Riding bicycles is a common means for individuals in West Milford to get out of the commotion and enjoy a bit of air. However, even in this small town, when all people know one another, bike riding may turn out to be a dangerous activity as well. Five thousand one hundred and forty-seven cyclists were injured in New York City, and this fact is a wake-up call; you should not ignore safety. Our group gives clues on how to save yourself during the driving process, and what happens in case of an accident can be avoided.
The following are the main types of accidents that we are confronted with:
• Left-turn crashes: Drivers often do not notice bicyclists when turning;
• Rear-end crashes: Especially on weekend traffic congestion;
• Pedestrian impacts: Pedestrians on trails like Wawayanda State Park.
NYC requires adherence to traffic rules, prohibits sidewalk riding for those over 12, and mandates helmets for children under 14. Hand signals and police reports are mandatory. In West Milford, local ordinances are similar, but if you’re riding into NYC, it’s important to know both sets of rules.
What to Do If an Accident Happens
In the unlikely event you do become involved in a bicycle accident, the information you will find using this link will show how to gather evidence and seek legal help so that you can protect your case. Read it thoroughly to learn all the nitty-gritty.
But first, do these easy steps:
1. Get to safety: Move off the road to avoid further injury;
2. Call 911: Police and medical teams leave a paper trail;
3. Document everything: Photographs, witnesses’ phone numbers, damaged equipment;
4. Don’t take blame: Even a casual “it was my fault” can hurt your case.
Laws are your shield — if you know how to use them. In NYC, for example, the pure comparative negligence rule applies: even if you are also at fault, you can receive compensation reduced by your fault percentage. If, for example, you failed to use a hand signal and were assigned 20% fault, you can recover 80% of the damages. NJ laws are identical, but between-state cases require experience.
Phases of a Lawsuit:
Assessment: Free consultation to discuss your case;
Investigation: Obtaining evidence, including testimony from witnesses;
Negotiations: Fighting for a fair settlement;
Trial: Hearings in court if the insurer refuses to settle.
The statute of limitations is three years, less time to sue for city claims. On hit-and-runs (37,000 in NYC in 2024), MVAIC can offer assistance, but negotiating is hard without the services of an attorney. Insurers lowball or stall with taped statements. Our advice: call an attorney before speaking with the insurer. A contingency fee arrangement means you only pay if you win.
Why This Matters So Much
Injuries are not just hurt. Bills pile up, and lost days from work incinerate your wallet. Non-monetary losses, like the worry of getting back on a bike, are also significant. In New York, settlements are in the millions, and around here, you can even recover lost wages or future medical costs. The biggest thing is to go see a doctor immediately, even if it might just be a scratch. Document everything — doctor visits, emotional pain. Latent injuries may surface later, and medical records are the foundation of your case. They’re not pieces of paper — they’re your only path to justice.
Conclusion: Stand Up for Yourself
Our trails — from Apshawa Preserve to Wawayanda — are treasures, but New York’s experience is to be learned. We desire every ride to be sweet, not painful. If you have been injured, let insurance firms not decide. Consult with an NYC bicycle accident lawyer for a free consultation. Proper legal guidance and support will have you back in the saddle again.