Bicycle accidents can lead to severe, life-altering injuries. If you have been injured in an accident due to another party’s negligence, it is important that you retain the service of an experienced personal injury attorney. Continue reading to learn the steps to take after being injured in a bicycle accident in New Jersey.
What are the most common causes of bicycle accidents in New Jersey?
The most common causes of bicycle accidents are typically forms of motorist negligence. The most common forms of negligence behind the wheel in New Jersey are as follows:
- Failing to yield
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Unsafe lane changes
- Driving while fatigued
- Speeding
- Smoking or eating while driving
- Navigating directions while driving
- Disciplining raucous children while driving
- Texting while driving
- Not checking blind spots
- Ignoring traffic signs and lights
- Failing to comply with other rules and regulations of the road
What should I do following a bicycle accident?
Following a bicycle accident, if you have been injured, it is important that you take the following steps to protect yourself and your future personal injury claim:
- Alert the police. They will bring an ambulance to the scene to treat any injuries sustained in your accident. They will also document the accident by conducting a police report.
- While you wait for the ambulance to arrive, if you can, collect any witnesses’ contact information.
- Take photos and videos of the scene of your accident including any hazards that led to your accident as well as any damage to vehicles and property involved.
- When medical assistance arrives at the scene, seek treatment immediately. It is important to be seen by a medical professional after an accident even if you do not immediately feel symptoms of an injury.
- Collect all medical documentation relating to your accident and injuries. These documents should also include the date, time, and severity of your injuries.
- Retain the services of a skilled New Jersey personal injury attorney who will work to satisfy the burden of proof to recover the compensation you deserve. An experienced attorney will also be able to obtain further evidence to support your claim such as surveillance footage of your accident as it happened.
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in New Jersey?
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years in New Jersey. This is important to understand because this means that you will have two years from the date of your accident to take legal action against the negligent party who is responsible for your accident. If you fail to file your claim within this period of time, you may risk being permanently barred from suing. To take action today, give our firm a call.
Contact our Firm
Our firm understands how serious criminal and personal injury cases are. We are prepared to guide you towards a favorable outcome because we believe false accusations or preventable injuries should never cause a person harm. This is why those who require experienced legal counsel in New Jersey should do themselves a favor and contact The Law Office of Andrew S. Maze today for any criminal and personal injury matters.