Queens Bicycle Accident Lawyer

A bicycle accident on a Queens street can leave you with broken bones, rising medical bills, and no clear path forward. If you were hurt while cycling in Queens, you need a Queens bicycle accident lawyer who knows the borough's most dangerous corridors and the laws that protect cyclists. At The Orlow Firm, our Flushing office has served injured cyclists across Astoria, Jackson Heights, Jamaica, and every Queens neighborhood for over 40 years.

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The Bicycle Accident Crisis in Queens

Cycling in Queens is more dangerous than most people realize. Our analysis of NYC Open Data motor vehicle collision records tells a stark story. Between 2019 and 2025, 5,399 cyclists were injured in Queens. Twenty-five cyclists were killed during that same period.

The trend is getting worse. Cyclist injuries in Queens hit a record high of 943 in 2025, a 31% increase over the 721 injuries in 2019. The 7 cyclist fatalities in 2025 were also the highest in our analysis period. The NYC DOT Bicycle Crash Data Report shows Queens recorded 787 cyclist injuries and 4 fatalities in 2024. That makes it one of the most dangerous boroughs for cycling.

E-bikes and e-scooters are adding to the problem. Our analysis found that e-bikes and e-scooters were involved in 1,149 more crashes as primary vehicles in Queens from 2019 to 2025. Nearly all NYC cycling fatalities in 2024 occurred on streets without protected bike lanes. Only about 3% of NYC streets have protected bicycle infrastructure.

If you or a loved one was injured while cycling in Queens, you deserve a bicycle accident attorney who understands these risks firsthand. Our main office is on Main Street in Flushing, near Northern Boulevard, one of the most dangerous corridors in the borough.

New York Bicycle Laws: Your Rights as a Cyclist

New York law gives cyclists the same rights and duties as motor vehicle drivers. Knowing these protections is key to any bicycle accident claim.

Equal Road Rights

Under VTL Section 1231, bicyclists have all the rights and duties that apply to drivers of motor vehicles. Drivers must treat you as they would any other vehicle on the road. You are entitled to use the roadway.

Driver Duty of Care

VTL Section 1146 requires drivers to exercise due care to avoid colliding with bicyclists. Drivers who fail to yield, pass too closely, or drive while distracted violate this duty. NYC Administrative Code Section 19-190 makes it a criminal misdemeanor for drivers who injure cyclists while failing to yield.

Anti-Dooring Protection

VTL Section 1214 makes it illegal to open a vehicle door into the path of a cyclist. Dooring accidents are common in congested areas like Astoria, Long Island City, and Jackson Heights.

Safe Passing

VTL Section 1122-a requires motor vehicles to pass cyclists on the left at a safe distance. Unsafe passing is a leading cause of sideswipe accidents involving cyclists.

Cyclist Obligations

Cyclists must ride in a bike lane when one is available, or near the right-hand curb, under VTL Section 1234. Exceptions apply for turning, obstructions, and unsafe conditions. Helmets are required only for riders under 14 (VTL Section 1238), though adults are strongly encouraged to wear them. After sunset, a white front light visible from 500 feet and a red or amber rear light visible from 300 feet are required (VTL Section 1236).

Steven S. Orlow, our Founder and former Assistant District Attorney, has spent over 40 years litigating cases under these statutes in Queens courts.

E-Bike and E-Scooter Accidents in Queens

E-bike and e-scooter crashes are surging across Queens, creating a growing category of cases with complex liability questions. In 2023, 76% of NYC cycling fatalities involved e-bikes, according to NYC DOT data.

New York classifies e-bikes into three categories. Class 1 is pedal-assist, up to 20 mph. Class 2 is throttle-assisted, up to 20 mph. Class 3 is throttle-assisted, up to 25 mph, and permitted in NYC only. NYC imposed a 15 mph speed limit for all e-bikes effective October 2025. No license, registration, or insurance is required for e-bikes in New York. However, no-fault coverage may still apply if you are struck by a motor vehicle.

Our analysis of NYC Open Data found that e-bikes were the primary vehicle in 734 Queens crashes from 2019 to 2025. E-scooters accounted for 415 crashes, a combined 1,149 incidents.

Queens neighborhoods like Corona, Jackson Heights, Flushing, and Astoria have heavy food delivery cycling traffic. This makes e-bike accidents a growing concern. Liability can get complicated when delivery workers, commercial operators, or defective batteries are involved. UL certification has been required for e-bike batteries since October 2024. Our firm's 40 years of experience handling complex personal injury cases in Queens courts prepares us to handle these evolving legal issues.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Queens

Knowing the cause of your crash is the first step toward building a strong legal claim.

