Injured in a Bicycle Accident? How to Seek Compensation and Protect Your Rights in New Jersey
Injured in a Bicycle Accident? How to Seek Compensation and Protect Your Rights in New Jersey
Bicycle accidents can lead to significant injuries, and if someone else’s negligence caused your crash, you may have the right to seek compensation. Understanding the legal process is crucial for safeguarding your rights and ensuring you receive the financial recovery you’re entitled to.
This blog will guide you through the steps of filing a bike crash claim and explain how a bicycle accident lawyer can help you seek compensation.
Leading Factors Behind Bike Crashes
Bicycle accidents can happen for various reasons, and many are the result of negligent drivers or unsafe road conditions. Some common causes include:
1. Driver Carelessness
A major contributor to cycling accidents is driver carelessness. This can include behaviors such as distracted driving, speeding, failing to yield, and aggressive driving. When motorists neglect to share the road properly or disregard traffic regulations, they significantly increase the chances of harm to cyclists.
2. Dooring Incidents
“Dooring” occurs when a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of an approaching cyclist, causing the rider to collide with it. These incidents are particularly frequent in city environments and can result in significant injuries for the cyclist. Motorists have a responsibility to check their surroundings before opening their doors, and failing to do so may lead to a serious accident, potentially resulting in a legal claim for the injured cyclist.
3. Poor Road Conditions
Potholes, uneven pavement, and debris on the road can cause a cyclist to lose control and crash. Municipalities and local governments have a responsibility to maintain safe roadways. If poor road conditions contributed to your accident, you may be able to seek compensation from the responsible parties.
4. Left-Turn Accidents
Left-turn accidents occur when a driver making a left turn fails to see an oncoming bicyclist or underestimates the cyclist’s speed. This type of collision is particularly dangerous, as it often involves the cyclist being struck by the front or side of a car.
5. Failure to Obey Traffic Laws
Both drivers and cyclists are required to follow the rules of the road. However, when drivers disregard traffic signals, stop signs, or fail to yield the right of way, the risk of a bicycle accident increases significantly.
Injuries You May Have Suffered After a Bicycling Accident
Bicycle accidents often result in serious injuries due to the lack of protection for cyclists. Common injuries include:
- Head Injuries: Even with a helmet, bicyclists are at risk for traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), concussions, and skull fractures.
- Broken Bones: Fractures in the arms, legs, and ribs are common in bicycle accidents, especially when a cyclist is thrown from their bike.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in paralysis or other long-term mobility issues.
- Lacerations and Road Rash: Contact with the road or other surfaces can cause deep cuts, scrapes, and abrasions, often requiring surgery or skin grafts.
Filing a Bicycle Accident Claim in New Jersey
If you were injured in a cycling accident in New Jersey, you may have the right to pursue a bike accident claim to recover the money you need for your injuries and damages. Understanding the claims process is essential to protect your rights and secure the financial relief you need.
Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved in filing your claim and what you should be aware of:
1. Get Medical Help Right Away
After an accident, prioritizing your health is crucial. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to get checked by a doctor immediately. Conditions like concussions may not show symptoms initially but can worsen over time. Additionally, having medical records is essential for documenting the extent of your injuries, which will support your personal injury claim and help ensure you receive proper compensation for your medical expenses and other damages.
2. Gather Evidence
To file a successful claim, you’ll need to gather evidence to prove that the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence. This may include:
- Images of the crash site, vehicle damage, and your injuries
- Witness statements
- Police reports
- Medical records and bills
- Surveillance footage, if available
Your bike accident attorney can help you gather and preserve this evidence to strengthen your claim.
3. Report the Accident
In New Jersey, it’s important to report the accident to the local authorities and your insurance carrier as soon as possible. A police report can be a key piece of evidence in your claim, and timely notification to your insurance provider is often required to maintain your right to compensation.
4. Consult with a Cyclist Injury Attorney
Navigating the legal process after a bicycle accident can be complicated, especially when dealing with insurance companies that may try to minimize your claim. A bike crash attorney can guide you through the process, negotiate on your behalf, and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Types of Compensation Available for Bicycle Accident Victims in New Jersey
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
1. Medical Expenses
This includes compensation for hospital visits, surgeries, physical therapy, and any ongoing medical care required as a result of your injuries. You may also be entitled to future medical costs if your injuries require long-term treatment.
2. Lost Wages
If your injuries prevent you from returning to work, you may be able to recover compensation for lost wages, including future earnings if your injury impacts your ability to work in the long term.
3. Pain and Suffering
Bicycle accidents often result in significant physical pain and emotional distress. Compensation for pain and suffering accounts for the non-economic damages you’ve experienced as a result of the accident, including the emotional trauma and diminished quality of life.
4. Property Damage
You may also be eligible for compensation to cover property damage, including the expenses to fix or replace your bike and any other personal items that were harmed during the incident.
How a Skilled Bike Crash Attorney Can Help
Working with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. A lawyer can help by:
- Investigating the Accident: Your attorney will gather all necessary evidence, interview witnesses, and consult with experts if necessary to build a strong case.
- Handling Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to offer low settlements. A personal injury lawyer will negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
- Pursuing Legal Action if Needed: If negotiations fail to result in a reasonable settlement, your attorney will be ready to escalate the case by filing a lawsuit. They will represent you in court, advocating for your rights and working to secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact Gelman Law, LLC for Skilled Personal Injury Representation After a Bicycle Accident in New Jersey
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, it’s important to act quickly to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. At Gelman Law, LLC, our experienced bicycle accident lawyers are here to guide you through the claims process and help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Contact us today at 856-861-4236 or through our online contact form to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can assist with your bicycle accident claim.
