Bicycle Safety Tips Everyone Should Know

Morristown Injury Lawyers Share Bicycle Safety Tips

The spring and summer months are fast approaching. This means that many will be enjoying the freedom and independence that riding a bicycle can give you, especially around town and down by Morristown Square. However, before you or your children hit the roads of New Jersey it is important to remember that bicycle accidents do happen and there are cyclist who suffer avoidable catastrophic injuries every year. In order to keep you and your loved ones safe, there are some important cycling tips you should know and remember.

The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff, want you and your family to enjoy safe cycling on New Jersey’s roads, however, if you or someone you know has been injured while cycling due to someone else’s negligence we are here to help. We have extensive experience recovering full and fair compensation for our clients of all ages who have suffered personal injuries while cycling due to third-party negligence in towns across Morris County and Sussex County. Call either our Morristown office or our Newton office today at (973) 520-0525 to discuss your individual needs, concerns and situation.

Tips for Safe Cycling On Morris and Sussex County Roads

Cycling is a fun and usually safe activity enjoyed by both children and adults. In order to keep it a safe activity, here are some simple tips recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Inspect your Bike- Before riding any bicycle it is smart to make sure it is ready to ride. Inspect your bike to make sure all parts are working properly and are secure. Also, it is important to inflate tires properly and check that your brakes work.
Adjust Your Bicycle to Fit- It is recommended that there should be 1 to 2 inches between you and the top tube (bar) if using a road bike and 3 to 4 inches if a using a mountain bicycle. Having a level seat is also recommended and the seat height should be adjusted to allow a slight bend at the knee when the leg is fully extended. In addition, the handlebar height should be placed at the same level as the seat.
Use all proper safety equipment- It is the law in New Jersey that all cyclist must wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet. Protecting your brain can save you from serious traumatic brain injury as well as save your life.

Once on the road, there are several things you must keep in mind.

The first line of road safety is being seen. Whether in the day, at dawn or dusk, in foul weather, or at night, it is important to be seen by others. Wearing neon, fluorescent, or other bright colors when riding day or night can help you to be more visible to a motorist as well as other cyclists. Furthermore, wearing something that reflects light, such as reflective tape or markings, or flashing lights can further increase your visibility to others.

Control of your bicycle is also an important factor in road safety. It is recommended to always ride with at least one hand on the handlebars. Any books or other items you may have in your possession should be safely stowed in a secure backpack or pouch that does not interfere with free movement.

Being acutely aware of your surroundings can help you avoid many accidents. Not only cars and other cyclist but watch for and avoid road hazards such as potholes, broken glass, gravel, puddles, leaves, and dogs. If riding with a friend or in a group, yell out and point to the hazard to alert other riders. Watch for left- or right-turning traffic and always be aware of parked cars. An unexpectedly opened door is an ever-present danger.

When riding it is important to be predictable. This means riding in a straight line and using hand signals to let drivers know your intentions. Furthermore, when turning left or right, you should always look behind you for a break in traffic, then signal before making the turn.

Obey the New Jersey Rules of the Road when Riding Your Bike

It is important to remember that bicycles are considered vehicles and cyclists have the same rights and the responsibilities to follow the rules of the road as motorists.

When riding you must always:

Go in the direction of traffic.
Follow all traffic laws, signs, signals and lane markings.
Yield to traffic when appropriate.

It is important to remember that children under 10 are not usually knowledgeable of traffic laws and are thus much safer riding at safe speed on the sidewalk.

Contact A Newton Personal Injury Attorney Today

Attorney Michael P. Burakoff knows the damage that third-party negligence can cause cyclist and their families if they are involved in an accident that results in damages or injuries. Our law office has decades of experience recovering full and fair compensation for our clients injured while cycling across New Jersey, Morris County, and Sussex County, including communities such as East Hanover, Morristown, Parsippany, Denville, Dover, Netcong, Hopatcong, and Newton.

If you or someone you know has been injured while cycling, please speak with Michael Burakoff and our legal team today in a free and confidential consultation regarding your options for making a successful financial recovery. C ontact us online, or through either our Newton office or our Morristown office at (973) 520-0525.

Injury Lawyers Help Engage With Insurance Companies in Auto Accidents from Morristown to Newton NJ

Understanding Insurance Company Tactics When it comes to Motor Vehicle Accidents

The State of New Jersey is a no-fault auto accident state, meaning that drivers have insurance to cover their own injuries and damage in the event of a motor vehicle accident rather than insurance being required to pay the other party. However, this does not mean that you cannot sue the insurance company of a negligent driver who causes personal injuries or property damage.

