Riding a bicycle in Hackensack should be safe, but in reality, cyclists face serious risks every day on roads like Route 17, Main Street, and Essex Street. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident caused by a negligent driver, you’re probably dealing with painful injuries, growing medical bills, and an insurance company that doesn’t seem to be in any hurry to help. You deserve a Hackensack bicycle accident lawyer who will fight aggressively to recover the compensation you need to get back on your feet.
At Reinartz Law Firm, we take bicycle accident cases seriously, and we’re ready to put our trial experience to work for you. Book a free consultation today to discuss your case.
Why Choose Reinartz Law Firm for Your Hackensack Bicycle Accident Case?
When you’re recovering from a bicycle accident, you need a legal team with the skill and determination to stand up to insurance companies. At Reinartz Law Firm, that’s exactly what you get.
Before founding our firm, lead attorney Richard Reinartz spent over a decade as a trial lawyer for two of the largest law firms in the country, representing both plaintiffs and defendants in complex, high-stakes litigation. That means Richard knows how the other side thinks, what arguments they’ll make, and how to counter them effectively.
Here’s what sets our firm apart:
- Proven track record in trial. Richard is a life member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a distinction limited to trial lawyers who have obtained settlements or judgments exceeding $1 million.
- Recognized by peers. Richard has been selected to the Super Lawyers list every year since 2010, a recognition given to fewer than 5% of licensed attorneys in New Jersey.
- Rated at the highest level. Richard holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, widely considered the gold standard in attorney ratings.
- Hands-on attention. Richard is personally involved in the day-to-day handling of your case. You won’t be passed off to a paralegal or junior associate.
We proudly serve the Hackensack community and surrounding Bergen County, and we’re committed to recovering every dollar you deserve. Call us today or book your free consultation online to get started.
Our Bicycle Accident Law Firm Gets Results
At Reinartz Law Firm, we handle all types of traffic accident cases, including those involving injured cyclists. Our mission is to provide the highest quality of representation possible and always seek the best outcome for each individual client.
Some of our case results in motor vehicle accident cases include:
- $400,000 for a client with a herniated disc
- $375,000 for client injured by street racers
- $335,000 for shoulder injuries
- $200,000 for spinal cord injuries
These are some examples of how hard our Hackensack bicycle accident lawyers work for our clients, and we can assess what your case might be worth. Contact Reinartz Law Firm for your free case evaluation today.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in New Jersey
Bicycle accidents can happen in many ways, but some patterns show up again and again. Understanding what caused your accident is the first step toward building a strong legal claim.
Some of the most frequent causes of bicycle accidents include:
- Distracted driving. A driver checking their phone, adjusting their GPS, or looking away from the road for even a few seconds may not see a cyclist in their path.
- Failure to yield. Drivers turning at intersections without checking for bicyclists is one of the most common and avoidable causes of bike crashes.
- Dooring. A driver or passenger opens their car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist, giving the rider almost no time to react.
- Unsafe lane changes. Motorists who merge into a cyclist’s lane without checking their blind spots can cause devastating collisions.
- Running red lights or stop signs. When drivers blow through traffic signals, cyclists with the right of way are left with nowhere to go.
- Speeding. Higher speeds reduce a driver’s reaction time and dramatically increase the severity of injuries when a collision occurs.
- Poor road conditions. Potholes, broken pavement, missing signage, or debris in a bike lane can cause a cyclist to crash. In some cases, a municipality or government agency responsible for road maintenance may share liability.
No matter what caused your accident, the key question is whether someone else’s carelessness or negligence played a role. If it did, you may be entitled to compensation.
Your Rights as a Cyclist Under New Jersey Law
Many people don’t realize that cyclists in New Jersey have the same legal rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. Under N.J.S.A. 39:4-14.1, bicyclists must obey all traffic laws, and in return, they’re entitled to the same protections on the road.
New Jersey also has a Safe Passing Law (N.J.S.A. 39:4-92.4) that requires motorists to give cyclists at least four feet of space when passing. If changing lanes isn’t possible, the driver must slow down to 25 mph and be prepared to stop. When a driver violates this law and injures a cyclist, they face fines and can be held liable for the resulting damages.
Here are a few other important points about your rights as a cyclist in New Jersey:
- You have an equal right to use the road. Bicycles are legally considered vehicles under New Jersey law.
- Helmet laws apply to riders under 17. While adults aren’t legally required to wear helmets, wearing one is strongly encouraged and can reduce the severity of a head injury.
- You can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule under N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.1, meaning you can pursue a claim as long as you were not more than 50% responsible for the accident. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
These protections exist because lawmakers recognize the vulnerability of cyclists on New Jersey roads. A knowledgeable bicycle accident lawyer can help you understand how these laws apply to your situation.
Injuries We See in Bicycle Accident Cases
Because cyclists have very little protection compared to the occupants of a motor vehicle, the injuries they suffer in collisions tend to be severe. Even a low-speed impact can cause life-changing harm.
Common bicycle accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Head injuries are the leading cause of death and serious disability among cyclists, even for riders wearing helmets.
