator cuff tears, labrum tears)
• Knee injuries (ACL, MCL, PCL sprains; meniscus tears)
• Ankle sprains and tendon injuries
• Deep contusions (bruises) after impact with handlebars, pavement, or vehicle parts

Symptoms often include:

• Pain and stiffness
• Swelling and weakness
• Limited range of motion
• Difficulty standing, walking, lifting, or using affected limbs

These injuries frequently require:

• Physical therapy
• Pain management and medications
• Injections
• Sometimes arthroscopic or open surgery

Insurance companies in NYC often label soft tissue injuries as “minor” to minimize payouts. We know how disruptive they can be to your work, parenting, and daily life – and we fight to make sure they are taken seriously.

6. Road Rash & Skin Injuries

When a cyclist slides across asphalt in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, or Staten Island, road rash is almost guaranteed.

Depending on severity, road rash may:

• Strip away multiple layers of skin
• Embed dirt, glass, metal, or gravel into the wound
• Require painful wound cleaning (debridement)
• Causes “traumatic tattoos” when debris remains under the skin
• Lead to serious infections, including cellulitis

Severe cases can result in:

• Permanent scarring and discoloration
• Nerve damage
• Need for skin grafts
• Multiple scar-revision procedures

Visible scarring on the face, arms, or legs can also have a significant emotional impact, especially for younger riders and people working in customer-facing roles.

7. Nerve Damage & Chronic Pain

Nerve injuries in a New York City bicycle crash may result from:

• Direct impact
• Stretching or compression caused by fractures, dislocations, or swelling
• Surgical complications

Common nerve damage symptoms:

• Burning or shooting pain
• Numbness or tingling
• Weakness or loss of function
• Extreme sensitivity to touch or temperature

Some cyclists develop chronic pain syndromes that don’t fully resolve and require:

• Long-term pain management
• Nerve blocks or injections
• Physical or occupational therapy
• Medications and psychological support

These conditions can interfere with your ability to work full-time, sleep, care for your family, or enjoy life – all of which must be thoroughly evaluated in any NYC bike accident claim.

8. Internal Injuries & Organ Damage

Some of the most dangerous NYC bike accident injuries are the ones you can’t see.

Blunt force trauma from a collision can cause:

• Internal bleeding
• Punctured or collapsed lungs
• Liver, spleen, or kidney injuries
• Bowel or bladder damage
• Rib fractures that damage nearby organs

Warning signs:

• Severe or worsening chest or abdominal pain
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling or hardness in the abdomen
• Lightheadedness, fainting, or extreme fatigue

These injuries are medical emergencies and can be fatal if not diagnosed promptly. Immediate ER evaluation is critical after a serious crash on NYC streets, even if you think you’re “just banged up.”

9. Traumatic Amputation, Scarring & Disfigurement

In the most severe NYC bike crashes – often involving trucks, buses, or high-speed impacts – a limb or digit may be:

• Severed during the collision, or
• So badly crushed or damaged that surgical amputation is required

Cyclists who suffer traumatic amputations may need:

• Multiple reconstructive surgeries
• Prosthetic limbs or devices (periodically replaced or upgraded)
• Extensive rehab and physical therapy
• Home and vehicle modifications
• Job retraining or complete career changes
• Ongoing psychological support

Significant scarring and disfigurement, especially on the face, hands, and arms, can affect your confidence, social life, and career for years. These are significant, permanent injuries that require careful, long-range financial planning.

10. Emotional & Psychological Trauma After a NYC Bike Crash

A bicycle accident in New York City is not just a physical event – it can be deeply traumatic.

Many riders experience:

• Anxiety or panic near traffic, intersections, or bike lanes
• Fear of riding again
• Nightmares or flashbacks
• Depression or mood changes
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

These are real, compensable injuries. Mental health treatment – therapy, counseling, and sometimes medication – may be essential for recovery. Under New York law, emotional distress, PTSD, and loss of enjoyment of life are recognized damages when caused by someone else’s negligence.

Why Prompt Medical Care Matters After a NYC Bicycle Accident

After a crash on an NYC street or bike lane, many cyclists try to “shake it off” and go home. That can be a grave mistake.

You should seek medical attention right away because:

1. Serious injuries can be hidden.
   Concussions, spinal injuries, internal bleeding, and soft tissue damage often don’t show full symptoms for hours or days.
2. Delays can worsen your condition.
   Early diagnosis and treatment lead to better outcomes and fewer long-term complications.
3. Medical records protect your legal claim.
   If you wait to see a doctor, insurance companies may argue that you weren’t really hurt or that something else caused your symptoms.

