With so many cars on the road, walking or riding a bike has become a dangerous prospect. Many victims of pedestrian or bicycle accidents don’t follow up because they assume that they are at fault. Drivers of automobiles do not have the right to simply run pedestrians over. Even if someone is crossing against the crosswalk, drivers can be found negligent if it can be determined that there was at least a chance of slowing down and avoiding the accident. If you’ve been injured by a vehicle while walking or riding a bike, don’t make any assumptions until you’ve contacted an attorney.

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Motorcycle and Bicycle Accidents

While both parties in a minor automobile accident are often able to walk away unharmed, motorcyclists and bicyclists are particularly vulnerable to injury when struck by another vehicle. Victims of such accidents often suffer permanent disabilities, and a relatively large number do not survive. When such an accident is the result of another driver’s negligent actions, including willful disregard of traffic laws and driving under the influence, that driver is responsible for the injuries sustained by the victim. If you or a loved one has been struck by a motor vehicle while operating a motorcycle or bicycle, contact Brunnock & Fleming today for a free evaluation of your case.

Motorcyclists and bicyclists, and especially the victims of motorcycle or bicycle accidents, need to know the facts and laws about operating their vehicle. We have the statistics on motorcycle and bicycle accidents, safety tips to prevent collisions, and some important do’s and don’ts that can help you prevent, or handle, an accident. The New Jersey motorcycle and bicycle accident lawyers of Brunnock & Fleming encourage you to stay abreast of the latest safety and traffic laws to ensure you reach your destination uninjured. Get the facts below.

Statistics – Motorcycle and Bicycle Accidents

Safety Tips for Motorcyclists and Bicyclists

Important Do’s and Don’ts after a Motorcycle or Bicycle Accident

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Statistics - Motorcycle and Bicycle Accidents

Our New Jersey-based motorcycle and bicycle accident lawyers are proficient in building comprehensive, successful cases for accident victims and their families. Information is a powerful tool that we can, and should, use to protect ourselves. Here are some of the most pertinent statistics on motorcycle and bicycle accidents:

Motorcycle Statistics

  • Each year in New Jersey there are approximately 3,000 motorcyclists injured, and about 100 annual motorcycle-related fatalities
  • The number one cause of death in a motorcycle accident is traumatic brain injury
  • Two-thirds of all motorcycle accidents involving another motor vehicle occur because the other driver could not see the motorcyclist
  • Nearly one-half of all motorcycle accidents occur at turns and corners
  • In motorcycle accidents not involving another vehicle, more than 60 percent result from excessive speed.

Bicycle Statistics

  • The number one cause of permanent injury or death in a bicycle-related accident is traumatic brain injury
  • Approximately 42,000 bicyclists are injured each year in the U.S., 30 percent of whom are children under the age of 14
  • 70 percent of bicycle accidents take place at driveways or other intersections
  • Despite having comparably severe injuries, bicyclists receive about 40 percent less compensation than car accident victims after a settlement

For more information on traffic and safety laws in New Jersey, and for a free case appraisal, get in touch with the motorcycle and bicycle accident lawyers of Brunnock & Fleming today.

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Safety Tips for Motorcyclists and Bicyclists

In the state of New Jersey, motorcyclists and bicyclists are required to wear safety helmets any time they ride their bike. And for good reason: wearing a helmet reduces the severity of head trauma by almost 40 percent. But there’s more to motorcycle and bicycle safety than just strapping on a helmet. Here are our top 10 tips to keep you safe:

  • Always look both ways before entering an intersection
  • Avoid riding at night; if you do ride at night, wear reflective clothing and have functioning head lights and reflectors
  • Always wear a helmet, preferably one certified by the American National Standards Institute
  • Obey all traffic laws; bicyclists need to remember that having the same rights as motor vehicles means having the same responsibilities as well
  • Do not ride against traffic
  • Do not weave in and out of traffic/lanes
  • Always wear protective clothing, such as eyeglasses, jackets, and gloves made of durable material
  • Be an aggressive driver—don’t assume the other motorists see you
  • Do not follow another vehicle too closely
  • Stay on top of rider safety and skill by attending a motorcycle or bicycle safety class

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Important Do’s and Don’ts after a Motorcycle or Bicycle Accident

After a motorcycle accident or bicycle accident, the shock, pain, and fear that result can be overwhelming and often lead victims to make critical mistakes, hindering their cases later. At the New Jersey law firm of Brunnock & Fleming, our motorcycle and bicycle accident lawyers know exactly what those mistakes are, and how to avoid them. If you’ve been in an accident—or you have a loved one suffering from an accident—we encourage you to read our list of Do’s and Don’ts to ensure the viability of your case.

  • Do seek immediate medical attention, even if you have no apparent injuries
  • Don’t give permission to access your medical records to the other driver’s insurance company
  • Do request that any other people involved in the accident have a complete medical exam
  • Don’t admit to any wrongdoing, even if you are uncertain
  • Do call the police or other local authorities; even in a minor, non-injury accident it’s a good idea to have formal, indisputable legal documentation
  • Don’t accept any checks at the scene of the accident
  • Do get the full name and address of any witnesses
  • Don’t make any statement to the insurance companies about the extent of your injuries; anything you say can be used against you later
  • Do take photographs of the accident, the damages to your motorcycle or bicycle and the vehicle(s) of the other drivers, as well as the injuries you sustained
  • Don’t wait until it’s too late—contact one of our lawyers immediately to begin a thorough investigation of your motorcycle or bicycle accident

Even if you have made one of the common mistakes listed above, you might still have a case. Contact our New Jersey motorcycle and bicycle accident lawyers as soon as possible.

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Contact a Motorcycle or Bicycle Accident Lawyer

For more than 20 years, the New Jersey lawyers of Brunnock & Fleming have represented the victims of both motorcycle accidents and bicycle accidents. We know how they happen, we know why they happen, and we know what to do to ensure that each and every one of our clients achieves the maximum compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle or bicycle accident, or currently suffer from accident-related injuries, contact our attorneys right away.

Library for Motorcycle and Bicycle Accidents:

  • Motorcycles Use The Roads Too   
    Description: Most motorcyclists do everything they can to make sure that they are traveling as safely as possible.

    It's too bad that car drivers dont do the same thing.
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