Seek Justice for Your Bike Accident Injuries in New Jersey
Cycling is an excellent way to stay healthy and eco-friendly while commuting. However, many roads in New Jersey are not designed with cyclists in mind, and motorists often fail to take necessary safety measures when sharing the road with them. Consequently, car-bike collisions occur frequently. If you have suffered injuries in a bicycle accident involving a motor vehicle, our bicycle accident attorney at New Jersey Injury Lawyers P.C. is available to assist you.
Proving fault is a crucial aspect in bicycle accident cases. Our New Jersey bike accident lawyer can thoroughly investigate your accident to gather evidence to establish the defendant’s liability and defend you against allegations of comparative fault.
By adopting a comprehensive approach to your case, we aim to obtain the highest possible compensation for you.
Why Do I Need a Bike Accident Lawyer in New Jersey?
If you have been involved in a bike accident in New Jersey, it is important to consult with a personal injury lawyer. Here are some reasons why you may need our skilled New Jersey bike accident lawyer:
- Protect Your Rights
- Determine Liability
- Negotiate With Insurance Companies
- Court Representation
- Ensure Fair Compensation
Overall, our New Jersey bike accident lawyer can provide you with the legal support and guidance you need during a difficult time, helping you to navigate the complex legal system and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
What Are the Different Bicycle Laws in New Jersey?
Title 39 of the Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation laws in New Jersey defines the crucial rights and responsibilities that bicyclists must adhere to. Among the most significant laws that apply to both cyclists and motorists are:
For Riders
- Rights and Duties of Persons on Bicycles (39:4-14.1) – The law stipulates that individuals who ride bicycles on public roads have equivalent rights and obligations to those who operate motor vehicles.
- Operating Regulations (39:4-14.2 and 39:4-10.11) – Cyclists are required to ride as close to the right-hand side of the road as possible but are permitted to move left under specific circumstances.
- Helmet Law (39:4-10.1) – Helmets are compulsory for any cyclist who is under 17 years of age.
- Lights on Bicycles (39:4-10) – Cyclists must have a front headlight and a rear red light on their bicycles that are visible from a distance of at least 600 feet when ridden during the night.
- Riding on Sidewalks – While no state law prohibits cycling on sidewalks, some municipalities have restricted bicycle traffic on particular sidewalks.
For Drivers
- Safe Passing – As bicyclists are entitled to the same rights as motor vehicles, motorists who intend to overtake them must treat them as slow-moving vehicles and adhere to guidelines for safe passing.
- Checking for Riders – Motor vehicle operators should exercise reasonable caution and check for the presence of cyclists before executing a driving maneuver, particularly at intersections.
- Safe Following Distance – Motorists should maintain a safe distance from bicyclists and avoid getting too close to them.
- Bike Lanes – Motor vehicle operators are prohibited from parking or obstructing designated bike lanes and should not utilize them to bypass other motorists.
Regrettably, even when cyclists adhere to all the regulations and maintain vigilance, they may still sustain injuries if others act negligently. If someone else’s negligent actions caused your bicycle accident, our New Jersey bike accident lawyer at New Jersey Injury Lawyers P.C. can assist you in pursuing the necessary measures to hold them responsible.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?
In the event of a bicycle accident involving a motor vehicle, the majority of the time, the driver is to blame for the incident as a result of careless driving. Other factors that could contribute to the accident include unsafe or inadequately maintained roadways. When a car or other vehicle strikes a cyclist, three common situations often result in severe injuries.
Left-Hand Turn Bicycle Crashes
Intersections pose a significant risk for both cyclists and motorists, as they contribute to over a third of all accidents. Motorists who are inattentive or distracted may fail to notice a cyclist approaching in a bike lane or on the shoulder. Additionally, cyclists may have to navigate crossing traffic to enter the left-hand turn lane, which can be a hazardous situation.
Right-Hand Turn Bicycle Collisions
Similar to a left-hand accident, if a driver is inattentive or distracted, they may not see a cyclist behind them before turning. In such cases, a cyclist riding on the right-hand side of the road may be struck by a vehicle making a right turn. The driver may fail to check before turning, resulting in a collision with the cyclist.
Dooring Bicycle Accidents
The term “dooring” is used to describe an incident where a cyclist collides with a door that is being opened by a driver or passenger. Such accidents are common in urban areas where vehicles are parked on the side of the road. The impact can cause cyclists to flip over their bikes and collide with the door, resulting in severe injuries.
What Are the Most Common Types of Bicycle Accident Injuries in New Jersey?
Due to the lack of protection offered by bicycles in case of an accident, riders are vulnerable to hazardous elements, leading to severe or even life-threatening injuries. Some of the injuries that cyclists can suffer from in an accident include:
- Fracture of the collarbone
- Hand and wrist injuries
- Broken arms and legs
- Elbow fracture
- Nerve damage
- Joint dislocation
- Dental and jaw injuries
- Neck and head trauma
- Trauma to the brain
- Spinal cord damage
- Bruises, cuts, and lacerations
- Skin scrapes
Even if external injuries from a bicycle accident can heal quickly, a severe injury can have a lasting impact on one’s quality of life. It is important to seek medical attention after a bicycle accident to have your injuries evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Afterward, it may be beneficial to consult with our New Jersey bike accident lawyer to assess your claim and determine if you are eligible for compensation.
