NJ Bicycle Accident Lawyers

New Jersey Bicycle Accident Injury Lawyers

Tough representation for bike accident victims and families in NJ

Bicyclists in communities throughout New Jersey are afforded protections under our state’s traffic laws. Bike riders are generally afforded the same rights on the road as any motor vehicle driver. Yet in a typical year, many cyclists die in accidents caused by drivers who fail to yield the right of way, or who simply do not exercise enough caution when driving near them.

If you or a member of your family suffered an injury in a motor vehicle accident while riding a bike or walking in a community in New Jersey, call the NJ personal injury lawyers at Eichen Crutchlow Zaslow, LLP. We work aggressively to show how a New Jersey bicycle accident happened, and who is responsible. We demand compensation for all your economic and personal damages. Our attorneys provide aggressive, effective legal representation for people injured in bike accidents in Edison, Red Bank, and Toms River, and throughout New Jersey.

In one illustrative case, we worked with a mechanical engineer, an accident reconstructionist, an economist, and a pain and suffering expert to help obtain the insurance policy limits ($1 million from a trucking company and another $25,000 from a truck driver) when a 26-year-old was killed while riding his bicycle on Evergreen Place and Freeway Drive in East Orange.

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Bike Accident Injury Attorney NJ

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How often do bicycle accidents happen?

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that about two percent of motor vehicle crash deaths are bicyclists. While deaths of children have declined, deaths of bicyclists 20 and older have nearly quadrupled since 1975. In more than half of fatal bicycle accidents, the head was injured – a clear indicator that helmets are important.

In 2020, 932 bicyclists died in motor vehicle accidents; 535 of those who died were not wearing a helmet. More than 2/3 of the fatalities occurred at non-intersection locations.

What are the different types of bicycle accidents in New Jersey?

The following are a few examples of some of the causes of bicycle crashes with motor vehicles:

  • Motor vehicle rear-ends the bicycle. The driver may not have been paying close enough attention or may have been following the bicyclist too closely.
  • Sideswipe. Side swiping occurs when the driver does not give the bicyclist enough space when passing him or her on the street.
  • Making a right or left turn in front of an oncoming bicyclist. Also called a “right cross” or a “left cross,” these collisions happen when a driver crosses the bicyclist’s path in an intersection.
  • Dooring accidents. These accidents occur when a bicyclist crashes into a car door that suddenly opens in his or her path.
  • Dangerous road conditions. These conditions can be caused by poor weather such as ice and snow, large potholes, broken sewer grates, and other hazards.
  • Defective bicycle equipment. Whether it is defective brakes or tires or other equipment failures, faulty or defective equipment can cause a rider to crash or make an accident worse.

Bicycle accidents that involve a motor vehicle are often the result of driver inattention, speeding, or of the driver’s failure to yield the right of way to the bicyclist, or other reasons.

Auto & Pedestrian Accidents

NJ Bike Accident Lawyers

What types of injuries do New Jersey bicycle accident victims sustain?

Being injured in a bicycle crash can be a harrowing experience. When a motor vehicle hits a bicyclist or a pedestrian, there is a vast potential for serious injuries. The following are a few examples:

Are there laws that govern riding bicycles in New Jersey?

Some of the many bicycle laws in New Jersey include:

  • Bicycles should have:
    • Lights if the rider is using the bicycle at nighttime
    • A bell or similar audio equipment
    • A brake that can “make wheels skid while stopping on dry, level, clean pavement.”
  • “Every person riding a bicycle on a roadway is granted all the rights and subject to all of the duties of the motor vehicle driver.”
  • Riders should ride as near to the right side as possible and follow other operation rules.
  • Riders and passengers under 17 must wear a helmet. The helmets should fit properly and be fastened. A head injury can result in a serious brain injury, so wearing a helmet every time you ride your bike is crucial.

What safety precautions should bicycle riders in New Jersey take?

Just as you need to have your car inspected on a regular basis, always make sure that all the parts on your bike are secure and functioning properly. Here are some additional safety tips to always keep in mind before going on your next bike ride:

  • Adjust your bicycle to fit your size. If riding a road bike, allow one to two inches between you and the top bar. If using a mountain bike, allow three to four inches. The seat height should allow for a slight bend at the knee when sitting on the seat and the pedal is in the lower position. The handlebar should be level with the seat.
  • Check equipment. Make sure that tires are properly inflated, and that the brakes are functioning properly.
  • Use reflective lights, tape, and/or clothing. You always want to be seen by others, especially at dawn, dusk, nighttime or during inclement weather. Flashing lights are helpful at night.
  • Maintain control of your bicycle. Always keep at least one hand on the handlebars. If carrying books, groceries, or other items, put them in a bike carrier or a backpack.
  • Stay alert and watch for road hazards. Potholes, puddles, leaves, and/or gravel can result in serious crashes if you do not see them until it is too late. Alert other riders if you are in the lead by yelling out and pointing to the hazard.
  • Avoid riding after dark. Bicycle riding at night is significantly more dangerous than riding during the day. If you must ride your bike at night, make sure your bike and your clothing have reflective gear to help others see you.

Like any other vehicle on the road, a cyclist must always obey all traffic laws and ride with the flow of traffic, not against it. Following these simple tips will help keep you and your family safe when enjoying this popular outdoor activity.

How can a NJ bicycle accident attorney help your injury case?

Eichen Crutchlow Zaslow, LLP investigates how the accident happened, and who is responsible. We speak with all the witnesses involved and inspect the damage to the bicycle and the cars involved in the accident. Our lawyers use the discovery process to examine every part of the accident from the time the car approached your bicycle to what happened after impact.

We work with your doctors to fully understand what injuries you have and the severity of these injuries. When your injuries have stabilized, we prepare formal demand letters and work to negotiate settlements with the insurance companies. If the offers are too low, we submit your claim for trial. The demand letter seeks full compensation for your current and future medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, scarring and disfigurement, and other damages.

We understand the unique complexities involved with a New Jersey bicycle accident case, including what happens if the driver who hits your bicycle runs away (a hit-and-run driver). There may be options for filing a claim against your own tort insurance, homeowner’s insurance, or the insurance of the owner of the property on which the accident occurred.

We file personal injury claims against car drivers, truck drivers, and any other responsible parties. Our New Jersey bicycle accident lawyers file a wrongful death claim if a loved one died due to a NJ bicycle accident.

While we make no promises about how much we might be able to recover for you, we can promise that our award-winning personal injury attorney team will be responsive and keep you informed about how your case is moving.

Do you have a bicycle accident lawyer near me?

Our New Jersey bicycle accident lawyers meet clients at our offices located in:

  • Edison, NJ at 40 Ethel Road and
  • Toms River, NJ at 563 Lakehurst Road

We meet clients who are immobile or in ill health at their homes, hospitals, or other healthcare facilities. We also conduct interviews by telephone and Zoom.

Our lawyers understand how traumatic bicycle accidents are. We’ll answer all your questions and guide you through each step of the claims process. We handle bicycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis.

Experienced New Jersey bike injury lawyers

From offices in Edison, Red Bank, and Toms River, Eichen Crutchlow Zaslow, LLP advises and represents victims of New Jersey bicycle accidents and the families of loved ones who were tragically killed in a bicycle accident. We have an impressive record of insurance settlements and verdicts – including many eight, seven, and six-figure settlements. If you were hurt or a loved one died, call our office or contact us to schedule a free consultation with an experienced New Jersey personal injury lawyer at an office near you.