With the proper gear, sufficient training and experience, riding a motorcycle on New Jersey roads and highways can be safe and enjoyable. But even careful riders can’t control everything in their environment. Additionally, when you get into an accident, you’ll likely suffer greater personal damage than you would have from a car accident. To ensure you get compensated appropriately if the crash wasn’t your fault, call an experienced motorcycle injury lawyer near me at RAM Law in New Jersey. They’ll do all the legwork to determine fault and get you the highest compensation for your injuries and losses.
How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle accidents are more common than you may think. Despite making up only 3.5 percent of all registered vehicles, motorcyclists in the U.S. comprised 14 percent of all road fatalities in 2023, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Motorcycle accidents frequently result in catastrophic injuries such as:
The same NHTSA analysis reported that the number of motorcycle deaths per mile traveled was almost 29 times more than the number of car deaths. The most common motorcycle accident is a collision with other vehicles involving scenarios such as:
Left-turn accidents. These occur when a car makes a left turn in front of a motorcycle that’s approaching, usually at a crosswalk, which also leads to pedestrian accidents.
Rear-end accidents. These occur when a car hits the back of a motorbike, usually because the driver of the other vehicle fails to keep a safe following distance.
Lane changes. When a car enters the same lane that a motorbike currently occupies, frequently without turning on their lights or verifying their blind spots, they can hit the motorcycle or cause the bike to swerve and crash.
This refers to the act of opening a car door into the path of a motorcycle, usually on a city street, causing an accident and injuries to the motorcyclist.
Although they can happen anywhere, motorcycle accidents happen most frequently at intersections. It presents a special risk to motorcyclists because of the intricate relationships between cars changing lanes, turning and passing through traffic signals. At intersections, left-turn accidents in particular are a major concern.
If you find yourself in a motorcycle accident and seeking a motorcycle accident lawyer near me in New Jersey, you can rely on the experienced motorcycle attorneys at RAM Law to help you navigate the legal procedure. They have a thorough understanding of the complexities involved in motorcycle accident cases. Don’t let the aftermath of a motorcycle accident overwhelm you.
What Are the Most Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle accidents can happen in a variety of ways, each with its dangers and potential injuries. To reduce these accidents, ride defensively, receive the necessary training, and obey all traffic rules. Common types of motorcycle accidents that may create a need for a motorcycle crash attorney include:
Single-vehicle accidents. These are accidents that involve only the motorcycle driver and usually happen when the biker loses control because of things like speeding, not braking properly, or hitting potholes or gravel on the road.
Lane splitting accidents. When a motorbike travels between lanes of halted or slow-moving traffic, it’s known as lane splitting. Motorcycle accidents can occur when a driver swerves into another lane.
Impaired riding. There is a much higher chance of accidents when riding a motorcycle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Distracted driving. Similar to distracted driving in cars and SUVs, riding while using electronics, playing with controls, or doing anything else that diverts attention from the road can result in collisions.
Left-turn accidents in which a car cuts in front of a motorcycle that’s approaching are very dangerous and frequently result in serious injuries or fatalities. High-speed and head-on collisions can have disastrous results, making them risky situations as well. Get in touch with a motorcycle attorney to learn more.
What Legal Options Do I Have if I’ve Been in a New Jersey Motorcycle Accident?
Your location determines your legal possibilities. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in New Jersey, you have legal options to pursue damages for your losses and injuries. You have several options to consider, such as:
Protection against personal injury (PIP). Since New Jersey is a no-fault state, PIP benefits under your insurance policy may pay for medical costs and lost income without regard to blame.
Claim by a third party. You have the option to claim compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance if the collision was caused by another party’s negligence and your injuries are more severe than what PIP can cover.
Motorist coverage for underinsured and uninsured. Your own uninsured motorist policy can close the gap if the at-fault driver is uninsured or has insufficient coverage to pay you in full.
Product liability defense. You might be able to sue the manufacturer or distributor for product liability if the accident was caused in part by a malfunctioning motorbike component or piece of equipment.
When it comes to your legal choices, making a solid case to present is important. It pays to have the top motorcycle injury lawyer by your side. Your motorcycle accident attorney puts your interests first during the negotiating process, working to get a fair and equitable settlement while reducing any worry or anxiety you may be experiencing. RAM Law relies on a client-centered approach where:
Attorneys create and send a comprehensive demand package to the insurance company of the at-fault party.
Your motorcycle attorney highlights the quality of the evidence and fights for just reimbursement in their discussions with the insurance company.
RAM Law attorneys evaluate settlement offers cautiously, taking into account your losses and the possibility of a successful trial.
Lawyers make calculated counteroffers backed by further proof or persuasive legal arguments if the first offers aren’t sufficient to obtain fair compensation.
Throughout the negotiating process, your motorcycle personal injury lawyer keeps lines of communication open with you, offering updates, outlining possibilities, and seeking feedback on critical choices.
To promote speedy resolution by mediating settlement negotiations outside of court, your attorneys may advise mediation or arbitration.
What Kind of Compensation Am I Entitled to Receive?
