Trusted bicycle accident attorneys with over 75 years of experience representing injury victims across New York.
Our Hempstead, NY bicycle accident lawyerknows that when a car hits a rider, the injuries tend to be severe, and financial hardships tend to follow. At Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson, LLP, we have been fighting for injured New Yorkers for over 75 years. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Bicycle Accident Attorney Hempstead, NY
What does it actually take to win a bicycle accident case in Nassau County? Cyclists get treated differently, by drivers, by insurers, and sometimes by courts. Questions about lane positioning, helmet use, traffic signal compliance, and how New York’s comparative negligence rules apply to a rider’s conduct all become leverage points for insurance adjusters trying to reduce what they owe.
Legally, your claim requires proving that another party owed you a duty of care, failed to meet it, and that failure caused your injuries. But when there are conflicting accounts of how the crash happened, missing footage and evidence, or a driver who insists the cyclist came out of nowhere. So building a case that holds up against opposing parties requires investigation and preparation from a team who has done this before.
Types of Bicycle Accident Cases We Handle in Hempstead
We represent riders hurt in crashes throughout Hempstead and across Nassau County. The circumstances differ from case to case, but our commitment to recovering what clients are owed does not. Here are the types of cases we handle:
- Car accidents. Most serious bike crashes involve a passenger vehicle, such as dooring incidents, intersection failures, distracted driving, illegal turns.
- Truck accidents. A commercial truck striking a cyclist almost always results in catastrophic injuries. These cases involve multiple potential defendants, including the driver, the carrier, and sometimes a loading company.
- Pedestrian-related collisions. Crashes in mixed-use areas, crosswalks, and shared paths can blur the lines between pedestrian and vehicle claims.
- Motorcycle accidents. When a motorcyclist and a cyclist are both involved, reconstructing what happened and allocating fault correctly requires careful analysis.
- Lyft accidents. A driver for a rideshare platform who opens a door into a bike lane, or cuts a rider off while looking at the app, creates real coverage complications. We know how those layered insurance policies work and where to find recovery.
- Defective road and infrastructure conditions. Potholes, deteriorated pavement, missing signage, and poorly designed bike lanes maintained by a municipality can form the basis of a premises or government liability claim.
- Wrongful death cases. When a crash is fatal, we represent the surviving family in wrongful death claims. It’s some of the most consequential work we do, and we approach it accordingly.
Why Choose Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson, LLP for Bicycle Accidents in Hempstead, NY?
Trial-Tested Experience Since 1978
The firm was co-founded in 1978 by Martin Schiowitz, who serves as Founding and Managing Partner with over 50 years of practice. He has handled high-stakes personal injury cases, wrongful death litigation, products liability claims, labor law matters, and complex municipal liability disputes throughout his career. His peers selected him as a Super Lawyer, which is a recognition that comes from other attorneys in the field. The firm he built has recovered millions for injured New Yorkers across a wide range of case types.
Jeremy Schiowitz has more than 16 years of experience representing injury victims across New York City and Long Island. Named a Super Lawyer every year from 2014 through 2025, he argued a landmark appellate case that fundamentally changed how train platform accident liability is analyzed in New York City. That kind of appellate track record shapes how a case gets built from day one. As a personal injury lawyer in Hempstead, NY, he brings that same rigor to every Nassau County file.
Results That Matter
Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for clients across New York, including riders left with traumatic brain injuries, spinal fractures, and long, difficult recoveries that changed the trajectory of their lives. Those results come from preparation, persistence, and a willingness to go to trial when the insurer won’t negotiate fairly.
Understanding Bicycle Accident Cases in Hempstead
Damages, Liability, and Compensation for Bicycle Accident Cases
What a bicycle accident victim in Hempstead, NY can recover depends on the nature of the injuries, how liability is allocated, and the insurance coverage available. Here are examples of economic damages that you may receive compensation for:
- Current and future medical costs (emergency treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, physical therapy, durable medical equipment)
- Lost wages during recovery, and reduced earning capacity if the injuries create long-term limitations
- Out-of-pocket expenses like transportation to appointments, prescription costs, and home modifications if the injuries are severe
New York follows a pure comparative fault standard. If a jury finds you 20% responsible for the crash, your recovery is reduced by 20%, but it is not eliminated. Defense attorneys know about this angle and may work hard to push that percentage as high as possible, but we know how to strategically counter this.
Important Aspects in Your Bicycle Accident Case
A few things consistently affect how Nassau County bicycle accident claims develop. Here are considerations for your case that we can review with you over a consultation.
- Helmet use. Wearing a helmet is not legally required for adults in New York State. But defense attorneys raise it anyway, framing it as comparative fault evidence.
- Surveillance footage and witness statements. Visual recordings can be the deciding factor when stories conflict. Early action on evidence preservation matters more than most clients initially realize.
- Treatment gaps. If you delay in getting medical care, the defense counsel may use this to show your injuries were not as severe as you claim. Getting treatment shortly after the crash is imperative to your health and case outcome.
- Filing deadlines. Personal injury claims in New York generally carry a three-year statute of limitations from the date of the accident. Claims against government entities are different, as a notice of claim must be filed within 90 days. If you miss this deadline, it typically ends your case.
Bicycle Accident Case Timeline
Bicycle accident cases don’t all move at the same pace, but the general progression in a Hempstead bicycle accident claim tends to follow a consistent arc:
- Immediately after the crash: Get medical attention and document everything you can, including photos of the scene, the bike, your injuries, the vehicle involved. Do not provide a recorded statement to any insurance company before speaking with an attorney.
- Investigation and filing: We obtain the police report, collect witness statements, review relevant surveillance footage, and analyze available insurance coverage before submitting your claim.
- Insurance negotiation: The at-fault driver’s carrier will make an offer. Almost always, it’s lower than what the case is worth. We evaluate it, respond, and push back with the evidence and legal support to justify a higher number.
- Litigation when necessary: If negotiations stall, we file suit. Discovery follows, depositions are taken, and motion practice begins.
- Resolution: The majority of cases settle before trial. But when they don’t, we are prepared to try them.
What to Bring to Your Bicycle Accident Consultation
Bring what evidence and information you have to your consultation. Most people don’t come in with everything organized, and you don’t have to. Here is what is most useful to us during your meeting:
- A copy of the police report, if one was filed at the scene
- Photos of your injuries, the damaged bike, and the location of the crash
- Medical records and any bills you’ve received so far
- Contact information for witnesses, if you were able to get it
- Insurance information for both you and the driver, to the extent you have it
We’ll tell you what else we need once we understand the situation. The first conversation is about getting a clear picture of what happened and what we suggest doing next to pursue payment for your damages and losses.
New York Legal Resources for Bicycle Accidents
New York’s legal framework for bicycle accident claims is built on several intersecting bodies of law. The resources below provide direct access to the statutes and agencies most relevant to a Nassau County cycling accident claim.
- New York Insurance Law § 5102: Defines the serious injury threshold that must be met to pursue pain and suffering damages in a no-fault accident case.
- New York General Municipal Law § 50-e: Governs the notice of claim requirement for lawsuits against government entities, including the 90-day filing window
- New York CPLR Article 14-A: Codifies New York’s pure comparative fault standard and how damages are apportioned when more than one party bears responsibility
Reach Out to Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson, LLP to Schedule a Consultation
If you were recently hit while on a bike and sustained injuries, please don’t wait to get legal help. The sooner you have counsel involved, the better positioned your case is from the start. Your initial consultation is free, and there is no obligation to continue. Contact Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson, LLP today to speak with a Hempstead bicycle accident lawyer about your situation.
Bicycle Accident Statistics in Hempstead
Cyclists are among the most vulnerable people on the road, with little between them and a passing vehicle. Nationwide, NHTSA data records 1,166 bicyclists killed and nearly 50,000 injured in traffic crashes in 2023, and New York accounted for 49 of those deaths. The risk has grown on Long Island in particular, where state data shows bicyclist fatalities rose from three to seven in a single reporting period. Serious injuries are common even in crashes that are not fatal. State health data reports an annual average of more than 630 hospitalizations and 3,700 emergency room visits among New York cyclists injured by motor vehicles. Each of these figures represents a rider whose life was disrupted, and many of them lead to a claim in Hempstead.
Types of Evidence Used in Bicycle Accident Cases
A bicycle accident case is built on evidence, and much of it can disappear within days of the crash. The stronger the record, the harder it is for an insurer to shift blame onto the rider. These are the categories of evidence that carry the most weight.
- The police report. An officer’s report documents the parties, the location, any citations issued, and an initial account of what happened. If none was prepared at the scene, we help with obtaining the police report afterward.
- Surveillance and traffic-camera footage. Nearby businesses, doorbell cameras, and intersection cameras sometimes capture the crash. This footage is frequently overwritten within a few days, so prompt preservation is critical.
- The bicycle and the vehicle. The damage to each, and the points of contact, help reconstruct the speed, angle, and direction of impact.
- Photographs of the scene. Images of the roadway, signage, lighting, skid marks, and the resting positions of the bicycle and vehicle can establish exactly what happened.
- Witness statements. Independent accounts can prove decisive when the rider and driver describe the crash differently.
- Medical records. These connect the injuries to the crash and document their severity. Serious outcomes such as traumatic brain injuries require careful documentation from the first hospital visit forward.
- The driver’s conduct. Evidence of distraction, speeding, or a failure to yield helps establish fault, and phone records can show whether the driver was texting at the time.
- Accident reconstruction. In disputed or catastrophic cases, an engineer can analyze the physical evidence and explain how the collision occurred.
Together, this evidence is what makes proving negligence possible. Duty, breach, causation, and damages each have to be supported by something concrete. The sooner an attorney begins gathering these materials, the more of them survive, which is why early involvement often shapes the outcome of a claim.
Hempstead Bicycle Accident Lawyer FAQs
How much does a bicycle accident lawyer in Hempstead cost?
We take bicycle accident cases on contingency. You pay nothing up front and no hourly rate. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, and if there is no recovery, you owe no attorney fee. The first consultation is free. Our overview of how contingency fees work explains the arrangement in plain terms.
