What are New Jersey's bicycle laws, and how do they affect accident claims?

New Jersey treats bicycles as vehicles, with cyclists required to follow traffic laws, ride to the right, use hand signals, and have proper lighting. Helmets are mandatory for riders under 17. These laws impact accident claims because violations can affect liability - the defense may argue comparative negligence to reduce compensation if you weren't following bicycle laws. However, you may still recover damages if the driver was primarily at fault, as an experienced attorney can often successfully argue that minor violations didn't contribute to the accident.

Does auto insurance cover bicycle accidents in New Jersey?

Yes, several auto insurance coverages can apply to bicycle accidents in New Jersey. The at-fault driver's liability insurance should cover your injuries and property damage. Your own auto insurance's PIP coverage typically extends to you as a cyclist, while your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage helps if you're hit by a driver with insufficient insurance. Health insurance also covers treatments, though coordinating between multiple policies is complex, making experienced legal representation essential for maximizing recovery from all available sources.

How does comparative negligence affect bicycle accident claims in New Jersey?

New Jersey follows "modified comparative negligence," allowing recovery if you're less than 50% at fault, with compensation reduced by your fault percentage. In bicycle accidents, defendants often try to blame cyclists for riding improperly or lacking reflective clothing. An experienced attorney can counter these arguments with evidence of the driver's greater negligence, using traffic camera footage, witness statements, and expert testimony to minimize your assigned fault and maximize compensation.

What if my bicycle accident was caused by poor road conditions rather than a driver?

If your bicycle accident resulted from hazardous road conditions, you may have a claim against the government entity responsible for road maintenance. These claims have stricter deadlines - in New Jersey, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident. Your claim must identify the dangerous condition, how it caused your accident, and why the entity was negligent. Success typically requires proving they knew about the hazard but failed to fix it. Gathering evidence quickly is crucial, including photographs of the condition and records of previous complaints.

What is the most common type of bicycle accident?

The most common type of bicycle accident is the "right hook," where a vehicle making a right turn collides with a cyclist traveling straight through an intersection. This occurs when drivers fail to check their blind spots or misjudge a cyclist's speed before turning. Other prevalent accident types include "dooring" (when a parked car's door opens into a cyclist's path) and "left cross" collisions (when vehicles turning left fail to yield to oncoming cyclists).

Corradino & Papa, LLC/

Bicycle Accident Lawyer In New Jersey

Bicycle Accident Lawyer in New Jersey

Clifton Bike Injury Attorney Advocating for Cyclists in Essex County, Hudson County, Passaic County, Bergen County, Union County, and Throughout North Jersey

Clifton Bike Injury Attorney Advocating for Cyclists in Essex County, Hudson County, Passaic County, Bergen County, Union County, and Throughout North Jersey
Types of Bicycle Accident Cases Corradino & Papa, LLC Handles in New Jersey
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in New Jersey
Steps to Take Following a Bicycle Accident in New Jersey
Your Legal Rights and Compensation Options Following a Bicycle Accident in New Jersey
How Corradino & Papa, LLC Can Help
Why Choose the Clifton Bike Injury Attorneys at Corradino & Papa, LLC?
About Bicycle Accident Claims in New Jersey
Contact an Experienced Bicycle Accident Lawyer in New Jersey at Corradino & Papa, LLC for a Free Case Evaluation

New Jersey's roads can be dangerous for cyclists, with hundreds of bicycle accidents occurring each year across the state. When a collision between a bicycle and a motor vehicle occurs, cyclists almost always suffer the most severe consequences due to their minimal protection against much larger and heavier vehicles. If you've been injured while cycling, a skilled bicycle accident lawyer in New Jersey can help you navigate the complex legal landscape and fight for the compensation you deserve.

When accidents happen, the results are often devastating. At Corradino & Papa, LLC, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges bicycle accident victims face. Our attorneys have helped countless injured cyclists secure the compensation needed to recover from their injuries, replace damaged property, and move forward with their lives.

Types of Bicycle Accident Cases Corradino & Papa, LLC Handles in New Jersey

At Corradino & Papa, LLC, our extensive experience with bicycle accident litigation has equipped us with the knowledge and resources necessary to handle even the most complex cases effectively. Our team of attorneys brings specialized expertise to every bicycle accident claim we handle.

