Warren County Bicycle Accident Lawyer

You never expect it to happen to you. You’ve got your helmet on, you’re alert, you’re doing everything right, and yet, somehow, you still end up on the ground, staring at the sky, wondering how one careless driver could turn an ordinary ride into something life-changing. If this sounds familiar, our firm is here to help. Contact a knowledgeable and experienced Warren County injury lawyer from Pezzano Law Group for comprehensive representation with your bicycle accident case today.

Bicycle Accident Laws in New Jersey

New Jersey law recognizes bicycles as vehicles, which means riders have both rights and responsibilities on the road. Under N.J.S.A. 39:4-14.5, bicycles are defined as human-powered vehicles, and bicyclists must obey the same traffic laws that apply to motorists.

Equipment laws are also important: at night, bicycles must be equipped with a white front light visible from at least 600 feet, a red rear light visible from the same distance, and a rear red reflector.

Perhaps the most significant protection for riders is New Jersey’s Safe Passing Law (N.J.S.A. 39:4-92.4), which took effect in March 2022. It requires motorists to move over one full lane when passing cyclists, or if that’s not possible, to slow down to 25 mph or less and give at least four feet of clearance. Drivers who ignore this law can be held responsible when their carelessness causes injury.

Common NJ Traffic Violations Resulting in Bicycle Crashes

Most bicycle accidents are caused not by bad luck but by preventable acts of negligence. Some of the most common traffic violations that lead to bicycle accidents in New Jersey are as follows:

• Failure to yield the right of way: Drivers turning left or right often overlook oncoming cyclists traveling straight through intersections.
• Unsafe passing: A motorist who doesn’t leave the required four feet of space, or who squeezes by too closely, can cause a rider to swerve or lose balance.
• Speeding: High-speed drivers have less time to react and cause more severe injuries when crashes occur.
• Distracted driving: Texting, using GPS, or adjusting the radio takes attention off the road, where even a second of distraction can be deadly.
• Doored cyclists: When a driver or passenger opens a car door without checking for an approaching bicycle, it can send a cyclist flying into traffic or onto the pavement.
• Impaired driving: Alcohol and drugs severely limit a driver’s ability to judge distance, reaction time, and spatial awareness.

Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accident injuries can vary widely, but even a seemingly “minor” collision can have serious, lasting effects. Riders may suffer a wide range of injuries, including the following:

• Broken bones
• Spinal injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Road rash
• Deep lacerations
• Internal damage
• Emotional distress or PTSD

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may seek compensation for your losses. In a successful claim, you may be compensated for the following:

• Medical expenses, both current and future: Hospital stays, surgeries, therapy, medication, and assistive devices
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity: If your injuries prevent you from working or reduce your ability to earn in the future
• Pain and suffering: Including emotional distress, trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life
• Property damage: Such as the cost to repair or replace your bicycle and equipment
• Loss of consortium: Compensates spouses and family members for how the injury has affected their relationship

Keep in mind that New Jersey’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is typically two years from the date of the accident. Waiting too long could mean losing your right to file a claim altogether.

Insurance companies may contact you early with a “quick offer,” but these settlements are often designed to close the case before the full extent of your injuries is known. Our bicycle accident lawyer can ensure you understand your rights before you sign anything.

Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Warren County, New Jersey

If you or someone you love has been injured in a bicycle accident in New Jersey, please don’t hesitate to contact a dedicated Warren County injury lawyer from Pezzano Law Group for a free consultation today. We’re here to fight for the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled.