Buyer’s Guide: Best Bicycle Accident Attorneys Cherry Hill

Understanding Your Rights and Next Steps After a Cherry Hill Bicycle Accident

Navigating the aftermath of a bicycle accident is overwhelming. Finding the right bicycle accident attorney cherry hill is crucial for protecting your rights and securing fair compensation. If you’ve been in a bike accident in Cherry Hill, here’s what you should do:

• Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the priority. Get checked for injuries immediately.
• Call the Police: An official police report is vital evidence for your claim.
• Document Everything: Take photos of the scene, your bike, vehicle damage, and your injuries.
• Get Witness Info: Collect names and contact details from anyone who saw the accident.
• Consult an Attorney: Do this as soon as possible, before speaking to insurance companies.

As cycling grows in Cherry Hill for commuting and recreation, so does the risk of accidents. Cyclists are vulnerable, lacking the protection of a car, which means even minor collisions can cause severe, life-altering injuries. This guide will help you steer your options and understand how to get the support you need.

I’m Jason Fine, a founding member of J. Fine Law Group, with over 25 years of experience helping accident victims. My goal is to ensure that anyone needing a bicycle accident attorney cherry hill receives dedicated and effective representation.

Navigating the Legal Aftermath of a Bike Crash in New Jersey

A bicycle accident is a traumatic experience, and the steps you take afterward are critical for both your recovery and your legal rights. Understanding common causes, your rights, and what to do can significantly impact your case’s outcome.

Common Causes of Accidents and How to Protect Yourself

Most bicycle accidents are caused by driver negligence. Because a car can outweigh a cyclist by 20 times, riders are far more vulnerable. The New Jersey Department of Transportation identifies top causes as drivers turning into a cyclist’s path, pulling out from a stop sign without seeing a bike, or exiting a driveway carelessly. Distracted driving, speeding, and drunk driving are also major factors.

A particularly dangerous hazard is “dooring,” where someone opens a car door into an oncoming cyclist’s path. To protect yourself, ride at least 4 feet from parked cars.

While you can’t control drivers, you can reduce your risk:

• Wear a Helmet: It’s your best defense against head injuries and legally required for riders under 17 in New Jersey.
• Be Visible: Use bright clothing, reflectors, and lights. NJ law requires a white front headlamp and a red rear lamp at night.
• Be Predictable: Use hand signals and follow all traffic laws. Bicycles are considered vehicles.
• Stay Aware: Avoid distractions like earbuds and always be vigilant.

For more safety tips, consult resources like The CDC on bicycle safety.

Your Legal Rights and Motorist Responsibilities on NJ Roads

In New Jersey, cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. Motorists have a legal duty to operate their vehicles safely around you. Key motorist responsibilities include:

• Safe Passing: New Jersey’s Safe Passing Law requires drivers to provide at least a 3-foot buffer when passing a cyclist.
• Yielding Right-of-Way: Drivers must yield to cyclists, especially at intersections.
• Checking for Cyclists: Before opening doors or pulling out of parking spots, drivers must check for bikes.

As a cyclist, you must also follow the rules of the road, including obeying traffic signals, riding with traffic, and using proper lights at night.

What to Do Immediately After a Crash to Safeguard Your Claim

The actions you take right after an accident can significantly impact your claim. Prioritize your health, then protect your legal rights.

1. Seek Medical Attention: Get checked by a doctor, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries, and a medical record is crucial evidence.
2. Call 911: A police report provides an official account of the accident.
3. Do Not Admit Fault: Stick to the facts. Apologizing can be used against you.
4. Document the Scene: Take photos and videos of your injuries, bike damage, the vehicle, and the surrounding area.
5. Gather Witness Information: Get names and contact details from anyone who saw the crash.
6. Exchange Information: Get the driver’s name, contact, license, and insurance details.
7. Preserve Evidence: Don’t repair your bike or throw away damaged gear.
8. Contact an Attorney: Speak to a bicycle accident attorney cherry hill before talking to the driver’s insurance company. Our guide on what to do after a car accident has more details.

Understanding Compensation and New Jersey’s Negligence Laws

New Jersey uses a modified comparative negligence rule. This means your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages. This makes proving the other party’s negligence essential.

Compensation, or “damages,” is intended to cover your losses. You may be able to seek recovery for:

• Medical Expenses: All past, present, and future medical costs related to your injuries.
• Lost Wages: Income lost while you are unable to work, including future earning capacity.
• Property Damage: The cost to repair or replace your bicycle and gear.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Permanent Disability or Disfigurement: For long-term impairments or scarring.

In tragic cases resulting in a fatality, the victim’s family can file a wrongful death claim. An experienced attorney can help calculate the full value of your claim to ensure you seek the maximum possible recovery.

How to Choose the Best Bicycle Accident Attorney Cherry Hill for Your Case

Choosing the right legal partner is critical after a bicycle accident. You need a bicycle accident attorney Cherry Hill who understands the unique challenges of these cases and will fight for what you deserve.

Key Qualifications for a Top Cherry Hill Bicycle Accident Attorney

Here’s what to look for when selecting your legal representative:

• Specific Experience: Your attorney must have deep experience with New Jersey bicycle accident cases, not just general personal injury law. They need to know the specific laws, common crash scenarios, and typical injuries.
• Proven Track Record: Look for a history of success. At J. Fine Law, we are proud of our 98% success rate and the over $50 million we’ve secured for our clients.
• Strong Investigative Skills: A top attorney acts like a detective, gathering evidence like traffic camera footage, interviewing witnesses, and working with accident reconstruction experts to build a powerful case.
• Positive Client Reviews: Testimonials reveal an attorney’s communication style, professionalism, and ability to guide clients through a difficult time.
• No-Obligation Consultation: The best firms offer a free consultation to discuss your case and help you understand your options without any upfront cost.

How a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Cherry Hill Maximizes Your Claim

A skilled bicycle accident attorney Cherry hill levels the playing field against insurance companies. Here’s how our team at J. Fine Law works to maximize your claim:

• Proving Fault and Fighting Back: In New Jersey, insurance companies will try to blame you to reduce or deny your claim under the ‘comparative negligence’ rule. We are experts at investigating accidents, gathering evidence, and proving the other party’s negligence to protect your right to compensation.
• Calculating Full Damages: Bicycle accidents often cause serious injuries with long-term consequences. We work with medical and financial experts to calculate the full extent of your damages, including future medical care, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurers aim to pay as little as possible. We handle all communications and negotiations, using our experience to counter their tactics and fight for a settlement that reflects the true value of your claim. Our rapid attorney response ensures we are protecting you from the start.
• Navigating the Legal Process: We manage every step, from filing claims and meeting deadlines (like New Jersey’s two-year statute of limitations) to representing you in court if necessary. Our commitment to personal representation means you have an experienced advocate guiding you throughout the entire process.

If you’ve been in a bicycle accident in Cherry Hill, don’t go it alone. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal options.

Contact us today to Get a free case evaluation from a Cherry Hill Bicycle Accident Attorney. We are dedicated to helping you get the compensation you need to move forward.