If you are riding your bicycle in a designated bike lane in Freehold, Point Pleasant, or anywhere in New Jersey, you likely expect a higher level of safety. Bike lanes are designed to give cyclists a dedicated space on the road, separated from vehicle traffic.
However, accidents still happen, and when they do, many cyclists are left wondering what their rights are and who is responsible. Even if you were riding in a bike lane, determining what happens next depends on several factors, including how the accident occurred and whether any laws were violated.
In New Jersey, bicyclists are granted many of the same rights as drivers. Under state law, cyclists using the roadway must follow the same rules as motor vehicles and are entitled to the same protections.
This means that drivers must:
When you are riding in a bike lane, you are not doing anything wrong; you are using a space specifically designed for your safety. If a driver enters that space improperly, it can be strong evidence of negligence.
Even though bike lanes are meant to reduce risk, many accidents still occur due to driver behavior. Some of the most common causes include:
One of the most frequent causes of bicycle accidents is when a driver makes a right turn and crosses directly through a bike lane without checking for cyclists.
Drivers who are texting, adjusting navigation, or not paying attention may drift into a bike lane or fail to see a cyclist altogether.
New Jersey law requires drivers to leave at least four feet of space when passing cyclists or slow down and proceed cautiously.
Failing to follow this rule can lead to serious collisions.
Cyclists riding in bike lanes near parked cars are at risk of being hit by a suddenly opened car door, a common and dangerous scenario.
Some bike lanes may be poorly marked, obstructed, or located in high-risk areas, which can contribute to accidents.
In many cases, the driver of the vehicle is at fault when a cyclist is hit in a bike lane. Drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely and to be aware of cyclists sharing the road.
A driver may be considered negligent if they:
Under New Jersey law, negligence plays a key role in determining liability. If a driver’s careless or reckless actions caused the accident, they may be held responsible for the cyclist’s injuries.
Not every case is completely one-sided. New Jersey follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that more than one party can share fault in an accident.
For example, a cyclist may share some responsibility if they were:
Even if you were partially at fault, you may still be able to recover compensation, as long as you were not primarily responsible for the accident.
If you are hit while riding in a bike lane in Freehold, Point Pleasant, or anywhere in New Jersey, taking the right steps can protect both your health and your legal claim.
You should:
Taking these steps can help preserve important evidence and strengthen your case.
If you were injured in a bike lane accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Because bicycle accidents often result in serious injuries, pursuing full compensation is critical to your recovery.
Our New Jersey bicycle accident attorneys are here to help you understand your rights, evaluate your case, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
New Jersey has seen concerning rates of bicyclist injuries and fatalities, highlighting the importance of protecting vulnerable road users.
Cyclists have far less protection than drivers, which means even low-speed collisions can result in severe injuries. Because of this, both the law and the courts often take these cases seriously, especially when a driver’s negligence is involved.
Being hit by a car while riding in a bike lane can be overwhelming, especially when you are dealing with injuries, medical bills, and uncertainty about what to do next.
Understanding your rights and taking action early can make a meaningful difference in your case. Call us today or connect with us online to schedule a consultation. Let us help you protect your rights and move forward with confidence.
