Content reviewed by:
Alex Shulman
If you were hit on your bike, a quick, clear plan can help you protect your health and your claim. When you need a bicycle accident lawyer in Huntington, you want practical guidance that fits New York law and local courts.
Our team at Shulman & Hill handles claims involving negligent drivers, dooring, hit‑and‑run, and unsafe roads. This page explains your rights, deadlines, possible compensation, and how our personal injury lawyer in Huntington builds strong cases under New York law. We have recovered over $1 billion in compensation for our clients over the years.
Your Rights After a Bike Crash in New York
After a collision with a motor vehicle, New York’s no‑fault rules often apply to cyclists. You may access Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits from the driver’s insurer as a “covered person,” even though you were on a bike. PIP helps with medical bills and a portion of lost wages up to policy limits.
You can also bring a claim against the at‑fault driver for additional losses. To seek pain and suffering against a motorist, New York Insurance Law 5102(d) requires a “serious injury.” Our bicycle accident lawyers in Huntington can evaluate your medical records early, so you know where your case stands.
New York uses pure comparative negligence. If a driver or another party shares fault, you can still recover, but your percentage of responsibility reduces your award.
Huntington Bicycle Accident Laws and Deadlines
Most personal injury lawsuits in New York have a three‑year statute of limitations from the date of the crash. Wrongful death claims generally have two years from the date of death. If a municipal entity may be responsible, like a town, county, or transit authority, you typically must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days and may have a shorter deadline to sue.
Cyclists hit by motor vehicles can claim PIP from the at‑fault vehicle’s insurer. If there is no available coverage, the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC) may be an option in limited situations. We review coverage sources early, so your medical bills do not overwhelm you.
Helmet use does not bar recovery. New York law does not require adult cyclists to wear helmets statewide; however, the lack of a helmet could be argued by insurers on head injury claims. We prepare to address those arguments with medical evidence.
How the Serious Injury Threshold Affects Pain and Suffering
To recover non‑economic damages from a motorist, like pain and suffering, you must meet the “serious injury” threshold. Categories include fractures, significant disfigurement, permanent consequential limitation, or a medically determined impairment that prevents usual activities for at least 90 of the first 180 days.
We work with treating physicians and independent specialists to document range‑of‑motion loss, ongoing symptoms, and functional limits. Clear medical proof often drives settlement value.
How Liability Works and Who May Be at Fault in Huntington
Multiple parties may share blame in a bike crash. A driver may be responsible for speeding, distraction, failure to yield, dooring, or unsafe passing. A commercial employer may be liable if the driver was on the job, and a rideshare company’s policy might apply if the app was active.
Other defendants can include property owners who created hazards, mechanics who performed faulty repairs on fleet vehicles, or public entities for unsafe road design. When evidence shows shared fault, we pursue each responsible party to reach the full measure of available insurance.
If it was a hit‑and‑run, our bicycle accident lawyers in Huntington will track down video, plate readers, and event data recorders. If the driver cannot be found, we assess MVAIC or your own uninsured motorist coverage if a vehicle in your household provides it.
Our Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Huntington Can Build an Evidence Record
Strong claims are built on proof. From day one, we secure time‑sensitive evidence, protect it from alteration, and create a documentation trail that tells the story of how the crash happened and how your life changed.
We gather police reports, 911 audio, dash‑cam and surveillance video, photos, black box data, and driver cell‑phone logs. We also use scene inspections, roadway measurements, and visibility analyses. On the injury side, we rely on medical imaging, treatment notes, test results, and opinions from treating doctors and appropriate consultants.
Damages You Can Seek and How We Calculate Them
Your claim may include medical bills, future treatment, lost income, and reduced earning capacity. For many cyclists, therapy and lingering orthopedic or head injuries create long‑term costs. We project those needs so settlement talks reflect the full picture.
Non‑economic damages, if you meet the serious injury threshold, cover pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and daily limitations. We build these through medical findings, functional testing, and testimony from people who know you best.
Property damage to your bike and gear is part of the claim. We document repair or replacement values and account for custom components, fit, and performance impacts that general adjusters often miss.
Dealing With Insurers and Negotiating a Settlement
Insurers move fast, and early offers often undercount medical needs and future risk. We handle all communications, submit demand packages with organized evidence, and respond to common defenses about visibility, lane position, and comparative fault.
In a typical negotiation, we present a supported damages model, respond with counteroffers grounded in proof, and set deadlines. If an insurer undervalues your case, we prepare for litigation while remaining open to productive talks.
Recorded statements can undercut your claim. Before speaking with an adjuster, consult a Huntington bicycle accident attorney who can protect your interests and guide the process.
Contact Our Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Huntington
You don’t have to sort out liability, medical billing, and insurance rules alone. Shulman & Hill helps injured cyclists and families pursue full and fair compensation under New York law.
If you were hurt in a bike crash, contact us for a free consultation. We can review your options, manage the claim, and, when needed, file suit to protect your rights.