Trenton Bicycle Accident Lawyer
New Jersey is frequently ranked as one of the most bike-friendly states in the country, and Trenton is no exception. Whether you are taking advantage of the many trails throughout the area or riding your bike as a method of transportation as you go about your day, the streets of Trenton should offer a safe experience that allows you to get exercise, save gas money, and more. Unfortunately, some drivers may not take the precautions necessary to keep bike riders safe. A Trenton bicycle accident lawyer could help you learn more about your right to compensation after sustaining injuries in a bike accident. Our personal injury attorneys could prepare a claim for you.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicycle accidents can result in severe injuries for the bike rider since they do not have significant protection from the impact. While wearing a helmet can substantially reduce the risk of head and neck injury, it does not eliminate it entirely. Common bicycle accident injuries can include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Broken bones
- Back and neck injuries
- Crushing damage
- Cuts and lacerations
- Severe road rash
In many cases, those injuries can mean the need for substantial medical treatment. Individuals who suffer injuries in a bicycle accident can need ongoing medical procedures or therapy to help them recover as much as possible. An attorney in Trenton could account for all injury costs in a bike accident claim.
Compensation After a Bicycle Accident
After a bicycle accident, a Trenton lawyer could help an injured individual lay out the damages they suffered and the compensation they should expect for their injuries. Because Trenton is a no-fault state for car accidents, bikers who own a vehicle may carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. They can use that insurance to cover the initial cost of medical treatment related to the accident, which can alleviate some of the financial strain immediately after the accident.
Once the cost of medical treatment for bicycle collision injuries exceeds the protection offered by PIP insurance, or in cases where the injured bike rider does not have that coverage, bike riders can proceed with a claim against the liable driver’s insurance company. Typical claims will include compensation for medical costs, wage losses, and pain and suffering.
How Bicycle Accidents Occur
While Trenton offers several safe bike paths, bike lanes, and other advantages for bike riders, that does not necessarily mean that drivers will adhere to all rules for sharing the road with bikes. Bike accidents can occur due to:
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving
- Drivers driving in bike lanes
- Tailgating bike riders
- Turning right into a biker
- Driving while distracted
- Drivers or passengers opening a car door into a bike rider
- Failing to allow adequate space for a bike rider in their assigned lane or lane splitting
Bike riders have the same rights as the drivers of passenger vehicles when it comes to using the road. When other drivers fail to take those rights into account, it can lead to severe injuries. A lawyer in Trenton could determine the cause of a bike crash and hold the negligent driver accountable.
Contact a Trenton Bicycle Accident Attorney to Discuss Your Claim
If you suffered injuries in a bicycle accident due to the negligence of a driver, a Trenton bicycle accident lawyer could help you pursue the compensation you deserve for those damages. Not only can a lawyer help you lay out the full damages you sustained, but you could also get the help you need to establish liability for the accident. Contact Garces, Grabler, & LeBrocq today for your free consultation.