New Jersey Motorcycle Safety: Why Bikers Are More Vulnerable Than Drivers

New Jersey Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists “are more than 28 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash and five times more likely to be injured.” Moreover, “If you’re involved in a motorcycle crash in New Jersey, statistics show that you have an 82% chance of being injured (2013 – 2017).”  Indeed, in “2022, there were 6,218 motorcyclists killed — 15% of all traffic fatalities….this is the highest number of motorcyclists killed since at least 1975.”

Why Are Motorcyclists More Vulnerable?

The predominant causes of motorcycle accidents remain the same.  These include:  

• Alcohol intoxication
• Not wearing a helmet
• Lack of safety training (inexperienced riders)
• Unsafe driving; e.g., speeding, lane splitting, lack of road awareness, etc.
• Driving on unsafe or slippery roads; e.g., wet roads, gravel roads, rough roads
• Motorcycle accidents often involve riders who do not have a valid license to drive a motorcycle.

Motorcycling in New Jersey, like anywhere else, involves inherent risks that are amplified by factors such as lack of protection, visibility issues, and road hazards. The recent accidents in Totowa, West Milford, and Franklin Township serve as stark reminders of these dangers. By raising awareness, improving road conditions, and encouraging the use of protective gear, we can work towards making our roads safer for everyone.

Recent Tragic Incidents in Northern New Jersey

In March 2024, a motorcyclist tragically lost his life in a crash on Route 46 in Totowa, New Jersey. The accident underscored the dangers that bikers face daily on our roads. According to the report, the motorcyclist collided with another vehicle, a common scenario in many motorcycle accidents.

Just a couple of months later, in May 2024, another motorcyclist was seriously injured in West Milford (Passaic County), New Jersey. The severity of his injuries required immediate airlifting to a hospital for advanced treatment. This incident again brings to light the harsh reality of motorcycling – even with immediate medical intervention, the outcomes can be grim.

And earlier this year, police identified a person killed in a motorcycle crash in Franklin Township. These incidents are not isolated, but part of a concerning pattern that calls for greater awareness and preventive measures.

Types of Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents

Common injuries associated with motorcycle accidents include:

• Fractured bones; e.g., Compound fracture, Displaced fracture, Closed fracture, Open fracture
• Road Rash
• Crush injuries to the hands, feet, legs, and chest
• Eye injuries; e.g., orbital fractures
• Internal bleeding
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Concussions
• Amputations
• Scarring
• Organ damage
• Spinal cord injuries
• Neck and shoulder injuries
• Dislocations – shoulder, neck, hips
• Paralysis

If you have sustained a serious injury in a motorcycle accident, get medical attention as quickly as possible. Keep all medical records, and any other accident-related expenses, including the time you missed from your job.  If your accident was due to the negligence of another party(ies), contact an experienced Motorcycle Accident attorney at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm to discuss your legal rights and how to file a personal injury claim.

Contact Our Experienced New Jersey Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Now!

If you, or a loved one, has been injured in a motorcycle crash, or sadly, a wrongful death, as the result of a New Jersey motorcycle accident, contact one of our personal injury attorneys. They have over 30 years of experience aggressively representing seriously injured clients in all types of accident claims, including those injured at work. We have successfully handled thousands of car accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents and ride-share claims, including those involving Uber and Lyft. We have recovered over $100 million for our clients and can effectively negotiate on your behalf with even the largest insurance companies. To learn more about how we can help you pursue compensation for your injuries, give us a call today at (973) 920-7900 to request a free and confidential consultation. You can also connect with us through our online form. There is never a fee unless we win. We have two conveniently located offices in Denville and Morristown, New Jersey.