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When it comes to bike accidents, more often than not the results are tragic — a cyclist has little chance against a vehicle; these car versus bike accidents are becoming more common, which is why we have a New Brunswick NJ bicycle accident lawyer at our firm. According to our bike accident lawyer, a sad but common example of these incidents occurred recently with Douglas Yorke, a 72-year-old avid cyclist from Red Bank. Douglas was tragically struck by a 2017 Honda HRV while biking on Samara Drive in Shrewsbury, NJ which is about forty minutes outside of New Brunswick, on Easter Sunday. He was cycling south when the collision occurred. Despite being rushed to Jersey Shore University Hospital by the Shrewsbury First Aid Squad, Yorke passed away, surrounded by family.
An investigation into the accident is ongoing, according to Shrewsbury Police Lt. Adam Cerminaro, with no charges filed against the driver at this time. Yorke, who had a passion for cycling, had logged numerous miles on the East Coast and beyond. Although he had suffered several injuries over his cycling career, his passion for the road remained strong until his final ride.
Beyond cycling, Yorke was a writer, publishing op-eds in the New York Times and authoring a book about American road maps. He was deeply involved in his community as a trustee of the Monmouth Museum and a lifelong member of St. George’s by-the-River Episcopal church, where his funeral will be held.
In the wake of such accidents, a lawyer becomes crucial for victims and their families. These legal professionals specialize in navigating the complex legal terrain surrounding accidents involving cyclists. They advocate for victims’ rights, ensuring fair investigations and seeking appropriate compensation for injuries or losses incurred. A lawyer’s expertise is vital for clarifying liability, especially in cases like Yorke’s, where charges have yet to be filed.
When a cyclist is killed in an accident, a bike accident lawyer plays a crucial role in representing the victim’s family to ensure justice is served and appropriate compensation is sought. The lawyer begins by conducting a thorough investigation to gather evidence related to the accident. This involves obtaining police reports, eyewitness statements, traffic camera footage, and any available accident scene photos. They may also collaborate with accident reconstruction experts to better understand the collision’s dynamics and determine liability.
Determining liability is essential in a wrongful death case. The lawyer examines the driver’s actions, road conditions, and any possible third-party negligence (e.g., government agencies responsible for road maintenance). They aim to establish the driver’s negligence or wrongful conduct, which could include speeding, distracted driving, or failure to yield to a cyclist. On top of determining fault, your attorney will handle insurance issues. Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, particularly when it comes to wrongful death claims. The lawyer handles all communication to protect the family from being coerced into accepting inadequate settlements. They negotiate firmly to secure maximum compensation that covers medical bills, funeral expenses, lost wages, and emotional suffering.
If an amicable settlement isn’t reached, the lawyer files a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the victim’s family. They build a compelling case, presenting evidence and expert testimony to demonstrate the impact of the loss on the victim’s family and establish the defendant’s liability. During court proceedings, the lawyer represents the family with compassion and tenacity, advocating for their rights. They seek to achieve justice, ensuring the liable party is held accountable and the family receives compensation for their loss, helping them find some semblance of closure.
If you or someone you love was involved in a bike accident, contact one of our lawyers here at the Law Firm of Edward Blinder, PLLC for help.