It is important to remember that insurance companies are for profit businesses and, although it is a big part of what they do and the product they provide, any money that they pay out goes against their bottom line. For this reason, some insurance companies have become very adept at getting people to accept a smaller payment than they deserve.

The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff has extensive experience dealing with insurance companies and recovering full and fair compensation for his clients who have suffered personal injuries in all types of motor vehicle accidents due to third-party negligence in towns across Morris County and Sussex County. Call either our Morristown office or our Newton office today at (973) 520-0525 to discuss your individual needs, concerns and situation.

Insurance Company Tactics Sussex County NJ Lawyers

There are several common tactics employed by insurance companies across New Jersey in order to pay as little as possible to victims injured in car accidents, motorcycle accidents and truck accidents. On their surface and without full knowledge these offers may seem fair. However, in many cases the amount paid can be far below your actual needs especially in cases of catastrophic injuries that can cause permanent disability such as traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury among others.

These tactics often include:

The offering of an upfront lump sum payment. Because litigation sometimes takes months and even years, receiving funds immediately may seem to be the solution to any money problems you may currently have. The problem is that the amount you receive may be inadequate to meet your long-term needs. In many instances further injuries may become apparent later and accepting a lump sum settlement upfront may make it difficult, if not impossible, to gain the full and fair compensation you may need to make your life whole again.
Convincing you to accept some blame. Although this may happen in a seemingly casual conversation with an adjuster, the problem is that anything you say can be used by the insurance company against you and your rightful claim. It is recommended that you keep from discussing fault altogether.
The settling medical claims prematurely. Generally, property damage and medical liabilities in accidents are handled separately. The insurance company may offer to pay both together in an immediate payment. The problem is that your health may deteriorate later and you may need further treatment. Grouping both property and medical expenses together may make sense for the insurance company but will seldom be to your advantage.

Why Morris County Injury Lawyers Are Important to Help You Through the Claims Process

Though a motor vehicle accident, for many of us, is a rare event, but it is something that insurance companies deal with on a daily basis. They often know the stress you may be under physically, emotionally and financially can make you vulnerable. For this reason, you will need someone who can match their experience and has knowledge of the law to be your adviser and representative when dealing with the negotiation and litigation related to your case. It is critical to have someone who knows what you deserve and will fight to make sure you get it.

Though large insurance companies may seem intimidating it is important to remember that you do not have to face them alone.

Contact A Denville Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney Today

Attorney Michael P. Burakoff has decades of experience recovering full and fair compensation for our clients injured in motor vehicle accidents across New Jersey, Morris County, and Sussex County, including communities such as East Hanover, Morristown, Parsippany, Denville, Dover, Netcong, Hopatcong, and Newton.

If you or someone you care about has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, please speak with Michael Burakoff and our legal team today in a free and confidential consultation regarding your options for making a financial recovery that is fair and just. C ontact us online, or through either our Newton office or our Morristown office at (973) 520-0525.

Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Morris and Sussex County

What Should I Do If Struck by a Vehicle While Walking When walking near traffic, there is an ever present danger of being involved in a pedestrian accident. Causes can vary and range from distracted drivers to drunk drivers. Due to the weight of the vehicle and the speed in which it is traveling many pedestrians suffer serious and even catastrophic injuries or death in these types of motor vehicle accidents. If this happens to you or someone you know, you or they may be entitled to hold the at-fault driver liable to recover compensation for medical bills as well as pain and suffering. In this article we will discuss what to do immediately following an incident, if you or a loved one are struck by a vehicle while on foot.

If you or someone you know is involved in a pedestrian accident involving injury or substantial damage to property, it is imperative to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff has extensive experience handling motor vehicle accidents in Parsippany, Hopatcong, Mt. Olive, Andover, Newton, Morristown and other towns all over both Sussex and Morris County. Speak with Michael Burakoff about how to protect both you and your family from potentially catastrophic financial consequences in the form of medical bills and loss income from work. Contact us online, or through either our Morristown or Newton office at (973) 520-0525.

Report Your Morris County Pedestrian Accident

If you are physically able at the time of the event, it is important to try and report the accident to local law enforcement or emergency responders as quickly as possible. Call 9-1-1 and request medical services for yourself and any other person who has been injured in the accident. In addition, provide details about the at-fault driver, the location of the accident and any relevant other factors that may help first responders.

Reporting your accident immediately also helps to establish a timeline of events that can be used to construct your personal injury claim at the time of the settlement negotiation or trial. The at-fault driver’s insurance company will likely inquire about the time and location of the accident. It is also important to request a copy of the accident or police report taken by law enforcement to provide to insurers and your attorney.

