Motorcycle Accident Injuries
New Jersey Motorcycle Accidents & Injuries Lawyers
While motorcycles have grown in popularity, the number of motorcycle accidents is growing at a fast rate.
In 2017, it was reported 4,798 people died in motorcycle crashes in the U.S., including 80 in New Jersey. Furthermore, 14 percent of motor vehicle deaths in 2017 were motorcyclists, and the number of deaths more than doubled the total from 1997.
Many more motorcyclists were seriously injured as a result of motor vehicle crashes.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Accidents involving motorcycles frequently lead to extremely serious injuries and death because of the negligence of other drivers. The failure of other motor vehicle drivers to see motorcyclists in traffic is the leading cause of motorcycle accidents. Those in larger vehicles often say they did not see a motorcyclist or, in many unfortunate cases, they simply were not looking.
According to HG.org, collisions with another vehicle, often times a passenger automobile, account for 75% of all motorcycle accidents.
Unfortunately, these accidents typically only allow for motorcyclists to react in under two seconds in order to avoid a collision. With such a small window for correction, it can be extremely hard for motorcyclists to react in enough time.
Motorcyclists are also at risk of injury from dangerous and defective highways. An improperly banked curve, potholes, an uneven road surface, or debris on the road can all cause a motorcycle crash.
Because of the lack of protective features, motorcycle accident victims are at a higher risk for serious injuries and wrongful death. Motorcycle riders suffer injuries from accidents at an extremely higher rate than passenger vehicles. Motorcyclists are injured in 96% of single vehicle collisions and 98% of multiple vehicle accidents, according to HG.org. Nearly half of those accidents resulted in more than just a minor injury to the motorcycle rider.
Common Motorcycle Injuries
Injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents can range from broken bones, burns, and internal injuries to catastrophic injuries involving the victim’s brain and spinal cord.
It is reported that half of the injuries motorcyclists suffer from most often in accidents are injuries to the lower extremities, including the ankle, foot, lower leg, knee, and upper leg.
While many motorcyclists love the feeling of having nothing between themselves and the open road, it is this lack of protection that often leads to more serious injuries for motorcycle riders and passengers. More tragic accidents can lead to severe injuries including:
- Head injuries (including concussions)
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Debilitating injuries to hands, feet, and ankles
- Back injuries such as herniated or bulging spinal discs
- Shoulder injuries such as rotator cuff tears
- Severe and painful injury of muscles, tendons, and nerves
- Disfigurement
- Amputation
- Road rash
Our team has been fighting for injured motorcyclists for over 30 years, and we have seen a wide range of cases and injuries. One thing we always urge motorcyclists to abide by is the helmet law. Wearing the proper, DOT-approved safety helmet is one of the biggest factors in preventing a serious head injury if you are ever involved in a motorcycle accident. New Jersey requires all motorcyclists of any age to wear the correct protective helmet when driving a motorcycle.
Should You Seek Compensation for a Motorcycle Accident?
One of the leading causes of motorcycle collisions is the failure for another motorist to recognize the motorcycle rider in traffic. If a negligent driver causes an accident and injures you or a family member, you have every right to seek compensation for your injuries and losses.
Since motorcycle accident cases tend to be more complex, it is highly recommended to employ the assistance of experienced New Jersey personal injury attorneys. Hiring a lawyer who has handled a significant amount of motorcycle accident lawsuits will help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Pursuing a motorcycle accident claim allows you to seek compensation for damages caused by the other negligent motorist. This compensation may include:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
- Loss of Future Earnings
Paying for Your Medical Bills
Many motorcyclists are unaware of the process of paying medical bills if they should suffer injuries in a motorcycle accident until after they are already injured. Did you know that in the state of New Jersey, the injured victim would either need to pay for the medical care themselves, use their own health insurance, or have your treating doctors place a lien on your case that lets you pay doctors back out of any compensation you receive from your case?
In New Jersey, motorcyclists are not given personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. Often referred to as “no-fault” insurance, PIP will not cover the cost of medical bills sustained in a motorcycle accident or lost wages during your recovery.
Neither the other motorist’s auto insurance or the motorcyclist’s insurance will pay for the medical treatment. This is why it is extremely important to hire an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to handle your case; not only will they seek compensation for pain and suffering, but they will help take away the stress of paying for medical bills by seeking fault from the motorist’s insurance company.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim for a Motorcycle Accident?
In the state of New Jersey, you have a maximum of two years after a motorcycle accident to file a lawsuit against the negligent driver. In legal terms, this deadline is called a statute of limitations.
Unfortunately, many motorcyclists who suffer injuries as a result of an accident are unaware of this deadline. Depending on how serious injuries may be or how long medical treatment may take, it is understandable how victims of motorcycle crashes think they have a long time to figure out if they want to file a claim. However, if the motorcycle rider misses the statute of limitations on his or her accident, then he or she loses all rights to sue the motorist who was responsible for the collision.
This is why it is urgent to speak with a personal injury lawyer about your motorcycle accident case as soon as possible after your accident. Your lawyer will not only fight for the compensation you deserve, but he or she will help you navigate your medical treatment, bills, and recovery as well.
Hire a New Jersey Motorcycle Accident Attorney
At Dansky | Katz | Ringold, we have a long and successful history of representing motorcycle accident victims, and in the most traumatic cases, their survivors. We understand the complexity of these cases and will work side by side with you to ensure you receive proper medical care and seek the compensation you need to afford it.
Establishing the negligence of the other party can be a difficult process, and you need a skilled attorney who can examine eyewitness statements, medical records, and communicate with law enforcement and insurance companies.
Insurance companies may want to settle the case outside of court, and the team at DKR will advocate alongside you and guide your decision making to lead you toward the best outcome.
In fact, it is believed that juries have the potential to be biased against motorcyclists, and the insurance company may try to capitalize and reduce their offer — further demonstrating the importance of hiring a motorcycle accident attorney.
We consider each of our clients a part of our family, and we will always treat you as such. Our motorcycle accident injury lawyers are here to fight for your rights; as such, we work on a contingency basis, which means you do not pay anything unless we recover compensation for you.
If you were injured in or lost a loved one to a motorcycle accident, our team is here to help. To schedule a free consultation and case review, you can contact our team at 800-609-7577 or submit a request online.