Bicyclists in New Brunswick face unique vulnerabilities on the road. When a motor vehicle strikes a cyclist or a hazardous road condition causes an accident, the consequences can be severe and life-altering. At Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, we represent cyclists who have suffered injuries due to negligence. Our team understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll that bicycle accidents inflict on victims and their families.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in New Brunswick, you have the right to pursue compensation from the responsible parties. Our New Brunswick personal injury attorneys have recovered over $700 million for clients across New Jersey. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs, and we only collect a fee if we recover compensation for you.
Why Cyclists Need Legal Representation After a Bicycle Accident in New Brunswick
Bicyclists are among the most vulnerable road users. Unlike drivers in enclosed vehicles with airbags and safety systems, cyclists have minimal protection in a collision. A bicycle accident can result in catastrophic injuries that require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
Insurance companies understand that bicycle accident victims often face significant medical expenses and lost income. Rather than offering fair compensation, insurers frequently attempt to minimize payouts by undervaluing claims or shifting blame to the cyclist. Without legal representation, you may find yourself negotiating against insurance adjusters who prioritize their company’s profits over your recovery.
A New Brunswick bicycle accident attorney aims to level the playing field. We investigate your accident, gather evidence, identify all liable parties, and seek to negotiate on your behalf. If insurance companies refuse to offer fair compensation, we are prepared to file a lawsuit and take your case to trial and work toward the recovery you deserve.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in New Brunswick
Bicycle accidents occur through various circumstances, many of which involve negligent conduct by drivers or property owners. Understanding the cause of your accident is important to establishing liability and pursuing compensation.
Motor Vehicle Collisions
Motor vehicle collisions represent a common cause of serious bicycle accidents. These incidents occur in several ways:
- Left-Turn Collisions occur when a driver turns left in front of an oncoming cyclist. The driver may fail to see the cyclist, misjudge the cyclist’s speed, or turn without checking for traffic. These accidents often result in serious injuries requiring immediate medical attention.
- Right-Hook Accidents happen when a driver passes a cyclist and then turns right, cutting off the cyclist’s path. These collisions frequently cause spinal cord injuries and other catastrophic harm.
- Rear-End Collisions occur when a driver strikes a cyclist from behind. These accidents frequently result from distracted driving, speeding, or failure to maintain a safe following distance.
- Dooring Incidents happen when a parked car’s door opens into a cyclist’s path. Property owners and drivers have a duty to prevent such hazards.
Road Hazards and Infrastructure Issues
Not all bicycle accidents involve motor vehicles. Hazardous road conditions and poor infrastructure can cause cyclists to lose control and suffer serious injuries. Municipalities and property owners may be liable for injuries caused by negligent maintenance. When pursuing a premises liability claim, we investigate whether property owners failed to maintain safe conditions.
Potholes and Debris create dangerous obstacles for cyclists. A pothole can cause a cyclist to lose control or suffer a collision with another vehicle. Poor road maintenance is a form of negligence that creates liability.
Poor Road Maintenance by municipalities or property owners creates liability. Cracked pavement and deteriorated surfaces can cause cyclists to lose traction. New Jersey municipalities have a duty to maintain safe roadways.
Inadequate Bike Lane Markings force cyclists into traffic lanes where they face increased risk. When municipalities fail to maintain bike infrastructure, they may be liable for resulting injuries. Proper infrastructure is essential for cyclist safety.
Negligent Property Maintenance by property owners can create hazards like overgrown vegetation that obscures sight lines. Property owners must maintain their premises to prevent injuries to cyclists and pedestrians.
Injuries Resulting from New Brunswick Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accident injuries range from minor cuts and bruises to catastrophic, life-altering conditions. The severity of injuries depends on factors such as the impact speed and the cyclist’s protective equipment.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Head and Traumatic Brain Injuries represent serious bicycle accident injuries. Even at low speeds, a cyclist’s head can strike pavement, a vehicle, or other objects. Traumatic brain injuries can result in permanent cognitive impairment, memory loss, and behavioral changes. Brain injuries from bicycle accidents require specialized medical care and long-term treatment.
Spinal Cord and Back Injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis. These injuries often require surgery and extensive rehabilitation. Spinal cord injuries may prevent victims from returning to work or enjoying activities they previously enjoyed. Recovery from spinal injuries is often lengthy and expensive.
Fractures and Broken Bones are common in bicycle accidents. Cyclists frequently suffer broken arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones. These injuries require immediate medical treatment and can result in lost wages during recovery.
Soft Tissue Injuries and Lacerations include sprains, strains, and cuts. While these injuries may seem minor, they can cause chronic pain and require ongoing physical therapy.
Internal Injuries can occur when a cyclist’s torso strikes a vehicle or the ground with force. Internal bleeding and organ damage require emergency medical intervention.
Long-Term Impact on Victims
The consequences of bicycle accident injuries extend far beyond the initial injury. Many victims face months or years of medical treatment and physical therapy. Some cyclists never fully recover and experience permanent disability.
Medical expenses accumulate quickly. Emergency room treatment, hospitalization, surgery, and ongoing medical care can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Lost wages represent another financial burden. While recovering from injuries, many victims cannot work and lose income. We help clients recover compensation for both past and future lost earnings.
