$3.75 Million Bicycle Accident Settlement in Manhattan

Raphaelson & Levine secured a $3.75 million settlement for a bicyclist who suffered cervical spine, lumbar, shoulder, and knee injuries after being struck by a turning vehicle in Manhattan.

Struck While Riding Through a Manhattan Intersection

Our client was cycling straight through an intersection when a vehicle making a turn collided with them. The impact was severe — the bicyclist sustained injuries to the cervical spine, lumbar spine, right shoulder, and left knee, each requiring surgical intervention.

Recovery demanded a cervical percutaneous disc procedure, a full lumbar discectomy, and shoulder surgery. Everyday activities — commuting, working, even sleeping without pain — became impossible. The physical toll was compounded by mounting medical bills and lost income during a prolonged rehabilitation.

Navigating a Complex Insurance Structure

The at-fault driver carried only a $25,000 primary liability policy — a fraction of what this case demanded. However, our bicycle accident attorneys identified a $10 million excess policy layered above the primary coverage. Reaching that excess layer required proving damages far beyond the primary threshold, which meant building an exhaustive medical and economic case.

Our team retained orthopedic specialists to document the permanence of each injury. We obtained independent medical evaluations confirming that our client would require ongoing pain management and likely face future surgical revisions. Liability experts reconstructed the collision, demonstrating that the driver failed to check for oncoming bicycle traffic before executing the turn.

Full Recovery for a Manhattan Cyclist

The $3.75 million settlement covers past and future surgical expenses, lost earning capacity, physical therapy costs, and compensation for diminished quality of life. This result reflects what is possible when experienced counsel identifies every available dollar of insurance coverage.

"Bicycle accidents involving turning vehicles are far too common in Manhattan, and insurers often try to minimize the severity of a cyclist's injuries. This case required us to pierce through a minimal primary policy and access the excess coverage our client's injuries warranted."

— Joseph Taylor, Managing Attorney at Raphaelson & Levine

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident in New York, our vehicle accident lawyers have decades of experience handling complex insurance structures and fighting for full compensation. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.