Robin Herman | 00:05
Welcome to Pedals to the Courtroom. This is a New York-based series focused on cycling, safety, and the law. I’m Robin Herman, a partner in Herman & Herman, and in this show, we’ll explore life on two wheels through honest conversation with my husband, Glenn Herman, personal injury bike lawyer, combining personal experience with practical guidance for cyclists in New York City.
So you often describe yourself as a lawyer who’s a cyclist, and to whom people can talk to without pressure. What does that actually mean?
Glenn Herman | 00:38
When an injured cyclist reach out to me, I ask them the details about their particular situation. I tell them what we can do for them. We never pressure anyone to sign up with us before answering their questions. When you come to us, you get another cyclist asking you what happened.
Robin Herman | 01:03
Okay. And how can cyclists across the five boroughs better support one another beyond legal situations?
Glenn Herman | 01:08
You know, I think just be aware of all the cycling opportunities that there are in the city. Join a cycling club. Do a group ride. They’re great. There’s rides that go all around the city. Keep up in the ways that the government is trying to actually make New York City, Cycle-friendly city and the mayor now is adding bike lanes that they were supposed to add 50 miles last year, they added 18 miles, but they’re working on it. So, keep up with what’s going on, and keep hitting the road.
Robin Herman | 01:43
And if a cyclist has never been in an accident before, is it still important for that cyclist to know their rights ahead of time?
Glenn Herman | 01:50
I would say it is because I’ve met many injured people who didn’t go into the ambulance when they should have because they didn’t know how they were going to pay the bills, and it’s important to know ahead of time that if anything should happen and it involves a vehicle, New York no-fault law will pay all your medical bills, ambulance, emergency room, your x-rays, your treatment surgery if you need it and knowing that ahead of time is very helpful.
Robin Herman | 02:18
What’s a myth about bicycle accident cases that you wish cyclists understood better?
Glenn Herman | 02:24
I think this one’s very important. The law in New York is this: even if a cyclist is partially at fault for an injury, they’re still entitled to be compensated for their pain, suffering, for their medical treatment, they’re entitled to be compensated. New York, which is called a comparative negligence state, so even if a cyclist is somewhat at fault, they should know that, they could still have a potential claim.
Robin Herman | 02:54
And looking ahead, how do you hope your work contributes to safer streets and stronger cycling community in New York City?
Glenn Herman | 03:01
Roadway defects, and some bicycle trail dangers have actually been repaired because of cases we’ve brought, and unfortunately, a lot of times, private entities and the government doesn’t act until someone’s been hurt, unfortunately. So, I hope that by bringing cases, we’re holding these people accountable and making the roadway safer.
Robin Herman | 03:28
Thanks. I think that was very helpful.
Glenn Herman | 03:29
Absolutely.
Robin Herman | 03:30
Tune in each week for conversations about cycling safety and the law in New York City. I’m Robin, and I’ll be sitting down with my husband, Glenn Herman, to talk honestly about life on two wheels and what cyclists should know both before and after an accident.
Glenn Herman | 03:44
Thank you.