Bicycle Accident Attorney in New Jersey

Why Bicycle Accidents Are So Serious

Bicycle accidents are often more severe than other roadway collisions because cyclists have almost no physical protection. A helmet can reduce the risk of head injury, but it can’t prevent the force of impact when a car, truck, or SUV strikes a rider. Even at low speeds, these crashes can result in long-term injuries and life-changing consequences.

Common injuries from bicycle accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Fractures and broken bones
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Internal organ damage
• Road rash, scarring, or disfigurement

Beyond physical pain, victims often face emotional distress and months of medical treatment or rehabilitation. You may qualify for compensation that covers:

• Medical bills, hospital stays, and ongoing treatment
• Rehabilitation or physical therapy costs
• Lost income and reduced future earning ability
• Pain and suffering caused by the crash
• Property damage to your bicycle and equipment
• Long-term or permanent disability expenses
• Emotional distress and diminished quality of life

An attorney can help document the full extent of your losses and pursue the compensation you may qualify to receive under New Jersey law.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in New Jersey

Even when cyclists follow the rules of the road, they remain at risk due to driver negligence or unsafe road conditions. Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include:

• Distracted or aggressive driving
• Failure to give cyclists the required four feet of clearance
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Turning into bike lanes or failing to check blind spots
• Opening a car door into a cyclist’s path (“dooring”)
• Poor road maintenance or defective bicycle parts

When motorists fail to exercise care, they put cyclists’ lives at risk. The Goldwater Law Firm can connect you with a lawyer who understands how these crashes happen and how to build a case that proves negligence.

Understanding Your Rights Under New Jersey Law

New Jersey law recognizes that bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. Cyclists are entitled to use public roads, and drivers must respect their space and safety. This means maintaining a safe passing distance, yielding when appropriate, and watching for cyclists before turning or opening car doors.

At the same time, cyclists are expected to obey traffic laws, signal turns, and ride in the same direction as vehicles. When a collision occurs, determining who was at fault depends on how both parties acted in the moments leading up to the crash.

New Jersey uses a comparative negligence system, which means you can still recover compensation even if you share some of the blame. If you were found 10% at fault for the crash, you may still recover 90% of your total damages. However, if your degree of fault is greater than 50%, the courts will bar you from recovering any compensation.

Victims may file a claim through the at-fault driver’s insurance or, in some instances, through their own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. Because each case is different, having a lawyer who understands New Jersey’s laws is critical. Our co-counsel can help you navigate these rules and ensure your rights are protected before the two-year statute of limitations expires.

How an Attorney Can Protect Your Claim

Insurance companies often try to settle bicycle accident claims quickly and for less than their value. Having a lawyer on your side helps level the playing field and ensures your case is handled with care.

An attorney can:

• Investigate how the accident occurred
• Collect police reports, photos, and witness statements
• Work with accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals
• Handle all communications with insurance companies
• Negotiate for a fair settlement or prepare a lawsuit if necessary

When you reach out to the Goldwater Law Firm, we can connect you with an attorney near you who handles bicycle accident claims throughout New Jersey. They can provide a free case consultation and work on a contingency basis, so there are no upfront fees. You only pay attorney’s fees when they win.

They can manage your case while you focus on healing.

Legal Representation for Those Who’ve Been Hurt

At the Goldwater Law Firm, our work begins and ends with the people we serve. Every person who comes to us has a story, a recovery to focus on, and loved ones depending on them. That’s what drives us to continue connecting injured individuals with trusted legal professionals who can make a difference.

Through our co-counsel in all 50 states, we collaborate with some of the most respected law firms nationwide. These attorneys bring knowledge, determination, and a shared commitment to helping injury victims move forward. Together with medical specialists, accident reconstructionists, and industry experts, our law firm partners work to uncover the truth behind every case and build strong, evidence-supported claims.

Protecting Yourself After a Bicycle Accident in New Jersey

The moments after a crash can be overwhelming, but the steps you take can make a big difference in your recovery and your claim. Here’s what you should do if you’re involved in a bicycle accident in New Jersey:

• Call 911 to report the accident to the local law enforcement agency.
• Seek medical attention immediately.
• Gather driver and witness information, including names, phone numbers, and insurance details.
• Take photos of your injuries, your bicycle, the vehicle, and the accident scene.
• Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney.
• Speak with an attorney near you who handles bicycle accident cases.

These steps can help preserve valuable evidence and ensure your rights are protected from the start.