Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in New Jersey
Following a motorcycle accident in which you or a loved one was injured, the time following the accident will be stressful as you focus on your health and well-being. Aside from healing physically, you may also be hurting financially since motorcycle accidents may be exhausting.
When an accident occurs due to someone else’s negligence, you may require legal representation to preserve your rights and best interests—having someone on your side to back you up may be a tremendous relief in these cases.
We believe in empathetic client care and an open, honest approach at Jaloudi Law. We’re not like everyone else. Our clients consider us to be the top motorcycle accident attorneys in New Jersey.
Let our New Jersey personal injury attorneys help you transform your setback into a triumph by contacting us immediately.
New Jersey Motorcycle Laws
Because many risky situations occur when riding a motorbike, it comes with its own set of rules and restrictions. Below are the essential rules and requirements to know before riding or purchasing a motorbike in New Jersey to keep you safe and knowledgeable.
Motorcycle Licenses
Motorbike riders in New Jersey must get a specific license to operate a motorcycle lawfully. Earning a motorbike license is identical to getting a regular driver’s license. You must first obtain a learner’s permit, accessible to drivers aged 17 and up.
After 20 days of having your learner’s permit, you will be allowed to take a road test. If you don’t want to take a road test, you can enroll in the Motorcycle Safety Education Program Basic Rider Course, which will provide you with license approval after you complete it.
If you already hold a motorbike license from another state, New Jersey will accept it as long as it is valid.
Register Your Motorcycle
You must be able to present proof of motorcycle insurance to register your motorcycle. You will be able to register your motorbike after providing evidence of insurance to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Protective Gear
It is not just a safety tip, but it is also required by law in New Jersey to have the proper equipment to ride a bike safely.
According to the New Jersey DMV, if your motorbike does not have a windshield, you must wear safety goggles while riding it. While driving at high speeds, goggles are necessary to keep bugs and debris out of your eyes. If anything gets in your eye, you may lose control of the bike due to momentary blindness.
Handlebars
A motorcycle’s handlebars must fulfill a height minimum to be road-safe in New Jersey. The handlebars must be higher than the rider, and riding with them at a dangerous height can result in a citation or punishment.
What Are the Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle collisions occur for many of the exact causes as other forms of collisions. However, other elements are specific to motorbike accidents. In any case, never make conclusions regarding the reason for your accident.
Our motorcycle accident lawyers will be able to examine the accident and determine all probable reasons, if necessary, with the assistance of an accident reconstructionist.
The following are some of the most prevalent causes of motorcycle accidents.
Driver Error
Like any other type of vehicle accident, driver error is a primary cause of motorbike accidents. Both automobiles and motorcycle riders make mistakes that result in collisions. Among the most common instances are:
- Distraction. Drivers can be distracted for various reasons, including using their GPS, fiddling with the radio, texting, applying cosmetics, or eating. According to the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety (NJ DLPS), driver inattention is involved in most fatal motorcycle accidents.
- Failure to Check Blind Spots. Motorcycles can readily squeeze into blind areas in cars and trucks. Even so, it is the responsibility of every motorist to examine blind spots before turning, changing lanes, or backing up. Otherwise, major mishaps are possible.
- Speeding. Another significant cause of accidents is speeding. According to the NJ DLPS, most injured motorcyclists travel less than 30 mph.
- Driving Under the Influence. Although many individuals know that driving while intoxicated is unlawful and dangerous, it nonetheless occurs often. Alcohol impairment is commonly detected in some motorcycle riders involved in fatal collisions.
Failure to yield, tailgating, unexpected stops, and other traffic offenses are examples of mistakes that can lead to accidents. Motorbike accidents can also happen when a motorist fails to evaluate a motorcycle’s speed or location in traffic appropriately or fails to see the motorcycle.
Lane Splitting
A motorbike traveling between two adjacent lanes of slow-moving traffic traveling in the same direction, generally amid traffic jams, is known as “lane splitting.” Lane-sharing or white-lining are other terms for it.
Accidents can still happen if drivers fail to keep an eye out for lane-splitting motorcycles. In slow or stopped traffic, drivers frequently do not anticipate a car or motorbike to pass them.
If motorcycle riders do not lane split safely, they risk causing an accident. And weaving dangerously in and out of traffic is never permitted, whether for passenger cars or motorcyclists.
Suppose you were careless or irresponsible while riding your motorbike. In that case, whether lane splitting or changing lanes, you might be judged partially responsible for the accident and your damages reduced or disallowed.
Manufacturing or Design Defects
Accidents can also be caused by manufacturing or design flaws, which make a motorbike more dangerous in the case of an accident. A manufacturing fault is a mistake that occurs during the production process.
