While New York City’s “Vision Zero” initiative has made cycling safer through expanded bike lanes, improved intersection designs, and enhanced traffic enforcement, accidents still occur.
With over 762,000 regular cyclists navigating Brooklyn’s streets, understanding your rights and knowing what to do after an accident is crucial.
The Reality of Brooklyn’s Bike Scene
Brooklyn boasts some of NYC’s busiest bike routes, with the Williamsburg Bridge area seeing over 7,000 daily cyclists. But with this volume comes risk—there were about eight accidents per mile of available cycling paths in 2025.
Common Accident Scenarios
Most—but not all—bicycle accidents stem from driver negligence:
- Intersection collisions due to drivers failing to spot cyclists
- “Dooring” incidents when parked cars open doors without checking
- Right hook and left cross collisions from failure to yield
- Side-swipe accidents from distracted driving
- Rear-end collisions
- Hazardous road conditions like potholes and debris
The two most common types of claims, according to Paul Koenigsberg, managing partner at Koenigsberg & Associates, are cars taking a turn and striking a bicycle; and “dooring” incidents. Dooring occurs when a driver opens their door without giving a cyclist enough time to either pass them, or stop safely as they travel along their route. It results in the cyclist, at best, receiving minor broken bones or a concussion, but can also be fatal.
NYC has widened bike lane areas for more cyclist and pedestrian safety. However, says Koenigsberg, if both the vehicle and the cyclist have a green light, it is more difficult for the vehicle to see a cyclist approaching from the widened lane while the vehicle is making a turn. “Some intersection lights have a turning signal for vehicles”, he said. “More traffic lights should be programmed to provide a turning signal for vehicles. The vehicle would wait to make its turn and this would enhance bicyclist and pedestrian safety.”
Your Legal Rights
Despite what insurance companies might claim, cyclists have equal rights on NYC roads. The law grants cyclists the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers, with all city traffic rules applying equally to protect them.
Drivers must exercise “due care” around cyclists, including maintaining safe passing distances when overtaking bikes. These protections ensure cyclists are recognized as legitimate road users with enforceable rights, while holding motorists accountable for their safety.
Knowing your rights is essential but knowing what actions to take immediately after an accident is more important. If you’re involved in a cycling accident, follow these steps:
Essential Steps After an Accident
- Seek immediate medical attention, even for minor injuries
- Call police and ensure they file a report
- Document everything:
- Photograph the scene, vehicle, and injuries
- Collect driver’s license and insurance information
- Gather witness contact details
- Preserve your damaged bicycle for expert examination
- Maintain detailed medical records
- Avoid recorded statements without legal counsel
When thinking about ways to improve the safety of injured cyclists Koenigsberg says, “New York City must increase the ability of emergency medical vehicles to quickly get through traffic. The traffic delay slows response time and places injured persons at great risk. Police must ticket any vehicle that does not yield to an ambulance with lights and sirens.”
Why Legal Representation Matters
Insurance companies often try to shift blame to minimize payouts. Having experienced legal representation ensures your rights are protected and you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs.
The Brooklyn Advantage: Local Experience Matters
With offices in Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens, Koenigsberg & Associates understands local cycling dynamics, traffic patterns, and the challenges NYC cyclists face. Their team has successfully represented hundreds of cyclists over the last 25 years, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve.
Don’t let insurance companies diminish your rights as a cyclist. If you’ve been injured while cycling in NYC, then you Better Call Paul! The team at Koenigsberg & Associates will fight to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
For more information go to their website.
