Syracuse Bicycle Accident
Lawyer

Bicycle accidents can be catastrophic. Injured cyclists deserve compensation.

Bicycles have the same legal right to use the public roads as cars, but too often, they are not afforded the respect, space, or safety that vehicle drivers and passengers receive. And bike riders are almost always at the mercy of drivers. 
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Too often, cyclists themselves presume the social stigmas and biases present today, and they do not follow through with personal injury claims even when they are fully entitled and warranted. 
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If you were injured in a bicycle accident, you need an attorney who will fight for you, fully investigate your accident, and make sure you get the settlement you deserve.
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Our lawyers fully understand the process of bike accident cases, including the necessity for an in-depth investigation and the proof needed to build a solid case. If you have survived a bicycle accident, you may be facing very serious injuries. You need a bike injury lawyer on your side who can help you recover the full compensation you deserve. Without legal guidance, you may not get the financial recovery you need.

Need Immediate Assistance?

Call us at 315.500.5000

Because of our experience representing bike accident victims, we recognize how important it is to gather and preserve crucial evidence, obtain witness statements, and begin to reconstruct the accident. Many bicycle accidents do not involve motor vehicles. Instead, poorly maintained roads, defective equipment, and other factors often lead to accidents. We have seen it all, and we know what it takes to get justice for you.
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We work to ensure our clients receive the strongest bicycle accident injury representation. Let us hear the details of your case and help you explore your legal options through a free case assessment.

Understanding your rights to compensation after a bicycle accident

When you’re injured by a negligent driver, you shouldn’t be forced to pay for their mistakes. At Catalano Law, we review our clients’ cases to determine exactly how much they should be paid for the many accident-related costs they face. This includes:

• All past and future medical expenses you’ll face because of the crash.
• The income you’ve lost and will lose because of your inability to work.
• The pain and suffering, both emotional and physical, you’ve suffered from the accident.

Once we know how much your economic and non-economic damages will be, we deal firmly with insurance companies to hold them accountable for the compensation they owe you.

It’s important to understand that once you accept an offer from the insurance company, you no longer have the right to seek more compensation from them. That’s why you should speak to an experienced bicycle accident lawyer to make sure the offer is fair before you accept it.

Dangerous Intersections and Traffic Spots in Syracuse for Cyclists

Syracuse has several intersections and streets that are particularly hazardous for bicyclists. The intersection of Erie Boulevard East and South Salina Street is notable for multiple accidents due to heavy traffic and complex turning lanes. Another risky location is where James Street meets Grant Boulevard in the Eastwood neighborhood, a congested area with limited visibility.

The intersection of West Fayette Street and South West Street, situated at the western edge of downtown, is also known for heavy congestion. Additionally, Harrison Street and U.S. Highway 11, a major downtown intersection, experiences significant traffic volume, creating challenges for cyclists navigating the area.

Local Hospitals and Clinics for Bicycle Accident Injuries

If you are injured in a bicycle accident in Syracuse, several local medical facilities provide specialized care:

• Upstate University Hospital, located at 750 East Adams Street, is one of the leading trauma centers in the region and offers comprehensive emergency and orthopedic care for accident victims.
• Crouse Health at 736 Irving Avenue also provides emergency services and rehabilitation programs tailored to injury recovery.
• For less severe injuries, the Syracuse Community Health Center has several locations throughout the region and offers care to help cyclists recover quickly.

Syracuse Bicycle Accident Statistics and Safety Resources

Hundreds of thousands of people are injured and nearly 1,000 are killed each year riding their bicycles. The Syracuse Department of Public Works is actively working on improving bicycle safety through various initiatives, including expanding dedicated bike lanes, enhancing signage, and implementing traffic calming measures to protect cyclists throughout the city.

These efforts aim to create a safer environment for all road users and encourage more people to choose cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation. Additionally, the New York Bicycle Coalition (NYBC) serves as a statewide advocacy group promoting safe cycling practices, education, and infrastructure improvements.

New Legal Protections for Cyclists: Blocking Bicycle-Lane Law

In July 2025, Syracuse lawmakers proposed a significant legal update to improve cyclist safety by making it explicitly illegal to block bicycle lanes with vehicles. This new legislation establishes that parking or stopping in bike lanes will be a standalone offense punishable by a $60 fine. Previously, vehicles parked in bike lanes could only be ticketed for unrelated parking violations, which often failed to prevent dangerous blockages.

City officials emphasize that this law helps keep streets safer by protecting cyclists from having to swerve into vehicle traffic when bike lanes are obstructed. The initiative follows recommendations from city reports highlighting the misuse of bike lanes as temporary loading zones, especially in busy Downtown Syracuse areas.

Syracuse’s ongoing investments in bike infrastructure—such as green-painted bike lanes and enhanced signage—along with this new legal measure, collectively improve safety and accessibility for the city’s growing cycling community.

Bicycle Safety Guidelines and Required Equipment

To help cyclists stay safe and reduce accident risks, it’s essential to follow key riding practices and ensure your bicycle is properly equipped. Below are essential safety tips based on recommendations from the Syracuse University Department of Public Safety:

• Obey traffic signs and signals. Bicyclists have the same responsibilities as motor vehicles on the road.
• Wear a helmet. All cyclists, especially those 14 years and younger, should wear a helmet meeting safety standards set by organizations such as ANSI, ASTM, or Snell.
• Ride with traffic and never against it. Traveling in the same direction as cars increases visibility and safety.
• Avoid passing vehicles on the right. Drivers may not expect or see bicycles passing on this side.
• Avoid distractions. Do not use headphones or engage in phone calls/texting while riding.
• Follow lane markings. Do not turn left from a right-turn-only lane or go straight in turn-only lanes.
• Dress for visibility and weather. Wear bright or reflective clothing and use rain gear suitable for cycling conditions.
• Use hand signals. Communicate your intentions clearly to drivers and pedestrians.
• Plan safe left turns. Either follow the vehicle-like method by signaling and moving into the left turn lane or dismount and cross as a pedestrian.
• Make eye contact with drivers. Ensure they see you before crossing intersections or making maneuvers.
• Watch for road hazards. Beware of road debris, sewer grates, gravel, ice, and railroad tracks crossed at right angles.
• Use a front white headlight and rear red reflector or taillight at night. New York State law requires these for safety and legal compliance.
• Maintain your bicycle. Regular checks for brake function, tire pressure, and general bike condition significantly reduce risk.

You pay Catalano Law nothing unless we win

As attorneys who have represented many injured clients, we know that you’re going through one of the most difficult periods in your life. Your focus should be on your health and recovery, not paying legal bills.

When you hire Catalano Law, there are no out-of-pocket costs to hire our law firm, and we receive no fee or expenses unless a settlement or financial recovery is obtained for your bicycle accident injury.

Working on a contingency fee basis gives our clients peace of mind that they won’t face huge legal fees if their claim results in no compensation. If you’re interested in learning how we can help, let us give you a free, no-obligation consultation.

Let our Syracuse bicycle accident lawyers review your case for free

Whether you want to file a claim right away or you’re simply considering your legal options, our personal injury lawyers can help. Through a free case review, we’ll assess your situation so you can learn more about your legal options.
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If you suffered a bike accident injury in New York, contact Catalano Law for a free case evaluation at 315-500-5000.