We represent victims involved in various types of bicycle accidents throughout New Jersey, including:

Dooring Bicycle Accidents
Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accidents
Intersection Bicycle Accidents
Left Cross Collision Accidents
Right Cross Collision Accidents
Rear-End Bicycle Accidents
Riding Against Traffic Accidents
Right-of-Way Violation Bicycle Accidents
Right Hook Collision Accidents
Road Rage Bicycle Accidents
Vehicle-Cyclist Collision Accidents
Vehicle Overtaking Bicyclist Accidents
And more…

Each type of bicycle accident presents unique challenges in establishing liability and securing fair compensation. Our attorneys understand these nuances and develop targeted strategies for each case we handle.

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Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in New Jersey

Understanding the common causes of bicycle accidents is essential for establishing liability and building strong legal claims. Several factors frequently contribute to cyclist injuries in New Jersey. These include driver negligence, road conditions, and other environmental factors such as rain, fog, or glare that reduces visibility and makes road surfaces slippery.

Legal Implications

These causes have important legal implications. Driver negligence typically establishes clear liability against the motorist and their insurance company. Accidents caused by poor road conditions may involve government entities responsible for road maintenance, which introduces additional procedural requirements and shorter filing deadlines.

Understanding how these causes affect liability is crucial for building a strong claim. At Corradino & Papa, LLC, we thoroughly investigate every case to identify all contributing factors and establish clear liability for our clients' injuries.

Steps to Take Following a Bicycle Accident in New Jersey

Taking these steps creates a strong foundation for your physical recovery and legal claim. At Corradino & Papa, LLC, we guide our clients through this process to protect their rights and build the strongest possible case.

Prioritize safety and seek medical attention right away, even if injuries seem minor.
Document the accident scene before anything is moved with photos of your bicycle, the vehicle, surrounding area, and injuries.
Exchange information with the driver, including name, contact details, license plate number, and insurance information.
Collect contact information from any witnesses who saw what happened.
Report the accident to police and request a copy of the official report.
Preserve evidence by keeping your damaged bicycle, helmet, and clothing in their post-accident condition.
Document your recovery by keeping detailed records of all medical treatments, expenses, and missed work.
Contact an experienced bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible to ensure evidence is preserved and deadlines are met.

Your Legal Rights and Compensation Options Following a Bicycle Accident in New Jersey

New Jersey cyclists have specific legal rights when injured by negligent drivers or hazardous conditions. Understanding these rights is essential for securing fair compensation.

Under New Jersey law, cyclists generally have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle operators when using public roads. This means drivers must give cyclists appropriate space, yield when required, and exercise reasonable care to avoid collisions.

Potential compensation in bicycle accident cases may include:

Medical expenses for emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and future medical needs
Lost income for time missed from work during recovery
Reduced earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to perform your job
Property damage to your bicycle, helmet, and other equipment
Pain and suffering for physical pain and emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life when injuries prevent participation in activities you previously enjoyed

Cyclists often face unique challenges in insurance claims. Insurance companies frequently try to shift blame to the cyclist, claiming they weren't following traffic laws or were riding unsafely. New Jersey's comparative negligence rules mean your compensation could be reduced if you're found partially at fault.

At Corradino & Papa, LLC, we identify all potential sources of compensation and build strong cases that counter attempts to unfairly blame cyclists for their own injuries.

How Corradino & Papa, LLC Can Help

After a bicycle accident, having the right legal team makes all the difference in securing fair compensation. Our experienced attorneys provide comprehensive support throughout the legal process.

Our Investigation Process

As bicycle accident lawyers in New Jersey, we conduct thorough investigations into every case we handle. Our process includes visiting accident scenes, analyzing police reports, interviewing witnesses, and when necessary, consulting with accident reconstruction experts to determine exactly how the collision occurred.

We document all evidence meticulously, including physical evidence from the accident scene, medical records linking your injuries to the crash, and expert opinions regarding liability and damages. This comprehensive approach builds the strongest possible foundation for your claim.

Fighting for Maximum Compensation

Insurance companies often attempt to minimize bicycle accident claims by questioning liability or disputing the severity of injuries. Our attorneys anticipate these tactics and prepare effective counter-strategies to ensure you receive fair treatment.

We handle all communications with insurance companies, protecting you from pressure tactics and preventing statements that could harm your claim. Our bicycle accident lawyers in New Jersey have extensive experience negotiating with insurance adjusters and know how to present compelling evidence that supports maximum compensation.

When fair settlements aren't offered, we're fully prepared to take cases to trial. Our litigation experience and courtroom skills have resulted in numerous substantial verdicts for our clients when insurance companies refused to offer appropriate settlements.

Why Choose the Clifton Bike Injury Attorneys at Corradino & Papa, LLC?