Get Medical Treatment for Your Sussex County Pedestrian Accident

After any accident, you should get medical attention and treatment as soon as possible. Diagnosing and treating your injuries is the first step to recovery. Although most people understand when they have been injured in an accident, some injuries do not immediately show symptoms or display signs of a major injury that the individual has not yet identified due to adrenaline or other medical related reasons. Even if you feel embarrassed to seek medical attention and you “feel fine” enough to walk away from the incident, it is important to be examined by medical professionals.

Moreover, seeking immediate medical treatment after an accident establishes that you suffered an injury. You will have to prove that these injuries were caused by the at-fault driver’s negligence, however you need to establishnthat they exist as a result of the accident first. This may go a long way toward helping you recover compensation for your injury when you file a personal injury claim.

Contact a Sussex County Accident Attorney Without Delay

It is important to have an advocate who is knowledgeable not only in the law but in what you need to do next. The driver’s insurance company will move quickly to protect their client as well as themselves from liability. They may also attempt to convince you to accept a settlement that represents a fraction of what you are entitled.

A knowledgeable attorney will help safeguard you rights as well as help put you on the path to a full recovery both physically and financially.

Talk to a Morristown Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today

Attorney Michael P. Burakoff and our law offices have decades of experience recovering full and fair compensation for our clients injured in pedestrian accidents across New Jersey, Morris County, and Sussex County, including communities such as East Hanover, Morristown, Parsippany, Denville, Dover, Netcong, Hopatcong, and Newton.

Our firm understands completely how precarious a family’s situation can become as medical expenses mount and the injured party remains unable to work. That’s why we focus on keeping our clients and their families informed and involved throughout the legal process as we work to secure them the compensation they both need and deserve to make your life whole again.

Please speak with Michael Burakoff and our legal team today in a free and confidential consultation regarding any type of pedestrian or vehicle accident to learn about your options for making a successful financial recovery. Please contact us online, or through either our Newton office or our Morristown office at (973) 520-0525.

Morris County Spinal Chord and Brain Injury Claims

Morris County Spinal Chord and Brain Injury Claims The brain is a delicate and complicated organ that doctors know surprisingly little about. The road to recovery from traumatic brain injuries and catastrophic spinal injuries can be long and difficult if it is possible at all. The end results of these injuries can vary from minor complications to more serious conditions such as paralysis and, in many cases, can lead to some form of permanent disability.

The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff has assisted families in Morristown, Denville, Newton, Dover, Hopatcong, East Hanover, Morris Plains, Mt. Olive, Florham Park and all over both Morris County and Sussex County with personal injury claims. When it comes to traumatic brain injury or catastrophic spinal injury we understand that to those who are suffering and their families, money is not the most important thing. Regaining as much of the quality of life they had before the injury as possible is of the utmost importance. Contact us online or at our Newton or Morristown office by phone at (973) 520-0525 for a free confidential consultation.

Causes of Sussex County Spinal Chord or Brain Injury

There are a myriad of things that can cause the types of personal injury that can lead to traumatic brain and spinal injuries; including motor vehicle accidents, bicycle accidents, assaults, work related accidents even a slip and fall accident.

If any of these types of accidents, or others, were the cause of your or a loved one’s traumatic brain or catastrophic spinal injury then a personal injury claim may be the way to get the compensation you deserve in order to regain some quality of life.

However these cases are often very complicated as it necessary to prove negligence on the part of another party. Also, it must be proven that the negligent party failed to act with reasonable care and that their actions were the direct result of your injuries. A qualified and experienced Morris County or Sussex County attorney is highly recommended from the beginning of the process until its conclusion.

Catastrophic Injuries effect Sussex County Victims Quality of Life

The brain is the location cognitive ability and motor function, while the spinal cord manages a number of critical body functions including sensation, motor function as well as autonomic functions among others. Injuries to the brain or spinal cord can drastically change ones life in ways it is difficult to imagine.

Damage to either of these crucial systems can cause results that vary greatly between patients. What may be a minor and recoverable injury for one person can be debilitating or even fatal to another. In addition, in some cases the effects may be immediate while in others delayed for months or even years after the cause of the initial trauma.

In the event of any trauma to the brain or spinal region, no matter the cause, it is highly recommended to receive a complete and thorough medical examination as soon as possible as well as monitor the injury for changes and effects that may come on later.

