Lawrence Township Bicycle Accident Attorneys
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Legal Representation After a Bike Accident
Though the township of Lawrence is small, a number of residents are on the streets each day commuting by car, foot, motorcycle, and other means of transportation.
Bicycling is a very popular alternative means of transport and is an enjoyable way to exercise and spend a sun-filled afternoon. Those who are traveling on two wheels, however, face a unique set of dangers that motorists do not. Due to a bike’s small size and delicate frame, a bicyclist is at a greater risk for severe injuries if involved in a crash, particularly if in a collision with a car. Bicycle accident victims should speak with a Lawrence Township injury lawyer after an accident to make certain their rights are protected.
The accomplished bicycle accident attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. are dedicated to helping injured victims of negligent accidents obtain the compensation they deserve. The firm is committed to pursuing the highest compensation available for their clients. To schedule a complimentary consultation with Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C., consider calling (609) 240-0040 or complete the confidential contact form here.
Bicycle Crash Causes
A bike collision can be caused by a variety of factors, but there are some more common reasons a crash may occur. It is the responsibility of both bicyclists and motorists to be cautious and alert while on the road, but also understanding why this type of collision occurs can also help prevent it. Some frequent causes of bike accidents and related injuries and fatalities include:
- A driver’s inattention or error;
- Unsafe road conditions, such as loose gravel, uneven road surface, or potholes;
- Wet or rain-slicked surfaces; and
- Excessive speeds, which increases the risk of injury in an accident.
According to information provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the number of traffic collisions involving bicyclists has been steadily increasing since 2009. Based on a separate report provided by the agency, a key contributing factor of these accidents is alcohol consumption. The NHTSA reports that in 2016, 35% of all bicycle accidents resulting in fatalities involved a blood alcohol concentration greater than 0.08% from either the driver, cyclist, or both.
With more than 630 bicyclists killed in the U.S. in 2009 and 51,000 injured, it is imperative bikers in Lawrence Township be safe at all times on the town’s streets and highways.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
The severity of a person’s injuries following a bike accident will depend on different factors, such as where the accident took place, the speed of both the bicyclist and motorist, and even if the biker was wearing any safety gear. Any of these factors, and more, will affect how serious a bike rider’s injuries are, but some of the more common bike accident injuries are:
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- Spinal cord injury;
- Dental or jaw injuries;
- Joint dislocation;
- Head injury and/or a traumatic brain injury;
- Soft tissue injuries, such as nerve damage;
- Scrapes, bruises, lacerations, or road rash; and
- Fractured or broken bones.
While external injuries can often heal quickly, serious injuries can often diminish a person’s quality of life. Following a bicycle accident, it is critical to receive a full medical evaluation by a licensed medical professional.
Receiving a medical evaluation will not only deter medical complications, it will also establish a medical record, a fundamental portion of a successful bicycle accident claim. Back to Top
Why Wear a Helmet?
A helmet is one of the most important pieces of safety gear a bicyclist can wear. New Jersey law does not require bicyclists to wear a helmet when doing a number of activities, such as cycling, roller skating, or skateboarding, unless he or she is under the age of 17. However, wearing a helmet significantly increases a bicyclist’s odds of surviving a collision and also reduces the chance of suffering a traumatic brain injury, which is important because almost 70 percent of bike accidents involve head injuries. The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that tens of thousands of injuries could be prevented each year if all cyclists wore helmets.
Establishing a Bicycle Accident Case
Bicycle accident victims may be entitled to financial compensation for their injuries and economic losses when their accident was caused as a result of a driver’s negligence or careless actions. In order to successfully obtain fair compensation, however, it is necessary to build a strong case against the at-fault driver. To win a case, the following elements must be established:
- Duty of care: It is important to show evidence that the driver had a legal obligation to drive reasonably safe and in a manner that prevents the injury of those sharing the road.
- Breach of duty: A successful case will demonstrate that the driver breached his or her duty of care.
- Causation: Evidence must be presented that the breach caused the accident which resulted in the damages.
- Damages: Proof of the measurable damages must be provided, such as loss of wages or accrued medical expenses.
Financial Compensation is Available After an Accident
In a vast majority of bicycle accidents, the cyclists will be left with serious injuries that require extensive medical care and treatment to heal. In most cases, injured cyclists will need to take a significant amount of time off work to recover.
Moreover, bicycle accidents injuries can significantly impact the lives of victims and their loved ones. A catastrophic injury, such a spinal cord injury, can affect the victim’s ability to live an independent life. Because bicycle accidents can have devastating consequences, it is necessary to file a claim, which may provide relief in the following losses:
- Medical costs
- Loss of wages
- Loss of future earnings
- Cost of at-home care
- Cost of medical equipment
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation
- Future surgery costs
- Loss of quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of limb
- Disfigurement
New Jersey’s “Modified” Comparative Fault
Based on the state’s Comparative Negligence Act, courts are tasked with assessing the relative degree of fault of those involved in bicycle accidents. Depending on the degree found at fault, the ability to recover compensation may be affected.
For example, if an injured cyclist is found to be 30 percent responsible for causing the collision, his or her damages award will be lessened by 30 percent. Since the state follows the “modified” comparative fault rule, the injured victim will be unable to recover any compensation if he or she is found over 50 percent at-fault for the accident. Consequently, it is imperative that injured cyclists obtain the qualified support of an experienced attorney who can help ensure the highest amount of compensation is secured.
Hire a Lawrence Township Bicycle Accident Attorney
Bicycle travel is a rising trend, unfortunately, bicycle accident rates are also increasing. When a bicycle accident has been caused by the negligent actions of a driver, it is necessary to obtain the support of a qualified bicycle accident attorney. With the support of a knowledgeable attorney, receiving fair compensation for the injuries and accrued financial losses is attainable. Bicycle accident claims in New Jersey are subject to strict deadlines. In most cases, a two-year statute of limitations applies. If you were injured in a bicycle accident, obtain proficient legal support right away.
At the personal injury law firm of Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C., our bike accident attorneys understand how serious a bicycle collision can be and the extreme impact it can have on a person’s life. From costly medical bills to an extensive recovery time, a bike crash can turn the victim’s life upside down. Well-versed in the laws surrounding bicycle accidents in New Jersey, Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. is equipped to handle the most complex bicycle accident cases. To obtain compensation from the at-fault parties who caused the bike accident, contact a bicycle accident lawyer for assistance. Call (609) 240-0040 to schedule a no-cost consultation.
The firm’s principals, Gabriel R. Lependorf and David E. Silverstein, have each been representing injured victims in the State of New Jersey for over thirty years.
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