As Bicycle Riding Increases During the Pandemic, So Does the Potential for Accidents

One of the side effects of the COVID-19 pandemic has been an increase in the number of bicyclists on the roadways. With the closure of gyms, schools and businesses, New Jersey residents have taken to bicycling for exercise, fresh air or to just get out of the house. Now, as more and more people are vaccinated, we will see more people returning to offices, going to restaurants and bars, visiting family members, attending social events and going on outings. This means that the roadways of northern New Jersey will once again be congested with cars, trucks, buses and bicycles, and the potential for traffic accidents between motor vehicles and bicyclists will only increase.

Safe riding practices can go a long way toward avoiding accidents. There are several steps bicyclists should take when riding in traffic, whether in a city like Paterson, a suburb like Ridgewood or in a less crowded area like western Bergen County:

• Always wear a helmet
• Ride in the same direction as the traffic flow
• Watch out for driver-side doors opening
• Always use the bike lane if there is one
• Be prepared to yield to an oncoming motor vehicle, even if you have the right of way
• Signal before all turns

Also, bicyclists must obey New Jersey traffic laws when riding on public thoroughfares.

However, even the most careful bicyclist is exposed to risk of injury when riding in traffic. If you are injured in a bicycling accident with a motor vehicle, call 911 for police and medical assistance. You will need a police report describing the accident to support an insurance claim or possible lawsuit. If possible, get the insurance and driver’s license information for all drivers involved in the accident. If there were witnesses to the accident, get their contact information.

Seeking medical attention is most the most important step, no matter how minor your injuries may seem at the time. Many injuries may not initially appear serious or, for instance, symptoms of internal injuries may not appear for hours or days. Obtaining prompt medical care establishes a record of your injuries and of the examinations and treatments that were conducted.

You should then contact an experienced New Jersey bicycle accident attorney who can protect your rights and help get the compensation to which you are entitled. Your attorney can fully investigate the accident, hiring experts to reconstruct the scene and to assess the injuries you’ve suffered — evidence that can be essential to the success of your legal claim.

 If someone’s negligence conduct causes you injury in Bergen County or anywhere in New Jersey, consult an experienced personal injury lawyer at Seigel Law as soon as possible. Contact us online or call 201-444-4000 today for a free case evaluation.