Follow your doctor’s treatment plan, attend all follow-up appointments, and keep copies of all medical records and bills – they’re critical for your NYC bicycle injury claim.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in New York City

If you’re able, these steps can protect your health and your legal rights:

1. Call 911 and get emergency medical care.
   Don’t minimize your pain or symptoms.
2. Make sure the police respond and file a report.
   A New York City police report can be vital evidence if the driver later changes their story.
3. Gather information at the scene.
   • Driver’s name, address, license number, license plate, and insurance
   • Names and contact info of any witnesses
4. Document the scene and your injuries.
   • Photos of the vehicles, your bicycle, your injuries, skid marks, road defects, traffic lights, and signage
   • Preserve your damaged bike, helmet, and gear – don’t throw anything away
5. Be honest about your symptoms.
   Tell EMTs and doctors everywhere about any pain and anything that feels “off.”
6. Do not give a recorded statement to insurance adjusters.
   Insurance companies are not on your side. They may use your words against you.
7. Contact a NYC bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible.
   Evidence in New York City disappears quickly: vehicles are repaired, surveillance footage is overwritten, and witnesses move on.

Your Legal Rights & Compensation After a NYC Bicycle Crash

If your bike accident was caused by a negligent driver, dangerous road condition, or other wrongdoing, you may be entitled to compensation under New York law.

No-Fault Benefits & Serious Injury Threshold

In many bike–car collisions in NYC:

• The vehicle’s no-fault (PIP) insurance may cover initial medical expenses and some lost wages, up to policy limits.
• If your injuries meet New York’s “serious injury” threshold, you may bring a separate claim against the at-fault driver for pain and suffering and additional damages.

Comparative Negligence in New York

New York uses a comparative negligence system. You may still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, though your percentage of fault reduces your recovery.

Do not assume you’re responsible just because:

• The driver says you “came out of nowhere.”
• You’re not sure exactly what happened
• You’re the cyclist, and they were in a car

Liability in NYC bike crashes is often more complex than it appears.

Hit-and-Run & Uninsured Drivers in NYC

If the driver fled the scene or had no insurance, you may still have options, including:

• Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage under your own or a household member’s auto policy
• Certain state or municipal programs in specific situations
• Claims against other responsible parties (e.g., a municipality for a dangerous road condition)

Hit-and-run cases in New York are very time-sensitive. The sooner a lawyer is involved, the more can be done to identify coverage and preserve your rights.

Statutes of Limitations & NYC Filing Deadlines

Deadlines vary depending on who is responsible:

• Many personal injury claims against private individuals or companies must be filed within three years of the crash.
• Claims involving a city, state, or other public entity (such as an MTA bus, sanitation truck, or dangerous roadway) may require a Notice of Claim within 90 days, followed by a lawsuit within 1 year and 90 days in many situations.
• Wrongful death claims and cases involving minors have special rules.

Missing a deadline can permanently destroy your claim. Early legal advice is critical.

Types of Compensation in NYC Bicycle Accident Cases

Depending on the facts of your case, you may be able to recover:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Rehabilitation, physical therapy, and pain management
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Home care, assistive devices, and home modifications
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and mental health treatment
• Scarring, disfigurement, and disability
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Property damage (bike, helmet, clothing, phone, gear, etc.)
• Wrongful death damages if a loved one was killed in a NYC bicycle crash

Our goal as New York City bicycle accident attorneys is to understand how your injuries affect your life – now and in the future – and pursue compensation that reflects that reality.

How Greenstein & Pittari, LLP Helps Injured Cyclists in New York City

When you hire Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we take on the legal and insurance burden so you can focus on healing.

We will:

Thoroughly Investigate Your NYC Bike Crash

• Obtain and analyze police reports and 911 records
• Secure and review any available surveillance or traffic camera footage
• Interview witnesses
• Examine road design, traffic controls, and visibility issues
• Work with accident reconstruction experts when needed

Handle All Insurance & Legal Communications

• Deal directly with no-fault, liability, and UM/UIM insurers
• File all necessary paperwork and meet all NYC deadlines
• Shield you from pressure tactics and lowball settlement offers
• Ensure you don’t say or sign anything that harms your claim

Prove the Full Extent of Your Injuries

• Coordinate with your doctors, specialists, and therapists
• Consult with life-care planners, vocational experts, and economists
• Document how your injuries affect your work, family life, and daily activities

Negotiate Aggressively – and Go to Court When Necessary

• Pursue a full and fair settlement whenever possible
• File suit in New York courts and take your case to trial if insurers refuse to be reasonable

No Recovery, No Fee.
You pay no upfront legal fees. We only get paid if we recover money for you through a settlement or verdict.

Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari for a NYC Bicycle Accident Case?

• Local NYC presence & convenience – Offices in Harlem, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County
• Exclusive focus on personal injury – We handle serious accident and injury cases every day
• Our Fee Guarantee – No Fee Unless Successful
• Bilingual services available
• Hundreds of positive client reviews and testimonials
• Top-rated, award-winning attorneys (including recognition by Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers)
• We deal with the insurance companies so you can focus on treatment and recovery

“Don’t Be a Victim Twice.”
If you are a victim of a bicycle accident – including one involving an uninsured or underinsured vehicle – call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) to schedule a confidential consultation.

FAQ: Most Common Bicycle Accident Injuries in New York City

1. What are the most common bicycle accident injuries in NYC?

The most common New York City bicycle accident injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions
• Neck, back, and spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones and fractures (collarbone, wrists, arms, ribs, hips, legs, ankles)
• Soft tissue injuries (sprains, strains, ligament and tendon tears)
• Road rash, lacerations, and skin injuries
• Facial, dental, and eye injuries
• Internal organ damage and internal bleeding
• Emotional and psychological trauma

Many cyclists suffer more than one of these injuries in a single crash.

2. Do I need to see a doctor if I feel okay after a NYC bike crash?

Yes. Adrenaline and shock can hide serious injuries. Head, neck, back, and internal injuries often get worse over time and may not be obvious immediately.

Seeing a doctor:

• Protects your health
• Helps prevent complications
• Creates medical records tying your injuries to the crash – critical in a New York City personal injury claim

3. Can I still bring a claim if I wasn’t wearing a helmet in NYC?

Often, yes. Not wearing a helmet does not excuse a driver’s negligence and does not automatically bar your claim in New York.

You may still pursue compensation for:

• Non-head injuries
• Medical bills
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Disability and loss of enjoyment of life

The impact of helmet use on your case depends on the specific facts. A NYC bike accident lawyer can evaluate this for you.

4. Who pays my medical bills after a bike accident with a car in NYC?

When a motor vehicle is involved, New York’s no-fault (PIP) laws often apply:

• The vehicle’s no-fault insurance may cover certain medical expenses and some lost wages, up to policy limits.
• If your injuries meet the “serious injury” threshold, you may bring a separate claim against the at-fault driver for additional damages, including pain and suffering.

The rules are complex and time-sensitive. We help injured cyclists navigate New York’s no-fault system and pursue all available compensation.

5. What if I was partially at fault for my NYC bicycle accident?

Under New York’s comparative negligence law, you may still recover compensation even if you were partly at fault. Your percentage of fault reduces your recovery.

Insurance companies love to blame cyclists. We push back with:

• Evidence from the scene
• Witness statements
• Expert analysis
• A careful review of NYC traffic laws and local conditions

6. What if the driver fled the scene or was uninsured?

You may still have options, including:

• Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage under your own or a household member’s auto policy
• Potential claims against other responsible entities, such as a municipality, depending on how the crash occurred

Hit-and-run and UM/UIM claims are time-sensitive and legally complex. Contact us as soon as possible so we can investigate and protect your rights.

7. How long do I have to bring a bicycle accident claim in New York City?

Deadlines depend on who’s at fault:

• Many personal injury cases against private individuals or companies must be filed within three years of the accident.
• Claims involving the City of New York or other public entities often require a Notice of Claim within 90 days, with a shorter time to file suit.
• Wrongful death and cases involving minors have different time limits.

Missing a deadline can permanently bar your claim. Please don’t wait to speak with a New York City personal injury attorney.

8. How much does it cost to hire Greenstein & Pittari, LLP?

We represent injured cyclists on a contingency fee basis:

• No upfront fees
• No hourly bills
• We only get paid if we recover money for you through a settlement or verdict

If we do not obtain compensation, you owe us no legal fee.

Talk to a New York City Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one suffered any of these common bicycle accident injuries in New York City – whether in a bike lane, crosswalk, intersection, or traffic lane – you don’t have to navigate this alone.

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we combine serious legal experience with genuine compassion for what you’re going through.

• Free, confidential consultation
• No fee unless we win
• Serving cyclists in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, and beyond

Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) or contact Greenstein & Pittari, LLP online today to discuss your NYC bicycle accident, your injuries, and how we can help you pursue the full compensation you deserve.