New Jersey Personal Injury Blog

Children Injured in New Jersey Bicycle Accident

Two Paterson boys, ages 4 and 9, were injured in a New Jersey bicycle accident after they were struck by a car. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, the boys were in a crosswalk on Totowa Road near Hillary Street in Totowa when they were struck. Both children were injured, but were transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. It is not known at this time if the 92-year-old female driver of the car will be cited for this collision.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes that 716 bicyclists were killed in accidents involving motor vehicles and 52,000 were injured in 2008. Victims of New Jersey bicycle and car accidents often suffer serious injuries that require extensive medical care, and, those who fail to wear protective gear, such as helmets, often suffer more serious injuries. Additionally, parents of children who ride bicycles also are responsible for ensuring that they are properly supervised and instructed regarding bicycle use and safety.

If a bicycle-motor vehicle accident is the fault of the motor vehicle operator, a meritorious claim for compensation may be pursued to recover for unpaid medical expenses, physical pain and suffering, lost earnings, disability and any other losses resulting from the injuries. The knowledgeable personal injury lawyers at Blume Goldfaden have a long history of protecting the rights of New Jersey bicycle riders and pedestrians. Call us for a no-cost consultation at 973-635-5400.

Bicycles Recalled for Fall Hazard

More than 2,000 Felt bicycles manufactured in 2009 are being recalled. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the fork steer tube can break causing the rider to become injured. So far there have been at least seven injuries reported as a direct result of the product’s defect. The models included in this recall are the 2009 B12, 2009 B16 and the 2009 S32. These are high-end bicycles that sell for over $2,000 in specialty stores across the country. The CPSC recommends all owners of these recalled bikes to stop riding them immediately. Felt bicycle dealers are offering free inspections and repairs as part of the recall.

There are many potential dangers to bicycle riders including the possibility of a collision with a motor vehicle, and, product failure causing a cyclist to lose control or otherwise be involved in an accident.

Bicycle riders often suffer serious injuries because they have little to no protection from the hazards of the road. While wearing a helmet is crucial to a rider’s safety in helping to prevent head and facial injuries, and is often mandated by law, it will not protect cyclists from other types of injuries such as fractures, tendon and cartilage tears, and internal injuries. In addition, defective and/or poorly fitted helmets can pose a hazard and contribute to the severity of an injury.

If a defective cycling product played a role in causing your bicycle accidents and injuries, the bicycle, helmet and other manufacturers, as well as cycle retailers could be held liable for the accident and resulting injuries. If you or another family member has been injured by a defective cycling product, contact the experienced New Jersey personal injury lawyers of Blume Goldfaden for a no-cost consultation and evaluation of your potential claim. Call us at 973-635-5400.

Teenager Killed in Hit-and-Run Collision

A 15-year-old Pennsylvania youth was killed in a hit-and-run accident while riding his bicycle. WFMZ-TV reports that the teenager suffered fatal injuries after being struck by a vehicle and thrown off his bike. Investigators determined that the accident was “accidental” and no charges will be filed.

Many bicycle accidents occur because a car driver fails to make proper observations and does not see the bicyclist. It is the responsibility of drivers to look out for bicyclists and pedestrians. Bike riders, meanwhile, should practice caution to decrease the chances of an accident. New Jersey law mandates that cyclists have the same rights as the operators of motorized vehicles, as well as a similar responsibility to follow the rules of the road.

When a bicycle accident occurs as a result of another person’s negligence, the injured victim, or, the family of a deceased victim, may file personal injury claims, or, a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party. Similarly, if a dangerous roadway condition contributed to the happening of an accident, a claim may also be timely filed against governmental or private entities responsible for maintaining that roadway. The New Jersey cyclist accident and wrongful death attorneys at Blume Goldfaden have been protecting the rights of accident victims and their families for decades. If you or a loved one has been injured in a New Jersey bicycle accident, call us at 973-635-5400 for a no-cost consultation.

Pothole Causes Accident in Medford, Judge Injured

According to a report published on nj.com, a New Jersey Supreme Court Judge recently took a fall off of his bicycle and, fractured his skull. Apparently, the Judge was riding his bicycle in Medford, New Jersey when he hit a pothole and was thrown from his bike. Luckily, the judge was wearing a helmet and is expected to fully recover from his injuries. He had been training for a multiple sclerosis fundraising event set to take place in Ocean City.

While the article did not discuss whether there was any problem with the bicycle, it did refer to the hazard of that a pothole played in causing in the accident. It is sometimes relatively obvious as to whom might be at fault in causing an accident. However, there are circumstances when the responsible parties are not easily identifiable. For example, in drunk-driving accidents, impaired motorists are no doubt often the cause of the accident. Occassionally, though, bars and social hosts may also be responsible for the intoxicated condition of the driver. There may also be circumstances in which accidents were caused by a defective design or manufacture of a vehicle, or, in which the vehicle was not “crashworthy” or able to protect passengers from impact injuries which should not ordinarily occur. In addition, in accidents where road conditions are responsible for causing property damage and personal injury, individuals and entities who are responsible for the maintenance of our roads and highways can be held accountable for damages and injuries to an injured motorist, bicyclist or pedestrian.

Dangerous road conditions can include but are not limited to unevenly or poorly paved roads, obstructed traffic signage, debris left over from construction/road work crews, ice, snow and pooled water. Potholes, for instance, would be an example of a condition that would constitute poorly paved and/or maintained roads. It is often the responsibility of local, county and state municipalities and others to ensure that motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians are not injured as a result of the presence of potholes on our roads and highways.

If you have recently been injured due to an accident involving dangerous road conditions, contact the New Jersey experienced bike accident attorneys at Blume Goldfaden. Our attorneys will investigate your accident and help assist you with getting the costs associated with your accident (such as medical bills, physical therapy fees, and lost wages) repaid. Call Blume Goldfaden today at 973-635-5400 for a free consultation.

Source:http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/09/camden_judge_fractures_skull_i.html