Cars and bicycles share the same roads to commute to work and get around town in Newark. While bicyclists are subject to many of the same rules of the road that motorists are, there are some differences.
The motor vehicle operator has an obligation to share the road and pay attention to cyclists. Yet, most biking accidents that involve cars are not the cyclist’s fault. If you have been hurt in a bicycle crash, our bicycle accident lawyers in Newark understand the physical pain and financial strain a crash can cause.
You may have the right to pursue financial compensation for your injuries, your property, your lost wages, and other damages related to your accident. Morelli Law Firm’s personal injury lawyers can help. We have helped recover hundreds of millions in damages for personal injury victims, and we are ready to serve you.
Dos and don’ts After a Bicycle Accident
Avoid making costly mistakes after a bicycle accident by taking care of yourself first. You need to seek immediate medical attention, but if you are able to take action to preserve evidence you can give your lawyer the fuel needed to prove liability in your case.
It’s also important to avoid admitting to any fault or apologizing for any part you may have played in the bicycle accident. Limiting your conversation with the other parties is usually wise. Further, if police are not summoned to the scene, go to the station and file a report yourself.
Here are some other steps you can take following a bike crash:
Even if You don’t Feel Hurt, Seek Medical Attention Immediately Following a Biking Accident
Your adrenaline is pumping, you are full of energy, and you may not notice how badly you have been hurt until hours after your accident. The body’s natural response to danger is to produce these powerful endorphins.
Adrenaline can absolutely mask the pain that signifies significant injuries. Don’t take any chances with your health. Let the medical technicians or emergency responders take a look at you or go to the hospital right away.
Document the Scene of the Bicycle Crash
If you are able, document the accident scene. If you can’t do it yourself, call a friend to take all the pictures they can before the scene is processed and cleaned up. Note the traffic signals and anything else that pertains to the scene.
You can have your lawyer, family member, cycling partner, or friend take the pictures. It doesn’t matter who takes them, as long as you have access to them after the crash.
Record video of the scene and note any traffic cameras, traffic signals, or possible hazards in the area. You may not notice all the details, but a cell phone camera can help your bicycle accident lawyer to preserve evidence on the scene that may be crucial to your case later.
How Posting on Social Media Can Be Harmful to Your Case After a Bike Accident
While social media is a convenient way to let everyone know what happened, try to avoid providing details online. If you must, limit your post to something simple indicating that you were in an accident and people can call or text you if they need to. Photos, comments, and anything else you put on the internet last forever and can be used against you in court.
It’s also important to tell your friends and family to refrain from commenting or posting anything about your accident, your physical condition, or anything else pertaining to your bicycle accident. Even something as simple as, “John is doing better today after the crash,” can be twisted by the opposing counsel or insurance companies.
They can take any information or images and twist them to plant seeds of doubt about how severe your injuries really are. If you have already made such posts, do not attempt to remove them until you can speak to a bicycle accident lawyer. Getting rid of social media posts can make it seem as though you have something to hide, so it’s best to just leave them alone.
Seek Legal Advice
Speak to a personal injury attorney who has experience with bicycle accidents immediately. This step alone can do more to preserve your rights and ensure your ability to file a claim. In New Jersey, fault is not always obvious and can be attributed to more than one single party, cause, or entity.
Your attorney can direct you during the stressful moments following your crash and help you to follow the best course of action. A Newark bicycle accident attorney from our firm can take immediate steps to secure traffic camera footage and contact witnesses. Don’t risk your ability to collect the damages you deserve by trying to handle it alone.
Talk to an attorney immediately so that any surveillance camera footage can be secured, and do not provide recorded statements. Don’t accept any settlement without legal counsel. It’s very possible for the insurance company to use your words against you. Let your lawyer handle them.
What Are the Common Causes of Car vs. Bicycle Accidents in Newark, NJ?
While the cause of your own cycling accident can appear to be obvious at first, many other factors can come into play when determining liability. An experienced bicycle accident lawyer can help your case by sorting through all the evidence to analyze any other factors that indicate someone else could be potentially held responsible.
Some of the most common causes of bicycle crash accidents in Newark include:
- Unsafe lane changes
- Inattentive drivers
- Loose manhole covers
- Speeding
- Violation of motor vehicle laws by drivers
- Cell phone use
- Driver distraction
- Not compensating for weather conditions
- Improper driving during inclement weather
- Driver fatigue
- Inexperienced drivers
- Failure to yield
- Driving under the influence
- Failure to obey traffic signals, stop signs
- Defects in pavement or road surfaces
- Rideshare and taxi drivers picking up passengers
On other occasions, faulty or defective car parts such as bad tires, brake failure, or steering components can lead to accidents. Even though you and the driver may have been obeying the rules of the road, another factor could be at play. Your attorney will have the knowledge to review all the elements of the crash to determine the liable parties.
Newark Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
How Long do I Have to Sue for a Newark Bicycle Accident?
The statute of limitations in the state of New Jersey is two years. This rule applies in most injury accidents. However, it’s not always a hard and fast rule.
If your crash was with a government vehicle or municipal employee, that window of time is drastically reduced to 90 days. If you were a minor when the crash occurred, your statute of limitations doesn’t begin until you turn 18.
There are complex laws and many elements involved with filing a personal injury claim. It’s usually your best option to contact an attorney as soon as possible after any crash in order to preserve your legal rights to sue.
A bicycle accident lawyer in Newark can help you to navigate the laws and advise you of any possible obstacles while helping you to remain within legal deadlines.
Find Out How a Newark Bicycle Accident Attorney Can Help You Today
After a bike accident, medical bills can add up fast. The therapy and treatments can last weeks, months, or even years depending on the severity of your injuries. Time off work, the cost to replace your bike, and pain and suffering can take a toll on your well-being.
Even if you aren’t sure you have a case, it costs you nothing to find out. The Newark bicycle accident attorneys at Morelli Law Firm are available to offer a free case evaluation. Contact us today to learn more about how our compassionate attorneys can help you to get your life back on track.