Biking in Brooklyn, NY: Staying Safe on the Road and Knowing Your Legal Options After a Crash

Cycling has become one of the most popular ways to get around Brooklyn. With its bustling streets, scenic parks, and growing network of bike lanes, more people than ever are using bicycles for commuting, exercise, and recreation. But with the increase in bike traffic comes a higher risk of accidents. As someone who has spent years helping injured cyclists, I know how quickly a joyful ride can turn into a serious legal and medical battle.

Everyday Risks Cyclists Face

Biking in Brooklyn can be both rewarding and challenging. While bike lanes offer some protection, cyclists still share the road with cars, trucks, buses, and pedestrians. Many crashes happen because of distracted drivers, dooring incidents (when a driver opens a car door into a cyclist’s path), or drivers failing to yield the right of way. Poorly maintained roads and intersections without clear markings can also create dangerous situations.

When an accident occurs, the injuries are often severe. From broken bones and lacerations to spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries, cyclists have little physical protection compared to drivers. That’s why knowing your rights and what steps to take after a crash is so important.

What to Do Immediately After a Bicycle Crash

If you are involved in a bike accident, the moments afterward can feel overwhelming. Here are some important steps I always advise clients to take when possible:

1. Get medical help right away. Even if you think your injuries are minor, some conditions—like concussions or internal bleeding—may not be immediately obvious.

2. Call the police. Having an official report is crucial for any future insurance claims or legal action.

3. Gather evidence. Take photos of your injuries, damaged bike, vehicles involved, and the accident scene. Collect names and contact information of witnesses.

4. Avoid admitting fault. Even casual statements like “I didn’t see the car” can be used against you later.

5. Contact a personal injury lawyer. An experienced attorney can help you navigate insurance claims, deal with medical bills, and pursue the compensation you deserve.

How an Injury Lawyer Can Help Cyclists

Many people assume their insurance company will take care of everything after an accident, but that’s rarely the case. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, leaving victims with large medical bills and lost wages. Working with a personal injury attorney ensures that your rights are protected and your claim is handled properly.

As a Brooklyn car accident lawyer, I’ve helped clients recover compensation for:

• Hospital bills, surgeries, and rehabilitation

• Lost income from time away from work

• Pain and suffering caused by long-term injuries

• Property damage to bikes and personal belongings

For cyclists with more serious outcomes—such as spinal cord or traumatic brain injuries—partnering with a skilled injury lawyer becomes even more critical. These cases require extensive resources, expert witnesses, and strong negotiation skills to ensure a fair settlement.

Why Choosing the Right Lawyer Matters

Not every attorney has the same level of experience handling bicycle crash claims. You want someone who understands not only personal injury law but also the unique challenges cyclists face in urban environments.

When you work with a firm like Gelbstein & Associates, you gain access to a team with decades of combined experience and proven results in handling injury cases. From negotiating with insurance adjusters to fighting in court when necessary, the goal is always the same: securing the best possible outcome for clients.

I often hear people searching for a “car accident lawyer near me” or the “best injury lawyer” to handle their case. While online searches can be helpful, the most important factor is choosing a lawyer who listens, communicates clearly, and has a record of winning cases similar to yours.

Staying Safe While Cycling in Brooklyn

Prevention is always better than dealing with the aftermath of a crash. While you can’t control the behavior of drivers, you can take steps to reduce your risks:

• Wear a properly fitted helmet.

• Make yourself visible with reflective gear and lights, especially at night.

• Follow traffic laws and ride predictably.

• Use designated bike lanes whenever available.

• Stay alert and avoid distractions such as headphones.

These habits won’t eliminate every danger, but they can significantly lower the chances of a serious collision.

Protecting Your Rights After an Accident

Biking is part of Brooklyn’s culture, but with it comes the unfortunate reality of crashes and injuries. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a bicycle accident, know that you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Having the right legal team by your side makes a world of difference when it comes to medical recovery, financial stability, and peace of mind.

At Gelbstein & Associates, we’ve been helping accident victims since 1973, combining courtroom experience with compassionate client service. Our firm has secured millions of dollars in compensation for injured New Yorkers, and we continue to stand by cyclists when they need us most.

If you’ve been injured in a bike crash, reach out for a free case evaluation. You can contact us today at 855-LAW-24-07 or through our contact page.