What to Do Following a Bicycle Accident in New Jersey?
Following a bicycle accident, there are specific measures you can take to strengthen your case and preserve your entitlement to seek damages from the responsible party. These measures include:
- Seek Medical Assistance
- Document the Accident Scene
- Gather Information From the At-Fault Party and Witnesses
- Notify Authorities of the Accident
Shortly after the crash, an insurance company may reach out to you to talk about the accident and your side of the story. It is advisable to seek the advice of our knowledgeable New Jersey bike accident lawyer before providing any statements to the insurer. Our proficient bicycle accident attorney will collaborate with you to protect your claim and assist you in obtaining the appropriate compensation.
Who Can Be Held Legally Liable for Your Bicycle Accident Injuries in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, liability for a bike accident will depend on the specific circumstances surrounding the accident. Generally, anyone who is responsible for causing the accident can be held legally liable for your injuries, including:
Negligent Drivers
Drivers who act negligently, such as speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, failing to yield, or not paying attention to the road, can be held liable for bike accident injuries.
Vehicle Owners
If the driver of the vehicle involved in the accident was operating a truck or work vehicle, the employer or company that hired the driver also has legal responsibility. If it is found that the employer or company did not fulfill this responsibility, a separate claim can be made against them in addition to the claim against the driver.
Government Entities
If the bike accident was caused by a dangerous or defective condition of the road, such as a pothole or uneven pavement, the government entity responsible for maintaining the road may be held liable.
Bicycle Manufacturers
If the bike accident was caused by a defective bicycle part, such as a faulty brake system, the manufacturer of the bicycle or the specific part may be held liable.
Property Owners
If the bike accident occurred on someone else’s property, and the property owner failed to maintain a safe environment for cyclists, the property owner may be held liable.
It’s important to consult with our personal injury attorney who can help determine who is liable for your bike accident injuries and guide you through the legal process.
Can I Still File a Bicycle Injury Claim in New Jersey Even If I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet During the Accident?
Yes, you can still file a bicycle injury claim in New Jersey even if you were not wearing a helmet during the accident. New Jersey’s bicycle helmet law only applies to persons under the age of 17. However, not wearing a helmet may be considered a factor in determining the number of damages you may be entitled to receive.
New Jersey follows a comparative negligence system, which means that your damages may be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault in the accident. If your failure to wear a helmet is determined to have contributed to your injuries, the damages you may be awarded could be reduced.
It is important to note that the absence of a helmet does not automatically mean that you were at fault for the accident. The circumstances of each case are unique, and liability will depend on a variety of factors such as the actions of the parties involved, road conditions, and other relevant factors.
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, it is important to seek the advice of our personal injury attorney who can help you understand your legal options and protect your rights.
What Are the Recoverable Compensations for a Bicycle Accident Injury Claim?
Bicycle accidents can lead to severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment and may force victims to take time off from work to recover. Moreover, these injuries can have a significant impact on their ability to live independently and perform daily activities.
As a result, victims of bicycle accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation to assist them in recovering from their injuries. This compensation may include:
- Past and projected medical costs
- Lost income
- Loss of earning potential
- Cost of medically-assisted devices
- Cost of employing a caregiver
- Rehabilitation
- Corrective surgery
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of life’s pleasure
- Loss of reputation
- Disfigurement
- Loss of companionship
If you suspect that you have a valid claim against the party responsible for your injury, reach out to our New Jersey bike accident lawyer to schedule a free consultation. With our years of experience in representing victims of negligence, we have the understanding and knowledge to accurately assess the value of a personal injury claim.
What is New Jersey’s Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accident Injury Claims?
To seek compensation for injuries sustained in a bicycle accident in New Jersey, the typical time limit for filing a claim is 2 years from the date of the accident. However, if you suspect that a municipality or public entity may be at fault, you only have 90 days from the incident to file a claim.
Our team of personal injury attorneys at New Jersey Injury Lawyers P.C. can help guide you through the process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Call Our Experienced New Jersey Bike Accident Lawyer Today
If you sustained injuries and financial losses from a bicycle accident that was not your fault, you may have a claim that could entitle you to compensation. At New Jersey Injury Lawyers P.C., our New Jersey bike accident lawyer is familiar with the challenges involved in filing a personal injury claim with the negligent party’s insurance company.
We have assisted many negligence victims in receiving the justice they deserve and will exhaust all possible legal avenues to help you obtain the maximum compensation possible. You can schedule a free consultation to determine if you have a case without any obligation or risk.
Our law office can also provide legal services when it comes to Car Accidents, Transit Accidents, and Workers’ Compensation.
