Cycling the Jersey Shore or enjoying bike paths in Monmouth and Ocean County should be a joyful and safe activity. But when motorists fail to drive responsibly or share the road, the consequences can be devastating. If you've been injured in a bicycle accident, you need a New Jersey bicycle accident lawyer who understands your pain and can fight for your rights.
Helping injured bicyclists is deeply personal to us.
Attorney Thomas F. Shebell, III, our managing partner, is an avid cyclist who experienced life-changing injuries when a motorist hit him on his bicycle in 2001. After dozens of surgeries over the years, he still wakes up with the pain of that accident every single day. He’s walked in your shoes, and Tom and our entire team are dedicated to helping injured cyclists recover
Bicycle Accident Guide
- Why Bicycle Accidents are so Dangerous
- What Causes Bicycle Accidents?
- Do I Have a Bicycle Accident Claim?
- We Handle the Insurance Companies For You
- Who May Be Held Liable in a Bicycle Accident Case?
- What Compensation is Available to Bicycle Accident Victims?
- Is There a Deadline for Filing a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in New Jersey?
- How Can a Lawyer Help with My New Jersey Bicycle Accident Case?
- Contact the New Jersey Bicycle Accident Lawyers at Shebell & Shebell Today
Why Shebell & Shebell for Your New Jersey Bicycle Accident Case?
Shebell & Shebell brings a unique perspective to bicycle accident cases:
- Decades of experience representing injured cyclists in New Jersey
- Thorough knowledge of New Jersey bicycle laws and rights
- Proven history of successful settlements and verdicts
- Compassionate, client-centered approach that puts your recovery first
- We are trial lawyers who are prepared to take your case to court if that’s what it takes to get you the compensation you deserve.
We're not just your lawyers; we're your advocates who've walked in your shoes. Let us put our experience and dedication to work for you.
Why Bicycle Accidents are so Dangerous
The cyclist's lack of protective barriers exposes them to serious injuries. Without the shield of a vehicle's frame, even a minor collision can result in severe injuries. These incidents often lead to:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Road rash and soft tissue damage
Severe bike injuries can result in long-term health complications, substantial medical expenses, missed work, and lost wages or income. Recovery can take years or be a lifelong process, affecting not only the cyclist but their family as well.
What Causes Bicycle Accidents?
Many bicycle accidents in New Jersey are the result of a motorist’s lapse in attention, poor judgment, or carelessness. These preventable incidents can have life-altering consequences for cyclists.
Common causes include:
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Distracted driving (e.g., texting)
- Dooring (opening car doors into cyclists' path)
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence
- Unsafe passing
- Failure to check blind spots
At Shebell & Shebell, our experienced New Jersey bicycle accident lawyers will build a claim for you that accounts for all of your injuries, the toll they’ve taken on your life, and all related damages.
Do I Have a Bicycle Accident Claim?
To have a successful bicycle accident claim, your New Jersey bicycle accident attorneys must establish four elements of negligence:
- Duty of care: The motorist had a responsibility to drive safely and share the road.
- Breach of duty: The motorist failed to uphold this responsibility.
- Causation: This failure directly caused your accident.
- Damages: You suffered injuries or losses as a result.
When negligence leads to a New Jersey bike accident, the path to justice can be complex and challenging. We leverage our in-depth knowledge of state cycling laws and our personal understanding as fellow riders to thoroughly evaluate your case and maximize the compensation you may receive.
We Handle the Insurance Companies For You
After a bicycle accident, insurance companies may quickly offer you a settlement. While these early offers may be attractive, especially when your bike accident injuries have drained your finances, they almost certainly cover far less than what you deserve. Insurance adjusters aim to minimize payouts, not to help in your full recovery.
Never accept an insurance offer without consulting a lawyer. At Shebell & Shebell, we handle all communications with insurers to protect your rights and secure fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Who May Be Held Liable in a Bicycle Accident Case?
Pinpointing liability for a bike accident can be a complicated process, depending on the type of accident and the parties involved. Our New Jersey bicycle accident attorneys know that overlooking any details can significantly affect your compensation. We thoroughly investigate every aspect of your case to identify and hold the liable parties fully accountable. Liable parties may include:
- Negligent drivers who caused the accident
- Vehicle owners, when different from the driver
- Employers of drivers who were on the job at the time of the accident
- Government entities responsible for road design or maintenance issues
- Manufacturers of defective bicycle or vehicle parts
What Compensation is Available to Bicycle Accident Victims?
New Jersey law recognizes the profound impact of bicycle accidents, allowing victims to pursue a wide range of economic and non-economic damages to address both financial losses and personal suffering. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may be eligible to claim damages for:
Economic damages:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
Non-economic damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
In cases of wrongful death, families may also seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.
Is There a Deadline for Filing a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in New Jersey?
Yes, New Jersey has a statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits. Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Consulting with a qualified New Jersey personal injury lawyer as soon as you can after your accident is important to protecting your case.
Waiting too long can result in the loss of valuable evidence and may jeopardize your ability to seek compensation. Don't delay – contact Shebell & Shebell today to start building your case.
How Can a Lawyer Help with My New Jersey Bicycle Accident Case?
At Shebell & Shebell, we provide comprehensive support for your New Jersey bicycle accident case, including:
- A thorough investigation of the accident scene and circumstances
- Gathering and preserving important evidence
- Identifying and interviewing witnesses
- Consulting with medical professionals to understand the full extent of your injuries
- Calculating the true cost of your injuries, including future medical needs and lost earnings
- Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf
- Preparing your case for trial if a fair settlement can't be reached
- Representing you in court, if necessary, to obtain your full and fair compensation
We handle all of the legal complexities so that you can focus on your recovery.
Contact the New Jersey Bicycle Accident Lawyers at Shebell & Shebell Today
Your bicycle accident may have changed in an instant, but you have the power to shape what happens next. At Shebell & Shebell, we're ready to listen to your story, answer your questions, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Don't let financial concerns hold you back. We work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing for our services unless we win your case. Take the first step toward justice and recovery – schedule your free consultation with our experienced and proven New Jersey bicycle accident lawyers today.
Call Shebell & Shebell at (732) 663-1122 today to set up a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our proven bicycle accident lawyers
Shebell & Shebell, LLC - Shrewsbury Office
Address: 600 Broad St Suite 100
Shrewsbury, NJ 07702
Phone: 732-663-1122