A design flaw is a flaw that is inherent in the design itself. Defects may be many things, but some examples are malfunctioning brakes, unsteady tires, and leaking fuel tanks.
You may have a claim against the motorcycle business or the manufacturer if a flaw in your motorbike caused an accident or contributed to the severity of your injuries.
Weather or Road Conditions
Inclement weather, such as heavy rain, fog, high winds, and snow, can result in various accidents due to impaired visibility and traction. However, inclement weather is considerably more deadly for cyclists. No one may be to blame in these situations; no one can control the weather after all.
However, if a driver does not drive appropriately for the conditions, they may be judged at fault. Following are some examples of careless driving in bad weather:
- Driving at unsafe speeds for the conditions even if they’re under the speed limit
- Following another vehicle too closely
- Failing to use headlights when visibility is poor
- Driving a car that isn’t properly maintained (e.g., with worn tires or broken tail lights)
Other forms of road hazards can also cause accidents. Because of their smaller size and less steady nature, motorcycles are susceptible to road dangers. If someone else caused these dangers, you might be able to sue them for compensation. Here are some examples of road hazards:
- Slick or uneven payment
- Loose gravel or asphalt
- Potholes
- Debris on the road
- Other unexpected objections
High-Performance Motorcycles
Only a tiny fraction of motorbikes on the road are sport and supersport models. They do, however, account for a disproportionate number of accident insurance claims, according to the Highway Data Loss Institute.
According to research published in the Journey of Safety Research, supersport motorcyclists die four times greater than cruiser/standard motorcycle riders. The fatality rate for sport motorcyclists is more than double that of cruiser or regular riders.
It’s hardly unexpected that these bikes are riskier because they’re lightweight and designed for speed. These sorts of motorbike riders are also younger and take more significant risks. That isn’t to say that the rider of a sport or supersport motorbike is always to blame in an accident.
Even riders who are partially to blame may be eligible for some compensation. Whatever you believe caused the accident, you can speak with one of our skilled motorcycle accident attorneys to examine your possibilities.
What to Do if You’re Involved in a Motorcycle Accident in New Jersey?
A motorbike accident may be a strange and frightening experience. When riding a motorbike, your body is significantly more exposed than driving a regular automobile.
You should do several things immediately after a motorbike accident and in the months (and perhaps years) that follow.
Call 911
While it may seem simple, it is critical to emphasize the need to contact aid as soon as possible following an accident. Whether you are the motorcycle rider or a witness to the collision, someone has to get an ambulance right once.
Gather Evidence of the Accident
Take photographs of the accident scene and write down as much information as possible. While some individuals recommend photographing the collision before leaving, getting to a secure location is always safer, especially on busy routes.
Exchange Information
All parties involved in a motorbike accident will want to communicate information. You should typically share the following information with others:
- names
- license plates
- phone numbers
- home addresses
- additional vehicle information (the vehicles’ year and model)
The best approach to be prepared for any further legal action taken by anyone involved is to have everyone’s information on the scene. Ascertain that the police will arrive on the spot and file a report.
Contact a Motorcycle Injury Lawyer and Your Insurance Company
The following phase in every car collision is probably the most feared. Following the occurrence, you must notify your insurance carrier of the issue. Avoid admitting blame in the case while giving all essential facts concerning the accident.
If you’ve shared information with others, the other person’s insurance company may also contact you. Negotiating on your side and dealing with insurance and legal claims may be difficult when dealing with insurance companies on both ends. Our experienced motorcycle injury lawyer can help.
When you call our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys as soon as possible after the accident, you have the best chance of gathering evidence, collecting statements, and planning a claim. In contrast, the accident is still fresh in everyone’s mind.
Do not delay if you have been hurt in a motorbike accident. For a free consultation, contact Jaloudi Law now. Thanks to our established track record of success and dedication to client service, we can transform your setback into a comeback.
Economic vs Non- Economic Damages in Motorcycle Crash Settlements?
Economic damages are determined by the amount of money you lost due to the accident. This monetary compensation accounts for past and future lost income during rehabilitation and treatment.
Additionally, economic damages include the total cost of your medical bills, both in the immediate aftermath of the event and for continued treatment.
Meanwhile, non-economic damages are more difficult to measure, they are a regular aspect of a motorcycle accident injury claim. Non-economic damages include physical and emotional suffering that can affect a person’s life regardless of losing money.
The more complex the discussion becomes—and the more necessary it is to recruit the services of our professional New Jersey motorcycle accident attorneys who can handle all of the negotiations on your behalf—the greater the amount of your medical bills and other damages that you are seeking.
Our motorcycle accident attorneys will strive relentlessly to improve your quality of life. We’ve helped others just like you get back on their feet after an accident caused by someone else’s negligence. Please contact Jaloudi Law right away
What Are the Common Injuries From Motorcycle Accidents?
