Bicycle Accidents Involving Children: What Parents Should Know

It is often a rite of passage for a New Jersey child to learn how to ride a bicycle because it gives them new freedom to explore the world around them.  Most of us remember the first time our parents or siblings detached the training wheels and let go of the seat, launching us to explore our neighborhoods. Though we may have learned how to balance and ride a bike, we were not fully trained in bike rider safety. Instead, good parents trust other drivers to drive responsibly and watch out for children. Unfortunately, too often children are accident victims suffering serious injuries or worse. And oftentimes, the police report blames the child for the accident. The good news is that the police report is not evidence, and the police officer’s opinion is usually excluded as well.

While bike riding is great exercise and fun for kids, it also comes with real risks. Every year, thousands of children are seriously hurt in bicycle accidents, and many with cars. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that more than 100 children go to the emergency room every day because of bicycle-related injuries. Children under 14 make up more than 20% of all bicycle-related deaths in the United States. That’s a statistic no parent wants to hear, but also shouldn’t be ignored.

What’s Different About Bicycle Accidents Involving Children?

When a driver is distracted, speeding, or just not paying attention, it can have devastating consequences. Most bicycle accidents happen in common areas, for example, while backing out of a driveway or at a crosswalk. Even in quiet, residential areas, accidents happen too often. In many of these cases, the driver can be held responsible for not taking proper care to avoid the child.

Children don’t always see danger the way adults do. They may not understand traffic laws and assume drivers will stop for them, even though this is not the case. The law recognizes that kids don’t have the same reaction time or judgment as adults, so drivers are expected to be more careful when children are nearby, especially at parks, in local neighborhoods, or near schools.

Sometimes the fault of the accident isn’t only on the driver. If the road is in bad condition, a sidewalk is broken, or signs are missing, the city or property owner could also be held responsible. Having an experienced New Jersey bicycle accident lawyer who knows how to investigate all the details of the crash and build a strong case will help you navigate all of the legal possibilities to get the justice you deserve.

If a child is injured by a driver of an automobile, their medical bills will be paid by their household automobile insurance policy under the terms of their family members’ Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage.  This is because New Jersey is a No-Fault Insurance State.  The bike rider may also benefit from the household’s auto insurance policy that will provide Uninsured Motorist Coverage as well as Underinsured Motorist coverage.

Injuries After a Child Bicycle Crash

Children are still growing, so injuries can have a more serious and lasting impact than they would for adults. Many children involved in accidents suffer broken bones, head injuries, or damage to their spine or internal organs. Even when wearing a helmet, head trauma and other injuries can happen and sometimes lead to long-term effects.

Some of the most common injuries in child bicycle crashes include:

• Concussion, head injuries, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Broken bones and fractures affecting growth plates
• Dental injuries
• Neck, back, and spinal injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Scars, lacerations
• Emotional injuries and PTSD

The road to recovery can be long and expensive. Some injuries require surgeries, physical therapy, and follow-up care for years. Getting financial help through a legal claim can help support you through recovery, cover medical bills, physical therapy, special equipment, and emotional suffering. It can also make sure your child has what they need moving forward.

Do I Need a Bicycle Accident Attorney?

When a child is injured in a bicycle accident, every detail matters. The damage caused in these accidents is not only medical, but also emotional suffering, lost opportunities, and lifelong care the child’s injuries could require. Families in these situations are under stress and may not be thinking about what their long-term options are while they are focusing on their child’s recovery.

That’s why it’s so important to work with a law firm that has experience in child injury and bicycle accident cases. At Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, we’ve been representing injured children and their families in New Jersey and New York for more than 40 years. We understand how upsetting and confusing these cases can be, and we are here to support and fight for you. We work with doctors, accident investigators, and other professionals to build the strongest case possible and secure the justice you deserve.  We accept these cases on a contingent fee basis, which means there is no legal fee unless a case is won, which is based upon a percentage of the final settlement.  In New Jersey, the legal percentage charged to a minor by personal injury lawyers is 25%.

Child Bicycle Accident? Call Today.

When a child is injured in a bike crash, the questions that follow are overwhelming. Who is at fault? Who will pay the medical bills? What are your rights? You don’t have to go through it alone; having an experienced personal injury lawyer is incredibly important to help support you and your family during this time. At Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C., we help parents understand their legal options, hold the right people accountable, and fight for the support children need to recover.

Let our experienced legal team help you take the next steps to receive the compensation deserved for pain and suffering. We’ll walk you through your options, explain everything in simple terms, and give your case the attention it deserves. Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Together, we can work for justice and support your child’s needs for a better tomorrow.

Clients seeking experienced personal injury lawyers in Teaneck, NJ, or the surrounding Bergen County area can contact Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. at 1-800-LAW-2000 or via email at info@dsslaw.com. Our firm offers free, no-obligation consultations and second opinions, and has offices throughout New Jersey and New York City.