Riding a bicycle can be a great way of getting some exercise and avoiding sitting in traffic as you commute, but it can also be dangerous. Most people assume that drivers will be more careful when they notice a cyclist in the street, but that’s not actually the case.
Some drivers can grow frustrated at sharing the road with bicycles, and others may not even notice them. All of this can lead to serious accidents that result in injuries and even fatalities. On average, there are 26 bicycle fatalities in New Jersey each year. Unfortunately, this number seems to be on the uptick.
If you or a loved one has been in a bicycle accident that was someone else’s fault, your next step should be to reach out to Jersey City bicycle accident lawyers. At Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq, we are here to offer the guidance you need when filing a personal injury claim.
Common Causes of Bike Accidents
Bicycle accidents can be the result of all manner of issues that arise when motorized vehicle drivers and cyclists meet. An attorney in Jersey City could help determine the cause of a bike crash and secure compensation for losses.
What Rights Do Bicyclists Have?
A bicyclist riding in New Jersey has the same rights as any motorist. Every cyclist has to ride in the direction of vehicular traffic and must obey all state and local driving laws.
Cyclists must not travel more than two abreast when traffic is not impeded. If traffic suffers because of this, the bicycles must ride in a single file. Cyclists can also pass slower-moving vehicles.
A cyclist must ride as close to the right-hand side as possible when passing a standing vehicle or one going in the same direction.
A bicycle has to have a bell or another audible device. It cannot be a siren or a whistle, however. During the night, bicycles also must have front and back headlights.
New Jersey’s Safe Passing Law requires drivers to use due caution when encountering vulnerable people on the road, including cyclists. This law states that if they encounter a vulnerable person, they must move to the next lane if possible or provide a minimum of four feet before safely passing the vulnerable person.
If four feet isn’t possible, the driver has to slow down to 25 mph and be ready to stop until they can pass without endangering the vulnerable person. A Jersey City lawyer could work to protect your rights as a bicyclist by holding whoever caused an accident accountable for the injuries they caused.
What Type of Compensation Is Available for Bike Accidents?
If you’ve been in a bicycle accident and suffered injuries, it’s possible to get compensation if the accident was someone else’s fault.
Dealing with injuries is stressful as well as financially draining. You could have hospital bills, medication bills, and even rehabilitation costs to worry about. When you file a personal injury claim, you can get compensation that can cover these medical expenses.
If you have suffered property damage, like a broken bike, you can also ask for these kinds of damages. It’s common for a bicycle to be destroyed, especially in high-speed collisions. You shouldn’t have to pay for repairs or replacements out of your pocket if the accident was the result of someone else’s negligence.
Being in an accident can also prevent you from going to work. You may have to stay at the hospital or get other treatments that stop you from following your normal routine. If you use your bike to get to work and it’s no longer in riding condition, that, too, can make getting to work more difficult.
When you file a claim, you can ask for compensation for these lost wages. People who sustain serious injuries that leave them with disabilities can also get compensated for future wages.
Pain and suffering is a non-economic damage you can claim. When you suffer an injury, you have to deal with pain and even emotional trauma. It’s tough to put value on what you’ve suffered, but your lawyer will work with you to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Non-economic damages also include permanent disability compensation. This includes if you were disfigured. The amount of compensation you receive will be in proportion to the severity of the injury as well as to how it impacts your life.
If you’re the family of a loved one who died in the accident, you can file a wrongful death claim as well as loss of consortium. Loss of consortium seeks to offer some compensation for the loss of companionship, love, and support. An attorney in Jersey City could help a biker understand the damages they could seek in a bike collision claim.
Why Hire a Jersey City Bicycle Accident Attorney from GGL?
A bicycle accident can be a harrowing experience that leaves you with physical and psychological scars. There are laws in place that offer compensation for people dealing with medical bills and other expenses as a result of an accident that they didn’t cause.
At Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq, we have decades of experience helping clients throughout New Jersey get the compensation they deserve. We are one of the only Spanish and English-speaking law firms in the state, which means we’re ready to aid our community more effectively.
When you turn to GGL, you get help from people who are ferociously dedicated to getting fair deals for our clients. We’ll never undersettle just to speed up the process. We’re here to benefit you, not to suit our schedules.
GGL treats every client like family, keeping you alerted on any updates and ensuring that you always understand every step we take in your defense. We work as a team with you, so you never feel overwhelmed or pushed to make a decision.
We are a no-nonsense firm that always cuts to the chase. Because all our lawyers focus on personal injury law, you don’t have to worry about us being spread too thin among various legal branches.
If you are struggling after being in a bicycle accident and you’re not sure how you’ll pay for medical expenses or repair bills, don’t wait. Contact a Jersey City bicycle accident lawyer online today or call 1-866-922-1716.
