Brooklyn Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Attorney Michael Gunzburg

What Our Clients Say

Who Needs a Brooklyn Bicycle Accident Lawyer?

You need a Brooklyn bicycle accident lawyer if you were injured while riding and another party's negligence caused the crash. That includes a Brooklyn cyclist hit by a car, a delivery rider struck in a bike lane, a commuter who was doored by a parked vehicle, or a rider hurt by a pothole or defective road condition. These cases happen across the borough, on Flatbush Avenue, Atlantic Avenue, the Williamsburg Bridge approach, and side streets in Park Slope, Crown Heights, Bushwick, Bay Ridge, and DUMBO. If you were hurt while cycling and you're wondering whether you have a claim, the answer starts with a free call to (212) 725-8500.

Common Situations We Handle

Dooring Accidents

A driver or passenger opens a car door directly into a cyclist's path without checking. These collisions happen constantly on narrow Brooklyn streets with street parking, particularly along Atlantic Avenue, Court Street, and side streets in Park Slope and Carroll Gardens. The impact can throw a rider over the handlebars or into traffic.

Car Turns Without Yielding

Drivers making right or left turns frequently fail to check for cyclists proceeding through intersections. Busy intersections in Williamsburg, Flatbush, and Crown Heights are common sites for these crashes, often resulting in broken bones, head injuries, and road rash.

Bike Lane Obstruction Accidents

A vehicle parked, stopped, or driving in a designated bike lane forces cyclists into moving traffic. Brooklyn has an expanding bike lane network, but obstructions by delivery trucks, rideshare drivers, and double-parked cars are a persistent hazard.

Delivery Rider Collisions

Delivery workers cycling for apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and others are among the most vulnerable riders on Brooklyn streets. These workers are often hit by cars, trucks, and buses while riding along commercial corridors in Sunset Park, Bushwick, and Bed-Stuy.

Pothole and Road Defect Crashes

Defective road conditions, broken pavement, unmarked construction zones, missing manhole covers, and failed asphalt, cause cyclists to lose control and fall. The City of New York may be liable, but strict notice requirements apply. These cases require prompt attention.

Bus and Truck Collisions

Large vehicles, including MTA buses and commercial trucks, frequently squeeze cyclists off the road or turn into their path. Michael Gunzburg, P.C. secured a $1.025 million jury verdict for a 29-year-old cyclist who was nearly crushed by an NYC Transit Authority bus on 5th Avenue in Manhattan. The firm knows how to take on large transit authorities and their insurers.

Hit-and-Run Crashes

Some drivers leave the scene after hitting a cyclist. Even without identifying the at-fault driver, you may still be able to recover through your own uninsured motorist coverage or through the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC). Time is critical, deadlines for these claims are short.

Why Hiring a Brooklyn Bicycle Accident Lawyer Matters

Going without a lawyer after a bicycle accident means going up against an insurance company's team alone. Insurance adjusters are trained to reduce payouts, they will look for evidence that you were at fault, push you toward a quick low settlement before you understand the full extent of your injuries, and use anything you say against you. Without experienced legal representation, most injured cyclists recover far less than they're actually entitled to.

The power imbalance is real. A major insurer has lawyers, claims investigators, and years of experience handling these cases. You have injuries to heal from and bills piling up.

With experienced representation, the picture changes. Michael Gunzburg prepares every case for trial from day one. That preparation changes how insurance companies respond, they know he will fight in court if a fair settlement isn't offered. His dual credentials as an attorney and CPA give him a unique ability to document and present the full economic damages a cyclist has suffered, including lost future earning capacity, something many attorneys undervalue.

The result in a comparable case speaks for itself: a $1.025 million jury verdict for a cyclist whose injuries prevented him from returning to work as a web designer. The Transit Authority appealed the liability ruling to the Appellate Division, First Department, and lost. This firm has the experience and tenacity to see a case through, at every level.

For injured Brooklyn cyclists, that kind of advocacy makes a measurable difference. Reach out to our personal injury team to discuss your options.

Who Can Be Held Responsible?

