Why Do You Need a Lawyer After Suffering Road Rash in a Bicycle Accident?

A Fort Lee bicycle accident lawyer can be crucial when a leisurely ride along the Hudson or a daily commute through Fort Lee’s busy streets turns tragic. For cyclists, one careless driver can instantly transform a pleasant outing into a devastating accident.

In New Jersey, hundreds of bicyclists suffer serious injuries each year, often due to negligent drivers. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Fort Lee, facing mounting medical bills and unable to work, you are not alone.

An experienced bicycle crash attorney can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., we are ready to protect your rights. Call us today at (201) 585-9111 for a free consultation.

Why Bicycle Accidents Happen in Fort Lee, NJ

Cycling in a densely populated area like Fort Lee, with its proximity to the George Washington Bridge and major thoroughfares, presents specific challenges. 

While cycling offers a healthy and efficient way to navigate areas like Main Street or enjoy routes near Palisades Interstate Park, bicyclists are exceptionally vulnerable. 

Unlike motorists, cyclists have virtually no physical protection in a collision. Common causes of bicycle accidents in Fort Lee and surrounding Bergen County areas can include:

• Drivers failing to yield the right-of-way to cyclists at intersections.
• Motorists opening car doors into the path of oncoming cyclists (dooring).
• Vehicles turning directly in front of bicyclists.
• Drivers failing to see cyclists due to distraction or inattention, especially in heavy traffic or low light.

Aggressive driving or unsafe passing maneuvers by motorists also contribute to these incidents. The consequences are often severe, underscoring the need for a dedicated bicycle crash attorney in Fort Lee who understands local traffic patterns and legal nuances.

Common Injuries in Fort Lee Bicycle Accidents, Including Severe Road Rash

When a bicycle is hit by a car or truck, or when a cyclist is forced off the road, the injuries sustained are often far more serious than many people expect. Because cyclists lack the protective structure of a vehicle, they absorb the full force of the impact.

More Than Just Scrapes: Understanding Traumatic Injuries

Although road rash is common, cyclists in Fort Lee often suffer more severe harm. Head injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, concussions, and skull fractures can occur even with helmet use and may cause long-term cognitive or physical impairment.

Broken bones, especially in the arms, legs, hips, and collarbones, are also frequent and often require surgery and rehabilitation. Spinal cord injuries may result in partial or full paralysis. 

Internal injuries, including organ damage and internal bleeding, pose life-threatening risks. Facial trauma such as fractures, deep cuts, and dental damage may lead to permanent disfigurement. 

These injuries can bring significant medical costs, lost income, and long-term pain. A Fort Lee bicycle accident lawyer will document these effects to support your claim.

Road Rash: A Deeper Look at a Common Cycling Injury

Despite its name, road rash can be a serious injury. It occurs when skin is scraped across pavement or concrete, often requiring medical care. If another party’s negligence caused the accident, a Fort Lee attorney can help you pursue compensation.

Treating Road Rash and Potential Complications

Treatment includes cleaning the wound, applying antibiotics, and using sterile dressings. Severe cases may require debridement. Infections are common and may cause swelling, pus, and fever. 

Scarring, nerve damage, and chronic pain are also possible. Treatment can be costly, and legal guidance may help you recover these expenses.

Navigating New Jersey Bicycle Laws After an Accident in Fort Lee

Understanding your rights and responsibilities as a cyclist under New Jersey law is vital when dealing with the results of an accident. These laws also dictate how motorists must interact with cyclists. 

New Jersey law, specifically N.J.S.A. 39:4-14.1, states that bicyclists have all the rights and are subject to all the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle. This means cyclists generally must obey the same traffic laws as motorists.

Other key statutes include the helmet law, N.J.S.A. 39:4-10.1, which requires any person under 17 years of age to wear a helmet. The Safe Passing Law, N.J.S.A. 39:4-92.4, requires motorists to provide at least four feet when overtaking a bicycle. Bicycles operated at night must also have proper lighting.

A motorist’s violation of these laws may serve as compelling evidence of negligence. A Fort Lee bicycle accident attorney will carefully examine such factors when evaluating your case.

