Bicycle Accident Lawyers – Fighting for Injured Cyclists in New Jersey & Pennsylvania

Bicycling is an eco-friendly, healthy, and efficient mode of transportation, but it comes with significant risks when sharing the road with motor vehicles. Cyclists face life-altering injuries when reckless drivers, hazardous road conditions, or faulty equipment lead to accidents. Unlike drivers protected by metal frames, airbags, and seatbelts, bicyclists have little protection against high-speed impacts, distracted drivers, or unsafe roadways.

Bicycle accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities, leaving victims and their families struggling with medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term rehabilitation. Unfortunately, insurance companies frequently attempt to deny or minimize compensation, arguing that the cyclist was at fault or undervaluing their injuries.

At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we are committed to holding negligent drivers, municipalities, and manufacturers accountable for injuries suffered by cyclists in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Whether you were hit by a car, injured due to a hazardous road condition, or harmed by a defective bicycle part, we have the experience, resources, and determination to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, contact us today for a free consultation.

Why You Need a Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Many people assume that if a driver is clearly at fault for a bicycle accident, their insurance company will pay full compensation. However, the reality is very different. Insurance companies aggressively defend bicycle accident claims, often trying to:

• Blame the cyclist for the crash.
• Argue the injuries are not severe or existed before the crash.
• Minimize compensation by disputing medical costs and lost wages.

A bicycle accident lawyer is essential to level the playing field and ensure that you receive the full amount you are entitled to. We work tirelessly to:

• Investigate the crash, gathering police reports, eyewitness statements, and traffic camera footage.
• Prove driver negligence, including distracted driving, failure to yield, and speeding.
• Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to demand maximum compensation.
• Take your case to court if necessary, ensuring you are not forced into a low settlement.

At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we focus on bicycle accident cases, ensuring you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents can occur due to a variety of factors, many of which are preventable. Understanding the leading causes of bicycle crashes can help identify who is liable for your injuries.

• Distracted Drivers – Texting, eating, adjusting GPS, or looking away from the road while driving.
• Failure to Yield – Drivers ignoring traffic signals or failing to stop at crosswalks and intersections.
• Dooring Accidents – A parked car passenger suddenly opens their door, causing a cyclist to crash.
• Right Hook Collisions – A vehicle turns right directly into a cyclist’s path, cutting them off.
• Speeding & Reckless Driving – Drivers going too fast, leaving cyclists with no time to react.
• Hit-and-Run Accidents – Drivers fleeing the scene, leaving injured cyclists without assistance.
• Drunk & Impaired Driving – Alcohol and drugs impair reaction time and judgment, increasing accident risks.
• Dangerous Road Conditions – Potholes, unmarked hazards, poor lighting, and lack of bike lanes create dangers for cyclists.
• Defective Bicycles & Equipment – Faulty brakes, tires, handlebars, or gears causing accidents.

Our legal team investigates the cause of your accident and determines who is liable, ensuring you can pursue full compensation for your injuries.

Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents

Cyclists have no seatbelts, airbags, or metal enclosures to protect them from the impact of a vehicle. As a result, bicycle accidents often lead to severe and life-threatening injuries.

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – Even with a helmet, a cyclist can suffer concussions, skull fractures, or permanent brain damage.
• Spinal Cord Injuries & Paralysis – High-impact crashes may cause paraplegia or quadriplegia.
• Broken Bones & Fractures – Leg, arm, collarbone, and rib fractures are common in crashes.
• Internal Organ Damage & Bleeding – Blunt force trauma leading to life-threatening conditions.
• Severe Road Rash & Deep Lacerations – Skin abrasions, infections, and nerve damage from hitting asphalt.
• Wrongful Death – Many bicycle accidents result in fatal injuries, leaving families devastated.

At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we work with medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and economists to calculate the full extent of your damages and demand fair compensation.

Compensation Available for Bicycle Accident Victims

Victims of bicycle accidents may be entitled to significant financial compensation, including:

• Medical Expenses – Emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, therapy, and future medical costs.
• Lost Wages & Future Earnings – Compensation for missed work and long-term disabilities.
• Pain & Suffering – Emotional distress, PTSD, and reduced quality of life.
• Property Damage – Repair or replacement of your damaged bicycle and gear.
• Wrongful Death Compensation – Financial support for families who lost a loved one in a bicycle accident.

We aggressively negotiate with insurance companies and, if necessary, take your case to court to secure maximum compensation.

Protecting Injured Cyclists

• Cyclists Hit by Negligent Drivers – Fighting for victims injured by reckless, distracted, or impaired motorists.
• Bicyclists Injured Due to Poor Road Conditions – Holding cities accountable for potholes, debris, and unsafe intersections.
• Families Filing Wrongful Death Claims – Seeking justice for fatal bicycle crashes caused by negligence.
• Victims of Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accidents – Helping cyclists recover compensation even if the driver fled the scene.
• Cyclists Injured by Defective Bicycles – Pursuing product liability claims against bike manufacturers.

FAQs: What You Need to Know After a Bicycle Accident

What should I do after a bicycle accident?

• Call 911 and seek medical attention immediately.
• Document the scene, take photos, and collect witness contact information.
• Do not give recorded statements to insurance adjusters before speaking with a lawyer.
• Call a bicycle accident attorney to protect your rights and discuss your legal options.

How long do I have to file a claim?

• New Jersey and Pennsylvania have strict deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits.
• Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and strengthens your case.

What if the driver fled the scene?

• You may still recover damages through uninsured motorist coverage.
• Our attorneys can investigate hit-and-run accidents to identify the driver.

Can I sue if road conditions caused my crash?

• Yes, but lawsuits against government entities have strict deadlines.
• We can file claims for negligent road maintenance or design flaws.

Take the First Step Toward Justice – Get Legal Help Now

Bicycle accident victims face severe injuries, medical debt, and uncooperative insurance companies. At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we fight aggressively to hold negligent drivers accountable and secure maximum compensation for injured cyclists.

If you or a loved one was injured in a bicycle accident, contact us today for a free consultation.