Cycling has gained tremendous popularity in New Jersey as a recreational activity and an eco-friendly commuting option. However, when motorists fail to respect cyclists’ rights to share the road, devastating accidents can occur. Bicyclists have minimal protection against larger vehicles, leading to disproportionately severe injuries when collisions happen. The physical, emotional and financial aftermath of these accidents can be overwhelming, especially when insurance companies attempt to minimize compensation or shift blame to injured cyclists.
At Mandelbaum Barrett PC, our bicycle accident attorneys have extensive experience representing injured cyclists throughout New Jersey, so you don’t have to face the complex claim process alone. We understand the unique challenges you face and work diligently to secure full compensation while you focus on recovery. Our comprehensive approach, personalized services and commitment to justice will provide peace of mind that your claim is in the right hands.
Who May Be Liable for a Bicycle Accident?
After a bicycle accident, it can be challenging to know whose negligence directly caused your injuries. We closely investigate your case and consider every detail to identify the liable party, which may include one or more of the following:
Motor Vehicle Drivers
If a driver operates their vehicle while distracted, under the influence or recklessly, they may be liable for resulting damages. New Jersey law requires drivers to exercise reasonable care toward all road users, including cyclists. Drivers are required to keep a safe distance before and while passing a bicycle on the road. When drivers breach this duty through careless or reckless behavior, they become legally responsible for resulting injuries.
Commercial Vehicle Operators and Employers
When a commercial vehicle strikes a cyclist, the driver, the company that owns the vehicle, the leasing company or the vehicle maintenance contractors could share liability. Companies are generally vicariously liable for accidents their employees cause while performing job duties. Additionally, companies may be directly liable for negligent hiring, inadequate training or imposing unrealistic delivery schedules that encourage unsafe driving.
Government Entities
When dangerous road conditions contribute to bicycle accidents, government entities responsible for road design, construction or maintenance may be liable. These claims involve special procedural requirements under the New Jersey Tort Claims Act, including shorter notice periods and filing deadlines. Generally, you must file a formal notice of claim within 90 days of the accident, making prompt legal consultation essential.
Construction Companies and Contractors
When contractors fail to provide adequate warnings, safe detours, or proper traffic management, they may be liable for resulting accidents. Responsible parties might include the following:
- General contractors overseeing the project
- Subcontractors responsible for traffic control
- Engineering firms that developed traffic management plans
- Companies that supplied or installed traffic control devices
Construction zone cases often involve complex contractual relationships between multiple entities, requiring careful analysis of project documentation and responsibility assignments.
Bicycle and Component Manufacturers
When defective bicycle components contribute to accidents, product liability claims may arise against the bicycle or component manufacturers, retailers who assembled the bicycle, and distributors in the supply chain.
These cases typically require proving the product was defective when it left the manufacturer’s control and that the defect caused or contributed to the accident. Expert engineering analysis is usually necessary to establish these elements.
Property Owners
Private property owners may be liable when their property conditions create hazards for passing cyclists, such as untrimmed vegetation, slippery conditions, or maintenance issues. These premises liability claims require establishing the owner’s knowledge of the dangerous condition and failure to address it appropriately.
Compensation Available in Bicycle Accident Cases
Bicycle accident injuries can take a physical and emotional toll on your life, leaving you with steep medical bills and frustrations from taking time off work. Our knowledgeable lawyers can help you understand your claim’s value and potentially recoverable damages, which may include the following:
- Past, present and future medical bills
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Prescription medications
- Medical equipment and adaptive devices
- Lost income and earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages
Whether you suffered minor, moderate, or severe injuries, our attorneys have the knowledge, skill, and experience to fight for your rights and the compensation you deserve. With years of experience dealing with insurance companies, we understand their tactics to lowball you and how to build a strong claim to achieve maximum compensation.
How Our Bicycle Accident Attorneys Help Maximize Your Recovery
Bicycle accident cases present unique challenges that require focused knowledge and a detailed approach. Our seasoned bicycle accident lawyers at Mandelbaum Barrett PC understand what it takes to navigate this complex process and provide the following services to help maximize your recovery:
Thorough Investigation
We conduct comprehensive investigations with the following steps to establish liability:
- Visiting accident scenes to document road conditions and sightlines
- Locating and interviewing witnesses
- Obtaining surveillance or traffic camera footage
- Analyzing police reports for accuracy and completeness
- Consulting with accident reconstruction experts
- Examining the damaged bicycle for evidence
- Reviewing the driver’s cell phone records or vehicle data
This diligent approach helps overcome the bias many adjusters and jurors have against cyclists and establishes clear liability.
Expert Collaboration
Our attorneys work with medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and economic experts who provide scientific and objective support for your claim, making it more difficult for insurance companies to dispute liability or damages.
Effective Negotiation and Litigation
Many bicycle accident cases settle through negotiation, but insurance companies often initially offer inadequate compensation. Our skilled negotiators prepare every case as if it will go to trial, giving us leverage in settlement discussions.
When a fair settlement isn’t possible, our experienced trial lawyers present compelling evidence and arguments to judges and juries. We have a proven record of successful verdicts in complex personal injury cases, including those involving serious bicycle accidents.
How We Can Help With Your Bicycle Accident Claim
After a bicycle accident, you need an attorney who understands the unique aspects of cycling cases and the bias cyclists often face from insurance companies and the legal system. Our attorneys at Mandelbaum Barrett PC combine legal experience with practical knowledge of bicycle safety and advocacy to build compelling cases that achieve maximum compensation. We also speak Spanish to make our top-notch services accessible to more of our community.
With decades of experience handling personal injury claims, our experienced attorneys include Certified Civil Trial Attorney Andrew Bronsnick and Co-Chair Joseph J. Peters. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, contact Mandelbaum Barrett PC today at (973) 585-5100 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you navigate the path to recovery and fair compensation.