Can I Sue Citi Bike after a Bike Accident?

You can sue Citi Bike after an accident if the bike was unsafe and that dangerous condition caused your accident. There are a number of potential reasons why a Citi Bike may not be safe for you to use, and you may therefore suffer a serious injury through no fault of your own. If this happens, then Citi Bike may be liable for your damages.

What About the Waiver Form I Signed?

All Citi Bike riders are required to sign a waiver stating that they understand that Citi Bike is not liable for any injuries sustained while using it. Unfortunately, many injured victims are deterred from pursuing a lawsuit against Citi Bike because they have signed that form. By scheduling a consultation with an experienced bicycle accident attorney in NYC, you can better understand your legal rights and discover that you may have grounds for a claim against Citi Bike despite signing that waiver.

Why These Bikes are not Always Safe

Citi Bike claims that its bikes are regularly cleaned, inspected, and visited by technicians but does not provide further details about when or how frequently it occurs. However, regular riders of Citi Bikes know that they are asked to report any maintenance issues and to park the bike at the nearest docking station should any mechanical problems arise. At the docking station, there is a special button the rider can press to notify Citi Bike that that bike needs repaired. The bike is supposed to be locked from being used by anyone else until it is fixed.

However, there is zero transparency proving that those bikes are fixed before being used again. Further, there is no clear strategy for what happens when a rider fails to report the need for maintenance. Additionally, many of these bikes are left out in the elements of New York City winters or ridden hard by users– two common causes of bike malfunctions.

Common Safety Malfunctions of Bicycles

In the crowded streets of New York City, an accident caused by an unsafe bike can result in serious injuries. Below are some of the common types of malfunctions:

  • Defective handlebars
  • Faulty or flat tires or tubes
  • Pedals that are not attached properly
  • Bikes that have been vandalized
  • Faulty chains
  • Defective brakes
  • Failure to abide by safety criteria

Citi Bike Still Owes You a Duty of Care

Despite the waiver you signed, you still have the right to a safe ride every time you use a Citi Bike. In fact, Citi Bike owes you the duty of ensuring that its bikes are well-maintained. If that standard is not met and you are injured as a result, then you may be eligible to file a bicycle accident lawsuit against Citi Bike to recover financial compensation for your damages.

Damages Available in a Citi Bike Accident Lawsuit

If you file a bicycle accident lawsuit after being injured due to a Citi Bike safety malfunction, you may be eligible to receive financial compensation for the following damages:

  • All medical costs
  • Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of consortium
  • Loss of companionship

Due to the waiver that Citi Bike riders sign, these cases are often confusing and complex. That is one of many reasons why our attorneys at Douglas & London recommend that you consult with an experienced NYC personal injury lawyer as soon as possible following your accident.

Contact us for a free consultation

Since 2002, we have been holding companies like Citi Bike accountable for their wrongful actions that cause injuries to New Yorkers. We leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of maximum financial compensation on your behalf and have secured greater than $18 billion in settlements and verdicts for our clients.

If you were injured in a Citi Bike accident, contact us today to book your zero-cost consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, so we only get paid if you get paid.