As a kid, your parents may have taught you that riding a bike is safe if you wear the right gear. But the rules change once you start sharing the road with cars and much bigger vehicles. In most accidents in New Jersey, cyclists suffer the worst injuries because even if they wear maximum protection, it still will not be enough if they are ever in a collision.
A helmet, knee pads or elbow guards can help but, in a crash, they are not enough to protect you from head trauma or broken bones that can result in long-term disability.
Understanding the vulnerability of cyclists
The average bicycle weighs around 17 to 35 pounds while the most compact car weighs thousands of pounds. When moving at high speeds, even the smallest mistake can generate impact that can leave a cyclist with serious injuries. Just imagine, no matter how careful you are and how strictly you follow the rules of the road, if you are riding a bike, you are likely to pay for another driver’s negligence in case of a collision.
The impact of a crash
Bicycle accident injuries are not only physical. You will miss work while in recovery, have medical bills pile up and in the case of long-term disability, you are likely to live life differently moving forward with your new physical limitations. Your mental health may also suffer as you get used to the disability you now have to live with.
What you can do next
If you were hit while riding your bike, you may have the right to seek compensation for your injuries, long-term medical care needs, therapy and even lost income. The process is overwhelming, especially when you get to the part of dealing with insurance companies. Thankfully, you do not have to do this alone. An attorney well-versed in bicycle and pedestrian accidents can guide you on the next steps and provide the support you need to fight for your rights.