FIRST DEPARTMENT UPHOLDS LARGE INJURY VERDICT FOR BICYCLIST HIT BY A BUS

The First Department recently upheld a $3.9 million dollar award to a bicyclist injured when he was struck by an accordion bus owned and operated by New York City Transit Authority. (Flores v. New York City Transit Auth., 2021 WL 4528787 (1st Dept 2021). 

Plaintiff was injured riding his bicycle southbound in the parking lane on the right side of the street on Second Avenue, New York City. A bus was in the lane directly to his left, which was separated by a white line. The bus suddenly accelerated, overtook and passed plaintiff, who was still cycling in the parking lane. The bus veered into the parking lane. The driver of the bus said he never saw plaintiff. The rear portion of the bus struck Plaintiff’s bicycle resulting in injuries. 

The case went to trial and the jury returned a verdict on January 24, 2020 for $3.9 million dollars, finding New York City Transit Authority liable and awarding the bicyclist damages for his pain and suffering and future medical expenses. The City was ordered to pay the Plaintiff, but the City attempted to argue that the verdict should be reduced significantly.  However, the First Department did not agree with that and upheld the multi-million-dollar award for the bicyclist. 

In another bicycle injury case, a jury awarded a severely injured plaintiff who suffered from multiple fractures $12.5 million dollars after she was hit by a New York City Transit Authority bus[1] (Lind v. City of New York, 270 A.D.2d 315 (2d Dept 2000)). 

Faruqi & Faruqi is a law firm representing the rights of seriously injured victims, including cyclists, pedestrians, and their families. We are avid cyclist, scooter, electric bike, and overall safe street advocates. If you are a bicyclist and you are hit by a motor vehicle or a bus, please feel free to discuss your rights. Call Faruqi and Faruqi, LLP at 212-983-6804 for a free and confidential consultation.