Many injuries can occur after an accident since a motorbike gives substantially less protection than an average automobile. Knowing the most frequent injuries that might occur will assist you in determining how to treat your body correctly after an accident.
The following are the common injuries from motorcycle accidents:
- Road Rash – skin injury that can lead to infection and nerve damage. Road rash is typically treatable at home and does not have significant implications.
- Lower Body Injuries – damage to the lower body (legs, feet, thighs, ankles, and so on) is relatively common in motorcycle accidents
- Head Injuries – It is equally crucial to protect the head and neck. The brain stem is protected by the neck, just as the skull protects the brain. The injuries might be lethal if both are severely affected. In numerous ways, head injuries can result in sudden death.
Accidents involving vehicles and motorcycles are one of the leading causes of traumatic injuries brain injury. Make sure you’re appropriately protected as a motorbike rider.
How Do You Know If Your Case Qualifies for Compensation?
Because no two motorcycle accidents are the same, it can be impossible to know if you are eligible for compensation without first speaking with a lawyer. Our legal team can establish if you qualify for compensation in a Free Case Evaluation.
When attempting to verify your claim, our motorcycle accident attorneys must first determine whether we can show the four elements of negligence:
Duty of Care Was Present
This indicates that the at-fault party has a legal duty to behave appropriately to protect himself and others. Drivers, for example, must follow the regulations of the road.
Duty of Care Was Breached
Others may be harmed when the at-fault party fails to fulfill their duty of care. There might have been a breach of duty if a reasonable person in a comparable position had behaved differently to avoid injury.
Causation Exists
You or your lawyer must show that your harm was caused directly by violating the duty of care. In other words, if the defendant had followed their duty of care, the accident might have been averted.
Damages Were Generated
This indicates that the collision costs money in medical costs, lost pay from missed work, and property damage. You could also be eligible to get money for emotional distress.
If you have any doubts about whether you have a legitimate claim, please call one of Jaloudi Law’s New Jersey motorcycle accident attorneys. Our legal staff is well-equipped to assist in developing a compelling case.
How Much Compensation Could You Recover for a Motorcycle Crash Claim?
Without a legal representative’s assistance, determining the value of a motorcycle accident claim can be difficult. Our knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorneys have an extensive understanding of state and local legislation and practical experience with these sorts of claims.
You may be eligible for the following types of compensation:
- Prescription costs
- Medical equipment needed
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional issues
- Lost income
- Lost earning capacity
- Vehicle repairs
- Damaged property
- Home modifications required to accommodate your disability
- Funeral and burial costs
- Other medical expenses
If you or a loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident, you might be entitled to extra damages through a wrongful death lawsuit. We will investigate your circumstances to see whether you are qualified for any compensation.
Allow our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys to handle the legal complications so you can focus on your rehabilitation.
What Are the Ways Our Skilled Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Can Help?
Many accident victims are unaware of the numerous advantages of contacting one of our New Jersey motorcycle accident attorneys. We are prepared to take several actions to assist you in validating your claim and developing a compelling case:
- Investigating and collecting all evidence from the accident scene
- Analyzing police and accident reports
- Interviewing witnesses
- Examining the negligent driver’s driving record
- Collecting and reviewing medical records
- Discussing your injuries and expected recovery with medical experts
- Recreating the accident scene if necessary
- Hiring industry expert witnesses if needed
- Preparing your case for trial if necessary
- Negotiating with insurance companies for a fair settlement
Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys are dedicated to aggressively obtaining the compensation you require to recover from an unforeseen accident.
Is There a Deadline to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in New Jersey?
Many accident victims are unaware that they have a limited time to submit a claim. For a motorcycle accident in New Jersey, the statute of limitations usually is two years from the date of the accident or the day you discovered your injuries.
Since everyone’s circumstance is unique, the two-year timeframe may be extended or reduced based on the specifics of your case. It’s critical to talk to one of our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys about the deadline for your claim.
Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Are Here to Help
Motorcycle accidents may negatively influence your health, well-being, and money, causing you and your family concern, stress, and anxiety. Wouldn’t it be reassuring to know that you could rely on a trusted friend and counsel to fight for you? Someone who is looking out for your best interests?
Jaloudi Law is dedicated to providing excellent customer service, empathy, and outcomes. What distinguishes us as one of New Jersey’s top motorcycle accident attorneys. Thanks to our extensive track record of success, you can rely on us to use the finest strategy and work relentlessly to improve your quality of life.
Our motorcycle accident attorneys have years of expertise defending vehicle accident victims. We’ve helped folks just like you move ahead after being injured due to someone else’s negligence or reckless behavior. For a free consultation, contact us now.
