Burlington County Bicycle Accident Attorney
Any cyclist knows that the main risks of bike accidents come from three sources: reckless, belligerent or blindsided motorists; swinging car doors, and jaywalking pedestrians. Cyclists must somehow be alert to these dangers while simultaneously keeping a close eye on the pavement for potholes, metal plates, and other ground-level hazards.
The sad truth is New Jersey has the 4th highest cycling fatality rate, based on population in the United States. Twenty-nine bicycle riders died in New Jersey last year. New Jersey also has the nation’s deadliest red-light runners, with three of the country’s worst cities for fatal intersection crashes, according to a study of federal transportation data obtained by USA TODAY…. New Jersey had by far the worst death rate among states, with 6.5 fatalities for every 100,000 people… New Jersey also had three of the four most dangerous cities for red-light fatalities.
Bicyclists have rights! When being passed the law requires that you are given AT LEAST THREE FEET of clearance, and FIVE FEET when passed by commercial trucks, semis, RV’s and buses. The wind pushed out from the side of these larger vehicles can cause a bicycle crash, and if there is room, they are required to give you, as the rider a FULL LANE of clearance.
“They were the ones who got passed in the New Jersey Legislature the law that you have to give a safe passing distance of three feet or more when you pass a cyclist,” – Clarke said.
Cars driving recklessly can cause catastrophic and fatal bicycle accidents. Motor vehicle drivers are required by law to SLOW DOWN and pass cyclists carefully. Especially at railroad crossings and cattle guards, through construction zones and in poor weather conditions. Cyclists are allowed to move to the left briefly in order to safely cross railroad tracks. Cars are not allowed to use their horns when following a cyclist. If the sudden blast of a horn startles the cyclist and causes a bike crash the driver of the motor vehicle can be cited for causing the crash. To quote Andy Clarke with the League of American Bicyclists again talking about the fatal bike crash in Colorado of Bill Bliss:
“Bill was making a left turn on a highway in Colorado. he was doing everything right, following all the rules of the road — signaling, in the left lane — and a driver who was going too fast for the conditions and wasn’t paying attention hit and killed him,” Clarke said.
That person never meant for that to happen. But, at the same time, if you’re speeding, if you’re not paying attention, if you’re inattentive, if you’ve been drinking and driving, if you’re going too fast for the conditions, if you’re on your cell phone, if you’re simply not taking due care, I think we need to hold ourselves collectively more accountable for that.
“From the beginning of my case until the very end, I had a great experience with Chris and his staff. I will definitely refer family and friends to Costello Law Firm!”
– Kortu M.
COSTELLO LAW FIRM
1213T High St. Burlington, NJ 08016 (609) 386-5400