While punitive damages are awarded in situations of severe carelessness or deliberate wrongdoing to penalize the offender and prevent future misbehavior, if you were in a motorcycle accident in New Jersey, you can be eligible for several different kinds of compensation for your losses, such as:
Coverage for medical expenses from the accident as well as future expenses as you recover, including hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription drugs and counseling
Payment for lost wages resulting from absences from work, encompassing both present and potential earnings if long-term work capacity is impacted
Compensation for damaged parts or accessories as well as repairs or replacements for your bike
Payment for enduring impairments, deformities, or restricted movement
Damages for the effect your injuries have had on your marriage or relationship with your partner
To strengthen your case and ensure that you receive the largest compensation possible, your motorcycle injury lawyer advises that you first take care of yourself before deciding on what you expect to receive from a personal injury claim. At the scene, when you’re able and have received sufficient medical attention, take action to protect yourself and your claim by:
Moving to a safe place and assessing any injuries you and the other accident victims may have sustained
Making sure the police record the situation and report the accident; for your records, get a copy of the police report
Sharing information about the vehicle, insurance and other parties involved in the accident
Taking pictures of the accident scene that show the damage to the vehicle, the state of the road, the traffic signs, your injuries and any noteworthy landmarks
Maintaining documentation of any medical care received, including visits to the hospital, doctor’s appointments, prescription drugs and therapy sessions
Informing your insurance provider about the collision as soon as you can, giving them precise details of the mishap, but avoiding admitting fault or making any statements that could be used against you
Getting in touch with an experienced motorcycle crash attorney from RAM Law to learn about your legal options
How Can an Experienced Motorcycle Injury Lawyer Near Me Help after a Motorcycle Accident?
If a motorcycle hit you during an accident or you were the motorcycle driver, having an experienced motorcycle attorney by your side can be extremely helpful in guiding you through the New Jersey personal injury legal system and defending your rights. They can help you by:
Explaining your rights and alternatives
Carrying out a thorough inquiry into the accident, compiling proof in the form of witness accounts, police reports and accident reconstruction analyses to establish who was at fault
Pursuing compensation by filing insurance claims with the motorcyclist’s insurance company and any other insurers involved
Representing you in negotiations with the insurance providers and pushing for fair compensation for your damages
Defending you in court and fighting for the money you’re due if negotiations turn out to be insufficient
Safeguarding your rights and interests and making sure you’re not taken advantage of
Look at the guidelines given by NJ for motorcyclists. You must abide by several laws designed to increase road safety. To apply for a motorbike permit, you must be at least 17 years old. To get a motorcycle permit, however, a person under the age of 18 must finish the New Jersey Motorcycle Safety Education Program Basic Rider Course. Other key factors include:
Helmet law. On public highways, all motorcyclists and passengers are required to wear helmets authorized by the DOT.
Riders must possess a current motorcycle license.
State law mandates that motorcycles be registered properly with a state, although it doesn’t have to be registered in New Jersey.
Traffic laws. Riders must obey traffic laws, including those relating to speed limits and signals.
Lane splitting. It’s against the law to ride between lanes.
Equipment requirements. Bikes must be equipped with adequate lighting, brakes, mirrors and other safety features.
Regulations regarding noise. Motorcycles are subject to DEP noise limits.
Minimum liability insurance is necessary.
As a Motorcycle Driver, How Can I Prevent Motorcycle Accidents?
It’s your responsibility as a motorbike rider to ensure that no one is harmed by you. There are various proactive steps you can take to improve road safety and avoid accidents, which can reduce the number of deaths, such as:
Always wear protective gear, such as coats, gloves, heavy pants or jeans and strong boots, as well as a helmet that has received DOT approval.
While riding, be aware of potential dangers and exercise caution. Remember that other drivers might not see you, so be ready to respond quickly.
Increase your visibility to other drivers by using headlights, turn signals and reflective clothing, especially in poor weather or low light.
Respect traffic lights, lane markers and speed limits. Avoid aggressive actions like turning in and out of traffic.
Make sure that your motorcycle’s brakes, tires, lights and fluid levels are all in working order regularly.
Develop your riding abilities over time with practice sessions, training programs and role-playing.
Remain focused on the road ahead and stay away from distractions, such as using electronics, fiddling with settings or indulging in conversations.
In some accidents, motorcycle companies might be sued, but the exact basis for the claim would depend on things like carelessness, product flaws or a failure to warn about probable risks connected to the motorcycle. Typical grounds for suing a motorcycle manufacturer include:
Inadequate warnings or instructions
Manufacturing flaws
Design flaws
Carelessness in maintenance or servicing
How Are Motorcycle Accidents Different from Car Accidents, in Terms of Law?
All vehicles are bound to different laws, and motorcycle accidents differ significantly from auto accidents in several important legal aspects, such as:
Compared to car passengers, motorcyclists are more prone to serious injuries because they are not as well-protected.
When determining who is at fault in motorcycle accidents, courts may take numerous factors into account, including visibility, road conditions and the ability to maneuver.
Policies for motorcycle insurance differ from those for cars in terms of liability, medical payments and property damage coverage.
Certain legal authorities have rules that are special to motorcycling, like those that mandate the use of helmets and restrict lane splitting.
Bikers may be the target of prejudice on the part of juries, insurance companies or police enforcement, which could affect how claims are handled and cases are determined.
A drawn-out legal procedure is common in personal injury claims, especially those involving motorcycle accidents. The length of time depends on several factors, including the complexity of the case, legal procedures, litigation, investigation and negotiations. Court cases and settlement discussions may cause the timeline to increase. The particulars of each case determine how long it takes.
Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Rebenack, Aronow & Mascolo, L.L.P. Help Injured Clients Recover Compensation
The effects of an accident can linger long after the crash, especially if you suffer serious injuries. If a negligent driver has injured you, work with Rebenack, Aronow & Mascolo, L.L.P. Our skilled motorcycle accident lawyers will help you put your life back on course. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 732-247-3600 or complete our online form. Located in New Brunswick, Somerville, and Freehold, New Jersey, we serve clients in Middlesex County, Monmouth County, and Somerset County.
