®Lodi Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Injured in Jersey? Peter's Got Your Back!
A crash on your bike can leave you hurt, scared and unsure who will pay for any of it. At The Law Offices of Peter N. Davis & Associates, LLC, our Lodi bicycle accident lawyer stands with injured riders and fights the insurance companies that try to blame them.
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Cyclists have almost no protection when a car turns, drifts or swings a door into their path. As a Lodi bicycle accident lawyer team that has served this borough for decades, we see riders leave Main Street and Essex Street crashes with broken bones, head injuries and bikes that are beyond repair.
Many of those riders are treated at Hackensack University Medical Center, just a few minutes from Lodi. By the time they get home, the driver’s insurer may already be building a case that the rider was careless, hard to see or riding in the wrong spot.
If you wait, evidence can disappear and deadlines can pass. As your Lodi personal injury lawyer, we step in quickly, protect your rights and go after every dollar you are owed.
Call (973) 279-7246 any time, day or night, for your free case review.
Proving a driver caused your Lodi bike crash
To win a bicycle injury claim in New Jersey, our team must prove four things. Here is what each one means for a rider hurt in Lodi:
- Duty of care: Every driver must watch for cyclists and share the road safely. New Jersey’s safe passing law adds a clear rule for how drivers must pass a bike.
- Breach of duty: The driver broke that duty by speeding, texting, cutting you off or opening a door without looking. We use police reports, video and witness accounts to show what went wrong.
- Causation: The driver’s mistake must have caused your crash and your injuries. Medical records and crash evidence connect the two.
- Damages: You must have real losses, such as medical bills, lost pay or pain. We gather proof of every loss so nothing is left out.
New Jersey follows modified comparative negligence under N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.1. You can still recover if you are not more at fault than the other side, but your award drops by your share of fault.
Additional reading: how comparative negligence works in New Jersey auto accident cases
Hypothetical scenario: A cyclist is riding along Main Street when a parked driver flings open a door without checking the mirror. The rider hits the door, breaks a wrist and is told by the insurer that she was riding “too close” to parked cars, even though the driver had a duty to look first.
What your bicycle injury claim can cover
A bike crash can affect your body, your job and your peace of mind. The money you may recover usually falls into three groups:
- Economic damages: These cover hospital bills, therapy, future care, lost wages and lost earning power. They also include the cost to repair or replace your bike, helmet and gear.
- Non-economic damages: These pay for pain, emotional distress, scarring and the loss of activities you enjoyed. For many riders, that includes losing the ability to ride at all.
- Punitive damages: These are rare and are meant to punish very reckless conduct, such as a drunk driver who hits a cyclist. New Jersey caps them under N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.14.
If your own auto policy has the limitation on lawsuit option, we may need to show your injury meets the threshold in N.J.S.A. 39:6A-8 to claim pain and suffering. We review your policy early so there are no surprises later.
Ways to reach our Lodi bicycle accident lawyer
Reaching our Lodi office is simple, and your first case review costs nothing. Choose the option that works best for you:
- Telephone: Call (973) 279-7246. We answer calls 24/7.
- Online form: Fill out our free case review form and a member of our team will reach out.
- In person: Visit us at 72 Essex Street, Suite 2, Lodi, NJ 07644.
Your consultation is free, so tell us what happened and let us explain your options.
Peter N. Davis
Founder & Personal Injury Attorney
Peter N. Davis founded The Law Offices of Peter N. Davis & Associates, LLC and has spent over 37 years representing injured people across New Jersey. Before starting his firm, he worked in insurance defense, giving him firsthand insight into how insurers evaluate and fight claims. He is licensed in New Jersey, New York, and Colorado and earned his J.D. from Golden Gate University School of Law.
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What Our Clients Are Saying About Us!
Real Clients and Real Reviews
I had a very positive experience with the Law Offices of Peter N. Davis & Associates. Nick Barrone handled my case, and I couldn’t be happier with the level of service I received. After my auto accident in Jersey City, NJ, I was dealing with ongoing back and neck pain and wasn’t sure what to expect from the legal process. Nick was professional, attentive, and always made sure I understood each step along the way. He took the time to answer my questions and genuinely cared about my situation. I felt supported throughout the entire process, which made a stressful situation much easier to handle. The firm worked diligently on my behalf and kept me informed the whole time. I truly appreciate their dedication and effort in helping me through this difficult experience. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of a reliable and compassionate attorney.
I highly recommend Peter Davis & Associates. In particular, Mr. David Ventoso, Esq. did an excellent job helping and assisting me. Mr. Ventoso was knowledgeable, professional and responsive.
All the staff members at the firm took the time to explain every detail and step of the process; they answered all my questions and were always kind. Special thanks to Ms. Carolyn for doing an amazing job.
If you're looking for an attorney in NJ who is trustworthy and really cares, Peter Davis & Associates is an excellent choice.
I highly recommend the Law Offices of Peter N. Davis.
After I was rear-ended in a car accident and suffered injuries to my neck and back, they provided outstanding representation during a very difficult time in my life.
My attorney, Robert Russotti, and my case manager, Muminah Ramadan, were professional, compassionate, and attentive throughout the entire process. They helped me obtain the medical treatment I needed and were always available to answer my questions and address any concerns I had. Their diligence, communication, and dedication gave me peace of mind while I focused on my recovery.
I am truly grateful for the support and guidance they provided during my hardship. I would not hesitate to recommend the Law Offices of Peter N. Davis to my family and friends.
Thank you so much for your help.
I want to especially thank David Ventoso for always informing me what was going on with my case. He kept up with all my questions and answered every time I called him.
Awesome staff also
Thank you again
Angela Selby
I had a great experience working with David Ventoso at the Law Offices of Peter N. Davis after my motor vehicle accident. I suffered injuries to my knee and lower back, and Mr. Ventoso along with Carolyn guided me through the entire process from start to finish.
They were always responsive to my questions and concerns, kept me informed, and made everything as stress-free as possible. They also referred me to receive the medical treatment I needed, which made a huge difference during my recovery.
Thanks to their hard work and dedication, I was very pleased with my compensation. I highly recommend this law firm to any friends or family in need of a personal injury attorney.
A Lodi bicycle accident lawyer with a local office
We are a Lodi firm at heart, with our office on Essex Street in the middle of town. When a neighbor is hurt on a bike, we treat the case as personal, because it is.
Our promise is simple: “Injured in Jersey? Peter’s Got Your Back!” We have recovered over $1 billion in over 37 years of practice, and we answer calls 24/7 because crashes do not wait for office hours.
We also show up for our community outside the courtroom. We are proud partners of Seton Hall Athletics, the Brooklyn Cyclones, the New Jersey Devils and the Prudential Center, we support Bucket City Basketball in nearby Garfield, and we run the Rise Above Scholarship for New Jersey students.
Peter N. Davis, your Lodi bicycle accident attorney
Attorney Peter N. Davis leads our team and has handled cases for thousands of clients. Before he founded the firm, he worked in insurance defense, so he knows the playbook adjusters use to cut injured riders’ claims.
Peter is licensed in New Jersey, New York and Colorado, and he is an NFLPA Certified Contract Advisor. He and our staff make sure every client feels like the most important case in the office.
How our Lodi bicycle accident law firm handles your claim
As a bike accident law firm based in Bergen County, we handle the legal work so you can focus on healing. Our team also serves riders statewide as a New Jersey bicycle accident lawyer, so we know how these claims play out in local courts.
- Dooring cases: When a driver or passenger opens a door into your path, we work to prove they failed to check for traffic. We also look at whether a rideshare or delivery company shares the blame.
- Hit-and-run and uninsured drivers: We look at every possible source of payment, including your own policy and New Jersey’s Unsatisfied Claim and Judgment Fund. That fund can help when no other coverage exists.
- Lost wages: We document the work you missed and any long-term effect on your earning power. This includes overtime, side jobs and gig work.
- Medical bills: We help you get PIP benefits started and keep providers from sending your bills to collections. We then pursue the at-fault driver for costs PIP does not cover.
- Property damage: We claim the full cost of your bike, helmet, lights, phone and clothing. High-end bikes and e-bike batteries can be costly, so we gather receipts and repair quotes.
- Emotional recovery: Many riders feel fear or anxiety about getting back on a bike. We make sure that harm is part of your claim.
Additional reading: I was hit by a car on my bicycle in Jersey City, New Jersey. What are my rights?
Does your car insurance cover a bike crash?
New Jersey treats a cyclist hit by a car much like a pedestrian for Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Under N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4, PIP can come from your own auto policy even though you were on a bike.
| Your situation | Where PIP usually comes from | What we do next |
|---|---|---|
| You own a car with NJ auto insurance | Your own auto policy | File the PIP claim and track every bill |
| You do not own a car but live with a relative who does | Your household relative’s auto policy | Confirm you qualify as a resident relative |
| No one in your home has auto insurance | The striking vehicle’s auto policy | Put that insurer on notice right away |
| No coverage exists at all, or the driver fled | Possibly the Unsatisfied Claim and Judgment Fund | Meet the fund’s strict notice rules |
PIP pays medical bills no matter who caused the crash. Pain and suffering and other losses come from a separate claim against the at-fault driver.
Additional reading: does car insurance cover bicycle accidents in Jersey City, New Jersey?
Hypothetical scenario: A college student who does not own a car is hit by a driver turning right across his path on Essex Street. He lives with his mother, who has auto insurance, so his medical bills may first go through her PIP coverage while his injury claim moves forward against the driver.
What to do after you're hit while riding
What you do in the days after a crash can shape your whole case. Keep these points in mind:
- Know the safe passing law: Under N.J.S.A. 39:4-92.4, in effect since March 2022, drivers must change lanes to pass you when possible, or give at least 4 feet. If neither is possible, they must slow to 25 mph and be ready to stop.
- Know the helmet rule: New Jersey requires riders under 17 to wear a helmet under N.J.S.A. 39:4-10.1. Adults are not required to wear one, so not wearing a helmet does not bar an adult’s claim.
- Keep every medical appointment: Gaps in care give insurers a reason to say you were not really hurt. Follow your doctor’s advice and keep copies of all records.
- Stay off social media: Adjusters may look at your posts and photos. Even a smile at a family event can be twisted to downplay your pain.
- Do not accept the first offer: Early offers are often far below what a case is worth. Once you sign a release, you cannot ask for more.
- Watch your words with insurers: Simple phrases like “I’m fine” or “I didn’t see him” can be used against you. Let us handle these calls.
- Do not fix your bike yet: Your damaged bike, helmet and clothing are evidence. Store them safely until we inspect them.
- Talk to bicycle accident lawyers in Lodi: The sooner we start, the sooner we can lock down evidence. A free review costs you nothing.
The law also says cyclists must ride with traffic and keep to the right when practicable, with exceptions for turns and hazards. The New Jersey Department of Transportation’s bicycle rules list these duties in plain terms.
Hurt on your bike? Call (973) 279-7246 now and let us take it from here.
Two years to file a bicycle accident lawsuit
In New Jersey, you generally have two years from the crash date to file an injury lawsuit under N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2. Two years can pass quickly when you are in treatment and out of work.
Some deadlines are much shorter. If a pothole, broken pavement or a missing sign on a public road caused your crash, a notice of claim must usually reach the public entity within 90 days under N.J.S.A. 59:8-8.
Hypothetical scenario: A rider’s front wheel drops into a deep pothole on a borough street, and he is thrown over the handlebars. Because the road is public, he has only 90 days to file a notice of claim, a deadline that is easy to miss while healing from a shoulder injury.
Evidence that wins bicycle accident claims
Strong evidence is the backbone of every bicycle crash claim. Here is what we start collecting right away:
- Police report: We request the crash report from the Lodi Police Department’s records unit. We then check it for errors about where you were riding.
- Medical records: These link your injuries to the crash. We gather ER notes, imaging, therapy records and bills.
- Eyewitness statements: People on the sidewalk or in other cars often see more than the driver admits. We reach them before memories fade.
- Photo and video: Shops along Main Street and Route 17 may have cameras, and dashcam or doorbell footage can show the whole crash. Many systems record over old footage within days.
- Your bike and gear: Damage to your frame, wheels and helmet can show the direction and force of the hit. We keep these items safe for experts.
- Ride data: Cycling apps, GPS watches and bike computers can show your speed and route. This can disprove claims that you were riding recklessly.
Chasing down all of this is hard when you are in pain and can barely get through the day. Let our team carry that weight while you focus on getting better.
Additional reading: what injured riders need to know about a bike accident claim in New Jersey
Paying for a bicycle accident lawyer
We work on a contingency fee, so you pay nothing up front and no fee unless we recover money for you. Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict, not your pocket.
New Jersey Court Rule 1:21-7 caps the fee at 33 1/3% on the first $750,000 recovered. We explain every cost in writing before you sign, so you always know where you stand.
No Fee Unless You Win
Learn more about our firm or read about our case wins and community work in our press releases.
No fee unless you win
Learn more about our firm or read about our case wins and community work in our press releases.
What sets our Lodi bicycle accident attorneys apart
Many firms handle bike cases, but few bring our mix of local roots and insurance know-how. Here is what sets us apart:
- Insider insight: Peter N. Davis worked in insurance defense before founding the firm. He knows how adjusters value claims and where they cut corners.
- Proven record: We have recovered over $1 billion in over 37 years of practice. Insurers know we are ready to go to trial.
- Local presence: Our office is right on Essex Street in Lodi. We know the roads, the police department and the Bergen County Justice Center in Hackensack.
- Always available: We answer calls 24/7. You will never be left waiting to hear back.
- No fee unless we win: Our contingency fee means there is no financial risk to you. We only get paid if you do.
General information on bicycle accidents in Lodi
Bike crashes are a real danger across the country and here in New Jersey. Nationwide, 1,166 cyclists were killed and an estimated 49,989 were injured in 2023, according to NHTSA.
In New Jersey, state police data shows 18 pedalcyclists died in crashes in 2024, based on preliminary figures. Behind each number is a family dealing with a sudden loss.
Mistakes motorists make that cause bike accidents
Bergen County’s Local Safety Action Plan found that pedestrians and bicyclists make up about 45 percent of deaths and serious injuries on county and municipal roads. The same plan flags Route 17 through Lodi as a location of concern for state review.
Riders heading to the Saddle River County Park path in neighboring Saddle Brook and Rochelle Park often share busy roads with fast traffic to get there. Here are the driver mistakes we see most often:
- Distracted driving: Drivers looking at phones or screens drift into bike lanes and shoulders.
- Dooring: Drivers and passengers open doors into a cyclist’s path without checking.
- Failing to yield: Drivers pull out of driveways and side streets without seeing an oncoming bike.
- Right hooks: Drivers pass a cyclist and then turn right across the rider’s path.
- Unsafe passing: Drivers squeeze past without changing lanes or giving 4 feet.
- Speeding: Higher speeds leave less time to stop and cause more serious injuries.
Additional reading: what are the common causes of bicycle accidents in New Jersey?
Talk to a Lodi bicycle accident lawyer about your crash
You should not have to fight an insurance company while you heal. Our team is ready to listen to your story, review your options and start building your case.
Call us at (973) 279-7246 24/7, or use the form below to request your free case review.
Injured in Jersey? Peter’s Got Your Back, so call now for your free case review.
No Fee Unless You Win
Call us 24/7 at (973) 310-6678 or contact us online for your free case review.
No fee unless you win
Call us 24/7 at (973) 310-6678 or contact us online for your free case review.
Lodi Office
Ask a Question,
Describe Your Situation,
Request A Free Case Review
Fill out the form below or feel free to call us at (973) 279-7246(973) 279-7246
Required Fields*
Your Information Is Safe With Us
We respect your privacy. The information you provide will be used to answer your question or to schedule an appointment if requested.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file a claim if my child was hurt in a bike crash in Lodi?
Yes, a parent or guardian can bring a claim for a child hurt by a careless driver, and New Jersey usually pauses the two-year deadline until the child turns 18. Waiting is still risky, and a court must approve any settlement for a minor, so we handle that step.
What if I was riding for a delivery app when I was hit?
You may have more than one source of payment, and if you are an employee, workers’ compensation may cover your medical care and part of your lost pay. If you are an independent contractor, we look at the app’s insurance, your own policy and the driver’s coverage.
Can I bring a claim if another cyclist or a pedestrian caused my crash?
Yes, anyone who acts carelessly can be held responsible, including a rider who cuts you off or a pedestrian who steps in front of you. Their homeowners or renters insurance may cover the claim, so we look into every available policy for you and build the case.
Will my Lodi bike accident case go to court?
Most cases settle without a trial, but a lawsuit over a Lodi crash would usually be heard in the Superior Court at the Bergen County Justice Center in Hackensack. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial, which often pushes insurers toward better offers.
What if the crash only damaged my bike and I was not hurt?
You can still seek payment for the repair or replacement of your bike and gear, and New Jersey generally allows six years to bring a property damage claim. Keep receipts, photos and repair quotes, and do not throw anything away before our team has inspected it.