Bicycle travel is a rising trend for commuters and recreationists alike. Biking offers multiple health benefits for bicyclists and the environment while providing an affordable and fun method of transportation. Unfortunately, bike riders are also vulnerable to road accidents and sustaining minor or serious injuries.
When these injuries occur, it is important to consult with a New Jersey bike accident lawyer as soon as possible to build a defense and ensure your claim is as strong as possible. To learn more or begin discussing your claim, consult with an injury attorney in New Jersey today.
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Bike Accidents and Liability
When a bicycle is involved in an accident with a motor vehicle, the bicyclist is more likely to suffer injury than the driver of the vehicle. Even though all states enforce roadway safety for bicyclists, accidents can occur. Cyclists must follow “side-of-the-road” rules, limiting them to biking on the far right side of the road or in a designated bike lane. However, law-abiding bicyclists still risk colliding with open doors of parked cars or being hit by a driver turning right.
Unless stated otherwise, bicycles have the same rights to roadways as vehicles. Bicyclists are entitled to a full lane if a bike lane is unavailable. Bicyclists must keep to the far right lane of a roadway and have the right of way as long as they are in the correct lane. If an accident or collision with a car occurs while a cyclist is following road rules, the operator of the vehicle is typically liable for the accident.
Drivers are required by law to give cyclists a wide berth on the roadways. This ruling applies to both parked and moving cars. A person in a parked car is responsible for checking to ensure that their car door is not opened until after a cyclist has passed to avoid “dooring” accidents.
Moreover, vehicles that are trying to pass a cyclist must leave a reasonable amount of space between them and the biker. The driver of the vehicle must wait until it is safe to pass or face legal penalties if an accident occurs while passing. If a motorist hits a bicycle while turning right, the motorist is usually considered at-fault and the cyclist should consult with a New Jersey bike accident lawyer.
What To Do if You Are in a Bike Accident
In the event of an accident, bicyclists should know what measures to take to protect themselves from litigation and prepare for their own lawsuit if the accident was someone else’s fault. Accident victims must remain calm and implement the following resolution strategies.
1. Call the Police and Remain at the Scene until They Arrive
Every accident, no matter how minor, should be followed up with a police report. Sometimes, bicyclists assume that they are uninjured, hop on their bikes and continue on their way, realizing after it is too late that they have suffered damages and may need medical attention or legal assistance. If a police report was not filed, it can be extremely difficult to pursue compensation. Once the police are on their way, bicyclists should remain at the scene and not attempt to engage the other driver.
2. Offer your Statement for Official Record
It is essential for both parties involved in an accident to record their version of events in the police report. Cyclists should speak to the police personally and detail the events of the accident and every injury. Even minor details should be included in the report in case they become significant later.
3. Exchange Contact Information with the Driver and Witnesses
While cyclists should limit the amount of communication they have with the other party, it is important to exchange relevant information such as contact information and insurance. Witnesses should be asked to provide their contact information as well.
4. Document Accident and Injury Details for your Personal Records
Police reports are helpful if litigation is pursued, but accident victims should also record information pertaining to the accident for their own personal records. Information such as date, time, place, weather and road conditions could become a factor in a lawsuit. Medical injuries should also be documented. Accident victims must list all injuries and track their progress, as well as document any medical treatment sought.
Photographic evidence can make a stronger case. Accident victims should photograph what they can. Take photos at the scene of the accident if possible. Any injuries should be photographed and included in a victim’s personal records.
5. Preserve All Evidence from the Accident
All material from the accident should be preserved as evidence until the case is completely resolved. Cyclists should not attempt to have their bikes or equipment repaired or send it out of state. Clothing worn during the accident should be preserved without washing or cleaning. It is important to partner with a bike accident lawyer in New Jersey who can inform victims on the steps to take to pursue a legal claim.
Benefit of An Attorney
If you are a bicyclist or the family member of a cyclist who has been injured in an accident with a car, you may be entitled to compensation from the at-fault party. The types of compensation typically available include reimbursement for lost wages, healthcare and rehabilitation costs.
Additionally, there is often the potential for monetary awards for pain and suffering or wrongful death. New Jersey bike accident attorneys at Grungo Colarulo are well-versed in representing victims of bicycle accidents and their families.
Testimonials
This team is incredible. They are friendly and knowledgeable. I appreciate everything they have done for me and would recommend them to anyone. Overall great experience
Paul D.My case settled recently after lasting 4 years. Grungo and Colarulo’s law firm were able to secure a large settlement award for my slip and fall accident. This money will help secure my future for the permanent injury I received as a result of the slip and fall. Everyone was very caring, and kept me informed throughout the entire process. Christine Lafferty is an excellent litigation lawyer. I highly recommend using them if you have been injured or in an accident. I hope I am never in a situation again to need their services, but I know who to go to if I, or any of my family members are ever injured. Thanks Grungo and Colarulo and staff for your compassionate service!
