Jeff Varcadipane
October 8, 2025
bicycle crash
Bicycle accidents, particularly hit-and-run and door collision cases, can result in severe injuries and complex legal challenges. In New York and New Jersey, victims of these incidents often face physical, emotional, and financial hardships. A skilled bicycle crash lawyer plays a critical role in helping victims navigate the legal system, secure justice, and recover compensation. This blog explores the importance of legal representation in hit-and-run and door collision cases, common injuries, and the steps to take after a bicycle accident.
Understanding Hit-and-Run and Door Collision Cases
Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accidents
A hit-and-run occurs when a driver collides with a cyclist and flees the scene without providing contact information or aiding the injured. These cases are particularly challenging because identifying the responsible party can be difficult, leaving victims uncertain about their legal options.
Door Collision Cases
Door collisions, often called “dooring,” happen when a parked motorist opens their vehicle door into the path of an oncoming cyclist, causing a crash. These accidents can lead to serious injuries, especially in urban areas like New York City, where cyclists frequently navigate narrow bike lanes near parked cars.
Why You Need a Bicycle Crash Lawyer
Bicycle crash cases involve unique legal complexities, especially in hit-and-run and door collision scenarios. A dedicated bicycle crash lawyer can:
- Investigate the Incident: Gather evidence such as traffic camera footage, witness statements, and police reports to identify the responsible party in hit-and-run cases or prove negligence in dooring incidents.
- Navigate Insurance Claims: Handle communications with insurance companies, which may attempt to deny or undervalue claims, especially in hit-and-run cases where the driver is unidentified.
- Prove Liability: Establish negligence by showing the driver failed to exercise reasonable care, such as checking for cyclists before opening a car door or fleeing the scene of an accident.
- Pursue Compensation: Seek damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other losses, including through uninsured motorist coverage in hit-and-run cases.
- Represent You in Court: Advocate for your rights if the case proceeds to litigation, ensuring you receive fair compensation.
At Varcadipane & Pinnisi, PC, our experienced bicycle crash lawyers serve clients across New York and New Jersey, fighting aggressively to secure the compensation you deserve on a contingency fee basis.
Common Injuries in Bicycle Hit-and-Run and Door Collision Cases
Bicycle accidents often result in severe, life-altering injuries due to the lack of protection for cyclists. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Concussions or skull fractures from head impacts.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Particularly to the arms, legs, or collarbone.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Leading to partial or complete paralysis.
- Lacerations and Road Rash: Deep cuts or abrasions requiring medical treatment.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, or muscle tears causing chronic pain.
- Emotional Trauma: PTSD or anxiety from the traumatic event.
These injuries often require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and time away from work, making legal representation essential to recover full compensation.
Proving Liability in Bicycle Crash Cases
To succeed in a hit-and-run or door collision claim, victims must prove the responsible party was negligent. This involves establishing:
- Duty of Care: The driver had a responsibility to act safely, such as checking for cyclists before opening a door or stopping after a collision.
- Breach of Duty: The driver failed to take reasonable precautions, such as fleeing the scene or opening a door without looking.
- Causation: The driver’s actions directly caused the accident and injuries.
- Damages: The victim suffered physical, emotional, or financial harm.
Challenges in Hit-and-Run Cases
In hit-and-run cases, identifying the driver is a significant hurdle. A lawyer can:
- Work with law enforcement to access traffic camera footage or forensic evidence.
- Interview witnesses to gather descriptions of the vehicle or driver.
- File claims through your own uninsured motorist coverage if the driver remains unidentified.
Challenges in Door Collision Cases
Dooring cases require proving the motorist acted negligently. Evidence may include:
- Photos of the accident scene showing the open door and bike lane conditions.
- Witness statements confirming the driver’s failure to check for cyclists.
- Traffic laws require drivers to ensure the path is clear before opening doors.
An experienced lawyer will collect and present this evidence to build a strong case.
Steps to Take After a Bicycle Hit-and-Run or Door Collision
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, take these steps to protect your health and legal rights:
- Seek Medical Care: Get immediate treatment and document your injuries thoroughly.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident site, your injuries, the vehicle (if present), and any property damage, such as your bicycle.
- Report the Incident: Notify the police to create an official report, especially in hit-and-run cases, to aid in identifying the driver.
- Avoid Insurance Discussions: Do not speak with insurance companies without legal counsel, as they may try to minimize your claim or shift blame.
- Contact a Bicycle Crash Lawyer: Consult an attorney to evaluate your case and guide you through the legal process.
How Varcadipane & Pinnisi Can Help
At Varcadipane & Pinnisi, PC, we understand the devastating impact of bicycle accidents. With years of experience our team is equipped to handle complex hit-and-run and door collision cases.
We offer:
- Free Consultations: Discuss your case with no upfront cost.
- Aggressive Advocacy: Fight for maximum compensation against negligent parties and insurers.
- Contingency Fee Representation: You pay nothing unless we secure a recovery.
- Comprehensive Support: Work with medical experts and investigators to strengthen your claim.
Take Action After a Bicycle Accident
Hit-and-run and door collision accidents can leave cyclists with serious injuries and overwhelming challenges. A skilled bicycle crash lawyer can help you navigate the legal system, hold negligent parties accountable, and secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact Varcadipane & Pinnisi, PC today for a free consultation. Visit www.vplaw.com or call our offices in New York or New Jersey to schedule your appointment. Let us fight for your rights and recovery.
Jeffrey W. Varcadipane
Jeffrey W. Varcadipane is a Certified Civil Trial Attorney by the Supreme Court of the State of New Jersey and a Founding Partner of the Firm. He handles a variety of matters including civil and commercial litigation, appellate practice, real estate, and business law.
University: J.D. Fordham Law School
Bar Number: 29472005
Locations: New Jersey, New York, and Florida.
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