New Jersey Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Cycling is a popular form of recreation, exercise, and transportation in Freehold, Point Pleasant, and throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Unfortunately, bicycle accidents in New Jersey are all too common and often result in serious, sometimes life-altering injuries. When a negligent driver strikes a cyclist, the consequences can be devastating. Unlike motorists, bicyclists have very little protection from impact, which means even low-speed collisions can result in catastrophic harm.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in Freehold, Point Pleasant, or elsewhere in New Jersey, you deserve strong legal representation. The personal injury attorneys at Mallon and Tranger have over four decades of combined experience advocating for accident victims across Monmouth County, Ocean County, and surrounding areas. We understand the local roadways, traffic patterns, and insurance processes, and we use that knowledge to fight for maximum compensation on behalf of our clients.

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We proudly serve clients from cities and towns across both counties, including Lakewood, Toms River, Long Branch, Asbury Park, and beyond. Our legal team is here to investigate your accident, build a compelling claim, and help you recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents in New Jersey are often caused by driver negligence or unsafe road conditions. Cyclists are significantly more exposed than motorists, which makes them particularly vulnerable to injury. In areas like Freehold and Point Pleasant, where both residential traffic and tourist activity are high, these accidents occur far too frequently.

Here are some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents:

• Distracted driving is one of the leading causes. Many drivers take their eyes off the road to check their phones, use in-car navigation systems, or eat while driving, often failing to notice cyclists nearby.
• Failure to yield to cyclists at intersections or crosswalks can lead to serious collisions. Drivers may not understand that cyclists have the same rights as other vehicles when crossing at designated areas.
• “Dooring” accidents occur when drivers or passengers open their car doors into the path of an oncoming cyclist. These types of accidents are especially dangerous on narrow streets or in city centers where bike lanes run alongside parked cars.
• Speeding or reckless driving, especially in residential zones or busy downtown areas like those in Freehold and Point Pleasant, increases the likelihood of a driver losing control and striking a cyclist.
• Unsafe turns or lane changes without signaling can catch cyclists off guard. Sudden movements by drivers often leave cyclists with little time or space to react safely.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time, all of which put cyclists at greater risk.
• Poor road conditions, including potholes, cracked pavement, and debris in bike lanes, can force cyclists to swerve into traffic or lose control of their bikes.
• Limited visibility, especially at night or during early morning hours, is a major factor. Drivers who fail to use their headlights properly or who overlook cyclists in low-light conditions can cause serious accidents.

In coastal towns like Point Pleasant or busy areas of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, these risks are heightened. Whether riding through a scenic beachfront community or commuting through a busy urban area, cyclists must share the road with drivers who do not always exercise caution. When drivers act carelessly, they should be held accountable for the injuries they cause.

Common Injuries in New Jersey Bicycle Accidents

Cyclists involved in accidents with motor vehicles often suffer serious and sometimes life-altering injuries. Even when wearing helmets and other protective gear, bicyclists lack the physical protection that occupants of cars and trucks enjoy. As a result, the impact of a crash tends to be much more severe.

In Freehold, Point Pleasant, and other parts of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, the most common bicycle accident injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can result from a blow to the head during impact. Even with a helmet, cyclists may experience cognitive difficulties, memory loss, or long-term neurological damage.
• Skull fractures and concussions are common, particularly when the cyclist is thrown from the bike or hits the pavement with force. These injuries can range from mild to severe and often require extensive observation and treatment.
• Spinal cord injuries can lead to partial or full paralysis, depending on the location and severity of the damage. These types of injuries are among the most devastating for accident victims and often result in lifelong care needs.
• Broken bones and fractures, particularly in the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbone, frequently occur when cyclists brace for impact or are struck directly by a vehicle.
• Road rash, lacerations, and deep bruising are typically caused when the cyclist skids across asphalt or gravel. These injuries can become infected if not treated properly and may require skin grafts or stitches.
• Internal injuries and organ damage can result from blunt force trauma to the chest or abdomen. These injuries are not always immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if not diagnosed early.
• Dental and facial injuries are also common when the cyclist lands face-first during a crash. Broken teeth, jaw fractures, and eye injuries often require both medical and cosmetic treatment.
• Amputations or permanent loss of limb function may occur in the most serious accidents, especially when a limb is crushed or severely damaged.

In addition to physical trauma, many victims also experience emotional distress or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The psychological effects of a serious bicycle accident can persist long after the body has healed.

These types of injuries often require emergency room visits, multiple surgeries, long-term physical therapy, and rehabilitation. In some cases, victims may be unable to return to their jobs or enjoy the activities they once loved. Whether your crash happened in Toms River, Asbury Park, Lakewood, or anywhere else in New Jersey, getting prompt medical treatment and legal representation is critical for your physical and financial recovery.

Bicycle Injury Claims in New Jersey

After a bicycle accident in Freehold, Point Pleasant, or anywhere else in Monmouth or Ocean County, injured cyclists may be entitled to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim. These claims typically rely on proving that another party, most often a negligent driver, caused the crash.

New Jersey follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule, which means that as long as you are less than 51% at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% responsible for the crash, your total compensation will be reduced by 20%.

A successful bicycle injury claim in New Jersey may cover:

• Emergency medical care and hospitalization
• Ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and therapy
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering, including emotional distress
• Property damage, such as a damaged bicycle
• Future medical costs and long-term disability needs

In cases involving permanent injury or wrongful death, families may also be eligible for additional damages. These cases can be particularly sensitive and complex, and it is crucial to have a law firm like Mallon and Tranger that understands how to handle them with care and precision.