Multiple parties may share responsibility for a Brooklyn bicycle accident, and a thorough investigation is required to identify all of them. The most common responsible parties include:

• At-fault drivers who turned without looking, ran a red light, opened a door without checking, or drifted into a bike lane
• Vehicle owners whose employees or agents were operating the vehicle at the time of the crash
• Delivery companies and employers if a delivery driver or employee caused the crash while working
• Rideshare companies such as Uber or Lyft if their driver caused the accident
• The City of New York if a dangerous road condition, broken bike lane, or defective infrastructure contributed to the crash
• The New York City Transit Authority (NYCTA) if an MTA bus or other transit vehicle was involved
• Construction contractors who created unsafe road or sidewalk conditions without proper signage or barriers
• Property owners responsible for hazards that extend into the roadway

Identifying all responsible parties matters because each one may carry separate insurance coverage. Maximizing your recovery often depends on pursuing every liable party, not just the most obvious one.

What You May Be Entitled To Recover

Injured Brooklyn cyclists may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages. What you can recover depends on the severity of your injuries and the specific facts of your case, but a full claim typically includes:

Economic damages:

• Emergency room and hospital costs
• Surgery, follow-up care, and rehabilitation
• Future medical expenses, including ongoing treatment and assistive devices
• Lost wages from time missed at work
• Lost future earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term
• Out-of-pocket costs related to the accident

Non-economic damages:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and trauma
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium for the impact on your family and relationships

If a government entity, such as NYC Transit or the Department of Transportation, was responsible, No-Fault PIP coverage from the at-fault vehicle also covers initial medical bills and a portion of lost wages, regardless of fault. This does not limit your right to pursue additional compensation if your injuries meet New York's serious injury threshold.

Important Deadlines and Legal Rules

The most critical deadline in a Brooklyn bicycle accident case is 90 days, that is how long you have to file a Notice of Claim if a government entity like the NYC Transit Authority, the City of New York, or any municipal agency is involved. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your claim against that entity, even if you have a strong case.

For accidents involving private drivers and non-government defendants, New York's statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline means losing your right to compensation entirely.

Additional rules to know:

• No-Fault PIP coverage: If a motor vehicle hit you while cycling, you are generally entitled to No-Fault Personal Injury Protection benefits from the at-fault vehicle's insurer, covering medical bills and a portion of lost wages. You must apply promptly, deadlines for No-Fault claims are typically 30 days from the accident.
• Serious injury threshold: To sue for pain and suffering in New York, your injuries must meet the state's "serious injury" standard. This includes fractures, permanent loss or limitation of a body organ or function, significant disfigurement, or an injury that prevents you from performing normal activities for at least 90 of the 180 days following the accident. Most significant bicycle accident injuries qualify.
• Pure comparative negligence: New York allows recovery even if you were partially at fault. Your compensation is reduced proportionally to your share of fault, but you are not barred from recovering anything unless you are 100% responsible.
• Hit-and-run and uninsured driver claims: MVAIC claims and uninsured motorist claims also carry short reporting and filing windows. Do not wait to call an attorney.

What Happens After You Call Michael Gunzburg, P.C.

When you call Michael Gunzburg, P.C., you reach a firm that has represented injured cyclists for over 39 years. Here is what to expect.

A Real Conversation, Not a Screening Form

You will speak with someone who can give you a straight answer about your situation. Calls are returned within 24 hours. Michael Gunzburg is directly accessible to his clients throughout the case, not just at intake.

A Free, Honest Case Evaluation

Your free consultation covers the facts of the accident, your injuries, the applicable deadlines, and an honest assessment of your claim. You will not get inflated promises, you will get a realistic picture of your case and your options.

Investigation Starts Immediately

From day one, the firm works to preserve evidence. That means obtaining the police report, reviewing traffic camera footage, identifying witnesses, and building the record before memories fade and evidence disappears. If a government entity is involved, the 90-day Notice of Claim deadline makes early action non-negotiable.

Every Case Is Prepared for Trial

Insurance companies treat cases differently when they know a lawyer will take them to court. Michael Gunzburg prepares every case as if it is going before a jury. That preparation drives better settlement outcomes and ensures you are ready if trial becomes necessary.

