Biking is a healthy, environmentally friendly mode of transportation.  Unfortunately, even the increased development of bike lanes and efforts to draw motorists’ attention to bicyclists cannot eliminate the risk of a bicycle accident.  In a bicycle-car crash, it is the bicyclist who often suffers severe, life-changing injuries. At The Epstein Law Firm, P.A., our New Jersey bicycle accident lawyers collectively have over 120 years’ experience fighting to get full compensation for personal injury victims.  We put our big law firm experience to work for you in a small firm environment where your case will get the attention it deserves.

In New Jersey, bicyclists have the same legal right to use the roads as drivers unless otherwise stated.  As a bicyclist, you also have the right to pursue financial compensation if you are injured in a bicycle accident.  Having an experienced personal injury lawyer by your side substantially increases the odds that you will not only get compensation but that you will get the possible compensation.

You may be facing a long recovery after a bicycle accident. These accidents may cause brain damage, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, internal injuries, and more.  Before taking any action, speak with our bicycle accident lawyers to avoid forfeiting your right to fair compensation. 

Keeping Yourself Safe When Bicycling: Know the Law

A specific set of legal rules apply to bicyclists in New Jersey.  Although on most roads, bicyclists have the legal right to share the roads, they also must abide by relevant traffic laws.  Those rules include:

  • Staying as far to the right as possible, or riding in a marked bike lane
  • Placing proper reflective gear and lights on your bicycle when riding at night
  • Wearing a helmet if you are under age 18 (although the law allows helmet-free riding for adults, a helmet is always a smart choice)
  • Refraining from towing passengers
  • Making sure your bicycle is functioning properly before your ride, including your brakes
  • Obeying the traffic laws—which includes coming to a stop at stop signs and red lights

Violating a bicycle safety rule will not, in itself, cause you to forfeit your right to financial compensation from a driver who was also at fault.  In New Jersey, a legal principle called “comparative negligence” allows an accident victim to recover compensation as long as you were not more than 50% at fault for the accident.

New Jersey Bicycle Accident Lawyers Discuss Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Because of comparative negligence rules and the importance of determining fault, determining the cause of the bicycle accident is important.  At the Epstein Law Firm, P.A., our New Jersey bicycle accident lawyers work hard to get the evidence needed to establish fault. Common bicycle accidents include:

  • Side-swipe accidents, where a driver leaves insufficient room between the vehicle and the bicycle
  • “Dooring” bicycle accidents, where someone in a car exits the vehicle without first checking to see whether a bicycle is passing
  • Left-turn accidents, where a driver makes a left turn and fails to see a bicycle in the vehicle’s path
  • “Right hook” accidents, where a driver makes a right turn in front of a bicyclist, failing to yield to the bicyclist’s right of way

Hit and run bicycle accidents, as well as bicycle accidents caused by alcohol or drug use, are also unfortunately common in New Jersey.  These types of accidents can present additional complications that our lawyers can help resolve. For example, the driver may not have stopped because they were uninsured or underinsured.

Our accident lawyers are committed to finding solutions for clients injured in bicycle accidents.  We may be able to access uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to get compensation from your own insurance carrier.  To learn more about how we can help, call for a free case review today.

Knowledgeable New Jersey Bicycle Accident Lawyers Work Tirelessly to Get Fair Compensation for Bergen County Bicycle Accident Victims

At the Epstein Law Firm, P.A., our lawyers are passionate about getting results for bicycle accident victims in Bergen County and elsewhere in New Jersey.  We fight to get fair compensation to cover:

  • Your medical bills
  • Future medical treatments
  • Lost wages and employment benefits
  • Loss of your ability to return to your prior employment
  • In-home modifications
  • The cost of in-home care or treatment in a facility
  • Ongoing physical therapy
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Pain and suffering
  • Punitive damages in appropriate cases

Financial compensation cannot fully make up for what you may have lost if your injuries were severe.  It can, however, give you the best chance at a successful recovery and full life regardless of the extent of your injuries.  Our lawyers go the extra mile to identify all potential sources of compensation and advocate vigorously on your behalf to get what’s fair.

Schedule a Free Case Review with Our Trusted Bicycle Injury Attorneys in Rochelle Park, NJ Today

In many cases, the insurance company will hire large law firms to minimize their financial exposure.  At the Epstein Law Firm, P.A., our bicycle injury attorneys in Rochelle Park, NJ also have big law firm experience—and we know how they think.  We use that information to our clients’ advantage to get the best possible results for you.

Your case review is always free, so call or contact us online today to schedule a free initial consultation with our experienced New Jersey bicycle accident lawyers.

Our New Jersey Bicycle Accident Lawyers Answer Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accident Claims

What if my child was injured in a bicycle accident and the driver claims it was my child’s fault?

Drivers have a legal duty to watch for children on bicycles. In fact, normal comparative negligence rules in New Jersey do not apply if your child was under age seven at the time of the accident. Children under age seven are deemed incapable of negligence by law. We can help you recover compensation for your child’s injuries and you will not have to worry about the award being reduced because of comparative negligence principles.

I was riding a bicycle? Since I was not in a car, how can I recover compensation?

Car insurance policies also cover injuries sustained in car versus bicycle accidents. In addition, your own car insurance policy will provide you with coverage for medical treatment under the personal injury protection section of the policy, and if applicable, compensation for your injuries under the underinsured or uninsured portions of your policy.

Testimonials

The first thing that comes to mind when I think of The Epstein Law Firm is, “These guys know what they are doing!” Being involved in a lawsuit is emotionally draining. Having a team like them to support you is like having the best captain in uncharted waters. Aside from being my lawyers and doing their job, it felt like they genuinely cared about me and my mental state. No words can ever fully express my gratitude.

Nicholas G.

An outstanding firm with excellent attorneys. If you need a representation, they are definitely the ones to contact.

Jamie B.