Motorcycle Accidents in New Jersey

The lure of the open road is an enticing attraction for motorcycle riders who enjoy feeling the powerful machines rolling down the highway. Motorcycle riders - involved in accidents - can have very serious injuries. Too often these accidents occur because other motor vehicle drivers did not "see the motorcycle" in time.
According to the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTA), in 2006, there were 84 fatal motorcycle accidents in New Jersey. The NHTA Fatality Analysis Reporting System estimates that 50% of all motorcycle accidents are single vehicle accidents, mostly due to excessive speed occurring at turns or corners.
Motorcycles are more affordable than other forms of transportation, but are also less stable and lack the extensive safety features of most automobiles. Wearing eyeglasses, helmets, gloves and leather clothing can protect the body against minor accidents. It is important that motorcyclists are proactive in assuming that other drivers don't see them, avoid weaving in-and-out of traffic, maintain proper following distance and obey proper speed limits.
New Jersey law requires motorcyclists to wear helmets and carry liability insurance that protects riders and others involved in accidents. Medical expenses may or may not be covered by basic motorcycle insurance. NJ motorcyclists don't have the benefit of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance coverage.
Many NJ motorcycle accidents lead to life-threatening injuries, like brain or spinal cord injuries, skin burns and broken bones. These lead to long-term pain and suffering, high prescription pain pill costs, lost wages and other high medical expenses.
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident - seek immediate medical attention, take photographs, collect witness information, exchange information, don't agree to anything before talking to a lawyer and keep all written records. If you have been injured previously in a motorcycle accident, it is critical that you collect all relevant documents - medical records, medical bills, witness accounts and police records. Many motorcyclists have such serious injuries or are unconscious after accidents, that they cannot collect important evidence.
Determining fault in a motorcycle accident is very important. There are many causes of motorcycle accidents including dangerous weather, road conditions or negligence. A "general negligence" case involves the violation of the reasonable standard of care with respect to others on the road that leads to harm, while operating said motorcycle. The careless or reckless violation of prudent care must be shown to be the proximate cause of the motorcycle accident. Other common motorcycle litigation involves design defects in the motorcycle.
A good NJ accident attorney knows the specific focus for collecting from a motorcyclist's own insurance, the faulty party's insurance or from the party at fault directly. Dealing with insurance companies takes experience in order to know how to arrange the best possible settlement. Good lawyers will seek damages for pain and suffering, disfigurement, scarring and economic loss.
You will need an experienced NJ accident lawyer for any trials, who can assess adequate compensation for medical expenses, collect evidence, take witness depositions, find medical experts and defend you in court. Some juries have prejudices against motorcyclists and will assume you are guilty of negligence. A good lawyer will counteract this prejudice to gain you victory.
NJ motorcycle accidents can be very traumatic experiences, find the best, most professional NJ personal claim attorney to make sure you receive the adequate compensation you deserve.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Randolph Wolf
Randolph Wolf, one of New Jerseys most experienced accident attorneys, will work with you to get fair compensation for your accident case. We generally take accident cases on a contingency basis this means we will work on your case without any up front fees. We only get paid if and when we are successful in obtaining a settlement for you. Your compensation can include payment for medical bills, injuries, disability, pain and suffering, loss of wages, and emotional distress.