Bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles often result in fractures, head trauma, and long-term physical limitations because riders have no structural protection against a 4,000-pound vehicle. New York law treats cyclists as vehicle operators with the same rights as drivers, and a motorist who violates those rights may be held liable for the injuries they cause.
A Buffalo bicycle accident lawyer at William Mattar fights for injured cyclists who were struck by negligent drivers on Buffalo streets and Erie County roads.
Our Buffalo office handles bicycle accident claims throughout Western New York. Call (716) 444-4444 for a free consultation. We are available 24/7. No Fee Until We Win℠.
Table of contents
- Why Do Injured Cyclists in Buffalo Need a Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
- What Laws Protect Cyclists on Buffalo Roads?
- Who Is Liable When a Driver Hits a Cyclist in Buffalo?
- Ask William Mattar
- What Compensation May Be Available After a Buffalo Bicycle Accident?
- How Dangerous Are Bicycle Accidents Nationally?
- Buffalo Bicycle Accident Questions Answered by Our Attorneys
- Your Next Step After a Buffalo Bicycle Accident
Why Do Injured Cyclists in Buffalo Need a Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
A bicycle accident claim against a driver's insurance company involves New York's no-fault system, the serious injury threshold, and often a separate liability claim. Insurance adjusters regularly dispute fault, question whether injuries meet the legal threshold, and push for quick settlements before the full cost of treatment is clear.
Managing all three tracks while recovering from injuries is more than most people are equipped to handle alone.
William Mattar can handle each stage of a bicycle accident claim. We gather accident evidence, deal with insurance carriers, document injuries, and fight for fair compensation so our clients may focus on healing.
What Sets William Mattar Apart in Bicycle Accident Cases?
William Mattar focuses on motor vehicle accident injury cases. That concentration gives our bike accident attorneys a working knowledge of New York's traffic statutes, no-fault rules, and serious injury threshold requirements that directly affect bicycle crash claims.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
How Our Buffalo Team Handles Your Bicycle Accident Claim
Our legal team manages every step of the process after a bicycle crash. From the first phone call through final resolution, we handle the legal burden so you may focus on getting better.
Our Buffalo bicycle crash lawyers:
- Handle communication with insurance carriers so you do not have to take those calls
- Collect police reports, medical records, witness statements, and any available video footage
- Identify every source of insurance coverage that may apply to your claim
- Prepare the case for negotiation, arbitration, or trial depending on what the circumstances require
- Check in regularly on your recovery, your medical progress, and your questions about the case
At William Mattar we treat our clients like family. Our staff stays in contact throughout the process because we understand that a bicycle accident affects every part of your daily life.
What Laws Protect Cyclists on Buffalo Roads?
Multiple New York statutes protect bicycle riders and impose specific duties on drivers. These laws form the legal foundation of every bicycle accident claim in Buffalo.
Cyclist Rights Under VTL § 1231
VTL § 1231 grants every cyclist on a New York roadway the same rights and duties as a motor vehicle driver. A cyclist lawfully using a road or bike lane has the same legal standing as any car or truck on that street. This statute is the starting point for liability in every bike crash case.
The Due Care Requirement Under VTL § 1146
VTL § 1146 requires every driver to exercise due care to avoid colliding with any bicyclist on any roadway. A driver who causes serious physical injury to a cyclist while violating this duty may face a rebuttable presumption that their failure to use due care caused the harm.
This presumption strengthens the injured cyclist's legal position from the start of the claim.
Safe Passing and Anti-Dooring Protections
VTL § 1122-a requires drivers overtaking a bicycle from behind to pass to the left at a safe distance until safely clear. VTL § 1214 prohibits any person from opening a vehicle door on the traffic side of a street in a way that interferes with an approaching cyclist. Both violations are common causes of bicycle accidents on Buffalo streets with parallel parking and adjacent bike lanes.
Bike Lane Rules and Right-of-Way
VTL § 1234 requires cyclists to use a designated bike lane when one is available. Drivers may violate traffic laws or local bike-lane rules when they unlawfully enter, block, park, or stop in a bike lane. When a driver enters a bike lane unlawfully and strikes a cyclist, that violation is strong evidence of fault.
Cyclists may leave the lane to make a left turn, avoid an obstacle, or navigate around an unsafe condition without losing legal protection. Call a Buffalo, NY bicycle accident attorney now at (716) 444-4444 for a free consultation
Who Is Liable When a Driver Hits a Cyclist in Buffalo?
The driver who caused the crash is typically liable when their actions violated New York traffic law. A motorist who failed to yield, crossed into a bike lane, or opened a car door into a cyclist's path may bear full or majority responsibility for the collision.
New York's comparative negligence rule means an injured cyclist may still recover compensation even with some share of fault, reduced proportionally.
Why Insurance Companies Challenge Fault in Bicycle Cases
Insurance adjusters may look for reasons to shift blame onto the cyclist. Common tactics include arguing the rider was outside the bike lane, ran a red light, or failed to signal.
