From Broad Street to the Elizabeth River Trail, cyclists ride daily alongside cars, buses, and delivery trucks. Most drivers watch for bikes. But when one doesn’t, the rider usually takes the hit—the kind that sends people to the hospital.
A crash with a vehicle can leave a cyclist with broken bones, head trauma, or worse. While you’re trying to recover, bills start coming in, and questions start stacking up.
Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C. has represented injured Elizabeth residents for over three decades. We know how fast things can go sideways when a driver makes a careless move, opens a door into traffic, or swings wide without checking a mirror.
If a crash took you off your bike, an Elizabeth bicycle accident lawyer from our team is ready to help.
What Leads to Bicycle Accidents in Elizabeth?
Drivers don’t always see bikes as part of traffic. And when they miss what’s right in front of them, riders pay the price. Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents in Elizabeth are:
- Left turns across bike lanes. Cyclists moving straight through an intersection frequently get clipped by turning vehicles.
- Dooring. A door flung open on Elizabeth Avenue or outside a corner deli might knock a rider straight off their bike.
- Distracted driving. Phones, maps, and fast-moving traffic make it easy for drivers to miss what’s around them.
- Speed in dense traffic. A car moving too fast for conditions may not always stop when a cyclist crosses its path.
- Unsafe passing. Drivers who misjudge space or speed may not leave enough room for cyclists to stay upright.
Did you know New Jersey law requires drivers to leave at least four feet of space when passing cyclists—or slow down until they can pass safely? The Safe Passing Law applies whether you’re on Grand Street, South Broad, or a neighborhood side road. Lawmakers created it to reduce sideswipes and close calls, yet many drivers ignore it or don’t even know it exists.
An Elizabeth bicycle accident attorney from Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C. can examine how the crash occurred, whether the driver broke any laws, and where the responsibility lies.
What Injuries Are Common in Elizabeth Bicycle Accidents?
A bike offers no protection against a two-ton vehicle. When cyclists are hit, their bodies absorb the force—and the injuries typically reflect that.
Common bicycle injuries our Elizabeth bicycle accident law firm sees include:
- Head and brain trauma. Even with a helmet, a direct hit can leave a rider with a concussion or more serious cognitive problems.
- Spinal damage. Nerve pain, herniated discs, or long-term mobility loss can follow a sudden impact.
- Fractured bones. Arms, wrists, hips, and ribs are especially vulnerable when a rider is thrown or pinned.
- Internal injuries. A blow to the abdomen or chest could harm organs or cause internal bleeding that might not be obvious at first.
- Skin and soft tissue damage. Road rash, deep cuts, and puncture wounds often lead to infections or require skin grafts.
- Amputation. In the most severe cases, a crushed limb may result in permanent loss.
Even injuries that seem minor at first can lead to long-term issues. Before giving a recorded statement to the driver’s insurance company, an Elizabeth bicycle injury lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure your words aren’t used against you.
What Can You Recover After a Bicycle Accident in Elizabeth?
Getting hit on a bike can mean more than a broken frame or a bruised knee. You might miss work. Medical bills start stacking up. The bike you relied on could be totaled. New Jersey law allows injured cyclists to seek compensation for these losses—and more—when a driver’s actions lead to a crash.
In Elizabeth, that compensation may cover:
- Medical bills—from ambulance rides and surgeries to rehab and follow-ups;
- Lost income—missed paychecks and future work limitations caused by the injury;
- Pain and suffering—physical pain, emotional distress, and changes to daily routines; and
- Property damage—repairs or replacement for your bike, gear, or other property.
Even if you were partially at fault, you can still seek compensation to offset your losses. An Elizabeth bicycle accident law firm can explain how New Jersey’s comparative fault law applies and what that could mean for your potential claim.
What Should You Do After a Bicycle Accident in Elizabeth?
Everything feels loud after a crash—sirens, traffic, your pulse in your ears. It’s hard to think straight, let alone figure out what comes after. Start with what you should do right now.
- Move to safety and call 911. Police will create a crash report that documents the scene, but you should add to that by taking photos of your bike, injuries, and surroundings.
- Swap information with the driver and any witnesses. You’ll want names, phone numbers, and insurance details. Don’t guess what happened or who’s at fault—stick to the facts.
- Get checked by a doctor. Even if you feel ok initially, some injuries take time to show up, and early records help connect them to the crash.
- Write down what you remember. As soon as things settle, jot down the time, location, road conditions, and anything you noticed about the driver or their vehicle.
New Jersey gives injured cyclists two years to file a personal injury claim. That clock starts ticking on the day of the crash. An Elizabeth bike accident lawyer can help you stay ahead of deadlines and protect your ability to bring a claim.
Talk to an Elizabeth Bike Accident Lawyer Who Knows the Road Ahead
When a bicycle crash leaves you hurt, life doesn’t slow down. Medical bills pile up. Workdays slip by. The to-do list gets longer, not shorter.
For over 30 years, Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C. has helped injured cyclists in Elizabeth and across New Jersey get back on track. We’ve seen crashes involving missed signals, blocked bike lanes, and drivers who didn’t look.Talk with one of our experienced Elizabeth bicycle accident lawyers who’s ready to answer your questions and go to work for you. Contact us today for a free consultation