Driver Inattention and Distraction -- Driver inattention is the number one factor in Queens crashes, according to our NYC Open Data analysis. It accounted for 40,381 crashes (26.6%) from 2019 to 2025. The NYC DOT reports that distracted driving caused 1,544 cyclist injuries citywide in 2024.

Failure to Yield Right-of-Way -- The third most common crash factor in Queens (15,137 crashes) and the second leading cause of cyclist injuries citywide (648 in 2024).

Dooring -- Drivers or passengers opening doors into bike lanes or the path of cyclists. VTL Section 1214 prohibits this, but it remains a leading cause of injuries in congested neighborhoods like Astoria and Long Island City.

Right-Hook Turns -- Drivers turning right across a bike lane or a cyclist's path, cutting off riders traveling straight.

Bike Lane Obstruction -- Illegally parked or stopped vehicles in bike lanes force cyclists into traffic, exposing them to moving cars and trucks.

Unsafe Passing -- Drivers who fail to provide enough clearance when overtaking a cyclist.

Speeding -- Higher vehicle speeds dramatically increase the chance of fatal outcomes in bicycle collisions.

Road Defects -- Potholes, uneven pavement, and debris are dangerous for two-wheeled vehicles. Our firm has experience handling cases involving city liability for hazardous road conditions.

Our analysis also found that peak crash hours in Queens are between 2 PM and 6 PM, accounting for 30.4% of all crashes. Friday is the deadliest day to travel in Queens, with 51 fatalities and 23,501 total crashes from 2019 to 2025.

Queens' Most Dangerous Roads for Cyclists

No other law firm publishes corridor-level crash data for Queens. Our analysis of NYC Open Data reveals where cyclists face the greatest risk.

Northern Boulevard -- 2,330 crashes, 1,131 injuries, and 5 fatalities from 2019 to 2025, making it the most crash-prone road in Queens. Our Flushing office sits near this corridor, and we have direct knowledge of its dangerous conditions.

Queens Boulevard -- Once dubbed the "Boulevard of Death," this corridor saw 1,769 crashes, 807 injuries, and 4 fatalities. NYC DOT's Phase IV redesign added protected bike lanes. Pedestrian injuries dropped 45% after the redesign.

Roosevelt Avenue -- Though it recorded 785 crashes, Roosevelt Avenue had 7 fatalities. That gives it the highest fatality rate per crash of any major Queens corridor.

Woodhaven Boulevard -- 1,275 crashes, 670 injuries, and 6 fatalities. Transportation Alternatives reports that Woodhaven Boulevard had the highest fatality rate per mile (4.4) among Vision Zero priority corridors.

Hillside Avenue -- 1,108 crashes and 594 injuries.

Jamaica Avenue -- 1,057 crashes and 608 injuries.

NYC DOT has built 69 miles of bike lanes, including 29 miles of protected lanes, in western Queens since 2014. Neighborhoods like Astoria, Long Island City, and Sunnyside have benefited from this expansion. Much of Queens still lacks safe cycling infrastructure. Protected bike lanes reduce fatalities and serious injuries by 18.1%, according to NYC DOT Vision Zero data.

No-Fault Insurance and Compensation for Queens Bicycle Accident Injuries

New York's insurance framework treats injured cyclists as "covered persons" under Insurance Law Section 5102, similar to pedestrians. This gives you access to no-fault benefits regardless of who caused the crash.

No-Fault Benefits

No-fault coverage pays for medical expenses, lost wages (up to $2,000 per month for three years), and $25 per day for other necessary expenses. The total cap is $50,000. The NF-2 application form must be filed within 30 days of the accident. This is a deadline you cannot miss.

If you own a car, you file under your own auto policy's no-fault coverage. If you do not own a car, you file against the driver's insurance. In a hit-and-run with an unknown driver, you can pursue coverage through a household member's auto policy. You can also file through the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC).

Suing for Pain and Suffering

To recover damages beyond no-fault benefits, your injury must meet the "serious injury" threshold under Insurance Law Section 5102(d). Qualifying injuries include fractures, permanent limitation of a body organ or member, and major disfigurement. You also qualify if your injuries prevented you from performing daily activities for at least 90 of the 180 days after the accident.

Comparative Negligence

New York follows pure comparative negligence under CPLR Section 1411. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault but never eliminated. Even a cyclist who is partly at fault can recover compensation.

Types of Compensation

Successful bicycle accident claims can recover medical expenses (past and future), lost wages and future earning capacity, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and bicycle and property damage.

Government Entity Claims

If a city bus, MTA vehicle, sanitation truck, or other government vehicle caused your crash, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days. Steven S. Orlow, our Founder and former NYC Council Member-At-Large and former Counsel to the Queens County Executive, understands the municipal claims process from the inside.

