Free Consultation
Buffalo Bicycle Accident Attorneys
Representing riders who are seriously injured in car and other accidents
Bicycle riders have the right to use New York roads without fear that they will be struck by a negligent driver. However, not all drivers want to share the road. And if you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident, you could be facing months of painful recovery, major medical bills, lost time from work, and more. Who can you count on to advocate for you?
Turn to O’Brien & Ford PC. We are trusted Buffalo bicycle accident lawyers who know what it takes to make a compelling case for the monetary compensation that victims need. We’re ready to review the details of your accident and then get started on a claim or lawsuit.
Free Consultation
More than $100 million recovered in verdicts and settlements for those injured in New York.
How We Can Help
Why bicycle accident victims trust O’Brien & Ford PC
We’re proud of our experience with New York personal injury law. However, we believe experience is more than understanding statutes and courtroom procedures. It means empathizing with the victim’s plight while also maintaining objectivity and focus on results. We’re proud to have earned the trust of numerous bicycle accident clients in the Buffalo area.
Victims know right away that claiming compensation can be an uphill battle. They need the assurance that comes from a law firm that doesn’t treat them like a number. An attorney should be an ally, someone in your corner you can turn to for questions, concerns, and justice. When you hire O’Brien & Ford PC to handle your claim, we commit to:
Contingency fee representation
We don’t ask for upfront retainers. Instead, we only collect our fee if we win your case or settle it favorably. Then we take a percentage of that total amount of compensation as our fee.
Personalized legal service
No two bicycle accidents are alike. We take the time to review the unique facts of your case and develop a tailored strategy aimed at recovering the monetary damages you deserve.
Proactive counsel
Our main goal in pursuing legal action is to either move the case toward a favorable settlement or take it to trial. We aren’t here to drag out your claim and churn bills; we’re here to make a case for fair compensation.
Rapid response
You shouldn’t have to wait hours or days to hear from your own attorney. We make it a goal to connect clients with a lawyer within a few moments of their call. Our objective is to promptly address your questions and concerns and to give you peace of mind.
Limited caseload
We are selective in how many cases we take on as a law firm. While other firms sign up as many clients as possible just to make more money, we have a deliberately limited caseload. This allows us to focus more time and effort on each individual client.
Free, no-obligation consultation
If you aren’t yet sure about whether you need an attorney, or how we can serve you, schedule a free one-hour consultation with us. There’s no obligation to retain us, and we can explain your legal options.
Testimonials
What Our Clients Say About Us
“The professionalism I received from the entire staff was great. Christopher Pannozzo, Annat and John worked tirelessly to get me the justice I deserve. Even Patrice the receptionist was professional and always a joy to talk to. Thank you guys for the hard work and taking my case.”
“I highly recommend O'Brien & Ford, P.C. to anyone who has been injured and needs someone they can trust. I’m extremely thankful for everything Anant and his team did for me and for the way I was treated throughout the entire process. They were professional, knowledgeable, and always took the time to explain things clearly and answer my questions. I would highly recommend this law firm.”
“Best firm ever, very smart and knowledgeable law firm. I always felt in great hands through out the entire process, Specal thanks to my Attorney Anant Kishore, couldn’t ask for a better outcome, thanks again guys ,”
Why do bicycle accidents happen in Buffalo?
Earlier data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that just under 50,000 bicyclists are injured every year in accidents in the United States, and almost 1,200 victims are killed. Understanding why these accidents happen can help you make a stronger case for monetary damages. Common causes include:
Distracted driving
Distractions abound in modern driving, from cell phones to disruptive passengers. If the driver isn’t paying attention, they may not spot a bicyclist in a bike lane or crossing at an intersection.
Impaired driving
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol makes it much harder for a motorist to see a bicyclist and stop in time to avoid a collision. If combined with other factors like speed, the wreck could be deadly.
Failure to yield
Every motorist has a duty to know New York’s right-of-way rules for bicyclists. Disregarding these rules can lead to a serious, even fatal collision, and it’s strong evidence of the driver’s negligence.