You Are Kept Informed

You will never be left wondering what is happening with your case. The firm maintains regular communication by phone and email, explains legal developments in plain language, and makes sure you are part of every significant decision.

Benefits of Hiring a Brooklyn Bicycle Accident Lawyer

You Recover the Full Value of Your Losses

An experienced lawyer identifies every category of damages, not just your immediate medical bills. Michael Gunzburg's background as a CPA gives him a distinct edge in calculating and presenting economic losses such as future medical costs and diminished earning capacity. A $1.025 million verdict for an injured cyclist who could no longer work as a web designer reflects the kind of thorough damage analysis that separates a full recovery from an inadequate one.

Insurance Companies Take Your Claim Seriously

When you have a lawyer who has spent 39+ years taking cases through trial and appeal, insurance companies respond differently. They know Michael Gunzburg is not going to accept a lowball offer. That credibility, built over decades, directly affects how your case is valued and settled.

You Pay Nothing Unless You Win

Michael Gunzburg, P.C. works on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront costs and no hourly bills. The fee is a percentage of what is recovered for you, if there is no recovery, you owe nothing. This means you can access the same level of experienced legal representation regardless of your financial situation while you are healing.

You Are Protected From Costly Mistakes

Giving a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster, accepting a quick settlement offer, or missing a filing deadline can permanently damage your case. Having an attorney from the start means none of those missteps happen. The firm handles all communications with insurers and makes sure every deadline is met.

Key Takeaways

• In Brooklyn bicycle accident cases involving the City of New York or NYC Transit, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident, missing this deadline can end your case.
• New York follows pure comparative negligence, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the crash.
• If a motor vehicle hit you while cycling, you are generally entitled to No-Fault PIP benefits from the at-fault vehicle's insurer for medical bills and lost wages.
• Multiple parties, including drivers, employers, the City, NYC Transit, and construction contractors, may share responsibility for your accident.
• Michael Gunzburg is both a licensed attorney and a Certified Public Accountant, giving injured cyclists an advantage when calculating and proving the full economic value of their losses.

Proven Results and Client Experience

Michael Gunzburg, P.C. secured a $1.025 million jury verdict for a 29-year-old cyclist who was nearly crushed by a New York City Transit Authority bus near the main branch of the New York Public Library on 5th Avenue. The court found the Transit Authority 100% liable. The cyclist suffered broken bones to his right dominant forearm that required open surgery with permanent plates and screws, along with a future surgery to remove the hardware. He was unable to return to work as a web designer. The Transit Authority appealed the liability decision to the Appellate Division, First Department, and lost.

Beyond that result, Michael Gunzburg has spent 39+ years handling personal injury cases from inception through trial and appeal, including cases argued before the New York State Court of Appeals. He holds a Juris Doctorate from Brooklyn Law School, is a Certified Public Accountant in New York State, and has been a member of the Brooklyn Bar Association legal referral panel since 1989.

Clients consistently describe a firm that communicates honestly, fights throughout the entire process, and delivers results others said were not possible. You can read their stories at gunzburglaw.com/client-reviews/.

Common Questions About Brooklyn Bicycle Accident Cases

What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident in Brooklyn?

Call 911 to report the accident and get medical attention, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries, including concussions and internal damage. Get the driver's name, insurance information, and license plate. Photograph the scene, your bike, the vehicle, visible injuries, and any road conditions that contributed. Get contact information from witnesses. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company before speaking with a lawyer. Call (212) 725-8500 as soon as you are able, the sooner an attorney can start preserving evidence, the stronger your case.

Does New York's No-Fault insurance cover me as a cyclist?

Yes. If a motor vehicle hit you while you were riding, you are generally covered by that vehicle's No-Fault Personal Injury Protection insurance for medical bills and a portion of lost wages, just as a pedestrian would be. You must apply for No-Fault benefits promptly, typically within 30 days of the accident. No-Fault coverage does not prevent you from suing for full damages, including pain and suffering, if your injuries meet New York's serious injury threshold.