These arguments do not eliminate a claim under New York's comparative fault system, but they may reduce the payout. Having documented proof of what actually happened at the scene counters these strategies.
Building a Strong Case Early
The strength of a bicycle accident claim depends on what evidence exists and how quickly it is secured:
- Police reports that include a citation against the driver can carry significant weight
- Dashcam or surveillance footage from nearby businesses may capture the moment of impact
- Medical records that begin immediately after the crash create a documented timeline connecting injuries to the collision
- Witness contact information gathered at the scene gives the legal team firsthand accounts to support your version of events
Our bike accident attorneys in Buffalo begin collecting this evidence as soon as you contact our office. Early action protects details that fade or disappear over time.
Ask William Mattar
Q: What happens if a car hits me while I'm riding a bike in Buffalo?
A: You may have two separate claims. First, you file for no-fault PIP benefits with the insurance company of the vehicle that struck you, covering medical bills and lost wages. Second, if your injuries meet the serious injury threshold, you may pursue a liability claim against the driver for pain and suffering and additional damages.
Q: What if the driver says the bicycle accident was my fault?
A: The driver's accusation does not end your case. New York's pure comparative negligence rule allows you to recover compensation even if you were partly at fault. The key is proving what percentage of responsibility belongs to each party through police reports, witness testimony, and physical evidence.
Q: How much does a Buffalo bicycle accident lawyer cost?
A: William Mattar takes bicycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. Consultations are free, and there are no upfront costs. Speaking with a Buffalo personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options without any financial obligation.
What Compensation May Be Available After a Buffalo Bicycle Accident?
Compensation after a Buffalo bicycle accident may come from multiple sources depending on the rider's injuries, the driver's insurance, and the cyclist's own policy.
No-Fault PIP Benefits
New York's no-fault insurance system pays up to $50,000 in medical expenses, a portion of lost wages, and other necessary costs. A cyclist struck by a motor vehicle files for PIP benefits with the insurance company of the vehicle that hit them.
These benefits are paid regardless of who was at fault.
Pain and Suffering Through a Liability Claim
To pursue pain and suffering damages beyond the no-fault cap, the injured cyclist must meet New York's serious injury threshold under Insurance Law § 5102(d).
Qualifying categories include fractures, significant disfigurement, permanent loss of use, and permanent consequential limitation of a body organ or member. Bicycle crashes frequently produce injuries that meet this threshold because of the lack of protection around the rider.
Other Recoverable Losses
Beyond PIP and pain and suffering, a bicycle accident claim may include lost earning capacity, out-of-pocket expenses tied to the injury, and costs for ongoing medical treatment.
If the at-fault driver was uninsured, the cyclist's own uninsured motorist coverage may provide an additional recovery path.
How Dangerous Are Bicycle Accidents Nationally?
Bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles remain a serious public safety concern across the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 1,166 cyclist fatalities in 2023.
Buffalo's mix of urban streets, seasonal weather changes, and shared corridors along Delaware Avenue, Elmwood Avenue, and the Niagara Street corridor creates conditions where the risk of bicycle accidents remains high during riding season.
Buffalo Bicycle Accident Questions Answered by Our Attorneys
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident lawsuit in Buffalo?
The statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit in New York is generally three years from the date of the accident. No-fault PIP applications must be filed within 30 days. If a city, county, or other public entity contributed to the crash, a short Notice of Claim deadline may apply, often within 90 days.
Do I have a case if I was not wearing a helmet?
Possibly. New York does not require adult cyclists to wear helmets. The absence of a helmet does not bar a claim. However, the defense may argue that not wearing a helmet contributed to the severity of head or facial injuries. This is a damages argument about injury severity, not a fault argument about who caused the crash.
What if the driver left the scene after hitting me?
A hit-and-run bicycle accident may still support a claim. Your own uninsured motorist coverage may apply. If you do not have auto insurance, the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC) may provide last-resort coverage. Reporting the crash to police within 24 hours is essential for preserving these options.
What types of injuries are common in Buffalo bicycle accidents?
Bicycle crashes involving motor vehicles frequently cause fractures, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, internal organ injuries, road rash, and soft tissue damage. These injuries often result from the common types of bicycle accidents involving collisions with motor vehicles. Many of these injuries require extended medical treatment and create long-term limitations on daily activities and work capacity.
Your Next Step After a Buffalo Bicycle Accident
You were following the rules. You were riding where you belonged. The driver who hit you put you in this position, and now an insurance company is deciding what your injuries are worth. That decision is too important to leave in their hands alone.
William Mattar takes bicycle accident cases on a contingency basis, which means no fees and no upfront costs unless we recover compensation for you. Call (716) 444-4444 for a free consultation with our Buffalo bicycle accident lawyers. No Fee Until We Win℠.