If you suffered injuries in a bicycle accident, you might feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Between physical injuries, lost time at work, and financial strain, it’s a lot to deal with. If you’ve never filed a personal injury claim before, the process might be intimidating. Fortunately, the New Jersey bicycle accident lawyers at Petro Cohen are here to help. Contact us today.

Read on to learn more about what a New Jersey bike accident lawyer can do for you, how to know whether you have a case, what compensation you can recover, and more. 

What Can a New Jersey Bicycle Accident Attorney Do For You?

A New Jersey bike accident attorney can help you in various ways when you’re looking to file a personal injury claim. Your attorney will: 

• Conduct an independent investigation,
• Gather and preserve evidence,
• Handle all communication with the driver’s insurance, 
• Negotiate a potential settlement on your behalf, and
• Represent you in court. 

Your rights are protected when you hire a lawyer to represent you following a bicycle accident in New Jersey. No matter what the driver’s insurance adjuster leads you to believe, they are not on your side. You need someone to handle all the legal aspects of your case, so you can concentrate on your recovery. At Petro Cohen, we will be there for you every step of the way. We know what it takes to buid a strong case and how to fight to maximize your potential settlement. . 

How to Know Whether You Have a Case

You might assume that an accident involving a vehicle and bicycle automatically means the car is responsible for your injuries. Unfortunately, accident claims are rarely that simple. To successfully collect compensation for your injuries, you must prove the driver was negligent, reckless, or acted intentionally. There are four main elements you must prove in a standard negligence case. 

First, the driver must have owed you a duty of care. That is pretty standard as all motorists owe each other a duty of care on the road. The second element you must demonstrate is that the driver breached this duty of care. The third element is causation: the driver’s breach is what caused the accident and your injuries. Finally, you must have proof of damages, such as medical expenses. 

For example, if a driver failed to yield to you while you were riding your bike and, as a result, you were injured, you may have a case. However, if you were riding your bike recklessly or violating traffic laws, your case may be more challenging to win. It’s important to speak with a bicycle accident lawyer in New Jersey to determine whether you have a claim.

Common Injuries in a Bicycle Accident

Bicycle accidents can result in a range of injuries, from minor scrapes and bruises to catastrophic injuries. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Head injuries,
• Spinal cord injuries,
• Broken or fractured bones,
• Road rash and lacerations,
• Soft tissue injuries, and
• Internal injuries.

It’s important to seek medical treatment immediately following the accident. If you do not require emergency transport to the hospital, you still want to see a doctor right away. You might have internal injuries that are not visible. Also, the driver’s insurance company will use any delay in treatment against you. 

Recoverable Compensation in a New Jersey Bicycle Accident 

Recoverable compensation in a bicycle accident varies depending on your individual circumstances. In general, you could be entitled to compensation for a variety of expenses, including:

• Medical bills,
• Lost wages,
• Property damage,
• Pain and suffering, and
• Emotional distress. 

When you schedule a consultation with our office, we can help you understand exactly what types of compensation you might be able to recover. By preserving evidence and building a strong case against the driver, we can help you maximize the compensation you’re entitled to receive. 

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Distracted driving,
• Failure to yield,
• Speeding,
• Driving under the influence,
• Reckless driving,
• Poor road conditions, and
• Adverse weather conditions. 

It’s important to determine the cause of your accident to acertain all potentially liable parties. It’s possible that more than one party should be responsible for reimbursing you for your injuries. 

Statute of Limitations in New Jersey for Bike Accidents

In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident. That means that if you wait longer than two years to file a lawsuit, you may lose your right to seek compensation. While two years is the norm, some situations might alter the filing deadline. In some cases it might be longer, but it could be considerably shorter. 

Don’t risk your potential compensation by inadvertently missing the statute of limitations. Speak with our New Jersey bicycle accident lawyers as soon as possible to ensure your case is filed before the statute of limitations deadline.