Bicycle Accident Lawyer Westchester NY | SRIS, P.C.
Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Westchester County, NY
A bicycle accident in Westchester County can lead to serious injuries under NY CPLR Article 14-A. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for injured cyclists. Our firm, founded in 1997, handles the details of insurance claims and litigation to pursue compensation for your medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact us for a case review.
New York Bicycle Accident Law
In New York, bicycle riders have the same rights and duties as drivers of motor vehicles. The legal framework for bicycle accident cases is built on principles of negligence and comparative fault. A key statute is NY CPLR Article 14-A, which governs how a cyclist’s own negligence can affect their recovery. For a claim to proceed, you must typically show that another party failed to use reasonable care, causing your accident and injuries. Insurance Law § 5102(d) defines the “serious injury” threshold required to seek compensation for pain and suffering in auto-related cases, which often includes collisions involving bicycles.
Last verified: April 2026 | Westchester County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of New York’s comparative fault law, refer to NY CPLR Article 14-A (official New York State Senate). For court procedures and forms in Westchester County, visit the Westchester County Supreme Court website.
Handling a Bicycle Accident Case in Westchester County
Bicycle accident claims in Westchester are filed in Supreme Court, which has unlimited jurisdiction for personal injury matters. The process begins with gathering evidence at the scene and seeking immediate medical attention. A Notice of Claim must be filed within 90 days if a municipality like a town or county is involved. The case proceeds through preliminary and compliance conferences before being placed on the trial calendar with a Note of Issue.
- Secure the scene, call police, and get medical help immediately.
- Document everything: take photos, get witness contacts, and obtain the police report.
- Notify your own auto insurance company, as you may have No-Fault (PIP) coverage.
- Consult with a Bicycle Accident Attorney Westchester NY before speaking to other insurers.
- Your attorney will investigate, collect medical records, and identify all liable parties.
- File a lawsuit in Westchester County Supreme Court before the 3-year statute of limitations expires.
Potential Damages and Recovery
In Westchester County, a bicycle accident can result in compensation for economic and non-economic damages, though recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault under New York’s pure comparative negligence rule.
| Damage Type | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Past and future hospital bills, surgery, rehabilitation. | Must be documented and causally related to the accident. |
| Lost Wages | Income lost during recovery and future earning capacity. | May require experienced testimony from a vocational economist. |
| Pain and Suffering | Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress. | In auto cases, you must first meet the “serious injury” threshold. |
| Property Damage | Repair or replacement cost for your bicycle and gear. | Keep receipts for damaged equipment. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Firm Experience in Injury Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With a background in accounting and information systems, he brings a detailed approach to injury cases involving complex liability and insurance coverage disputes. Our firm-wide experience spans over 120 combined years. We focus on building strong cases that clearly connect another party’s negligence to our client’s injuries and losses.
Legal Support in Westchester County
Our New York location serves clients throughout Westchester County. We represent injured cyclists in communities including White Plains, Yonkers, New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, Scarsdale, Bronxville, Rye, Ossining, Peekskill, Tarrytown, Mamaroneck, Port Chester, Dobbs Ferry, Larchmont, and Hastings-on-Hudson. If you need a Bicycle Accident Law Firm Westchester NY, we offer 24/7 phone consultations.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142
Buffalo, NY 14202
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003 | Local: (716) 348-4644
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Bicycle Accident Lawyer Westchester NY FAQ
What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident in Westchester?
Yes. First, get to safety and call 911 for medical and police response. Do not move if seriously injured. Take photos of the scene, vehicles, your injuries, and road conditions. Get contact information from witnesses. Obtain the police report number. Seek medical attention even if you feel fine, as some injuries appear later. Notify your own auto insurer about the accident to potentially access No-Fault benefits.
Who can be held liable for my bicycle accident injuries?
It depends. Liability often falls on negligent drivers who fail to yield, door cyclists, or drive distracted. Other potentially liable parties include government entities for dangerous road conditions (like potholes), property owners for hazards on adjacent paths, or manufacturers for defective bicycle parts. A Bicycle Accident Lawyer Westchester NY can investigate to identify all responsible parties and their insurance coverage.
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident lawsuit in New York?
3 years. New York’s statute of limitations for personal injury from a bicycle accident is generally three years from the date of the accident under CPLR § 214. For accidents involving a municipality (like a city-owned vehicle or road defect), a Notice of Claim must be filed within 90 days. It is critical to act quickly to preserve evidence and meet these strict deadlines.
Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes. New York follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule. Your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault for not using a bike light and your damages are $100,000, you can still recover $80,000. Even if you are 99% at fault, you can recover 1% of your damages.
What is the “serious injury” threshold in New York?
It is a legal requirement defined in Insurance Law § 5102(d). To claim pain and suffering from a motor vehicle-related bicycle accident, your injury must meet one of several categories, such as significant disfigurement, a fracture, permanent loss of a body organ/function, or an injury that prevents normal daily activities for 90 of the 180 days following the accident. This threshold does not apply to economic damages like medical bills.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws can change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance regarding your bicycle accident case in Westchester County.