Bicycle Accidents in NYC – Who’s at Fault, Who Pays, and What Cyclists Need to Know

Episode Summary: In this episode of Trial Talk, New York personal injury attorney Michael Joseph discusses what happens when cyclists are involved in accidents in New York City. The conversation covers who’s at fault in bike vs. car collisions, the legal rights of e-bike and scooter riders, what “no-fault” means in New York, and what kind of insurance protections apply to cyclists—especially in hit-and-run scenarios. Whether you're a cyclist, driver, or delivery rider, this episode provides crucial legal knowledge for navigating NYC streets safely. Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:20 – Are drivers always at fault in bicycle accidents? 03:35 – The legal significance of bike lanes in New York 05:25 – What happens if the driver says “I didn’t see them”? 07:10 – Do the rules of the road apply to cyclists and e-bike riders? 08:35 – Scooter and e-bike riders: bike or motorcycle under NY law? 12:45 – No-fault insurance and serious injury thresholds explained 16:00 – Bicycle lane right-of-way and unique accident scenarios 18:32 – When is a cyclist at fault? 20:50 – “Dooring” accidents: who’s liable when a car door hits a cyclist? 22:45 – Food delivery riders and employer liability 24:30 – What to document at the scene of a bicycle accident 26:10 – Legal options if the driver flees the scene 28:35 – What if the cyclist doesn’t have vehicle insurance? 30:15 – Supplemental underinsured motorist (SUM) coverage for cyclists About the Show: Trial Talk with New York trial attorney Michael Joseph offers real legal insights into personal injury law, helping listeners understand their rights and how to respond after an accident. From bike crashes to car collisions, each episode breaks down legal scenarios with clear advice and professional guidance.