Riding a bicycle should be a safe and enjoyable way to travel. But in Bayonne’s busy streets, cyclists are often at risk from reckless drivers, poor road conditions, and inattentive motorists. A bicycle accident can leave you with serious injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and a long road to recovery. If you or a loved one was injured in a bike crash, you need a Bayonne bicycle accident lawyer who will fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
At Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C., we understand the unique challenges injured cyclists face. Our legal team aggressively pursues justice, working to ensure negligent drivers and other responsible parties are held accountable.
What Are Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?
Bayonne’s streets are becoming increasingly dangerous for cyclists, even as more people use bikes for transportation, exercise, and recreation. Unlike motorists, cyclists have little protection in a crash, making even a minor collision potentially catastrophic. The following are common causes of bicycle accidents.
Driver Negligence and Reckless Behavior
Many bicycle accidents occur when drivers fail to pay attention or disregard traffic laws by engaging in the following:
- Distracted driving,
- Failure to yield,
- Impaired driving,
- Opening car doors without looking (“dooring” accidents),
- Unsafe passing, and
- Speeding or aggressive driving.
When a driver’s carelessness causes a crash, they must be held fully accountable for the harm they inflict. Our experienced legal team is dedicated to ensuring injured cyclists receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
Poor Road Conditions and Bike Lane Hazards
Sometimes, bicycle accidents are caused by hazardous road conditions. Cyclists may lose control and crash due to:
- Potholes or cracked pavement,
- Unmarked or faded bike lanes,
- Lack of bike lanes,
- Debris and loose gravel, or
- Malfunctioning traffic signals.
If poor road maintenance is the cause of your bicycle accident, a government agency or contractor may be liable for your injuries.
Defective Bicycles and Equipment Malfunctions
Defects in bike parts, such as brake failures, chain malfunctions, or faulty tires or wheels, can also cause a bicycle accident. The bike manufacturer or retailer may be responsible for your injuries and damages in these cases. We will examine whether it may be appropriate to pursue a product liability claim.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Bicycle Accident?
A bicycle accident can lead to severe injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, concussions, and internal trauma. If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to substantial compensation, including:
- Medical expenses. These expenses include emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, physical therapy, and medication costs. Compensation can also cover long-term treatment, future procedures, rehabilitation, and assistive devices.
- Lost wages. If your injuries prevent you from working temporarily or permanently, you can recover compensation for your lost income.
- Loss of future earnings. If you have to work fewer hours or take a less demanding job with less pay due to your injuries, you may be entitled to the earnings you would have made had you not been injured.
- Bicycle repair or replacement costs. If your bicycle was damaged or destroyed in the accident, you could receive compensation for the repair or replacement cost.
- Physical pain and suffering. Bicycle accidents often result in severe and lasting pain, which can be compensated.
- Emotional distress. Many accident victims experience anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other emotional trauma after a serious crash. Compensation can help address the mental and emotional impact of the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life. If your injuries prevent you from cycling, exercising, or participating in hobbies you once enjoyed, you may be entitled to damages for this loss of quality of life.
Our Bayonne bicycle accident law firm works closely with medical professionals, financial experts, and accident reconstruction specialists to ensure that every dollar of your damages is accounted for. We fight to maximize your settlement or verdict, ensuring you have the financial resources needed to rebuild your life.
What If I Am Partially at Fault for the Accident?
If you were in a bicycle accident and think you might share some of the blame, don’t assume that means you’re out of options. New Jersey law doesn’t immediately bar you from recovering compensation just because you were partially at fault—but it does impact how much you can receive.
Under New Jersey’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can still recover damages if you were no more than 50% responsible for the accident. However, the amount you receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if your total damages amount to $100,000 but you’re found to be 25% at fault, your compensation would be reduced by 25%, leaving you with $75,000. But if you are 51% or more responsible, you may be barred from recovering anything.
Insurance companies commonly use comparative negligence laws to their advantage, trying to blame cyclists for their injuries. At Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C., we know their tricks. We don’t let insurance companies twist the facts to minimize your claim.
How Long Do I Have to File a Bicycle Accident Claim in New Jersey?
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, New Jersey law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to pursue compensation, no matter how strong your case is.
The sooner you act, the better. A Bayonne bike accident lawyer needs to gather crucial evidence, track down witnesses, and build a compelling claim. As time passes, evidence can disappear, and memories of witnesses can fade.
We understand that recovering from a bicycle accident is physically and emotionally overwhelming, but waiting too long to take legal action can jeopardize your case. A Bayonne bicycle injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, fight for your rights, and secure the compensation you need to move forward.
Speak to a Bayonne Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
You shouldn’t have to pay the price if someone else’s negligence caused your bicycle accident. A seasoned Bayonne bicycle accident lawyer from Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C. knows it’s not just about compensation—it’s about holding the right people accountable, getting justice, and ensuring you have what you need to move forward. Our attorneys have over three decades of experience fighting for Bayonne residents injured on the road. Contact us for a free consultation, and let us explain your legal options.