What if the driver who hit me was uninsured or left the scene?

You can still pursue compensation. If you own a vehicle with uninsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, that policy may apply to your bicycle accident. If no coverage is available, you may be able to file a claim through the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC). These claims carry short reporting deadlines, so contact an attorney immediately after a hit-and-run.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partly at fault?

Yes. New York follows pure comparative negligence, which means your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you are not barred from recovering anything unless you are 100% responsible. Insurance companies will often try to exaggerate your fault to reduce their payout. An attorney can counter those arguments with evidence, protecting your recovery.

How long do I have to file a bicycle accident lawsuit in Brooklyn?

For accidents involving private drivers and non-government defendants, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the accident. If a government entity was involved, such as the City of New York, NYC Transit, or the Department of Transportation, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days. Missing this shorter deadline can permanently bar your claim against the public entity. Do not wait to call a lawyer.

What is New York's "serious injury" threshold, and does it affect my case?

To sue for pain and suffering in New York, your injuries must meet the state's serious injury standard. This includes fractures, permanent loss or significant limitation of a body organ or function, significant disfigurement, or an injury that prevents you from performing normal daily activities for at least 90 of the 180 days following the accident. Most significant bicycle accident injuries, broken bones, head trauma, spinal injuries, and soft tissue damage requiring surgery, meet this threshold.

How much is my Brooklyn bicycle accident case worth?

Case value depends on the severity and permanence of your injuries, the amount of medical treatment required, how much work you missed, whether you have lasting limitations, and the strength of the evidence against the responsible party. Minor cases may settle for thousands of dollars. Cases involving surgery, brain injuries, or permanent disability can be worth hundreds of thousands or more. During your free consultation, you will receive an honest, case-specific assessment, not a generic range.

Should I accept the insurance company's first settlement offer?

No. Insurance companies routinely make early offers before you fully understand the extent of your injuries. Once you sign a settlement release, you give up your right to seek additional compensation, even if your recovery takes longer or costs more than expected. Michael Gunzburg, P.C. has seen adjusters offer a few thousand dollars for injuries that ultimately required surgery and caused permanent disability. In one case, the firm recovered over $1 million for a cyclist after the insurance company initially tried to minimize the claim. Get a free consultation before signing anything.

What if a pothole or road defect caused my crash?

You may have a claim against the City of New York. However, claims against the City require filing a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident, followed by a lawsuit within one year and 90 days. You must also show that the City had prior written notice of the defect. These cases require prompt action and specific evidence. Call (212) 725-8500 as soon as possible after a road defect crash.

Why hire Michael Gunzburg instead of another Brooklyn bicycle accident lawyer?

Michael Gunzburg brings something no other Brooklyn personal injury attorney can claim: 39+ years of trial experience combined with active CPA credentials. That dual background directly benefits cyclists because economic losses, lost wages, future earning capacity, and ongoing medical costs, are often the largest and most contested part of a bicycle accident claim. His track record includes a $1.025 million jury verdict for a cyclist injured by the NYC Transit Authority, a case he won through trial, survived appeal, and resolved for the full amount. You pay nothing unless you win.

Areas We Serve

Michael Gunzburg, P.C. represents injured cyclists throughout Brooklyn and the surrounding region. The firm handles bicycle accident cases in Park Slope, Williamsburg, Crown Heights, DUMBO, Bay Ridge, Bushwick, Bed-Stuy, Flatbush, Sunset Park, and Carroll Gardens. Cases arising on the Williamsburg Bridge approach, Atlantic Avenue, Flatbush Avenue, Eastern Parkway, and the borough's growing network of protected bike lanes are all within the firm's regular caseload. The firm also handles cases in Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, and Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Cases involving the Kings County Supreme Court are handled by an attorney with longstanding ties to the Brooklyn legal community.

Other Personal Injury (Brooklyn) Services We Offer

• Brooklyn Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
• Brooklyn Car Accident Lawyer
• Brooklyn Slip and Fall Lawyer
• Brooklyn Truck Accident Lawyer
• NYC Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer
• NYC Hit and Run Accident Lawyer