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in Hempstead, NY?
Most New York personal injury claims carry a three-year deadline from the date of the crash. Claims against a government entity are different and can require a notice of claim within 90 days. Because the statute of limitations and these shorter windows are strict, it is wise to speak with an attorney early.
Does no-fault insurance apply if a car hit my bicycle?
Often, yes. A cyclist struck by a motor vehicle can generally access no-fault benefits through the driver’s insurance for initial medical costs and a portion of lost earnings. Our explanation of PIP coverage covers how those benefits work. When injuries are serious, you may also pursue the at-fault driver directly.
What if the driver fled the scene or had no insurance?
You may still have options. Many New York auto policies include uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, which can apply after a hit-and-run or when the driver carries too little insurance. Reviewing your own uninsured motorist coverage is one of the first steps we take in these cases.
What is my bicycle accident case worth?
It depends on the facts. Value reflects the severity and permanence of your injuries, your medical costs, lost income, and the insurance available. Our discussion of the types of damages explains the categories. Two riders with similar injuries can recover very different amounts depending on liability and coverage.
What if I was partly at fault for the crash?
You can still recover in most cases. New York’s comparative negligence rules reduce a recovery by your share of fault rather than eliminating it. Insurers often argue that a rider ran a signal or rode unpredictably. How the rule applies to your crash is something we review with you directly.
What if a pothole or road defect caused my crash?
That may point to a claim against the government entity responsible for maintaining the road. These claims carry the shorter notice requirements described above, often 90 days, so time is limited. We investigate who controlled the roadway and whether the defect was known or should have been addressed.
Should I talk to the driver’s insurance company?
Be cautious. The driver’s insurer is not working for you, and early recorded statements are frequently used to reduce a payout. You can decline a recorded statement and direct the adjuster to your attorney. Reporting the crash is fine, but keep the details brief until you have counsel.
The insurer offered a settlement. Should I accept it?
Not without a careful review. First offers tend to be low and are designed to close the claim before the full injury picture is clear. You are not required to accept, and we can explain what it means to reject a settlement offer and negotiate for a fairer number.
Do I need a lawyer for a bicycle accident?
Not every claim requires one. But bicycle cases often involve severe injuries, disputed fault, and insurers who assume the rider was careless. A bicycle accident attorney in Hempstead can preserve the evidence, manage the insurer, and value the claim properly. Our notes on choosing an attorney may help you decide.
Local Information for Hempstead Bicycle Accident Cases
Most Dangerous Locations for Bicycle Accidents in Hempstead
Some roads in and around Hempstead carry more risk for cyclists than others, usually where traffic is heavy and dedicated bike infrastructure is limited. A few worth knowing:
- Hempstead Turnpike (NY 24). A wide, high-speed arterial with heavy traffic and little accommodation for cyclists.
- Fulton Avenue. A busy commercial corridor with frequent turning traffic and constant curbside activity.
- Peninsula Boulevard. A high-volume route where vehicle speeds leave a narrow margin for error.
- Main Street and Front Street downtown. Congested blocks shared with buses and cars, with few bike lanes.
- The roads around the Hempstead Transit Center. Heavy vehicle and foot traffic converge in a compact area.
These are not the only places crashes happen, but they account for a meaningful share of the cases we handle.
What Are Important Local Resources for Hempstead Bicycle Accidents?
After a crash in Hempstead, a few contacts are worth keeping on hand for reports, records, and care.
- Hempstead Police Department: 516-483-6200. The Village of Hempstead’s police respond to crashes and prepare reports for incidents within village limits.
- Nassau University Medical Center: 516-572-0123. The area’s Level I trauma center, on Hempstead Turnpike in East Meadow, treats many of the most seriously injured patients.
- Nassau County Supreme Court: 516-493-3400. At 100 Supreme Court Drive in Mineola, this is where civil personal injury lawsuits in Nassau County are filed and heard.
We list these for convenience only. Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson, LLP does not endorse and is not affiliated with the organizations above.
About Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson, LLP
Partner Jeremy Schiowitz earned his law degree from Brooklyn Law School. His work representing injured New Yorkers has drawn press coverage from outlets including ABC and the New York Post. The attorneys at Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson, LLP have recovered millions of dollars for injured cyclists and other clients across Nassau County.
What Our Clients Say
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Although the previous lawyer provided very negative information about me and my case, Jeremy Schiowitz took his time to know me, to understand the details of my case, and eventually he decided to take me as a client. And it was a blessing. He handled all the details of my case very diligently and professionally, and we got to the best resolution I could hope for.”
Norbert K.
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Contact Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson, LLP
A crash while riding can leave you with severe injuries and mounting costs through no fault of your own. You have the right to seek full compensation. Our Hempstead bicycle accident lawyer reviews your case at no cost and explains your options in plain language. We work on contingency, so there are no fees unless we recover for you. You can expect a clear account of your claim, what it may be worth, and the steps ahead. Our office answers calls at any hour. Contact us when you are ready, and we will take it from there.
