Practice Areas
Bicycle
Accidents
New Jersey cyclists have the same rights as drivers on the road. If you were injured in a bicycle accident, you deserve full compensation for your injuries and damages.
Road Rights
Cyclists have equal rights to use roadways and drivers must share the road safely
Statute
2 years from date of accident to file a personal injury claim in NJ
Fee
No fee unless we win — zero financial risk to you
Damages
Medical costs, lost wages, bike replacement, pain and suffering
New Jersey law requires drivers to maintain a safe distance when passing cyclists and treats bicycle accidents like any other motor vehicle collision. Cyclists injured by negligent drivers have full rights to compensation.
Under N.J.S.A. 39:4-14.1, motor vehicle operators must maintain a safe distance of at least four feet when passing a bicycle. New Jersey treats bicycles as vehicles under N.J.S.A. 39:1-1, giving cyclists the same rights and responsibilities as other road users. When a driver fails to exercise reasonable care around cyclists, they can be held liable for resulting injuries under standard negligence principles.
Compensation in bicycle accident cases typically covers all medical treatment (emergency care, surgery, physical therapy, ongoing treatment), lost income during recovery and future earning capacity, bicycle and equipment replacement, permanent injuries or disabilities, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Because cyclists lack the protection of a vehicle, injuries are often severe and may include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and road rash requiring extensive treatment.
The biggest challenge in bicycle accident cases is overcoming bias against cyclists and the assumption that the cyclist was at fault. Insurance companies often argue that cyclists were not following traffic laws or were not visible enough. Having an attorney who understands cycling laws and can reconstruct the accident scene is crucial. Additionally, many drivers carry only minimum insurance coverage, so exploring all available insurance sources (including your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage) is often necessary to fully compensate serious injuries.
The Law
What you
need to know
01
Dooring Accidents
A driver or passenger opens a car door into a cyclist's path. These accidents often cause serious injuries and the door-opener is typically liable.
02
Right Hook Collisions
A driver turns right across a cyclist's path at an intersection. The driver failed to check for cyclists before turning.
03
Unsafe Passing
A driver passes too closely or cuts back in too quickly, striking the cyclist. New Jersey requires 4 feet of clearance when passing.
04
Intersection Crashes
Collisions at intersections where drivers fail to yield right-of-way to cyclists or run red lights and stop signs.
05
Hit and Run
Driver strikes a cyclist and flees the scene. Your own insurance may cover damages through uninsured motorist coverage.
06
Road Hazard Injuries
Poor road maintenance, construction debris, or inadequate signage causes a cyclist to crash. Municipalities may be liable for dangerous conditions.
Cases we handle
Common scenarios
What to expect
How the
process works
Seek Immediate Medical Care
Get medical attention even if injuries seem minor — adrenaline can mask serious injuries. Head injuries are common in bike accidents and may not show symptoms immediately. Document all injuries with photos and keep detailed medical records.
Document the Accident Scene
If possible, photograph vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and your injuries. Get the driver's insurance information and contact details for witnesses. Call police to file an official report — this creates crucial documentation of the incident.
Contact Us Before Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters will contact you quickly and may pressure you for a recorded statement. Don't give one without legal representation — early statements can be used against you later. We handle all insurance communications to protect your rights.
Investigation and Claim Building
We investigate the accident scene, gather witness statements, obtain police reports, and work with accident reconstruction experts if needed. We also compile all medical records and calculate your full damages including future medical needs and lost earning capacity.
Settlement Negotiation or Trial
We present a comprehensive demand to the at-fault driver's insurance company and negotiate for full compensation. If they won't offer a fair settlement, we file suit and take your case to trial. Most cases settle, but we prepare every case for court.
Questions
Frequently
asked
-
Even if you made a minor traffic violation, you can still recover damages under New Jersey's comparative negligence law as long as you were less than 50% at fault. Insurance companies often blame cyclists unfairly — we investigate thoroughly to establish the true cause of the accident.
-
In New Jersey, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, it's important to contact an attorney immediately — evidence disappears quickly and insurance companies move fast to minimize claims.
-
We explore all available insurance sources, including your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which can provide additional compensation. Many cyclists don't realize their auto insurance or homeowner's policy may cover bicycle accidents even when the at-fault driver lacks adequate coverage.
-
New Jersey doesn't require adult cyclists to wear helmets, so not wearing one doesn't automatically bar your claim. However, insurance companies may argue that not wearing a helmet contributed to your injuries, potentially reducing your compensation under comparative negligence rules.
-
You can recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, bicycle and equipment replacement, pain and suffering, permanent disabilities, and future medical needs. Because bicycle accidents often cause severe injuries, damage awards can be substantial to account for long-term impacts on your life.
-
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. The initial consultation is free, and there's no financial risk in calling us to discuss your case.
Free Consultation
Injured in abicycle accident?
Tell us what happened. We'll give you an honest assessment - no pressure, no obligation, and no fee unless we recover for you. We're available by phone or at our offices, and we're happy to meet you wherever is most convenient.
Call Us Directly
(973) 401-0064