New Jersey Bicycle Accident Attorney

Who is Liable for My Bicycle Accident?

If you were injured in a bicycle accident, you may be wondering who is liable for your damages and how to hold them accountable.

When you come to our firm, we tackle every aspect of your case for you. We start by investigating your accident to uncover who was at fault. While every case is different, there are some examples of parties that can be held accountable for causing bicycle crashes:

• A negligent motorist responsible for intersection or crosswalk accidents
• Drivers who fail to pass cyclists at a safe distance
• A commercial driver or company that causes a preventable truck accident
• Manufacturers of defective bicycles, bike components, or defective products
• Public entities responsible for bus accidents or road defects
• Property owners that failed to address potential hazards

In some cases, you may be able to seek compensation from multiple parties. For example:

• More than one driver may share blame for contributing to your accident.
• If your crash involved a commercial vehicle, the driver, their employer, and others involved in the trucking operation may bear a share of liability.
• In some cases, it may be possible to hold private social hosts or drinking establishments liable for overserving guests or furnishing alcohol to minors who later cause drunk driving accidents.
• In the event you are injured by a motorist with a low-limit auto insurance policy, a driver who has no insurance at all, or a hit-and-run driver, you may be able to seek compensation through your own UM / UIM coverage.

Our attorneys work closely with private investigators and experts to fully assess all factors involved in our clients’ accidents. Our goal is to help you explore every avenue for compensation so as to maximize your financial recovery.

Recoverable Damages in Bicycle Accident Cases

Bicyclists have virtually nothing to protect them from suffering harm when they are involved in accidents with large motor vehicles. They are also more likely to suffer severe or catastrophic injuries that can come with a lifetime of suffering and additional expenses.

At Levinson Axelrod, P.A., we know cyclists and their families can face uncertain futures caused by painful recoveries, extensive medical bills, and an inability to work or earn a living wage. By working with medical professionals and expert witnesses, we can gain a better understanding of how your injuries impacted your life and how they can reasonably be expected to impact your future.

Generally, bicycle accident victims are entitled to compensation for:

• Hospital bills, surgery, and rehabilitation
• Future medical expenses
• Lost income and lost future wages
• Pain and suffering
• Disability and loss of quality of life
• Other financial and non-economic damages

Bicycle Laws in New Jersey

In New Jersey, bicyclists have important rights and duties outlined in Title 39 of the Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation laws. Some of the most important bicycle laws for both riders and drivers include: