New Jersey Injury Attorney Blog

A 26-year-old man was recently killed in a New Jersey bicycle accident involving a hit-and-run driver, according to The Star Ledger, on Georges Road in New Brunswick. Officials say the New Brunswick man was riding his bicycle when a dark-colored Toyota 4Runner, built between 1995 and 2002, crossed into oncoming traffic and struck him. The 26-year-old bicyclist was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. The 4Runner immediately left the scene of the accident. Officials are looking for the public's help to track down the hit-and-run driver.

New Jersey motorists are legally required to stop and remain at the scene of an accident when someone has been injured or killed. According to N.J.S.A. 39:4-129: "The driver of any vehicle, knowingly involved in an accident resulting in injury or death to any person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close thereto as possible but shall then forthwith return to and in every event shall remain at the scene until he has fulfilled the requirements of subsection," including contacting the authorities and exchanging information with the injured victim.

The family of someone killed in a New Jersey hit-and-run accident would be well advised to discuss how to pursue compensation for the victim's wrongful death with an experienced personal injury lawyer. A skilled attorney can inform families in such cases about how they may seek compensation through the uninsured motorist clause of their own auto insurance policy in cases where the hit-and-run suspect is not found.

The reputed New Jersey bicycle accident injury lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have a proven track record of handling hit-and-run cases in New Jersey. If you have lost a loved one in a fatal crash, please contact us at (609) 240-0040 for a complimentary consultation.

Bicycle riders are prone to suffering devastating injuries whenever they are involved in a collision. While no amount of safety precautions can prevent all New Jersey bicycle accidents, there are steps that bicyclists can take to help prevent being struck by a vehicle.

One of the most important steps for bicyclists to staying safe on the roadway is to make themselves seen. All riders should wear bright and reflective gear while riding, whether it is dark out or not. Bicycles should have a white flashlight on the front near the handlebars and reflectors on the back of the pedals and behind the seat. Bicyclists should also make it a habit to not enter an intersection until they have made eye contact with any nearby driver. Assuming that you are seen by a driver can be a tragic mistake.

All bicyclists would be well advised to ride facing oncoming traffic and to stay to the far left side of the shoulder. Cycling routes should be preplanned around roadways with safe and wide shoulders and adequate street lighting. Last, but not least, New Jersey bicyclists should always remember to wear a helmet, which has been proven to help prevent catastrophic head injuries and fatalities.

The New Jersey bicycle accident lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have successfully handled personal injury cases representing the rights of injured bicyclists and their families. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a New Jersey bicycle accident, please call our offices at (609) 240-0040 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.

According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than one fifth of all fatal bicycle accidents involve a youth between the ages of 5 and 15. A majority of accidents and injuries are entirely preventable, and in order to keep their children safe, parents can take a number of bicycle precautions.

First and foremost, parents should not let their children ride without a helmet that fits snugly on their head. Having the right helmet can prevent a traumatic brain injury in New Jersey, which is most commonly suffered in bicycle accidents. Also, it is important that the bike is the right size for the child. If your child is ever involved in an accident or damages his or her helmet, make sure to replace it before your child rides again. Even if the damage is minimal, you want to make sure that the helmet is in good working condition.

Children should be taught early on to look left, right, and then left again before crossing the road. If your child is riding after sunset, make sure that the bike has multiple reflectors and that he or she is wearing bright clothing. It may also be in your best interest to teach your child hand signals so that cars will know when your child plans on turning. And last but not least, teach your child to follow the rules of the road, as this can help prevent the possibility of an accident occurring from unsafe riding.

If your child is injured in a bicycle accident caused by someone else's negligence, the experienced Princeton bicycle accident injury lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein can help. Please call our offices at (609) 240-0040 to find out how we can help protect your child's legal rights.

A 54-year-old man was killed recently after a car struck his bicycle in Somerset County. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, the fatal bicycle accident occurred on East Main Street in Bridgewater. The bicyclist was fatally injured when a vehicle struck him from behind. The driver of the Mercedes Benz involved in this fatal crash failed to remain at the scene of the accident. Officials have requested information from anyone who may have witnessed this tragic hit-and-run accident.

It is a crime to leave the scene of an accident, especially when someone has been injured or killed. New Jersey Code 39:4-129 states: “The driver of any vehicle, knowingly involved in an accident resulting in injury or death to any person, shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close thereto as possible but shall then forthwith return to and in every event shall remain at the scene.”

The family of someone killed in a bicycle accident in New Jersey may pursue financial compensation from the at-fault driver by filing a wrongful death claim. This process becomes more complicated when the negligent driver leaves the scene of the crash and the authorities are unable to locate the at-fault party. In such cases, compensation may still be available through the uninsured motorist clause of the victim's or the family's own auto insurance policy.

The knowledgeable bike accident lawyers in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein know and understand how to handle complex accident cases, including hit-and-run accidents or incidents that involve uninsured or underinsured motorists. Please call our law offices at 609-240-0040 to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights.

More people take to their bikes during the summer than any other time of year. More bikes, of course, means there is the potential for more bicycle accidents. Bike collisions in New Jersey are tragically common and the resulting injuries can be catastrophic. This summer, make sure you and your family are safe by following safe riding habits at all times.

One reason why there are more summertime bicycle accidents than other times of year is because it is warmer at night. Riding your bike at night is particularly dangerous because of limited visibility. Nighttime riders should have a white light on the front of their bike and reflectors on the front, pedals and rear of the bicycle. Additionally, bright clothes should be worn at all times. If possible, it can even help to wear a reflective vest.

Many summertime bicycle accidents occur near New Jersey's beautiful beaches. All bike riders should remember that many drivers leaving the beach have likely been drinking. Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol are less likely to obey traffic control devices or properly yield the right-of-way to bicyclists. Always bike defensively and keep your eyes open for dangerous or reckless drivers.

Under New Jersey Statute 39:4-10.1, only individuals under the age of 17 are required to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle in New Jersey, but all bike riders would be well advised to wear a helmet. It may feel too warm in this summer to wear a helmet while riding, but failure to wear an approved and properly fitting helmet can put you at risk of a serious head injury in the event of a crash.

The bicycle accident attorneys in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein wish you and yours a safe summer. However, if you or a loved one are injured in a bike crash caused by the negligence of another, please do not hesitate to call our law offices for a free consultation at 609-240-0040.

According to the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety, a head injury is the most serious injury type and the most common cause of death among bicyclists. It is for this reason that all bicyclists under the age of 17 are required to wear a helmet. In fact, all bicyclists are encouraged to wear a helmet while riding to help prevent catastrophic head injuries. Of course, the best way to avoid a serious New Jersey bike crash injury is to practice safe riding habits.

Bicyclists should not cross the street without first coming to a complete stop and making sure that motorists are aware of their intentions. Even though motorists in New Jersey are supposed to give the same right of way privileges to bicyclists as they do other drivers, it is common for drivers to fail to yield to bicyclists at intersections because of the smaller size of the bicycle. Drivers, for example, do not consciously look for a bicycle at a street intersection.

When possible, it is best for bicyclists to ride on sidewalks. When this is not an option, bicyclists should ride on the shoulder facing traffic. When riding at night, bright and reflective gear should be worn. Reflectors should be installed on the front and back of the bike frame as well as on the bike pedals. Also, a white light should be placed on the front of the bicycle to help illuminate the path ahead and to help oncoming vehicles see the bicyclist.

Despite these safe habits, there is always the possibility of bicycle accidents being caused by negligent drivers. When a New Jersey bike crash does occur, the Princeton bike accident lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein are here to help. Our experienced attorneys provide free consultations at 609-240-0040 to anyone injured in a bicycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence. Call us today to find out how we can help.

Recently, a woman was seriously injured after her bicycle was struck by a hit-and-run taxi cab driver at Clinton and West Side Avenues in Jersey City, according to a news report in The Jersey Journal. Officials say the taxi driver struck the bicyclist, dragged her underneath the taxi cab, and then reversed the vehicle and drove away. The female bicyclist suffered critical injuries. Authorities are searching for the taxi driver, whom officials have identified as a man with dreadlocks and is about 5 feet 9 inches tall.

Under New Jersey Statute 39:4-129: “The driver of any vehicle, knowingly involved in an accident resulting in injury or death to any person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident.” It is a felony to leave an injured victim without offering assistance. Victims of hit-and-run accidents are often left holding medical bills and are faced with additional financial burdens such as rehabilitation costs and loss of wages.

When the authorities find the hit-and-run driver, the victim may hold the at-fault motorist civilly liable for the crash by filing a personal injury claim. Victims of New Jersey bicycle accidents caused by hit-and-run drivers who are not located may be able to file a claim with their own insurance company if they have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. If the bike crash was caused due to a dangerous roadway or intersection, the governmental entity responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held civilly liable for the injuries and damages caused.

The Princeton bicycle crash lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have successfully helped injured victims and their families in New Jersey obtain just compensation for their damages and losses following a bike accident. Contact us at 609-240-0040 for a free, comprehensive, and completely confidential consultation today.

There are many potential causes of New Jersey bicycle accidents. When someone is injured while riding their bike in New Jersey, they may be able to pursue compensation for their injuries if the accident was caused by someone else's negligence. Injured victims can seek compensation for losses such as time away from work, medical bills and even non-economic damages such as pain and suffering and emotional distress. Very often, the at-fault party is a negligent driver, but there are cases where bicycle accidents are caused by dangerous or defective roadways.

Bicycles provide no real protection for their riders, and so bicyclists involved in an accident are prone to serious injuries. When an accident is caused by a hazardous roadway, the governmental entity responsible for maintaining that roadway could be held liable for the damages. In order to do this, the victim will have to show that the hazardous roadway caused the accident and resulting injuries and that the governing body in charge of the roadway could have prevented the crash by rectifying the problem.

Examples of dangerous roadway conditions that can lead to New Jersey bicycle accidents include potholes, damaged sewer grates, uneven pavement, bike trails that are not properly maintained, lack of bike lanes and dangerous railroad crossings. Such hazardous roadways can cause catastrophic injuries including traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage. A bicyclist who has been injured as a result of a dangerous roadway would be well-advised to contact a reputed New Jersey personal injury lawyer who has the experience standing up and fighting against public entities on behalf of injured clients and their families.

The knowledgeable Princeton bicycle accident attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein serve all of New Jersey. We understand the difficulties and challenges that come with filing a claim against a governmental entity. Our tenacious, skilled injury lawyers are here to help you recover fair compensation for all your injuries damages and losses. Call us today at 609-240-0040 for a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation.

If you have been hurt in a bike accident in New Jersey, the steps you take immediately after the crash will affect your ability to receive compensation for your injuries. The first thing you should do is contact the local authorities before seeking medical attention for your injuries. It is important that you file a police report so there is a record of the accident. Do not negotiate terms with the driver involved or admit fault for the crash. Instead, simply exchange information with the driver and wait for emergency services to arrive.

When the police arrive at the scene of the New Jersey bicycle crash, make sure your account of the incident is included in the report. If the police do not come, you should file a report at the nearest station within 24 hours. The police report may later serve as a valuable tool to explain how the crash occurred. You should also preserve your damaged bicycle, take photos of the crash scene, obtain eyewitness contact information, and keep track of your medical records.

Motorists who cause serious New Jersey bike crashes often dispute the charges while their insurance company may deny the victim’s claims. In such cases, an experienced attorney may be required to help protect the rights of the victim. A skilled lawyer can negotiate terms with insurance companies, and when necessary, represent the victim in a civil lawsuit.

The New Jersey bicycle accident attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein help injured victims hold at-fault drivers accountable for the accidents and injuries they cause. If a negligent driver has injured you or a loved one, call us at 609-240-0040 to discuss your legal rights and options.

A 46-year-old Carneys Point man was injured in a bike accident recently when a car struck his bicycle. According to a news report on NJ.com, the bicycle crash occurred on North Broadway in Pennsville Township as the bicyclist was riding on the shoulder when a vehicle driven by a 63-year-old man turned in front of him. The bicyclist was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Officials say the driver was at fault and was issued a citation for careless driving. It is unclear why the motorist failed to see the bicyclist.

According to a 2008 report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 20 people were killed in New Jersey bicycle accidents, which accounts for 3.4 percent of all traffic accident-related fatalities across the state. It is common for bicyclists to be overlooked by distracted and negligent drivers. Anytime a bicyclist is injured in an accident, especially due to someone else's negligence, they would be well-advised to speak to a skilled lawyer to learn about their legal options.

One option that may be available to injured bicycle accident victims is to file a personal injury claim, which is a civil lawsuit that allows the victim to hold the at-fault driver responsible for the injuries and damages sustained in a New Jersey accident. Common damages recovered in a successful claim include coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, and cost of continued treatment such as physical therapy or chiropractic care.

To understand the compensation that may be available to you following a car or bicycle accident in New Jersey, please call an experienced Princeton bicycle accident lawyer of Lependorf & Silverstein at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation. We have a long history of securing fair and full compensation for our clients.

A Rutgers student was killed recently when a pickup truck struck her bicycle. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, the fatal New Jersey bicycle accident occurred on Route 18 north of New Brunswick. It is not clear if the 21-year-old bicyclist was riding or walking her bike across the street when she was hit. The pickup driver has not yet been cited for the fatal collision.

Under New Jersey Statute 39:4-14.1, “Every person riding a bicycle on a roadway is granted all the rights and subject to all of the duties of the motor vehicle driver.” This means that bicyclists in New Jersey must adhere to the same rules of the road as motorists. Bicyclists who choose to walk their bike across the street, however, are granted the same rights of a pedestrian. For example, when a bicyclist is walking their bike in a crosswalk, motorists must yield right-of-way just as they would in the case of a pedestrian.

The family of someone who has been tragically killed by a negligent driver in New Jersey may hold the at-fault motorist accountable for the crash by filing a wrongful death claim. No amount of money can replace the life of a loved one, but a successful wrongful death claim can help a family handle the financial losses suffered as result of a fatal collision. Common losses compensated by a New Jersey wrongful death claim include medical expenses, funeral bills, lost future income, and mental anguish.

The Princeton wrongful death lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have successfully represented the rights of families of victims who have lost their lives in an accident caused by a negligent driver. If you have suffered such an irreparable loss, please contact our law offices at 609-240-0040 for a free, comprehensive, and confidential consultation.

A 24-year-old man was killed in a Jersey City truck accident when he was struck by a tractor-trailer while riding his bicycle. According to a news report in The Jersey Journal, the fatal bicycle accident took place on Route 1&9 at Duncan Avenue in Jersey City. The man was riding his bicycle across 1&9 when a 2004 Freightliner rig struck him. Police investigating the crash are looking into who had right-of-way at the intersection.

The most common cause of a street intersection accident in New Jersey is failure to yield right-of-way. Under New Jersey law, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of other vehicles. The family of someone killed in a New Jersey car accident or bike crash may pursue financial compensation for their losses. A wrongful death claim is filed by immediate family members and seeks compensation to cover medical and funeral costs and lost future income. Anyone who has lost a loved one in a New Jersey bicycle accident would be well advised to speak with a skilled Princeton wrongful death attorney.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a New Jersey bicycle accident, please contact the experienced Princeton bike crash lawyers of Lependorf & Silverstein for a free consultation. Call us at 609-240-0040 today to find out how we can help protect your legal rights and options.

A man and a boy were struck by a vehicle and seriously injured while riding their bicycles in Readington on Saturday, May 1. According to The Star-Ledger, the driver of the vehicle which struck the pair of cyclists fled the scene prior to police arriving. The hit-and-run driver’s vehicle was ultimately stopped by law enforcement officials and the suspect was subsequently charged with careless driving and leaving the scene of an accident in New Jersey.

One of the biggest obstacles to overcome in bringing a New Jersey personal injury lawsuit related to a bicycle accident is the common misconception that cyclists are reckless and generally a nuisance on the public roads. If you have been struck by a vehicle while riding your bike, it is crucial that you take measures to preserve relevant evidence. You should:

1. take photos;


2. document relevant road conditions;


3. obtain detailed information regarding property damage; and


4. record any other important information that might have effected traffic, visibility or maneuverability.

Continue reading "Readington Hit-and-Run Crash Injures Pair of Bicyclists" »

A 55-year-old East Windsor woman has been charged with vehicular homicide after it was discovered she was under the influence of prescription medication when she struck and killed a handicapped cyclist riding on Dutch Neck Road on February 16th.

The 54-year-old East Windsor male resident with cerebral palsy was pronounced dead at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Hamilton shortly after the accident near the intersection of Dutch Neck Road and Wilmor Drive. The man was operating a specially designed tricycle. According to police, the man was riding west on Dutch neck Road when he was struck from behind by the woman’s vehicle. The force of the impact sent him flying into a snow bank at the side of the road.

The man’s close relatives will be able to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. There are multiple elements to a wrongful death lawsuit in New Jerseythat an experienced wrongful death attorney can explore.

Conscious pain and suffering is one important element of a wrongful death lawsuit. An experienced wrongful death attorney will hire a medical expert who can review the autopsy and medical reports and opine as to the pain and suffering that the decedent experienced before his or her death. This pain and suffering is compensable.

Continue reading "Motorist Charged in East Windsor Cyclist's Death" »

A 27-year-old bicyclist suffered severe injuries on Route 46 in Parsippany, The Star-Ledger reports in a story. The bicyclist, who has not yet been identified by officials, was discovered injured by another driver who then called authorities. The injured victim was found lying on the shoulder of Route 46 east between Cherry Hill Road and Lackawanna Avenue. The bicyclist was still straddling the bike he had been riding, the news report states. He was severely injured and was taken to an area hospital. Police are looking for anyone who may have witnessed this possible hit-and-run bike accident in New Jersey.

Whether involving a pedestrian, bicyclist, or another vehicle, leaving the scene of a New Jersey car accident is a crime. The law (39:4-129 – Action in case of accident) states: "The driver of any vehicle, knowingly involved in an accident resulting in injury or death to any person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close thereto as possible but shall then forthwith return to and in every event shall remain at the scene until he has fulfilled the requirements of subsection (c) of this section. Every such stop shall be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary. Any person who shall violate this subsection shall be fined not less than $2,500 nor more than $5,000, or be imprisoned for a period of 180 days, or both. The term of imprisonment required by this subsection shall be imposed only if the accident resulted in death or injury to a person other than the driver convicted of violating this section.

Section (c) of that code states the driver must give his name and address and show his driver's license and vehicle registration to the person injured or to the individual whose property has been damaged. Motorists are also required under this law to render "reasonable assistance" to the injured party, which could include taking the person to a hospital or getting help to transport him or her to the hospital.

If you have been seriously injured in a New Jersey bike accident, pedestrian accident, or auto accident as a result of someone else's negligence, please contact an experienced New Jersey auto accident attorney who will help hold the negligent parties accountable and help you secure fair compensation for your injuries and loss. At Lependorf & Silverstein, we are skilled in personal injury law have the knowledge and resources to provide the quality legal representation you need during this difficult time. Call us today for a free evaluation.

A 49-year-old resident of Vineland, New Jersey, died from massive head trauma sustained in a bicycle accident after he was struck by a motor vehicle at a city street intersection. According to this news report, the accident occurred on October 24, 2008 when 49-year-old Gonzolo Sola Jr. was riding his bicycle near the corner of North 6th Street and Park Avenue. Sola had reportedly been crossing Park Avenue toward Landis Park when he was struck by 86-year-old Angelo Pinizzotto, who was heading west.

Sola was taken to an area hospital with massive head trauma. Pinizzotto was uninjured. Sola died a few hours after getting to the hospital. Police have not cited or arrested Pinizzotto pending further investigation.

Traffic investigators will very likely look into what caused this tragic Vineland bicycle accident. They will undoubtedly look into whether Pinizzotto was speeding or driving under the influence. Police will also look into whether the driver in this case was negligent or distracted by something else he was doing while operating his vehicle.

Often, families of deceased auto accident victims are entitled to compensation for wrongful death in cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved. If you or a loved one has lost someone in a fatal auto accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, please call a skilled New Jersey auto accident lawyer at Lependorf & Silverstein to find out more about your legal options. We will fight hard to protect your rights and get the compensation you rightfully deserve.