Establishing Liability in New Brunswick Bicycle Accident Cases
To seek compensation for your bicycle accident injuries, you must establish that another party’s negligence caused your accident and injuries. This requires proving four elements: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages.
Proving Negligence
Duty of Care is the legal obligation that drivers and property owners owe to cyclists. Drivers must operate their vehicles safely and maintain a reasonable lookout for other road users. This duty is established under New Jersey law.
Breach of Duty occurs when a driver or property owner fails to meet their legal obligation. Examples include speeding, distracted driving, or failing to maintain property.
Causation requires showing that the breach of duty directly caused your accident and injuries. We use accident reconstruction professionals to establish causation.
Damages are the measurable losses you suffered as a result of the accident. These include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Comparative Negligence in New Jersey
New Jersey follows a comparative negligence standard. This means that even if you were partially at fault for your bicycle accident, you may still recover compensation. However, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you were 20% at fault and the defendant was 80% at fault, you can recover 80% of your damages. However, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover any compensation under New Jersey’s modified comparative negligence rule.
Types of Compensation Available
Bicycle accident victims may recover two categories of damages: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Medical Expenses include costs associated with treating your injuries. We calculate both past medical expenses and reasonably anticipated future medical expenses based on available evidence. This includes emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, and rehabilitation.
Lost Wages and Lost Earning Capacity compensate you for the income you lost while recovering. If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous occupation, we pursue compensation for your reduced earning capacity. We work with vocational experts to calculate future lost earnings.
Property Damage includes the cost to repair or replace your bicycle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
Non-Economic Damages
Pain and suffering compensate you for the physical pain and discomfort you experienced. This includes both acute pain immediately following the accident and chronic pain during recovery.
Emotional Distress recognizes the psychological impact of your accident and injuries. Many bicycle accident victims experience anxiety and post-traumatic stress.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life compensates you for the inability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed. This includes hobbies, sports, and social activities.
Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident in New Brunswick
Taking steps immediately after a bicycle accident protects your health and can support your legal claim.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention. Even if you feel relatively uninjured, visit an emergency room. Medical records document your injuries and create a record linking your injuries to the accident. Do not delay seeking treatment.
- Document the Accident Scene. If you are able, take photographs of the accident scene, including the position of vehicles and road conditions. Photographs provide crucial evidence for your claim.
- Gather Witness Information. Obtain names and contact information from anyone who witnessed your accident. Witness testimony can be critical to establishing liability.
- Report to Police. Call the police to report the accident and obtain a police report number. The police report provides an official record of the accident.
- Preserve Evidence. Keep all evidence related to your accident, including your damaged bicycle and clothing. Do not discard or repair damaged items.
- Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney. It is generally advisable to consult with counsel before communicating with insurance companies. Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers offers free consultations to evaluate your case. Early legal representation protects your rights.
How Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers Handles Bicycle Accident Cases
At Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, we approach bicycle accident cases with diligence. Our process includes investigation, analysis, and negotiation or litigation.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
We begin by conducting an investigation of your accident. This includes reviewing police reports, obtaining medical records, and interviewing witnesses. When necessary, we retain accident reconstruction professionals who use scientific analysis to determine vehicle speeds and impact angles. Our experienced attorneys have extensive experience handling complex bicycle accident cases. We also work with medical experts to establish the extent of your injuries.
Negotiation and Settlement
Once we have completed our investigation, we present a demand to the at-fault party’s insurance company. We negotiate to obtain fair compensation. Many bicycle accident cases settle during negotiation. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we are prepared to file a lawsuit and take your case to trial and work toward the recovery you deserve. Our trial experience ensures we are ready for litigation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accidents
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in New Jersey?
New Jersey’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of your accident. However, early investigation is important to building a case. We recommend contacting an attorney as soon as possible after your accident.
Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes. You can recover compensation as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. New Jersey’s comparative negligence law allows recovery even when you share some responsibility.
What if the driver doesn’t have insurance?
If the at-fault driver has no insurance, your own uninsured motorist coverage may provide compensation. We help clients navigate uninsured motorist claims.
How much is my bicycle accident case worth?
The value depends on the severity of your injuries, medical treatment, and lost wages. We evaluate your case during your free consultation. Factors include the extent of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and impact on your quality of life.
Contact Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers for Your Free Consultation
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident in New Brunswick, contact Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers today. We offer a free consultation to evaluate your case. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs, and we only collect a fee if we recover compensation for you.
Call us today at (973) 364-8300 to schedule your free consultation. If your injuries prevent you from visiting our office, an attorney can come to your home or hospital room.
With Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, you have a team of trial attorneys committed to seeking the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys have recovered over $700 million for clients across New Jersey. Let us put our experience and resources to work for you.
Written by: Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers Last Updated : April 30, 2026We are the trial attorneys with the experience and knowledge to get you the results you deserve. At Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, we take time to get to know you, as well as your case. We are committed to excellence. It is important for our team to understand your fears, concerns and expectations. We are always available to answer any questions, and are willing to come to you if you are unable to come to us.
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