If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, our decades of experience and expertise can help you seek justice. To achieve the best outcome, our firm will conduct a thorough investigation, including reviewing medical records, consulting experts, and examining police reports and other relevant documentation.
Mainetti & Mainetti P.C.’s Poughkeepsie personal injury law office is located at 9 Mansion St #224, Poughkeepsie 12601.
845-404-1700
Injured? Contact us today for a free personal injury consultation.
ContactCommon Causes of Bicycle Accidents Leading to Liability
Several situations can result in bicycle accidents where another party may be held responsible through litigation:
- Being “doored” by a car door unexpectedly opening
- Struck by a speeding or distracted driver
- Crashing due to road defects
- Injuries sustained while working as a cyclist
- Hit-and-run incidents or accidents involving uninsured motorists
- Injuries from “road rage” or intentional targeting
Aggressive Representation for Bicycle Accident Victims
We have extensive experience representing clients who have suffered:
- Neck and back injuries
- Fractures and amputations
- Brain injuries
Whether you’re working in the gig economy or a full-time job, a bicycle accident can take you out of work, cause long-term health issues, and lead to overwhelming medical bills. If someone else was responsible for your accident, you deserve to be compensated for your suffering.
Compensation After a Bicycle Accident
While cyclists don’t carry insurance, responsible parties—such as drivers, municipalities, or businesses—do. If a bicycle accident causes serious injuries, leading to lost wages, medical expenses, or even death, it’s crucial for the victim and their family to seek full compensation.
New York follows comparative fault laws for bicycle accidents, meaning that even if a cyclist is partially at fault, they can still receive compensation based on their level of responsibility. For example, if a jury awards $100,000 in damages but the cyclist is found 20% at fault, the award would be reduced to $80,000.
Additionally, New York’s “no-fault” insurance laws ensure that bicycle riders struck by a vehicle are entitled to at least $50,000 in medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who is at fault. The no-fault insurance from the vehicle involved will cover these costs, which is separate from any additional compensation the cyclist may pursue.
Where do Dutchess County bicycle crashes take place?
- City of Poughkeepsie – 18 Bicycle Crashes
- Town of Poughkeepsie – 9 Bicycle Crashes
- Hyde Park – 2 Bicycle Crashes
- Dover – 2 Bicycle Crashes
- City of Beacon – 2 Bicycle Crashes
Dutchess County Personal Injury Settlements
Police recorded 39 bicycle-injury crashes in 2023, including 1 fatal and 11 serious-injury wrecks, so roughly three riders a month were hurt.
City of Poughkeepsie led with 16 crashes, followed by Town of Poughkeepsie (9), East Fishkill (4) and Beacon (2).
Yes. 30 of 39 injured riders were helmet-less, and 10 of those 30 suffered moderate-to-serious trauma, a far higher rate than helmeted riders.
Top factors in 2023 reports: 1. Rider error/confusion (19) 2. Driver failure to yield (15) 3. Driver distraction (9) 4 Disregarding signals/signs (5).
Yes. New York’s no-fault law covers cyclists struck by a motor vehicle for up to $50,000 in medical bills and lost wages, regardless of fault.
Probably. NY’s comparative fault rule reduces (but doesn’t erase) damages by your percentage of blame. Example: 25 % fault means that you keep 75 % of the award.
Three years from the crash date. If a municipal road defect or city vehicle is involved, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days.
Photos of the scene, damaged bike/gear, helmet, medical records, witness contacts, dash-cam or street-cam video, and (for e-bikes) the device’s data log.
Class 1–3 e-bikes are legal on most NY roads/paths, but speeds over 20 mph or a throttle-only mode can shift liability and insurance coverage, so ask us.
Zero up-front. We advance all costs and work on a contingency fee, but you pay only if we win compensation for you.