How Fault Is Determined in Fort Lee Bicycle Accident Claims

Establishing who was at fault is a critical step in any bicycle accident claim. This often involves proving that a motorist, or another party, was negligent. Negligence means that someone failed to act with reasonable care, and that failure directly caused your injuries. Your bicycle accident attorney serving Fort Lee will investigate thoroughly.

This investigation includes obtaining and analyzing the police report and interviewing eyewitnesses. It also involves collecting evidence from the scene and possibly consulting with accident reconstruction specialists. 

In some cases, multiple parties may share responsibility for an accident. New Jersey applies a modified comparative negligence standard under N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.1. 

This means you may still be entitled to recover damages even if you were partially at fault, provided your degree of fault does not exceed that of the other party. However, any compensation awarded to you will be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault.

Dealing with Insurance After a Fort Lee Bike Accident

Dealing with insurance companies following a bicycle accident can be frustrating. Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, and their goal is often to minimize payouts. 

They might pressure you into giving a recorded statement or dispute the severity of your injuries. They might also offer a quick, low settlement or unfairly attempt to shift blame onto you.

Having a Fort Lee bicycle accident lawyer protects you from these tactics. We handle communications with the insurance company, ensuring your rights are upheld.

How a Fort Lee Bicycle Accident Lawyer from Our Firm Can Help

When you partner with Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., you gain an advocate committed to your recovery. We manage the legal burdens so you can focus on healing. 

Our comprehensive approach involves a thorough case investigation. We delve into every detail of your accident, gathering evidence to build a robust claim demonstrating the other party’s negligence.

We also work on an accurate damage assessment. We aim to calculate the full extent of your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and the non-economic impact of pain and suffering.

As experienced negotiators, we will pursue a settlement with the insurance companies that reflects the potential value of your bicycle accident claim in Fort Lee. If a settlement cannot be reached, our trial attorneys are prepared to take your case to court.

Understanding Compensation in Your New Jersey Bicycle Accident Case

Victims of bicycle accidents caused by another’s negligence may be able to seek compensation for their losses. This compensation, known as damages, generally falls into two categories. 

Economic damages cover tangible financial losses such as medical bills, lost income, and property damage. Non-economic damages address intangible losses such as physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

PIP Coverage for Bicyclists in New Jersey

An important consideration is Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. If you own a car insured in New Jersey, your own auto insurance policy’s PIP benefits typically extend to cover your medical expenses if you are injured as a bicyclist in an accident involving another motor vehicle, regardless of who was at fault (N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4). 

If you do not own an insured vehicle, other avenues for PIP benefits might exist. A Fort Lee bicycle accident lawyer can help you explore these PIP claims.

The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in New Jersey is generally two years from the date of the accident (N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2). It is crucial to act promptly to protect your rights.

Why Choose Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi for Your Fort Lee Bicycle Accident Claim?

Choosing the right Fort Lee bicycle accident lawyer is a critical decision. At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., we have a long-standing history of representing injured individuals in Fort Lee, Hackensack, and throughout Bergen County. 

Our connection to the local community, including an understanding of the unique challenges cyclists face, informs our dedicated approach. We combine decades of legal experience with a compassionate commitment to our clients.

We operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. This allows you to access experienced legal representation without upfront financial burden.

Road Rash After a Bike Accident in Fort Lee? Why Hiring a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Matters

A bicycle accident can disrupt every aspect of your life. The physical pain from road rash, fractures, or head injuries is often matched by emotional stress, financial strain, and ongoing uncertainty.

You need more than just a legal team. You deserve a Fort Lee bicycle accident attorney who understands both the legal system and the real-world challenges you’re facing. At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., we are dedicated to helping injured cyclists protect their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.

Do not let an insurance company minimize your experience or reduce the value of your claim. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a bicycle accident in Fort Lee, take the first step toward recovery and justice today.

Call our experienced Fort Lee bicycle accident lawyers at (201) 585-9111 for a free, comprehensive consultation. We are here to listen, support you, and fight on your behalf.

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