Can I File a Claim for a Bicycle Accident?

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Summer is in full swing here in New Jersey and while things are a tad different due to the Coronavirus pandemic, one thing’s for certain: outdoor activities still reign supreme. Bicycling is nothing new in the Garden State. Our state parks, boardwalks and beautiful landscapes make for a pretty picturesque ride. However, New Jersey is a highly populated state and many of our roadways don’t designate bike lanes to help bicyclists get around. It’s because of this that bicyclists are commonly injured. 

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

With gyms still temporarily closed, individuals who are looking to keep up their workout routine have looked toward other forms of exercise. Even families and individuals have looked toward bicycling and other recreational activities in an effort to help pass the time and to adhere to social-distancing guidelines. As a result, more bicyclists are on the road mean more accidents and potential injuries.  

Many bicycle accidents are often the result of driver error and/or negligence. These include:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Driving too closely to a bicycle lane
• Weaving through traffic
• Drunk driving
• Fatigued driving
• Unsafe lane changes
• Running a red light 
• Failing to yield/stop at a stop sign
• A driver opening their car door without looking

Common Injuries Resulting from a Bicycle Accident

Unlike those operating a motor vehicle, bicyclists aren’t shielded from the road in the case of an accident. This means that the injuries a bicyclist can sustain can be catastrophic, especially if they make contact with the vehicle who hit them. The most common injuries a bicyclist might sustain include:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Road rash
• Fractures
• Dislocated joints
• Spinal cord injury
• Ruptured discs
• Facial injuries
• Urogenital problems
• And more

Where Do Most Bicycle Accidents Occur? How Can I Prevent Them?

According to reports, about 75 percent of all fatal and serious bicycle accidents occur in urban areas. Furthermore, approximately half of all fatal bicycle accidents occur on rural roads, signaling that an accident of this nature can happen anywhere. It’s important to always practice bicycle safety, including wearing a helmet and reflective gear if you’re riding at night or in an ill-lit area. 

Other important safety measures bicyclists should take include not riding on the sidewalk, not passing a vehicle on the right and wearing brightly colored clothing regardless of time of day so motorists can see you clearly. 

At the Epstein Law Firm, P.A., our top priority is your safety and well-being. If you were injured in a bicycle accident, our team of experienced lawyers are here to help. Give us a call today: 201-231-7847.

Contact A Rochelle Park Personal Injury Lawyer To Discuss Your Nursing Home Abuse Case In New Jersey

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a bicycle accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at the Epstein Law Firm, P.A. represents clients injured because of bicycle accidents in Ridgewood, Mahwah, Montvale, Teaneck, Fort Lee and throughout New Jersey. Call 201-231-7847 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 340 West Passaic Street Rochelle Park, NJ 07662.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.