- Broken bones and fractures. Collarbones, wrists, arms, legs, and ribs are all extremely vulnerable during a bike crash.
- Spinal cord injuries. Damage to the spine can result in partial or full paralysis, requiring long-term medical care and rehabilitation.
- Road rash and soft tissue injuries. Being thrown from a bicycle onto pavement can cause deep abrasions, lacerations, and significant scarring.
- Internal injuries. Blunt force trauma from a collision can damage internal organs, sometimes without immediate symptoms.
- Joint injuries. Shoulder dislocations, torn ligaments in the knee, and other joint damage can require surgery and extensive physical therapy.
These injuries often require ongoing medical treatment, time away from work, and adjustments to daily life. The compensation we pursue for you should account for both your current expenses and your future needs.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Hackensack
Once you’re home and safe after a bicycle accident, there are several steps you can take to protect your health and strengthen a potential legal claim.
- Follow up on medical care. Even if you were checked out at the scene or visited an emergency room, follow up with your primary care doctor or a specialist. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms right away.
- Document everything. Save all medical records, bills, and receipts related to your treatment. Keep a journal of your symptoms, pain levels, and how the injury affects your daily routine.
- Preserve evidence. If you took photos of the accident scene, your injuries, or the damage to your bicycle, store them in a safe place. Hold on to your damaged bike and any clothing or gear you were wearing.
- Get a copy of the police report. If law enforcement responded to the scene, request a copy of the accident report. This document can be a valuable piece of evidence.
- Be cautious with insurance companies. The at-fault driver’s insurance company may contact you quickly with a settlement offer. Before accepting anything or giving a recorded statement, talk to a bicycle accident lawyer. Early settlement offers are often far less than what your case is actually worth.
- Contact a bike accident lawyer promptly. New Jersey has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. While two years may sound like a long time, building a strong case takes time, and evidence can disappear quickly.
Taking these steps can make a real difference in the outcome of your case.
Compensation You May Be Entitled to After a Bicycle Crash in Hackensack, NJ
If another person’s negligence caused your bicycle accident, you may be able to recover compensation for a wide range of losses. Every case is different, but common types of damages in bicycle accident claims include:
- Medical expenses. This includes emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, prescription medications, physical therapy, and any future treatment your injuries may require.
- Lost wages. If your injuries kept you from working, you can seek compensation for the income you lost during your recovery.
- Reduced earning capacity. If your injuries are severe enough to affect your ability to work in the future, you may be entitled to compensation for that long-term financial impact.
- Pain and suffering. Physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and the overall reduction in your quality of life are all compensable.
- Property damage. The cost to repair or replace your bicycle and any other personal items damaged in the crash.
Insurance companies often try to minimize these claims or shift blame to the cyclist. Having an experienced Hackensack bicycle accident lawyer on your side levels the playing field.
FAQs Answered by Our Hackensack Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Here are answers to some common questions we hear from cyclists who have been injured in accidents.
Do I need to wear a helmet to file a bicycle accident claim in New Jersey?
New Jersey only requires cyclists under 17 to wear helmets. If you’re an adult who wasn’t wearing a helmet at the time of your accident, that alone does not prevent you from filing a claim. However, the insurance company may try to argue that not wearing a helmet contributed to the severity of your head injuries.
What if the driver who hit me left the scene?
Hit-and-run accidents are unfortunately common in bicycle crashes. If the driver cannot be identified, you may still be able to recover compensation through the uninsured motorist coverage on your own auto insurance policy (or a household member’s policy). A lawyer can help you explore all available options.
Can I file a claim if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes. Under New Jersey’s comparative negligence law, you can still recover compensation as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. Your award will be reduced by your share of responsibility, but you are not barred from filing a claim.
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident lawsuit in New Jersey?
The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in New Jersey is generally two years from the date of the accident. If your claim involves a government entity (for example, a dangerous road condition maintained by a municipality), shorter notice deadlines may apply.
What if I don’t have car insurance and I was riding a bicycle?
You may still be able to recover compensation. The at-fault driver’s insurance should cover your injuries and damages. Additionally, if you live with a family member who has auto insurance, their policy’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits may apply to your medical expenses. Speaking with a lawyer can help clarify what coverage is available in your specific situation.
How much does it cost to hire a bicycle accident attorney in Hackensack?
At Reinartz Law Firm, we handle bicycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront, and we only collect a fee if we recover compensation for you. If there’s no recovery, there’s no fee.
Talk to a Hackensack Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
You didn’t ask to be in this situation, and you shouldn’t have to face it without strong legal support. At Reinartz Law Firm, we’re here to take the legal burden off your shoulders so you can focus on healing and getting your life back on track.
We offer free, no-obligation consultations by phone, in person at our Hackensack office, or by video conference, whatever works best for you. There’s no cost to speak with us, and there’s no fee unless we win your case.
Call Reinartz Law Firm today or book your free consultation online. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve.
The Reinartz Law Firm | Rhino Legal
Address: Court Plaza South - West Wing21 Main St Suite 205,
Hackensack, NJ 07601
Phone: (201) 289-8614