Contact A Mt. Olive Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Personal Injury Lawyer Today

For over 40 years personal injury attorney Michael P. Burakoff has been working with victims of traumatic brain and spinal injuries and their families to recover the financial compensation that helps to make their lives whole again. We have built a solid reputation with our clients in Morristown, Newton, Mt. Olive, Netcong, Dover, Parsippany, Roxbury and across Sussex and Morris County of understanding and being sensitive to their unique needs and situations.

If you or a loved one has been in an accident that lead to brain or spinal cord injury please contact us online or at our Morristown or Newton offices by phone at (973) 520-0525 for a free and confidential consultation.

Bike safety tips from your Morris County Injury Attorney

Bike safety tips from your Morris County Injury Attorney Cycling is an activity enjoyed by many New Jersey residents. Whether as a means of transportation or a source of exercise and and leisure cycling is usually a safe and fun activity. Bicycle accidents can result in both personal injury and damage to property, which includes but is not limited to damage to the bike itself. Due to the lack of protection and exposure to the roadway and its motorists, an accident involving a cyclist, similar to a pedestrian accident, can result in catastrophic injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injury, paralysis and more. The danger to riders and severe nature of the injuries that are seen after a cyclist collides with a car, truck or bus requires attention to detail and adequate experience/training that the rider should have based on the degree of difficulty posed by the environment or particular roadway. In order to cycle safely there are several safety tips you should keep in mind.

Michael P. Burakoff has extensive experience serving injured cyclists in Parsipanny, Rockaway, East Hanover, Newton, Morristown, Mt. Olive and many towns and cities across Morris and Sussex County. We believe that working closely not only with our clients but also their families throughout the legal process helps to be sure that all of our clients needs are met and their complete interests are represented thoroughly.

For a free and confidential consultation regarding your bicycle accident and your potential for financial compensation through a personal injury claim, please call our Newton office or our Morristown office today.

Sussex County Bicycle Safety and Traffic Laws

Though we can not control the actions of others we can make cycling a much safer activity by following the traffic laws currently in place in Morris and Sussex County as well as the rest of New Jersey. These laws have been put in place specifically to make cycling safer. Failure to follow any of them will increase your risk of injuring yourself or others.

It is a common misconception that bicyclists do not have to adhere to the same rules of the road as motor vehicles. However, both motorists and cyclists must follow the same laws, are entitled to the same rights and carry the same responsibilities.

As a cyclist you must follow all signals, signs and road markings and yield to crossing traffic when you do not have the right of way. In addition this means using the correct arm and hand signals when turning left or right and when stopping. Moreover, just like motorists, you should always make sure it is clear before you change lanes or turn.

An additional important tip is to utilize bike lanes and bike paths when and where they are available. Bike lanes and paths marked so cyclists can have a designated area to ride while remaining safe and away from traffic are available in many Sussex County and Morris County communities. It is important to follow the direction as marked.

Wearing a helmet and proper safety gear is also advisable when riding a bike. Though this may not prevent all injuries in an accident it can help to prevent brain damage an lessen injury to the head and/or neck.

Finally stay alert at all times while riding. On the best day the roads can be filled with hazards for cyclist such as a motorist opening a door. Avoiding distraction can give you enough time to evade unfortunate and avoidable collisions.

What Should I Do If Involved In a Bicycle Accident in Mt. Olive?

Being involved in any accident can be a shocking and traumatic experience with potential health, financial and legal ramifications. If you are involved in an accident because of dangerous road conditions or someone else’s negligence and suffered personal injury or property damage, it is imperative that you understand your rights and protect your future via the counsel of an experienced Personal Injury Attorney who has litigated many bicycle and pedestrian accident cases across Morris and Sussex Counties.

The advocacy of Counsel is important for many reasons, namely, that you as the injured party or in relation to the injured loved one comprehend the law, understand your rights as it relates to the law, and most importantly that you are in a position to strategically assemble a plan and identify the best course of action. When cyclists are injured due to the recklessness or negligence of another party, a Mt. Olive bicycle accident lawyer can fight to recover damages in a fair and full settlement that addresses every hardship that the victims and their families may face.

Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney with Offices in Sussex and Morris County Today

Since 1972, personal injury attorney Michael P. Burakoff has taken pride in serving local Morris County and Sussex County communities such as Netcong, Hopatcong, Denville, Dover, East Hanover, Chatham, Newton, and across Northern New Jersey.

If you or a loved one has been injured on New Jersey roads, rely on our experience and legal knowledge to gain a verdict or settlement that may help with expenses and go a long way toward helping you make a full physical, emotional and financial recovery.

For a free and confidential consultation with Attorney Burakoff regarding your bicycle accident, your injuries, and your potential for a personal injury claim, please contact us online or call our Morristown of Newton offices by dialing (973) 520-0525 today.

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