Hamilton Township Bike Accident Lawyers

Proudly serving all of New Jersey

---

Were You Injured on a Bike in Mercer County? We May Be Able to Help

At Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C., we have firsthand experience with the danger bicyclists face each day, because attorney David E. Silverstein is an avid bicyclist. We know it provides a form of exercise and is an alternative method of transportation that does not pollute the environment. It also helps reduce the traffic on our roadways. And bike riders love the low cost of owning and operating a bike.

But unfortunately, as a cyclist, you have little protection from the acts of an aggressive or negligent driver. We are here to protect your rights after a collision in Hamilton Township. For a free consultation with one of our Hamilton Township personal injury lawyers, please call (609) 240-0040.

Back to Top

The Benefits of Bicycling in Hamilton

Hamilton is home to over 64 parks, and bicycling is allowed in many of them. Here are some places to bike in Hamilton Township:

Beside Mercer Street and Hughes Drive, Sayen House and Gardens are free to visitors. In the Gardens, bicyclists are permitted to travel with caution.

Veterans Park, a 350-acre facility that includes the largest playground in New Jersey, has multiple sections with biking. It is open to the public from dawn till dusk. We just don’t recommend taking a ride by for Oktoberfest, when the park is full of happy community members celebrating the autumn season, carnival-style.

Mercer County Park is huge – 2,500 acres covering Hamilton, West Windsor, and Lawrence Townships. It’s a popular destination for mountain bikers and hikers, as its trails cut through heavily wooded areas. Mercer County Park itself has a paved trail that spans a little over three miles, and a dedicated bike path that runs along the main road in the park. All trails at Mercer Meadows allow bicycling.

Or, maybe you just want to ride through downtown Hamilton itself: along I-195, in front of the Hamilton Township Free Public Library, in front of Hamilton Township Health Building, and more places, because you never know where you might see a sculpture or work of art!

Abbott Marshlands has a multiple bike trails at John A. Roebling Park. The terrain is relatively flat, and trails vary from easy to moderate in difficulty. It’s a great place to go slightly “off-road” and get closer to nature, and by “nature,” we mean the swampy wetlands! You can breathtaking views and animals, if you’re patient and pay attention.

But no matter where you go, it is important to understand the laws of the road, which apply to bicycles as well as motorized vehicles. Not all drivers know these rules, so when you pass a motor vehicle, be aware of your surroundings and stay on guard for potential crashes. However, that does not excuse a driver for hitting you, and he or she can and should be held responsible for your costs.

Back to Top

What to Look Out For

The Garden State Tour de Cure, hosted by the American Diabetes Association, passes through Hamilton Township with its 100-mile course every summer, which brings quite a few runners and cyclists to the area. Any time cars and bicycles have to mingle, accidents happen – and bicyclists are left with much worse injuries.

There are many potential causes of bike-and-car accidents in Hamilton Township. When surveying your surroundings, look out for the following:

• Distracted or impaired drivers: Drivers who are swerving or not staying in their lanes, drivers who are slow to react to red or green lights, drivers obviously focusing on a cell phone, or drivers who are unable to maintain a constant speed represent a much higher risk to riders.
• Dooring: When you pass parked or stopped cars on the street or in a parking lot, be aware of the fact that a person could open a car door and block your path. Look for occupants in these cars and be aware that a door could open on either side of the vehicle.
• Dangerous road conditions: Not only does debris on the road represent a danger to bicyclists, but so does damage to the road surface itself. Other obstacles, such as low-hanging trees or damaged signs protruding into the roadway, can also cause a bike accident. Finally, weather conditions can have a huge impact on the safety of bike riders. Wet or slippery roads can be difficult to maneuver and can also require a greater stopping distance for motor vehicles.

Bike riders should also regularly inspect their bikes for any signs of wear or damage. When you take a new bike out for a spin, you should be checking for defective parts or improper assembly of any parts.

Back to Top

Who Could Be Liable?

In many accidents involving a bicycle in Hamilton Township, the driver of a vehicle violates a traffic law and causes the collision. The rider of the bicycle has the right to be compensated for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and damage to the bicycle.

If an unsafe road condition, like a massive pothole, a dangerous turn with no warning sign, or debris in the road caused the crash, Hamilton Township itself could be held responsible for your losses. For this to occur, your NJ bike accident attorney would need to show that the department in charge of maintaining the roadway was negligent in performing its duties, which resulted in the accident.

Understanding your rights as the victim of an accident can be a challenge. But the lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C., have over 25 years of experience seeking justice for Hamilton Township bike accident victims. Call (609) 240-0040 today to schedule your free consultation.

Back to Top