What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in New Jersey
The actions you take after a bicycle accident can significantly impact both your health and your ability to recover compensation. If you have been injured while riding a bicycle, consider taking the following steps:
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your health should always be your top priority. Even if your injuries seem minor, it is important to be evaluated by a medical professional. Some injuries, including concussions, internal injuries, and soft tissue damage, may not become apparent until hours or days after the accident.
Contact Law Enforcement
If a motor vehicle was involved in the accident, call the police and request that an officer respond to the scene. A police report can provide valuable evidence for your insurance claim or personal injury case.
Gather Evidence
If you are physically able, take photographs of the accident scene, your bicycle, the vehicle involved, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Obtain contact and insurance information from the driver and collect contact information from any witnesses.
Avoid Discussing Fault
Do not admit fault or speculate about what happened. Statements made at the scene or to insurance companies may later be used against you.
Contact a New Jersey Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Before accepting a settlement offer or speaking with insurance adjusters, consider consulting an experienced bicycle accident attorney. An attorney can help protect your rights and pursue the compensation you may be entitled to recover.
How a New Jersey Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
Investigate the cause of the accident
Obtain police reports and witness statements
Collect surveillance footage and other evidence
Work with accident reconstruction experts when necessary
Communicate with insurance companies on your behalf
Calculate the full value of your damages
Negotiate a fair settlement or pursue litigation if necessary
Bicycle accident victims often suffer serious injuries despite traveling at relatively low speeds. Having experienced legal representation can help ensure your claim is properly valued and aggressively pursued.
Common Injuries Caused by Bicycle Accidents
Because bicyclists have little protection from the force of a collision, injuries are often severe.
Common bicycle accident injuries include:
Traumatic brain injuries
Concussions
Broken bones and fractures
Road rash
Spinal cord injuries
Neck and back injuries
Internal organ damage
Facial injuries
Dental injuries
Permanent scarring and disfigurement
Wrongful death
Compensation Available to Bicycle Accident Victims
If another party's negligence caused your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Medical expenses
Future medical treatment
Rehabilitation costs
Lost wages
Loss of earning capacity
Bicycle repair or replacement
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life
Wrongful death damages
Every case is unique, and the value of your claim will depend on the specific circumstances surrounding your accident.
Who Is Liable for a Bicycle Accident?
Several parties may be responsible for a bicycle accident, including:
Negligent Drivers
Many bicycle accidents occur because drivers fail to:
Yield the right of way
Check blind spots
Leave adequate passing distance
Obey traffic signals
Watch for bicyclists when turning
Commercial Vehicle Drivers and Employers
If a delivery truck, rideshare vehicle, or company-owned vehicle caused the accident, the driver's employer may also be liable.
Government Entities
Poor road maintenance, dangerous intersections, potholes, missing signs, and unsafe bike lane conditions may contribute to a bicycle accident. In some situations, a government entity may be responsible.
Bicycle Manufacturers
If a defective bicycle component contributed to the accident, the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer may be liable under product liability laws.
Other Third Parties
Construction companies, property owners, or other parties whose negligence contributed to the accident may also share responsibility.
Challenges and Important Considerations in Bicycle Accident Cases
Bicycle accident claims often present unique challenges.
Bias Against Cyclists
Insurance companies may attempt to argue that the cyclist was responsible for the accident, even when the evidence suggests otherwise.
Serious Injuries
Because bicyclists have little physical protection, injuries are often more severe than those sustained in traditional motor vehicle accidents, leading to higher medical costs and longer recovery periods.
Disputed Liability
Drivers frequently claim they did not see the cyclist or argue that the bicyclist violated traffic laws. A thorough investigation is often necessary to determine fault.
Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies may attempt to minimize injuries, dispute liability, or offer settlements that fail to fully compensate victims for their losses.
Why Choose Our New Jersey Bicycle Crash Attorneys?
After a serious bicycle accident, you may be facing medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about your future. While you focus on your recovery, our legal team can handle the claims process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
We represent bicycle accident victims throughout New Jersey and work diligently to investigate every case, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue litigation when necessary.
You pay no attorney's fees unless we win your case.