If your crash occurred in a city like Long Branch, Lakewood, or another busy part of Monmouth or Ocean County, it’s important to gather evidence quickly. This may include police reports, eyewitness statements, traffic camera footage, and medical documentation, all of which Mallon and Tranger can help secure.

Determining Liability in a New Jersey Bicycle Accident

Determining who is legally responsible for a bicycle accident is one of the most important aspects of any personal injury case. In New Jersey, liability is based on negligence, meaning the at-fault party failed to act with reasonable care, and that failure caused the accident.

In a typical bicycle crash in Freehold, Point Pleasant, or surrounding communities like Long Branch, Toms River, or Asbury Park, liable parties may include:

• A negligent driver: This is the most common cause of bicycle accidents. If a motorist was speeding, distracted, impaired, or simply failed to yield to the cyclist, they can be held responsible.
• The cyclist's employer: If the cyclist was riding for work purposes (such as a delivery driver), an employer may bear some liability depending on the circumstances.
• A government agency: If the accident was caused by unsafe road conditions like potholes, broken sidewalks, or missing signage, the city, county, or state may be liable for failing to maintain safe infrastructure.
• A manufacturer or repair shop: In rare cases, a defective bicycle part or negligent maintenance could cause a crash. In such cases, the manufacturer or maintenance provider may be held responsible.

Mallon and Tranger conducts thorough investigations to determine all liable parties. Our team reviews accident reports, photographs, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and any available black box data from vehicles involved. In complex cases, we also work with accident reconstruction experts to build the strongest possible claim.

Proving liability is critical for recovering full compensation. Insurance companies will often try to shift blame onto the cyclist, even when the driver was clearly at fault. Our attorneys are prepared to push back and advocate for your rights every step of the way.

How Can Mallon and Tranger Help After a Bicycle Accident in New Jersey?

Bicycle accidents can be extremely overwhelming. You may be dealing with serious and catastrophic injuries, time off work, insurance calls, and medical bills, all while trying to recover physically and emotionally. That’s where Mallon and Tranger can help.

With offices in Freehold and Point Pleasant, our firm has deep roots in Monmouth and Ocean Counties. We understand the unique challenges of biking in New Jersey and the tactics insurance companies use to undervalue or deny valid claims.

Our firm offers:

• Personalized legal representation: You’ll work directly with experienced attorneys who understand your needs and keep you informed at every stage.
• Thorough investigation: We gather and preserve key evidence, including surveillance video, witness accounts, medical records, and expert reports.
• Comprehensive case preparation: We build strong claims that account for current and future medical needs, lost income, and pain and suffering.
• Aggressive negotiation and litigation: Whether we’re negotiating with insurance carriers or arguing in court, we fight to maximize your compensation.

What Compensation Is Available?

After a bicycle accident in Freehold, Point Pleasant, or anywhere in New Jersey, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage (e.g., your bike, helmet, gear)
• Long-term disability or permanent impairment
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Wrongful death benefits (if a loved one was fatally injured)

Each case is unique, and the value of your claim will depend on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and who was at fault. Mallon and Tranger recently secured a $250,000 settlement for an injured bicyclist who was struck by a car and suffered multiple injuries. This result reflects our firm’s commitment to holding negligent drivers accountable and recovering maximum compensation for our clients.

Additional Legal Services We Provide

In addition to bicycle accidents, Mallon and Tranger also represents clients in a wide range of personal injury and workers’ compensation cases, including:

• Motorcycle accidents
• Truck accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Slip and fall accidents
• Dog bites and animal attacks
• Construction accidents
• Workers’ compensation
• Wrongful death

If your accident occurred while biking for work, you may be eligible for both a personal injury claim and workers’ compensation benefits. Our attorneys are skilled in handling these dual claims to ensure you don’t miss out on any compensation.

Contact Mallon and Tranger After a New Jersey Bicycle Accident

Time is critical after a bicycle accident. In New Jersey, strict deadlines apply to filing personal injury claims, and evidence can disappear quickly. Whether your crash occurred on a busy intersection in Freehold, along the boardwalk in Point Pleasant, or on a side street in Toms River, Mallon and Tranger is ready to help.

We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we recover compensation for you.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in Monmouth County, Ocean County, or any part of New Jersey, don’t wait. Call Mallon and Tranger today at (732) 780-0230 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation. Let us fight for the justice and financial recovery you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Information in New Jersey

• Safe Bicycle Riding in New Jersey – NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety: Offers a clear overview of the laws, helmet requirements, and safety practices every bicyclist should know when riding in New Jersey. This guide explains how riders can share the road safely with motorists, outlines rules that apply specifically to young cyclists, and provides practical tips to reduce the risk of accidents in communities like Freehold and Point Pleasant.
• SRTS Report – Bicycle and Pedestrian Involved Crashes in NJ: Provides an in-depth analysis of bicycle and pedestrian crashes across New Jersey, with a special focus on youth incidents. The report includes data trends, contributing factors, and safety concerns that impact communities such as Freehold and Point Pleasant. This resource helps illustrate how and why accidents occur, supporting efforts to improve safety policies, infrastructure, and education throughout the state.
• N.J. Admin. Code § 5:21-4.6 – Bikeways: Outlines New Jersey’s regulations for bikeways as part of residential site improvements, including standards for design, location, and construction. This section of the Administrative Code is important for understanding how communities like Freehold and Point Pleasant must plan bicycle infrastructure to promote safe travel and reduce the risk of bicycle accidents.