BUFFALO, Erie County, N.Y., Sept. 23, 2026 — A bicyclist was injured Tuesday, September 22, when a car struck them at the intersection of Hertel Avenue and Sunnyside Place in Buffalo, New York, according to the Buffalo Fire Department.
The Buffalo Fire Department responded to the scene for a reported crash between a car and a bicyclist. One injury was reported, though the severity has not been released.
It's not yet known whether the bicyclist was taken to a hospital or treated at the scene. Details about what led to the crash, including which vehicle had the right of way, have not been made public.
No further information has been released. This report will be updated if additional details become available.
Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
How Investigators Piece Together a Pedestrian or Bicyclist Crash
When a car strikes someone walking or riding a bike, the first priority at the scene is medical care, not fact-finding. Officers or crash reconstruction teams typically arrive once the injured person is stabilized, and their early work centers on preserving evidence: skid marks, debris fields, vehicle position, and any available camera footage from nearby homes or businesses.
Piecing together exactly what happened, who had the right of way, how fast the vehicle was moving, whether visibility was relevant, takes longer than people expect. Investigators may need to pull data from a vehicle's onboard systems, interview witnesses separately, and cross-check accounts against physical evidence before drawing conclusions. A final report can take weeks, especially if the injuries are serious enough to require a more detailed reconstruction.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 68,244 pedestrians were injured in traffic crashes in 2023. That volume means local agencies are working through a backlog of cases, and thoroughness is usually prioritized over speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a vehicle's speed affect the outcome for a pedestrian or bicyclist?
Even modest increases in speed raise the risk of serious injury or death. Lower speeds give both drivers and pedestrians more time to react and reduce the force of impact if a crash does happen.
Where do most of these crashes happen?
A large share occur at or near intersections, where paths cross and visibility can be limited by parked cars, turning vehicles, or poor lighting.
Are these crashes more common after dark?
Yes, a significant portion happen at night or in low-light conditions, when drivers have less time to see and react to someone on foot or on a bike.
What should someone do immediately after being hit by a car?
If possible, stay still and call for medical help right away, even if injuries seem minor. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bruising, aren't obvious right away. Getting contact information from the driver and any witnesses, and requesting a copy of the police report, can help later on.
What to Do After a Bicyclist Crash in Buffalo, NY
If you or someone you know was involved in a crash like this in Buffalo, the first step is always medical attention, even if the injuries seem minor at first. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries don't show symptoms until hours or days later.
Once immediate needs are addressed, it helps to write down what you remember while it's fresh: where you were, what direction you were traveling, and anything you noticed about the other vehicle. Keeping a folder of medical records, bills, and any correspondence with insurance companies can make things easier down the road. If a police report was filed, request a copy once it's available so you have an official record of what was documented at the scene.