Bicycle accidents in New Jersey are common occurrences, especially since an ever-increasing percentage of the cycling community includes youth. There are however, precautions that can be taken to prevent bicycle accidents and certain measures to take if and when a bicycle accident should occur.
Schablik & knapp, P.A.
(973) 402-9596
35 Waterview Blvd.
Parsippany, NJ
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The vast majority of bicycle accidents are low-speed, single participant accidents, and these rarely produce more than just a scratch or scrape. However, some accidents in New Jersey can include multiple riders, high speed, cyclists and pedestrians, or even bicycle versus motor vehicle. These accidents have a great potential to be dangerous, and certain safety measures should be taken to reduce the risk of serious injuries while cycling.
The first recorded bicycle accident occurred in 1842 when Kirkpatrick McMillan rode his Velocipede 40 miles to Glasgow, but upon arriving collided with a young girl in the crowd awaiting his arrival. Since then, bicycle accidents have been becoming more and more common. In an area where bicycles are prevalent as a means of transportation, exercise, or recreation, one can hardly scan the area without seeing a minor accident involving a bicyclist. However, as a cyclist, the way you ride and the safety measures you take have a huge impact on the amount of risk you are in when you turn the pedals.
A recent study showed that nearly 60% of bicycle accidents are single participant accidents caused by operator error or collision with an obstacle or animal. Nearly all of these accidents are preventable. In order to prevent such types of accidents from happening to you, consider taking certain precautions. First, pay attention when riding your bicycle! Constantly look where you are going, actively identify possible obstacles and create a plan to avoid them. Slow down when the situation calls for it. Even if you cannot manage to avoid an accident, lowering the speed at which the accident occurs can greatly reduce the risk of serious injury. If you ride in low light conditions, make sure your bicycle has reflectors and that they are clean, and consider purchasing a lamp so you can see potential obstacles better.
Somewhere between 60%-85% of bicycle accidents involving serious injury are the result of negligence of a motor vehicle driver, whether involved in the accident or not. While these accidents may not be preventable by the cyclist, there are still precautions to take to reduce risk of serious injury should an accident occur. Wear a helmet! Almost 75% of serious and fatal injuries in bicycle accidents are due to head injuries. Approved bicycle helmets can be purchased for as little as $20.00, and have been proven to significantly reduce the risk of head injury in the unfortunate case of an accident. When cycling on the road in New Jersey, follow the same rules as motor vehicles, following any additional provisions as according to your local New Jersey legal code. Use hand signals when turning or stopping to let drivers around you know what your intentions are. Ride defensively! We are constantly reminded to drive defensively, and the same strategies apply to riding a bicycle. Always keep your eyes open and be looking for routes of escape should your current lane of travel be suddenly cut off.
Even good cyclists cannot avoid all accidents, especially the most risky types - those caused by negligent operators of motor vehicles. Should you find yourself involved in an accident in New Jersey with a motor vehicle, it is important that you remember certain things. Just like in a car accident, you must be careful to preserve your rights, obtain the appropriate information, and always remain calm and courteous. Always call the New Jersey police and insist that the officer file an accident report. In the event that an officer is unable to respond, be sure to file a report with the police department yourself within 72 hours of the incident.
Obtain the driver's name, phone number, address, insurance and vehicle information, as well as a name and phone number from every available eyewitness. Take photographs of the accident scene, including any damage to your bicycle, the opposing vehicle, or surroundings. Make sure you receive the appropriate medical care, whether that involves calling for an ambulance or simply transporting yourself to the New Jersey Emergency Room. Be sure to have your bicycle thoroughly inspected by a bike shop with a respectable reputation, and finally, consider contacting experienced bicycle accident attorneys.
A few warning items are worth mentioning: you should never minimize potential injuries or accept settlements before you are aware of the full extent of damage to yourself and your equipment. It is also often unwise to issue a statement to the driver without first consulting with an attorney, preferably one with experience in defending those injured in bicycle accidents caused by negligent drivers.
Schablik & knapp, P.A.(973) 402-9596
35 Waterview Blvd. Parsippany, NJ www.neslaw.com
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