Selecting the right legal representation after a bicycle accident is crucial for securing the compensation you deserve. The Clifton bike injury attorneys at Corradino & Papa, LLC offer distinct advantages that have helped countless victims obtain favorable outcomes.

Proven Success Record

Our firm has established an impressive record of results in accident cases, including:

$1.05 million pedestrian accident settlement
$785 thousand pedestrian accident settlement
$500 thousand bicycle accident settlement

These outcomes demonstrate our ability to secure substantial compensation for our clients, even in challenging cases. Our approach combines thorough preparation, skilled negotiation, and aggressive courtroom advocacy when necessary.

Client-Centered Approach

We believe in making quality legal representation accessible to all bicycle accident victims. Our firm offers free consultations to evaluate your case and operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Our client-centered approach includes 24/7 availability for urgent matters and multilingual services to ensure all clients can communicate effectively with their legal team. We also provide home and hospital visits for clients unable to travel due to their injuries.

About Bicycle Accident Claims in New Jersey

Bicycle accidents in New Jersey occur in various locations, each presenting unique hazards. Urban intersections in cities like Newark and Jersey City are particularly dangerous due to complex traffic patterns and driver impatience, while major arterial roads without dedicated bike lanes present significant risks, especially during rush hour. Popular cycling routes in the Palisades Interstate Park, Eagle Rock Reservation, and along the Hudson River waterfront also see frequent accidents. The Clifton bike injury attorney at our firm has handled numerous cases involving these different settings, where drivers frequently fail to yield to cyclists.

The injuries resulting from bicycle accidents tend to be severe due to minimal protection. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries (even with helmet use), spinal cord injuries, broken bones, road rash requiring skin grafts, and facial trauma. Many victims face extended recovery periods, multiple surgeries, significant time away from work, and some suffer permanent disabilities affecting mobility, cognitive function, and quality of life – highlighting the importance of experienced legal representation.

Contact an Experienced Bicycle Accident Lawyer in New Jersey at Corradino & Papa, LLC for a Free Case Evaluation

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a bicycle accident, don't face this challenging time alone. The dedicated bicycle accident lawyer in New Jersey at Corradino & Papa, LLC stands ready to evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Our experienced attorneys understand the devastating impact these accidents can have on victims and their families, and we're committed to providing both compassionate support and aggressive legal advocacy.

Taking prompt legal action is crucial for preserving evidence and protecting your rights. Contact Corradino & Papa, LLC today at 973-381-1706 or through our secure online form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. Remember, you pay nothing unless we win your case, and we're committed to securing the maximum compensation possible for your injuries, losses, and suffering.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accident Claims in New Jersey

New Jersey treats bicycles as vehicles, with cyclists required to follow traffic laws, ride to the right, use hand signals, and have proper lighting. Helmets are mandatory for riders under 17. These laws impact accident claims because violations can affect liability - the defense may argue comparative negligence to reduce compensation if you weren't following bicycle laws. However, you may still recover damages if the driver was primarily at fault, as an experienced attorney can often successfully argue that minor violations didn't contribute to the accident.
Yes, several auto insurance coverages can apply to bicycle accidents in New Jersey. The at-fault driver's liability insurance should cover your injuries and property damage. Your own auto insurance's PIP coverage typically extends to you as a cyclist, while your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage helps if you're hit by a driver with insufficient insurance. Health insurance also covers treatments, though coordinating between multiple policies is complex, making experienced legal representation essential for maximizing recovery from all available sources.
New Jersey follows "modified comparative negligence," allowing recovery if you're less than 50% at fault, with compensation reduced by your fault percentage. In bicycle accidents, defendants often try to blame cyclists for riding improperly or lacking reflective clothing. An experienced attorney can counter these arguments with evidence of the driver's greater negligence, using traffic camera footage, witness statements, and expert testimony to minimize your assigned fault and maximize compensation.
If your bicycle accident resulted from hazardous road conditions, you may have a claim against the government entity responsible for road maintenance. These claims have stricter deadlines - in New Jersey, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident. Your claim must identify the dangerous condition, how it caused your accident, and why the entity was negligent. Success typically requires proving they knew about the hazard but failed to fix it. Gathering evidence quickly is crucial, including photographs of the condition and records of previous complaints.
The most common type of bicycle accident is the "right hook," where a vehicle making a right turn collides with a cyclist traveling straight through an intersection. This occurs when drivers fail to check their blind spots or misjudge a cyclist's speed before turning. Other prevalent accident types include "dooring" (when a parked car's door opens into a cyclist's path) and "left cross" collisions (when vehicles turning left fail to yield to oncoming cyclists).

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