Pamela A.Thank you so much Grungo and Colarulo for helping me with my case. Special thanks to Erica Domingo, Esquire and her team. Erica Domingo and her team was very nice and helped me tremendously throughout my case like more than one year and half. They gave me the right advice and guided me through every step of my case. They gave me prompt and clear responses to all my questions. In addition, Erica and her team provided me with all the what if scenarios so that I can have a clear vison of the steps ahead.
I would definitely recommend Grungo and Colarulo.
Thanks again Erica Domingo, Esquire and her team
Ahmed A.My wife and I reached out to Grungo Colarulo in 2020 for advise on a legal matter. After a meeting with the Attorney and Paralegal, we decided to go forward with a case. This case required a lot of documentation, and expert review of the documentation which was aquired. Throughout the process, we were kept up to date monthly, and Grungo Colarulo was always responsive to any questions that we had. The entire staff at Grungo Colarulo are very professional, caring, and willing to go the extra mile. This firm is a definite recommend!
Patrick G.I left five (5) stars only because that’s as many as I could leave. If I could, I would have left 100 stars. Bob & Christine are the absolute best! My settlement far exceeded what I ever imagined. They are professional, friendly, and really listened to what I had to say. They kept me up to date with the progress of my case every step of the way. I can’t recommend them highly enough.
Sheila L.Very professional, communicates well, makes me feel like they have my best interest at heart, and overall just a great company. Christine and the whole team has been on top of everything. Would definitely recommend!! 10/10
Michael M.First and foremost I would like to thank the whole team at Grungo Colarulo!! In addition to that, Stephanie & Riley & Drenna have done such an outstanding job taking care of me in such a difficult and low point of my life. I was in a bad car accident & did not know how to move forward with what to do and how to process. Those ladies were there every step, every inch, every mile & beyond with helping me when I had no idea how to navigate. I will forever be thankful for them and for the outcome of my case! If you ever need assistance I highly recommend this practice!!! Beyond professional, helpful, precise, caring, knowledgeable & humble!!!
Rachel F.From my first phone call to the end of my case this firm was on the ball!! Always responsive and professional and kept me up to date and informed. This is my firm for any future needs!
Jeffrey F.This was my first time ever having to have a lawyer for an automobile accident. From the beginning they took care of everything. They put me at ease so I could concentrate on my medical needs. Everyone I spoke to during the process were always extremely pleasant and knowledgeable.
Thank you to Grungo Colarulo for representing me and getting the settlement you did to help me move forward. I would highly recommend Grungo Colarulo to anyone who wants outstanding legal representation.Pat G.This team has been nothing but gentle an generous. Being as this was my first time dealing with a worker’s compensation case I was lost and nervous. But the Grungo Colarulo team has made me feel as comfortable as possible. My needs were addressed with care in a timely fashion. I knew what was going on every step of the way.
Oh, did I mention, WE WON …This teams knowledge of the industry is TOP NOTCH!
Aminah M.A dear family friend referred us to a young attorney named Rich Grungo, Jr. We wanted answers and if necessary, justice for our father. From day one of a five-year journey, Mr. Rich Grungo, Jr. made our family and our pain his own. The man never stopped working for us. He kept us informed every step of the way. Questions were answered quickly and with great compassion and expertise. Even though Rich was always busy, he was never too busy for us. We always felt like we were his only clients
MickeyI had the opportunity to observe Mr. Grungo work in this case, both in the courtroom on the technical matters of the motions and also as his presentation to the jury in opening and presenting witnesses as well as utilizing animations… and drawings and films that were necessary for a proper understanding of the case…At all times during the presentation, Mr. Grungo operated mostly without notes and questioned the witnesses in a conversational manner which made it most effective. **
New Jersey Superior Court JudgeThank you for everything. I honestly felt like you treated my son like he was your own son, for that I am grateful. I would recommend your services to anyone. Thanks for being so awesome to both of us.
HDIt was a pleasure working with Bill. He constantly kept me informed. I would recommend Bill and his firm to anybody I know. They’ll be in good hands.
GregoryI had the opportunity to retain Mr. Colarulo for a vehicle accident I encountered. I give him my highest recommendation for anyone in need of an excellent Personal Injury Attorney. Not only does he have an in depth knowledge of the legal field, but he emanates a sense of trust-worthiness that makes you feel secure during the entire process. Mr. Colarulo has the knowledge, drive and enthusiasm that will get the job done for you. He comes highly recommended.
DeniseHi Rich, Well I’m on my way up to college to finish packing my son’s stuff up and to go to his Graduation tomorrow. It’s hard to believe how fast and how slow, at the same time 5 years can go by. I was just thinking of you as I am getting ready to leave and wanted to thank you once again for everything you have done for my son’s future. You are a good and just man. God Bless to you and your family.
Be Well,
Bob
Grungo Colarulo
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