Jersey City Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Cycling in Jersey City is increasingly popular, as more and more people choose to bike to work, run errands, or enjoy recreational rides throughout the city. Unfortunately, motorists don’t always abide by the rules and regulations of the road, and when they fail to do so, the results for cyclists can be devastating. If you were injured in a bicycle accident, the Jersey City personal injury lawyers here at Lerner, Piermont, Riverol & Lawlor, P.A. stand ready to effectively fight for the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled. Contact our firm for a free case evaluation today.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents occur for a variety of reasons, but a large portion of them stem from negligent driving behaviors. Motorists have a duty to share the road responsibly, but when they’re negligent, cyclists are the ones who pay the price. Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents that we see are as follows:

• Failure to yield at intersections
• Distracted driving
• Opening car doors without checking
• Unsafe lane changes
• Running stop signs or red lights
• Driving at excessive speeds
• Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Aggressive or reckless driving
• Failure to leave adequate space when passing

Injuries Sustained in Bicycle Accidents

Unfortunately, the human body is no match for the force of a motor vehicle. Even with helmets and protective gear, cyclists remain extremely vulnerable when collisions occur. Some of the most common injuries sustained in bicycle accidents are as follows:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Road rash and severe lacerations
• Fractures and broken bones
• Internal organ damage
• Dental and facial injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Dislocated joints
• Scarring or disfigurement
• Psychological trauma

The Burden of Proof

In personal injury cases, the injured party must always meet what is known as the “burden of proof” to recover compensation for their injuries. This means that as the plaintiff, it is your job to demonstrate that the driver’s negligence directly caused your injuries and losses. To establish a valid bicycle accident claim, you’ll need to show the following:

• The driver owed you a duty of care as a fellow road user
• The driver breached that duty by acting negligently or recklessly
• The breach of duty caused your accident
• You suffered measurable damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering

Importantly, you should note that New Jersey follows a comparative negligence statute, which means that even if you are found to be partially at fault for an accident, you can still recover compensation as long as your percentage of fault does not exceed 50%. That said, your total recovery will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For this reason, hiring an attorney who can effectively gather and present evidence on your behalf to minimize your degree of fault is paramount.

Contact Our New Jersey Bicycle Accident Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, contact the lawyers here at Lerner, Piermont, Riverol & Lawlor, P.A. for a free initial consultation today. We stand ready to fight for the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled.