Bicycle Accident Lawyer in New Jersey

Moments before bicycle accident in New Jersey

Fatal car crashes have drastically increased over the last few years. Unfortunately, bicycle accidents have also followed this trend. If you were injured while on your bicycle, talk to a skilled bike accident lawyer in New Jersey to see if you’re entitled to pursue financial recovery for your losses.

Experienced lawyers know that most of the time, insurance companies and the police are biased against bike riders. The New Jersey bicycle accident attorneys at Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. stand up for cyclists injured by careless and negligent motorists. We will pursue full compensation, generally in one lump sum, from the at-fault motorist’s insurance company to help you recover from the physical injuries and lost income caused by your bicycle accident.

We find that most of the time injuries to bicycle riders are caused by the following:

Distracted Drivers
Cell phone use
Violation of Motor vehicle laws by Drivers
Speeding
Loose manhole covers
Failing to yield
Unsafe lane changes
Failure to make observations
Inexperienced Drivers
Drivers failing to make proper observation
Pavement defects such as potholes
Turning without looking
Running a red light or stop sign
Drunk Driving
Improper driving during inclement weather
Driver Fatigue
Taxi, Uber, and Lyft drivers making sudden moves to pick up passengers

Drivers have an absolute obligation to make observations of others sharing the roadway. It is foreseeable that, in addition to cars, semi-trucks, motorcycles, and busses, others such as bicycle riders, pedestrians, skateboarders, people pushing strollers, scooters, Segway’s, electric bicycles, will be sharing the road with others. Now more than ever, either because of economics, or COVID anxiety, thousands of people in New Jersey and New York commute to work on bicycles and ride for exercise and recreation. Cyclists are required to obey traffic laws and have the same rights to use the road as automobile drivers. But bicyclists have little protection in the event of a collision. If a careless motorist causes an accident, bicycle riders are vulnerable to very serious injuries.

Nearly all fatal bicycle accidents involve collisions with large vehicles. Cyclists who have been injured due to a driver’s negligence have a legal right to seek compensation. Compensation includes money for permanent injuries, disfigurements such as scars, past and future medical bills, lost income, property damage, loss of savings, and much more. There is no cap or limit on the amount an injured person can sue for but most of the time, injuries fall within a defendant’s insurance policy coverage.

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What to Do if You Have Been Injured in a Bicycle Accident in New Jersey

When you’ve been hurt in an accident in New Jersey while riding your bicycle, you can take the following steps to preserve your legal rights to compensation:

If the police were not called to the scene, fill out an accident report at the local police department.
Take photos or videos of the accident scene, including details such as traffic signals or signs and skid marks.
Photograph any visible injuries you suffered as well.
Take note of any surveillance or traffic cameras that may have captured the accident.
Talk to any eyewitnesses who may have seen the crash.
Save your bicycle, or photograph the damage to your bike if you repair or throw it away.
See a doctor as soon as possible to get checked for injuries you suffered in the accident.
Keep copies of all bills, invoices, receipts, and other records of expenses that you incur.
Get copies of your pay stubs or income records if you’ve missed work due to your injuries.
Contact a New Jersey bicycle accident lawyer for help with your case.

Bicycle Accident Statistics in New Jersey

Bike accident statistics compiled by the New Jersey State Police report the following:

There were 27 fatalities from bicycle accidents in New Jersey in one recent year.
Bicycle accident fatalities made up nearly 4 percent of the 702 total fatal crashes in New Jersey that year.
Counties with the highest number of bicycle accident fatalities include Cape May, Essex, and Hudson Counties, each with three deaths.

We Represent Children Injured in Bicycle Accidents

We also have extensive experience in representing children on bicycles being hit by cars and trucks. Responding police officers often put blame on the child. Furthermore, careless drivers often blame the bike rider by saying “the child rode their bike into the side of the car” or they appeared out of “nowhere.” Our team of pediatric lawyers are experts in representing children injured in a bike accident.

In New Jersey, these cases are commonly handled on a contingent fee basis of 25% if the child’s case settles before trial. Under the law of New Jersey and New York, anyone under the age of 18 is considered an “infant” under the law. Any settlement for a child must be approved by the Court. Lawyers that represent children understand that children often are afraid to discuss all injuries or go for much-needed medical care.

Even when the accident is not their fault, they often appear reluctant to accuse the negligent driver. Children also require special treatment and validation as they are prepared to give statements either at a deposition or a trial. When handled properly, personal injury cases involving children have a greater value because often the permanent injuries will be with them for life. Scars will not get better, and serious fractures will continue to cause problems for life.

What Are My Rights as a Bicyclist in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, bicycles on public roads are subject to the same laws and regulations as other vehicles. This means bicyclists must obey all traffic signals and signs. However, bicyclists also have the protection of the state’s safe passing law.

Under the law, drivers who pass a bicyclist on a public road must move over a lane if available. Drivers must leave at least four feet of space when passing a bicycle on a single-lane road. If a driver does not have enough room to leave the required space, they must slow down behind the bike and wait until they can safely pass.

Expert Witnesses in New Jersey Bicycle Accident Claims

Often the key to proving fault on the part of the negligent driver is to hire a law firm whose bicycle accident lawyers have routinely worked with accident reconstructionist experts. They normally study all of the physical evidence, including the bicycle, the scene, skid marks, police reports, witness statements sight obstructions, and testimony to reconstruct an accident. This may be very important in cases involving children or those that suffered a head injury with amnesia.

Talk to Our Experienced Bicycle Accident Lawyers in New Jersey Today

Never settle for less. We’re here for you, and we pride ourselves in putting the “personal” in personal injury.

The New Jersey bicycle accident lawyers at Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C., offer a courtesy case review for accident victims and their families. We will go over the details of how your bike accident occurred, address your questions, and discuss whether we think you have a valid personal injury case. This initial meeting is free of charge. Call us or contact us online to discuss how we may be able to assist you. We can meet with you in person, FaceTime, Zoom, Skype, Teams, etc. Office appointments are also available, but not necessary.