Speeding
Driving over the speed limit means less time to slow down and avoid colliding with a bicyclist. However, speeding can also mean driving too fast for the weather or traffic conditions. Drivers should use abundant caution, especially since it’s harder to see bicycles than motor vehicles.
Reckless driving
This can include any number of dangerous and aggressive traffic maneuvers, like excessive speed or unsafe lane changes. A reckless driver may not be paying attention to others around them, including bicyclists who cross their paths.
Dooring accidents
“Dooring” refers to the act of a driver or passenger opening the door of their vehicle directly into the path of an oncoming bicyclist. The bicyclist can crash into and flip over the door and suffer catastrophic injuries.
Weather and traffic conditions
Bad weather like fog and storms, or low lighting, can make it harder to see a bicyclist among other vehicles. The same is true for congested traffic conditions, and every driver should be using more caution in these situations.
Failure to check blind spots
All drivers should check their blind spots before changing lanes. While most drivers are checking for other motor vehicles, they should make sure to look for any bicyclists as well.
Bicycle and safety gear defects
Not all accidents are caused by negligent drivers. Problems with the bicycle itself, such as faulty brakes, can increase the risk of an accident. Meanwhile, defective safety gear may aggravate injuries in the event of a crash.
Who is liable for Buffalo bicycle accidents?
Depending on the facts of your accident case, various individuals or entities could be liable for your injuries. It’s important to identify all possible at-fault parties, especially in cases in which more than one party is liable. Examples of liable parties include:
- Motorists: It’s often, although not always, a negligent motor vehicle driver who is responsible for the crash. In some cases, two or more drivers collide and also strike a bicyclist. Determining who was truly at fault can be complicated, so check with a knowledgeable lawyer.
- Employer: If the driver was performing their work duties at the time of the accident, their employer could potentially be held liable. The driver must have been acting within the scope of their employment when the wreck happened.
- Property owners: Sometimes property owners allow dangerous conditions that can harm bicyclists. For example, a sidewalk may run through a business. The business owner may have a duty to maintain that sidewalk, but it might have uneven slabs and cracks that make it dangerous to ride a bicycle.
- Manufacturers and retailers: The companies that make and sell bicycles and safety gear can also be held liable in some cases. Your attorney may consult expert witnesses who can explain in detail how a manufacturing or design defect caused you harm.
Visit Us
Do you have a Buffalo bicycle accident lawyer near me?
Bicycle accident victims should have local counsel that they can count on. Located at 4549 Main St. Suite 201, Buffalo, NY 14226, O’Brien & Ford PC is proud to serve accident victims and their families in these and other nearby communities:
- Buffalo
- Lockport
- Wheatfield
- Niagara Falls
Most clients reach us by car. Major roads and highways like Sheridan Drive, I-290, I-990, and Transit Road provide convenient access to our office. You may also wish to take the NFTA-Metro bus service or the Metro Rail. Don’t hesitate to call us at 716-222-2222 for assistance reaching us, for local parking options, or to schedule your free initial consultation.
Frequently asked questions about Buffalo bicycle accidents
Can the bicycle accident victim still recover if they were partially at fault?
Yes, but in motor-vehicle personal injury actions subject to New York’s no-fault law that are commenced on or after May 26, 2026, a bicyclist is barred from recovery if the bicyclist’s fault exceeds the fault of the defendant, or the combined fault of the defendants, from whom recovery is sought. Otherwise, compensation is reduced by the bicyclist’s percentage of fault. For instance, if the bicyclist was riding in an unsafe manner at the time of the crash, a jury may assign 20% liability to them. Their available damages would then be reduced by 20%.
If the bicyclist was not wearing a helmet, can they still recover?
Does the bicyclist's no-fault insurance provide coverage?
Is there a deadline to file a bicycle accident lawsuit?
Contact our Buffalo bicycle accident attorneys
We understand the apprehension you are experiencing in the wake of your or your loved one’s bicycle accident. Let us help alleviate those concerns by handling the legal facets of your accident. Schedule a free initial consultation with O’Brien & Ford PC. We’re ready to review your case and discuss your legal options today.