Passaic County Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Cycling is popular in New Jersey for its fun, fitness benefits, affordability, and eco-friendliness. However, it can also be dangerous, as cyclists lack adequate protection from motorists. If you were injured in a bicycle accident due to another motorist’s negligence, you can depend on a skilled Passaic County personal injury lawyer from the Law Offices of August R. Soltis to fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve. Contact us for a free consultation today.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Sometimes, cyclists sustain injuries due to poor road conditions or inclement weather, or they may even collide with another cyclist. But more often than not, cyclists are involved in accidents due to the negligence of a motor vehicle driver. Common examples of such negligence include the following:

• Trying to Overtake a Cyclist Unsafely: Motorists sometimes attempt to pass a cyclist without leaving sufficient space, which can cause sideswipe accidents or force the cyclist off the road. New Jersey law requires drivers to maintain at least four feet of distance when passing a cyclist, but many fail to comply.
• Opening Car Doors Into a Cyclist (“Dooring”): One of the most common urban cycling hazards is when a driver or passenger opens a car door directly into the path of an oncoming cyclist. This can cause severe injuries, especially if the cyclist is thrown into traffic.
• Tailgating a Cyclist Too Closely: Drivers who follow a cyclist too closely may not have enough time to react if the cyclist needs to stop suddenly. This can result in a rear-end collision, which is particularly dangerous for cyclists who have little protection.
• Failing to Notice a Cyclist at Night: Many bicycle accidents occur after dark when drivers fail to see cyclists due to poor lighting, a lack of reflectors, or their own inattentiveness. Even when cyclists wear reflective gear and use proper lighting, drivers who are not paying attention can cause serious accidents.
• Failing to Check Blind Spots for a Cyclist: Cyclists are often difficult to spot, especially if they are in a driver’s blind spot. Failing to check before changing lanes, merging, or turning can result in a collision.
• Driving While Distracted: In today’s digital age, distracted driving is one of the leading causes of all traffic accidents, including those involving cyclists. Texting, adjusting GPS settings, eating, or even talking to passengers can take a driver’s focus away from the road long enough to cause a devastating crash.
• Reckless or Aggressive Driving: Speeding, running red lights or stop signs, making illegal turns, and other forms of reckless driving put everyone on the road at risk. For cyclists, even a minor mistake by a reckless driver can be life-threatening.
• Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs: Impaired drivers have slower reaction times, reduced awareness, and poor judgment, making them particularly dangerous to cyclists. Drunk driving remains a leading cause of fatal bicycle accidents.
• Failing to Yield the Right-of-Way: Many bicycle accidents occur at intersections when drivers fail to yield to cyclists as required by law. This includes turning left in front of an oncoming cyclist or failing to stop at a crosswalk.

Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident

A valid bicycle accident claim requires you to prove that a motor vehicle driver’s negligence was the immediate cause of your injuries and damages. To satisfy this burden of proof, you must take the following approach, starting at the scene of the accident:

1. Alert the authorities: A law enforcement officer will call for medical attention and conduct an official police report. Request a copy of this report afterward.
2. Capture the scene: Take photos and videos of the scene. Capture your injuries, damages, and hazards that contributed to your accident.
3. Collect contact information: Get the motor vehicle driver’s name, number, email address, insurance company, insurance policy number, etc. Request the same for witnesses, along with witness testimony afterward.
4. Seek medical treatment: Get treated as soon as they arrive at the scene. Schedule follow-up appointments, as well. Request copies of medical bills and other documentation that states the date, time, and details of your injuries.
5. Hire an attorney: Retain the services of a competent Passaic County auto accident lawyer afterward. Request that we help you collect any additional evidence, like surveillance camera footage.

The Statute of Limitations in New Jersey

In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, which includes bicycle accident claims, is normally two years from the date of your accident. You must take legal action within this period to avoid being barred from a lawsuit.

Contact a New Jersey Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today

Don’t file a bicycle accident claim without a skilled personal injury lawyer in your corner. The Law Offices of August R. Soltis has fought for accident victims in New Jersey for over four decades, and we stand ready to fight for you, too. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.