Woodbridge Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Representing Bike vs. Auto Injury Claims

Riding a bicycle is an excellent form of transportation, but it provides little to no protection on the road. At Palmisano & Goodman, P.A., our Woodbridge bicycle accident attorneys advise and represent people who have suffered injuries in car versus bicycle collisions. With an exemplary record of achievement on behalf of accident victims, our law firm combines accurate claim evaluation with hard-nosed negotiation and trial skills.

Causes of Bicycle vs. Car Accidents

Automobile drivers often claim that he or she "didn't see" the bicycle after a collision with a bicyclist. They may also say that it was the bicyclist's fault, or that the bike rider cut them off and they didn't have enough time to stop. Our plaintiffs' attorneys are not willing to accept these excuses to avoid compensating an injured bicyclist properly. We have more than 100+ combined years of experience in the field of personal injury law, and we are committed to recovering fair compensation for your injuries and expenses.

A few examples of the common causes of bike vs. car accidents include:

• Distracted driving
• Drunk/drugged driving
• Poor weather conditions
• Speeding/reckless driving

Bicycle Laws in New Jersey

• Bicycles are considered vehicles in New Jersey and are subject to the same traffic laws as motor vehicles. This means cyclists must obey traffic signals, signs, and lane markings.
• Cyclists are generally required to ride on the right side of the road, in the same direction as traffic. However, they are permitted to ride on the left side of a one-way street.
• In New Jersey, riding bicycles on sidewalks is generally permitted, unless prohibited by local ordinances. However, cyclists must yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing them.
• New Jersey also has a mandatory helmet law for cyclists under the age of 17. Anyone under 17 must wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet while riding a bicycle.
• Bicycles ridden at night must be equipped with a front white light visible from at least 500 feet away and a rear red reflector or light visible from at least 600 feet away.
• Cyclists must use hand signals to indicate their intentions to turn or stop. The appropriate signals are extending the left arm straight out to indicate a left turn, extending the left arm out and pointing downward to indicate a stop or slowing down, and extending the right arm straight out to indicate a right turn.
• Cyclists must pass on the left when overtaking another vehicle, including other bicycles, and must provide a safe distance when passing.
• Lastly, riding a bicycle under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in New Jersey, just as it is for driving a motor vehicle.

Recovering Compensation from a Bicycle Accident in New Jersey

If you're a cyclist involved in a bicycle accident caused by a motor vehicle in New Jersey, there are several legal options available to you to recover compensation for your injuries and damages. Here's a general overview:

• Insurance Claims: You can file a claim with the at-fault driver's insurance company. New Jersey is a no-fault state for car accidents, which means that your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage may initially cover your medical expenses, regardless of who was at fault. However, if your injuries are severe or exceed the limits of your PIP coverage, you may be able to seek additional compensation from the at-fault driver's liability insurance.
• Negotiation: You or your attorney can negotiate with the insurance company of the at-fault driver to reach a settlement that adequately compensates you for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
• Personal Injury Lawsuit: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, you have the option to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. In New Jersey, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, so it's important to act promptly.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, or if you were the victim of a hit-and-run accident and cannot identify the driver, you may be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.

Representing Fatal Cases of Bike Accidents

Our Woodbridge bike accident lawyers have settled wrongful death claims against negligent drivers who have killed bicycle riders. While serious injuries are likely to result when a motor vehicle hits an unprotected bike rider or pedestrian, our law firm can also advise you about your legal options in fatal cases.

Our team devotes ample time getting to know the family who has lost a loved one in an accident. Understanding family dynamics often helps us prepare compelling arguments on behalf of bicycle and car accidents. We are committed to making sure that you get the medical treatment you need for all of your injuries.

Suggested Reading:

• How to Cycle Safely

For dependable advice about your right to compensation in bicycle accidents, contact our Woodbridge bicycle accident lawyers at (732) 709-4400 for a free consultation.