Bicycling has become increasingly popular throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New York as more people commute to work, exercise, and enjoy recreational riding. Unfortunately, as the number of cyclists on the road has increased, so has the number of serious bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles. Because bicyclists have little more than a helmet and protective clothing separating them from a moving vehicle, even relatively low-speed collisions can result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.

At Flynn Law, our experienced bicycle accident lawyers proudly represent injured cyclists and their families throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New York. Whether your accident occurred in Wilmington, Philadelphia, Camden, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, or another community within our four-state service area, our legal team is committed to helping injured cyclists pursue the compensation they deserve while holding negligent drivers accountable.

Bicycle Accidents Are Often Preventable

Most bicycle accidents occur because a motorist fails to recognize that bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other users of the roadway. Drivers who fail to remain alert, yield the right-of-way, or provide adequate passing distance place cyclists at tremendous risk of serious injury.

Bicycle accidents commonly occur:

Many of these collisions occur during daylight hours and in clear weather, demonstrating that driver negligence—not poor visibility—is often the primary cause.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Many bicycle crashes result from preventable driver errors.

Common causes include:

Every driver has a legal responsibility to watch for bicyclists and operate their vehicle safely around vulnerable roadway users.

Dooring Accidents

One of the most common urban bicycle accidents occurs when a driver or passenger opens a vehicle door directly into the path of an approaching cyclist.

Dooring accidents frequently result in:

These accidents are particularly common in densely populated areas such as Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Philadelphia, Camden, and Wilmington, where street parking is common.

Right-Hook and Left-Hook Collisions

Two particularly dangerous types of bicycle accidents involve turning vehicles.

Right-Hook Accidents

A right-hook collision occurs when a motorist passes a bicyclist and immediately turns right across the cyclist’s path.

Left-Hook Accidents

A left-hook collision occurs when a driver turning left fails to observe an oncoming bicyclist traveling straight through an intersection.

Both scenarios often leave cyclists with little or no opportunity to avoid impact.

Bicycle Lane Accidents

Many municipalities have added bicycle lanes to improve cyclist safety, but accidents still occur when drivers:

Properly maintained bicycle infrastructure helps reduce accidents, but it cannot eliminate negligent driving.

Common Injuries Following Bicycle Accidents

Because bicyclists have very little protection, injuries are frequently severe.

Common injuries include:

Many victims require emergency surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and ongoing medical treatment.

Helmet Use and Serious Head Injuries

Although bicycle helmets significantly reduce the risk of traumatic brain injuries, they cannot prevent every serious injury.

Cyclists may still suffer:

Prompt medical evaluation is essential after any bicycle accident involving a head impact or loss of consciousness.

Children and Bicycle Accidents

Children are especially vulnerable because they are smaller, less visible, and may have difficulty judging traffic speed and distance.

Common locations involving children include:

Drivers should exercise heightened caution whenever children are riding bicycles nearby.

Determining Liability

Bicycle accident cases often require extensive investigation to determine how the collision occurred.

Important evidence includes:

Depending upon the circumstances, liability may extend beyond the driver to employers, commercial vehicle owners, municipalities, construction companies, or property owners.

Comparative Negligence

Insurance companies frequently attempt to argue that bicyclists contributed to their own injuries.

Common allegations include:

Even when these arguments are raised, injured cyclists may still have legal rights under the comparative negligence laws applicable in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New York.

Compensation Available

Victims of bicycle accidents may be entitled to recover compensation for:

Our attorneys work with medical experts, economists, vocational specialists, and life-care planners to ensure that every aspect of a client’s losses is thoroughly documented.

Insurance Companies Often Blame Cyclists

Insurance carriers frequently attempt to reduce bicycle accident claims by arguing:

Flynn Law understands these tactics and aggressively advocates for injured cyclists throughout the claims process.

Why Choose Flynn Law?

Bicycle accident claims often involve catastrophic injuries and complex liability issues. Our attorneys have extensive experience investigating serious motor vehicle accidents and pursuing claims against negligent drivers, commercial businesses, municipalities, and other responsible parties.

We proudly represent clients throughout:

Whether your accident occurred in Wilmington, Philadelphia, Camden, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, or another community within our four-state practice area, we are prepared to protect your rights and pursue the maximum compensation available.

In addition to bicycle accidents, Flynn Law represents clients injured in:

Frequently Asked Questions

Do bicyclists have the same rights as motorists?

Generally, yes. Bicyclists are entitled to use public roadways and are protected by traffic laws, although they must also comply with applicable traffic regulations.

Can I recover compensation if I was not riding in a bicycle lane?

Possibly. The absence of a bicycle lane does not automatically prevent recovery. Liability depends on the specific facts of the accident and the applicable laws in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, or New York.

What if the driver says they never saw me?

Failure to see a bicyclist is not necessarily a legal defense. Drivers have a duty to maintain a proper lookout and operate their vehicles safely around cyclists.

Should I keep my damaged bicycle?

Yes. Your bicycle may become important evidence demonstrating the force and mechanics of the collision. It should generally be preserved until your attorney advises otherwise.

How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim?

The applicable deadline depends on the state where the accident occurred and the facts of the case. Prompt consultation with an attorney helps preserve evidence and protect your legal rights.

Contact Flynn Law

A bicycle accident can leave victims facing painful injuries, extensive medical treatment, lost wages, and uncertainty about the future. You should not have to shoulder those burdens alone.

The experienced bicycle accident lawyers at Flynn Law proudly represent injured cyclists throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New York. Whether your accident occurred in Wilmington, Philadelphia, Camden, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, or another community within our four-state service area, our legal team is prepared to investigate your case, hold negligent parties accountable, and pursue the full compensation you deserve.

Contact Flynn Law today to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how we can help you move forward after a serious bicycle accident.