As a bicyclist, you are more vulnerable to experiencing injuries in an accident than drivers of passenger vehicles. Certain areas of the road may place you at a higher risk of accidents and injuries than others, such as intersections.
Learn the dangers of intersections for bicyclists and what to do after a bicycle accident in an intersection in New Jersey.
Why Are Intersections Dangerous for Bicyclists?
Bicyclists should take extra caution when traveling through intersections, including those with traffic lights and stop signs. Intersections present a high risk to cyclists for a few reasons:
- Lack of visibility: Motorists sometimes do not see bicyclists in their blind spots. This can be especially dangerous at an intersection, where motorists are often changing lanes and making turns. The heavy traffic in an intersection could also impact the visibility of bicyclists, as motorists may overlook cyclists in these busy areas.
- Traffic congestion: Bicycle collisions are often likely to occur in areas with congested traffic. Intersections tend to be busy, with vehicles approaching and turning from all sides.
- Unclear right-of-way: Motorists may not always know who has the right-of-way in an intersection where bicycles are present. They may turn out in front of a bicyclist or fail to give them space to merge into other lanes of traffic.
- Lack of designated bike infrastructure: While some roadways now have designated bicycle lanes, these lanes can become more confusing near intersections. Motorists may need to cross through a bicycle lane to enter a turning lane, and they may not realize they need to watch out for cyclists before doing so. Some bike lanes end at intersections, requiring bicyclists to merge into other lanes.
How To Protect Your Safety at an Intersection
While the risk of bicycle accidents in intersections in NJ is higher than on other parts of the roadway, bicyclists can take a few steps to help reduce the risk of intersection crashes.
- Wear bright, reflective clothing to increase your visibility as much as possible.
- Use hand signals to alert other motorists before changing lanes or turning.
- When approaching an intersection, stay to the left side of your lane so drivers behind and in front of you can see you.
- Walk your bike across busy intersections via the crosswalk.
- Always check for oncoming traffic before entering an intersection.
What To Do After a Bicycle Accident in an Intersection
If you were involved in a bicycle accident in an intersection in New Jersey, you may be facing significant injuries. Following these steps may help you protect your rights and strengthen a potential injury claim, if one is warranted.
- Call 911 and report the accident. Reporting a bicycle accident provides you with documentation to use as part of an insurance claim or lawsuit.
- Seek medical treatment. This will provide you with medical documentation that can help establish a direct connection between your injuries and the accident.
- Explore an insurance claim. In some cases, a bicyclist can use the personal injury protection (PIP) coverage on their auto policy to pay for medical expenses resulting from a bicycle crash. You may also have the opportunity to file an insurance claim through the at-fault driver’s insurance.
- Consult a bike accident lawyer. An experienced attorney can help you explore your legal rights and options after a traffic signal accident. If you are eligible to pursue a claim, they can help you navigate the legal process.
Seek Legal Assistance After a Bicycle Accident in an Intersection
At Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers, we represent bicyclists across New Jersey through accident claims and personal injury lawsuits. If you were involved in a bicycle accident in an intersection, call 855-296-3413 to schedule a free consultation with our bike accident lawyers.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ):
Q: Why are intersections dangerous for bicyclists in New Jersey?
A: Intersections are dangerous for bicyclists due to lack of visibility, traffic congestion, unclear right-of-way, and a lack of designated bike infrastructure.
Q: What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident in an intersection?
A: After a bicycle accident, you should call 911, seek medical treatment, explore insurance claims, and consider consulting a bike accident lawyer.
Q: Can a bicyclist file a claim after an intersection accident in NJ?
A: Yes, bicyclists may be able to use their personal injury protection (PIP) coverage or file a claim through the at-fault driver’s insurance. Consulting a lawyer can help explore legal options.
