If you’ve been injured while riding, understanding your rights is critical.
Cyclists across Sussex County enjoy the scenic roads and trails Northern New Jersey has to offer – but one careless driver, hazardous intersection, or damaged shoulder can change everything. Bicycle accidents often lead to serious, long-term injuries and complex insurance claims.
Here’s what every New Jersey cyclist should know about filing a bicycle accident claim and how a lawyer can help protect your future.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Even the most experienced riders are vulnerable to unpredictable conditions and negligent drivers. Some of the most common causes of bike crashes in NJ include:
- Motorists failing to yield or check blind spots
- Dooring incidents from parked cars
- Poorly maintained roads or unmarked construction zones
- Distracted or impaired drivers
- Lack of dedicated bike lanes
When visibility is limited and infrastructure doesn’t prioritize cyclists, accidents become far too common. These crashes happen in both suburban and rural parts of New Jersey, especially in areas like Newton, Sparta and the surrounding roads of Sussex and Morris counties.
Serious Injuries Cyclists Often Suffer
Unlike drivers, cyclists don’t have the protection of a vehicle around them, so even a minor collision can cause major harm. Injuries we frequently see in New Jersey bike accident claims include:
- Head and brain injuries, including concussions and skull fractures
- Broken bones, especially wrists, arms, and collarbones
- Road rash and deep abrasions from sliding across pavement
- Spinal injuries or nerve damage
- Internal injuries that may not appear right away
If you’ve been injured, it’s critical to seek medical treatment immediately, even if symptoms seem minor at first. Medical bills can pile up quickly, especially if your recovery keeps you out of work.
Who Is Liable in a NJ Bicycle Accident?
New Jersey law allows injured cyclists to seek compensation when someone else’s negligence caused the crash. That could include:
- A driver who failed to yield, drove distracted, or broke traffic laws
- A municipality that failed to maintain safe road conditions
- A business responsible for unsafe construction zones or obstructions
- A manufacturer of a defective bike part or safety gear
An experienced New Jersey bike accident attorney can help determine who was at fault and pursue all available legal avenues.
How a New Jersey Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
Insurance companies don’t make it easy. They often try to blame the cyclist or minimize payouts. Having an experienced lawyer levels the playing field. Here’s how an accident attorney can support your claim:
- Gather medical records, witness statements, and crash reports
- Negotiate with insurance adjusters on your behalf
- Calculate your damages (including future medical costs and lost income)
- Take the case to court if needed
Don’t do it alone. Our legal team at Dolan and Dolan has helped injured riders throughout Sussex County recover the compensation they deserve.
Talk to a Bike Accident Attorney in Sussex and Morris County Today
Time matters after a crash. The sooner you speak to a lawyer, the better your chances of building a strong case. At Dolan & Dolan, we help clients across Northern NJ, including Newton, Sussex County, and Morris County, pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Injured in a bicycle accident in New Jersey?
Please contact our office to arrange for a free consultation.
– Serving Newton, Sparta, Franklin, Vernon, Wantage and all of Sussex County and New Jersey.