Have you sustained a motorcycle accident injury? Learn how a motorcycle accident lawyer in Hackensack, New Jersey, can help. Contact us online for a free consultation or call 201-266-5670.
Motorcycles provide adventure and thrills but also carry significant risks. Motorcycle accidents involve the interaction of a rider, vehicle, and the surroundings.
Operating a motorcycle requires a combination of mental and physical skills. Weather and road conditions often pose a more significant threat to motorcyclists than other vehicles. A two-wheeler is also less visible to other drivers and less stable than four-wheel vehicles.
The lack of metal frames and airbags makes motorcycle riders and passengers particularly vulnerable to injuries. When a motorcycle abruptly stops, the ejected motorcyclist may hit stationary objects and the pavement.
Did you know that the majority of multi-vehicle accidents involving motorcycles are not the motorcyclist’s fault? The personal injury lawyers at Sadaka Law represent motorcycle accident victims. Whether you need help with a motorcycle accident claim or a personal injury case, our lawyers have the necessary experience to help.
Motorcycle Accidents: Causes
Motorcycle crashes result from many circumstances. Common causes include the following:
Left-Hand Turn Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly half of all fatal accidents involving a motorcycle and a car occurred when the vehicle was turning left. Most left-hand turn accidents happen when cars fail to yield and hit passing or oncoming motorcycles at intersections.
Direct Collisions
Direct collisions occur when motorcycles collide with other cars and fixed objects such as trees, guardrails, and barriers. Motorcycle accidents caused by head-on collisions may result in severe injuries because cars weigh four times more, and motorcycles can move very fast.
Road Hazards
Motorcycle accidents caused by hazardous road conditions include slick surfaces, uneven pavements, loose gravel, and debris on the roadway. Motorcycles tend to be smaller, so they are more prone to crashing in unsafe road conditions.
Lack Of Attention
Drivers who do not check their mirrors before changing lanes may hit motorcycles. Riders may also crash when a person suddenly opens a car door or swerves into the motorcycle’s lane, causing the rider to lose control and crash.
Manufacturing Defects
Motorcycle manufacturing and design defects can increase the risk of an accident. These defects refer to faults in the production process. Defects may include faulty brakes, unsafe tires, leaking fuel tanks, and others.
Other Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
- Driving under the influence
- Following too closely
- Texting or talking on the phone
- Failure to yield
- Speeding
If a negligent driver caused your motorcycle accident and you were severely injured, let a professional attorney help.
Injuries Caused by Motorcycle Accidents
Injuries commonly associated with motorcycle accidents include:
Brain. Accidents are the leading cause of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). TBI occurs when the brain gets injured by a blow or piercing.
Legs. Leg injuries are the most common injuries in motorcycle crashes. Motorcycle riders suffer more lower-extremity injuries than any other type of injury.
Internal. Accidents may cause internal bleeding. Additionally, debris and other objects may penetrate the body.
Fractures. Motorcyclists can fall over in an accident, breaking bones. Riders may fracture their wrists or arms trying to catch themselves during the fall.
Abrasions. Motorcycle riders often suffer skin abrasions known as road rash during crashes. Depending on the severity of the injury, this can range from mild to severe.
Death: If a person dies due to their injuries, a wrongful death claim will take the place of a personal injury claim.
If a negligent driver causes you injury in a motorcycle crash, contact a motorcycle accident lawyer in Hackensack, New Jersey, to find out your options.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident?
Immediately following a motorcycle accident, follow these steps:
- Get Medical Help. After a motorcycle accident, your top priority should be to treat your injuries. Seek medical care as soon as possible.
- Collect Evidence. Take pictures, identify witnesses, and exchange insurance information to gather the necessary evidence from the accident scene.
- Police Report. Police investigate motorcycle accidents that involve bodily injury. Request a copy of the police report if not given one.
- Consult a lawyer. An experienced Hackensack motorcycle accident lawyer can help you decide if you have a personal injury case.
New Jersey No-Fault Laws
New Jersey no-fault laws dictate that insurance companies pay for all medical expenses regardless of fault. The state mandates that all drivers have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance.
However, the no-fault law does not apply to motorcycles, unlike in car accidents. Motorcyclists injured in an accident cannot use PIP coverage under their insurance policy. Riders without health insurance are responsible for paying their medical bills.
In most cases, you can try to receive compensation from the person at-fault or their insurance company. The insurance company may make you a low offer that does not cover expenses and might even refuse to pay for some damages.
Hiring a professional motorcycle accident lawyer in Hackensack, New Jersey, can simplify the legal process. We can file a personal injury claim on your behalf and look into all possible compensation sources.
How Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help
A motorcycle accident lawyer can build a strong case for you by preparing your claim against the insurance company or preparing for trial.
Gather Evidence. Our lawyers have the resources necessary to investigate the accident scene and gather the evidence. These activities include visiting the location, finding witnesses, and reviewing the police reports.
Accident Reconstruction. A motorcycle accident reconstruction may be necessary when the cause of your accident proves challenging to determine or the insurance company disputes that negligence caused the accident.
File a Claim. Motorcycle accident cases begin by filing a claim. When filing an insurance claim, we will explain how the driver caused the accident and the kind of injury and losses you have experienced.
Value of the Claim. Putting a dollar amount on your pain and suffering is demanding. Lawyers can help calculate the value of your claim so you do not get pushed into settling for less.
Negotiate a Settlement. Sadaka Law’s legal team can handle all correspondence with the insurance company on your behalf to negotiate a settlement.
What Can I Recover In a Personal Injury Claim?
New Jersey allows for the recovery of both economic and non-economic damages. Personal injury compensation may cover:
- Medical expenses, including hospital visits, physical therapy costs, and prescription medications
- Lost wages from an inability to work due to injuries and losing future earning capacity if you cannot return to the job
- Pain and suffering, including any emotional distress, mental anguish, and post-traumatic stress disorder caused by the accident
Deadline to File a Claim
Motorcycle accidents in New Jersey have a two-year statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim. If victims do not file within that period, the individual loses the right to pursue compensation.
Choose the Right Law Firm For Motorcycle Accidents
In New Jersey, motorcycle accident victims need to prove the cause of an accident. Knowledgeable personal injury lawyers at Sadaka Law firm can assist you if you have gotten injured in a motorcycle accident due to someone else’s negligence. Our lawyers can handle all aspects of your case, from filing an insurance claim, negotiating on your behalf, and representing you in court.
Find out what an accomplished motorcycle accident lawyer in Hackensack, New Jersey, can do for you. Call us today at 201-266-5670 or fill out our online contact form.
