Bicycling accidents injure and kill thousands of people annually in the United States. Many automobile drivers feel that cyclists do not belong on public roads, but legally they have the same rights to use these public roads as automobiles do. Motor vehicle drivers often do not know or choose not to follow the rules for sharing the road with bicyclists.
If you have been the victim of a bicycle accident, you have the legal right to seek compensation for the damages you received from the responsible parties. You need an aggressive Burlington bicycle accident lawyer from Rand Spear to represent you. Contact our Burlington personal injury firm today for a free case evaluation to discuss your bicycle accident options.
Statistics on Bicycle Crashes
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that an estimated 49,000 bicyclists suffered injuries in traffic-related accidents in 2019, accounting for a 5.4% increase from the previous year. In the same year, 846 bicyclists lost their lives in traffic-related accidents.
Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Automobile accidents are the cause of 90% of bicycle accident fatalities and result in the most catastrophic injuries due to the fact that they are faster, heavier, and larger than a bicycle. In addition, bicyclists do not have nearly the amount of protection as someone in a motor vehicle.
Some of the more common causes of bicycle collisions and auto accidents in Burlington include the following:
- An automobile cuts off a bicyclist while entering a roadway.
- An automobile turns right, hitting a bicyclist going straight in the bike lane.
- An automobile rear-ends a bicycle while trying to move around a car parked in the bike lane.
- A driver or passenger of a parked van, truck, or car opens their door in the path of a moving bicyclist.
- The bicyclist is riding against oncoming traffic on the wrong side of the road.
- A bike rider or motorist runs a stop sign or stoplight.
- The bicyclist makes a hazardous or unpredictable move.
While motor vehicles cause most bicycle accident deaths, most bicycle accidents are caused by other issues. They can still be very serious and could result in successful lawsuits. Some of the other causes of bicycle injury include the following:
- A bicyclist falls off their bike due to the poorly maintained road.
- The bicycle is damaged, poorly repaired, or defective.
- A bicyclist falls off their bike from being attacked by an animal.
- A bicyclist collides with another cyclist or pedestrian.
- A bicyclist loses control and falls off their bike due to intoxication or loss of balance.
- A bicyclist collides with a curb, tree, or debris in the road.
Burlington Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me (215) 985-2424
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Bicycle Accident in Burlington
Depending on who is at fault or the cause of the accident will determine who can be held liable for the bicycle accident injury.
- If the accident was caused by the driver of a motor vehicle, the bicyclist can file a claim against the driver or against the driver’s insurance company.
- If the roadway was in poor condition or the bike rider fell off due to debris in the road, the bicyclist can file a claim against the city or government agency that holds responsibility for maintaining or designing the road.
- If a bicyclist is knocked off their bicycle due to a dog jumping at them, they can file a claim against the dog’s owner.
- If another cyclist or a pedestrian causes the crash by violating the injured bicyclist’s right of way, the bicyclist can file a claim against them.
Damages in a Bicycle Accident
After a bicycle accident, your attorney can help you seek the following damages:
Economic
These damages include quantifiable losses such as personal property damage, lost wages, out-of-pocket expenses, and medical bills.
Non-Economic
These damages include quality of life issues, pain and suffering, and mental distress.
Punitive Damages
These damages may be awarded to punish the defendant for their egregious conduct in an attempt to halt this behavior from occurring again in the future.
What to Do if You Are Involved in a Bicycle Accident
If you are involved in a bicycle accident, you should:
- Find a safe location. If your Burlington bicycle accident occurred on a bike path or the middle of a roadway, move over to the side so you are not in the way of other bicycles or cars.
- Call 911 for emergency medical personnel and police. Even if you feel you have not sustained severe injuries, you should be checked out by emergency medical personnel.
- Police Report. Give the police officer your version of the events that occurred. Get their name, badge number, and police report number. You will be able to receive a free copy of the police report that your attorney can use to help build your case.
- Exchange Information. If your bicycle accident involves another bicyclist or motorist, collect their contact information, including name, phone number, license plate, and driver’s license, if applicable. If anyone witnessed the bicycle accident, ask them for a recorded statement of what they saw.
- Gather Evidence. If you are able to, get photos or video of your damages, the accident scene, and your injuries. If there is any obstructions, road damage, or debris on the bike path or road, take photographs. Also, if any road signage is missing or confusing, get photographic evidence of it.
- Do not make contact. You are not required to speak with the lawyers or at-fault party’s insurance company. You should not accept any cash offer from them before having your attorney review the case.
- Hire an attorney. Find an experienced Burlington bicycle accident attorney in Burlington, NJ, who can advocate for you and handle the legalities of your case.
Call a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Burlington, NJ Today
You should always seek the advice of an experienced bicycle accident lawyer after an injury from an accident. You may be suffering severe injuries and lost income as a result of the bike wreck.
Fortunately, a Burlington bicycle accident attorney with Rand Spear can fight to get you maximum compensation. You can reach us by phone or online via our contact form for a free consultation.
Call or text (215) 985-2424 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
