New York's comparative fault law can reduce an injured bicyclist's compensation in a personal injury claim. It hinges on whether the at-fault motorist can demonstrate that the cyclist's negligence contributed to the accident. For example, if the cyclist's total damages are $100,000, but the evidence proves that they were 25 percent at fault for the accident, the award will be reduced by 25%; the cyclist will recover $75,000. Negligent motorists and their insurance companies will try to argue comparative negligence in an NYC bicycle accident lawsuit by claiming that the cyclist may have been at fault. An insurance company may want to find some negligent behavior on the part of the cyclist. They may try to introduce evidence that would place the fault of the accident on the cyclist. For example, they might claim that you were weaving in and out of traffic, ignored traffic signals and road signs, or failed to wear a helmet or other protective gear. The defendant's insurance carrier will often contact the injured cyclist directly to get a statement. However, anything that the cyclist says can later be used against them. You can avoid this problem by hiring an experienced New York City bicycle accident lawyer immediately after the collision. Once an attorney is involved, an insurance company cannot contact the cyclist directly and can only communicate through your attorney.