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Bicycle Accident Injuries

Cyclists have no vehicle shell, airbags, or seatbelts protecting them. When a car or truck strikes a bicycle, the injuries are often severe.

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) -- Adults are not required to wear helmets in New York, making head injuries common in cycling crashes
• Fractures -- Collarbone fractures are the most common cycling injury, followed by wrist, pelvis, and femur fractures
• Spinal Cord Injuries -- Can result in partial or complete paralysis
• Road Rash and Degloving -- Skin abrasion injuries unique to cycling and motorcycle collisions, often requiring skin grafts
• Facial and Dental Injuries -- With no windshield or airbag protection, cyclists frequently suffer facial trauma
• Internal Organ Damage -- Handlebar impact can cause liver, spleen, or kidney injuries
• Dooring Injuries -- A door strike can throw a cyclist into oncoming traffic, compounding the initial impact

Our analysis shows that cyclists account for 9.3% of all Queens traffic deaths despite being a small fraction of road users. These injuries often lead to chronic pain, PTSD, and loss of cycling as transportation. A Queens bike injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation for these serious harms.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Queens

Taking the right steps after a crash can protect both your health and your legal rights.

1. Call 911 -- Report the accident and request medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor. Adrenaline can mask serious conditions like internal bleeding or concussions.

2. Do Not Move Your Bicycle -- Your bike's position is evidence of the crash angle and impact force.

3. Document the Scene -- Photograph your injuries, the vehicle, bike lane conditions, traffic signals, road defects, and any skid marks. Get names and contact information for witnesses.

4. File a Police Report -- VTL Section 605 requires reporting crashes involving injury to the DMV within 10 days (Form MV-104 if a motor vehicle was involved).

5. Seek Medical Treatment -- Visit a hospital or doctor within 24 to 48 hours to create a medical record linking your injuries to the crash. NewYork-Presbyterian Queens in Flushing and NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst are nearby options.

6. File the NF-2 Form Within 30 Days -- This is the deadline for no-fault benefits. Missing it can cost you up to $50,000 in coverage.

7. Do Not Post on Social Media -- Insurance companies monitor social media for statements they can use against you.

8. Contact a Queens Bicycle Accident Lawyer -- Call The Orlow Firm at (646) 647-3398 before speaking with any insurance company. We can come to you if you cannot come to us.

Sources & Official Resources

New York Vehicle & Traffic Laws Cited

1. VTL Section 1231 -- Traffic Laws Apply to Bicyclists
2. VTL Section 1146 -- Drivers to Exercise Due Care
3. VTL Section 1214 -- Opening and Closing Vehicle Doors
4. VTL Section 1122-a -- Overtaking a Bicycle
5. VTL Section 1234 -- Riding on Roadways and Bicycle Lanes
6. VTL Section 1236 -- Lamps and Other Equipment on Bicycles
7. VTL Section 1238 -- Helmet Requirements for Riders Under 14
8. VTL Section 605 -- Crash Reporting Requirements

New York Insurance and Civil Practice Laws Cited

9. Insurance Law Section 5102 -- No-Fault Definitions and Serious Injury Threshold
10. CPLR Section 1411 -- Comparative Negligence
11. CPLR Section 214 -- Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury
12. General Municipal Law Section 50-e -- Notice of Claim Requirements

NYC Laws and Regulations Cited

13. NYC Administrative Code Section 19-190 -- Right of Way Law

Statistics Sources

14. NYC DOT Bicycle Crash Data Report 2024
15. NYC DOT Vision Zero Progress Report

Helpful Resources

16. NY DMV -- E-Bike and E-Scooter Classification and Rules

Data Methodology Borough and neighborhood breakdowns were calculated by The Orlow Firm's research team from publicly available NYC Open Data records. Motor Vehicle Collisions (NYC DOT/NYPD, 2019-2025) data is published at the individual crash level with geographic coordinates. We aggregated these records to produce the Queens-specific cyclist injury, fatality, and corridor-level statistics cited above, as city agencies do not publish pre-calculated borough-level breakdowns for all metrics.

Contact a Queens Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today

If you were injured while cycling in Queens, the clock is already ticking on critical deadlines. The Orlow Firm has protected injured cyclists across Flushing, Astoria, Jamaica, Long Island City, and every Queens neighborhood for over 40 years. Adam Moses Orlow, our Managing Partner and former President of the Queens County Bar Association (2022-2023), leads our bicycle accident practice. He has deep knowledge of the borough's most dangerous roads and the laws that protect cyclists.

Call (646) 647-3398 for a free consultation. We work on contingency -- you pay nothing unless we win your case.

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