Cycling is increasingly popular in the U.S. - from 2000 to today, the percentage of trips taken by bike has increased from 0.4% to 0.6% of all trips. As the sport gains popularity, however, so does peril. In 2022, 1,005 cyclists were killed on U.S. roads and 46,000 were seriously injured. Fortunately, there are some groups that work not only to win for their clients but also to eliminate the root causes of such accidents.
Accidents involving cyclists are a critical issue. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that cyclist fatalities increased 15% between 2013 and 2022, and injuries were up 11% in 2021–2022 alone. 83% of the fatal collisions in 2022 occurred in urban areas, where there is heavy traffic and no bike lanes, creating risky conditions. Alcohol use was a factor in 37% of the collisions, and 51% took place at night.
Other states also have particularly worrisome trends. For instance, 18 bicyclists deaths in New Jersey during 2022 accounted for 2.6% of the whole state's road deaths, despite being ranked 16th in Bicycle-Friendly States. High speeds, lack of protected bike lanes, and distracted drivers are the leading causes. Males, especially between the ages of 55–64, comprise 86% of all deaths from cycling accidents, and riding without helmets increases the chances of serious injuries by 50%. An interesting point is that 34% of the fatalities occur at intersections, where the cyclist is often overlooked due to poor lighting or careless drivers.
Founded by Robert Goldwater, a UC Berkeley School of Law alumnus, Bicycle Accident Lawyers Group has been diligently representing cyclists across the country since 1998. They aim not just to secure compensation but also to raise awareness about road safety. The law firm serves Phoenix, New Jersey, Chicago, Boston, and other areas, and they offer free telephone or online consultations.
They specialize in dooring accident cases, hit-and-run accidents, and wrongful death suits. The firm has recovered over $1 billion for clients, including the record $4.7 million settlement for a Los Angeles fatal accident. Their attorneys – several of whom are cyclists themselves – understand the unique issues their clients endure.
The firm has a strategic approach to legal representation:
The following is a table showing examples of their winning cases in various scenarios:
Case type | Settlement amount | Key injuries | Location |
Dooring accident | $85,000 | Fractured clavicle, knee meniscus tear | Phoenix, AZ |
Hit-and-run | $1.5 million | Multiple fractures, internal injuries | Sarasota, FL |
Wrongful death | $4.7 million | Fatal injuries | Los Angeles, CA |
Collision with a truck | $600,000 | Head trauma, broken ribs | Chicago, IL |
The firm operates on a contingency fee basis - clients don't pay unless there is a successful case, typically 30–40% of the compensation. For example, in Lopez v. Wicklman, the client received $85,000 for a dooring accident that happened in Phoenix, with attorneys only getting their percentage after the settlement was awarded.
The insurance companies will usually employ several methods to minimize payments, such as disputing liability, faulting the absence of a helmet, or implying that injuries are unrelated to the accident. These methods are particularly relevant in New Jersey, where comparative negligence statutes allow for shared fault. For instance, not wearing a helmet can lower compensation by 20–30%.
Fortunately, experienced attorneys at the firm know how to counter such strategies. They employ expert depositions, accident reconstructions, and medical records to debunk false claims. In a New Jersey case, they secured $600,000 for their client after the insurance company repeatedly attempted to blame the cyclist.
Yet the firm is not all about lawsuits - they also actively support safety initiatives like the Complete Streets Initiative, which demands improved bike infrastructure. In New Jersey, where 64% of fatalities occur on major roadways, these initiatives are crucial. Attorneys at the firm call for lower speed limits and protected bike lanes to avoid deaths in the future.
The rising rate of cyclist fatalities is highly alarming. However, thanks to tenacious legal teams, accident victims no longer fight for their rights alone. Complimentary consultations, results-driven representation, and a commitment to cyclist safety allow victims to overcome accident consequences and achieve justice. The firm's commitment to safer roads proves that professional legal action can bring lasting change for everyone.