South Jersey Bike Accidents: What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

Bicycling in South Jersey offers a scenic and healthy way to get around, but it also comes with risks. According to the New Jersey Department of Transportation, there were 1,544 bicycle crashes in 2023 alone, highlighting the potential dangers cyclists face on our roads. If you’ve been involved in a bike accident in South Jersey, knowing the right steps to take can protect your health, your rights, and your future.

Immediate Actions After a Bike Accident

Your safety and well-being are the top priorities. After a bicycle accident, take these immediate steps:

Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately.
Move to Safety: If possible, move yourself and your bicycle to a safe location away from traffic.
Call the Police: Even if the accident seems minor, it’s crucial to have a police report. The police will document the accident, gather information from all parties involved, and create an official record. This report can be invaluable when dealing with insurance companies or pursuing a legal claim.
Exchange Information: If the other party remains at the scene and is cooperative, exchange information with the driver, including names, contact information, insurance details, and license plate numbers. If there are witnesses, collect their contact information as well.
Document the Scene: If you can do so safely, take photos and videos of the accident scene. Capture images of vehicle damage, your bicycle, any visible injuries, road conditions, and traffic signals.
Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent. A medical professional can properly diagnose and treat any injuries you may have sustained.

Understanding Your Legal Rights as a Cyclist in New Jersey

New Jersey law protects the rights of cyclists. As a cyclist, you have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles. This means you are entitled to compensation if you are injured due to someone else’s negligence.

Negligence: In legal terms, negligence occurs when someone fails to exercise reasonable care, resulting in injury to another person. Common examples of driver negligence in bicycle accidents include:
- Distracted driving (texting, talking on the phone)
- Drunk driving
- Speeding
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Disregarding traffic signals
- Comparative Negligence: New Jersey follows a “comparative negligence” rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault for the accident, you could recover 80% of your damages.
- Statute of Limitations: In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means you have two years to file a lawsuit. It’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss this deadline.

Common Injuries in South Jersey Bike Accidents

Bike accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor scrapes and bruises to severe and life-threatening conditions. Some of the most common injuries include:

Head Injuries: Concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and skull fractures are common in bike accidents, even when wearing a helmet.
Broken Bones: Fractures of the arms, legs, collarbone, and ribs are frequently seen in bicycle accidents.
Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries can lead to paralysis or permanent disability.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and tears of muscles, ligaments, and tendons can cause significant pain and limited mobility.
Road Rash: This painful skin abrasion occurs when the skin scrapes against the road surface.

What Damages Can You Recover?

If you’ve been injured in a South Jersey bike accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages, including:

Medical Expenses: This includes past and future medical bills, such as hospital stays, doctor visits, physical therapy, and medication.
Lost Wages: You can recover lost income if you’ve been unable to work due to your injuries. This includes both past and future lost earnings.
Pain and Suffering: You can be compensated for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries.
Property Damage: You can recover the cost of repairing or replacing your damaged bicycle and other personal property.

The Importance of Wearing a Helmet

While New Jersey law does not require adults to wear helmets, it is strongly recommended. Helmets are proven to significantly reduce the risk of head injuries in bicycle accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 48% and the risk of serious head injury by 60%. Always wear a properly fitted helmet when riding your bike.

How a South Jersey Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help

Navigating the aftermath of a bike accident can be overwhelming. An experienced South Jersey bicycle accident lawyer can protect your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Here’s how:

Investigation: An attorney can conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, gathering evidence to support your claim.
Negotiation: Your lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to reach a fair settlement.
Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney can file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
Expertise: A lawyer understands New Jersey’s bicycle laws and can navigate the legal complexities of your case.

Preventing Future Accidents

While you can’t control the actions of others, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of being involved in a bicycle accident:

Be Visible: Wear bright clothing and use reflective tape, especially when riding at night or in low-light conditions.
Follow Traffic Laws: Obey all traffic laws, signals, and signs.
Use Hand Signals: Clearly signal your intentions to turn or stop.
Ride Defensively: Be aware of your surroundings and anticipate potential hazards.
Maintain Your Bike: Regularly inspect your bicycle to ensure it is in good working condition.

Have you been involved in a bicycle accident in South Jersey?

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in South Jersey, don’t hesitate to seek legal assistance. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney today for a free consultation. They can evaluate your case, explain your rights, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.