Jersey City Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Motorcycle accidents are among the most devastating types of motor vehicle accidents, as bikers have far less protection than most others on the road. Unfortunately, these accidents typically result in long-lasting, even permanent injuries. If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident due to another party’s negligence, our personal injury lawyers are here to help. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle crashes can occur in many different ways, but they are often linked to the careless or reckless actions of drivers who share the road. Some of the most common causes are as follows:

• Failure to yield: Drivers often fail to recognize that motorcycles have the same rights to the road as other vehicles, especially when turning left at intersections
• Distracted driving: Texting, using a navigation system, or talking on the phone can take a driver’s attention away long enough to miss a motorcyclist in the next lane.
• Unsafe lane changes: Drivers who neglect to check blind spots or fail to signal before switching lanes often sideswipe motorcycles.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time, increasing the chances of colliding with a rider.
• Following too closely: Tailgating is especially dangerous for motorcycles since sudden braking by a rider can result in rear-end collisions.
• Opening car doors without checking: In congested urban areas, riders are sometimes struck by car doors swung open in the path.

Motorcycle Helmet Laws in New Jersey

New Jersey has one of the strictest motorcycle helmet laws in the country. Under state law, all motorcycle operators and passengers are required to wear a helmet that meets the standards set out by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Helmets must also be securely fastened and properly fitted.

Wearing a helmet not only ensures compliance with the law, but also dramatically reduces the likelihood of suffering a fatal head injury. Helmets save lives, and although the failure to wear a helmet does excuse another driver’s negligence, it may complicate the legal claims if a rider’s injuries are made worse due to the lack of proper head protection.

Injuries Sustained in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents frequently result in severe or life-altering injuries. Common examples are as follows:

• TBIs
• Spinal cord injuries
• Fractures and broken bones
• Road rash
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Disfigurement
• Scarring
• Amputations
• PTSD and other types of psychological trauma

Recovering Compensation for Motorcycle Accidents

After a motorcycle crash, one of the first questions injured riders ask is how they can recover compensation for their losses. Accident victims are required to prove that another party’s negligence caused the collision. This generally involves gathering evidence, such as police reports, medical records, witness testimony, and more. Compensation in motorcycle accident cases may include the following:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Loss of consortium

Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Jersey City, NJ

Motorcycle accident cases require detailed investigation and strong advocacy. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, the lawyers at Lerner, Piermont, Riverol & Lawlor, P.A. are here to help. Contact our legal team for a free case evaluation today.