Motorcycle Accidents
Over 30 years of experience. Over $100 million recovered for clients.
New Jersey Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Operating a motorcycle carries with it risks not associated with driving cars. Frequently, New Jersey motorcycle accidents are not the biker’s fault, yet rather that of other motorists. Due to the limited protection on a motorcycle, bikers may sustain serious or fatal injuries.
Motorcycle accidents have the potential to cause serious injuries. In New Jersey, motorcyclists are more than 29 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a collision. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), bikers are five times more likely to be injured in accident.
The data on fatal motorcycle accidents and crashes is alarming. According to the NHTSA, between 2006 and 2015, the highest number of fatalities, 99, occurred in 2006. In 2014, roughly 2,000 bikers were involved in crashes where 62 died. 2015 saw the lowest number of motorcycle accident fatalities, 50.
Over half of motorcycle crashes involving other vehicles occur at intersections, and more than two-thirds happen when the car driver fails to see the motorcycle approaching. Bikers involved in a New Jersey motorcycle crash have an 83 percent chance of being injured.
Common Motorcycle Injuries in NJ
According to the NHTSA, nearly 5,014 motorcyclists were involved in fatal crashes across the US in 2019. Around 30% of motorcyclists who were involved in a fatal crash did not have valid motorcycle licenses. It is always important to ensure motorcyclists have proper coverage, in the event, they are seriously injured.
Some common motorcycle injuries include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Broken bones
- Disfigurement
- Fractured Bones
- Crush injuries of the hands, feet, legs, chest
- Permanently damaged nerves
- Concussion
- Muscle injuries
- Friction burns
- Neck and Back Injuries
- Head Injuries
- Paraplegia/ Quadriplegia
- Knee Injuries
- Internal Tissue Damage
Types of Motorcycle Accidents
Three types of motorcycles exist — street, off road and dual purpose. Off road bikes are not allowed on the streets. While dual purpose can be modified for legal street usage. The street motorcycle category includes many types of bikes.
Unfortunately, riders of any type of motorcycle are at risk of being involved in an accident. Other common types of accidents include, but are not limited to:
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Circumstances of each motorcycle accident vary and the outcome is markedly different in every accident. In fact, 56 percent of fatal crashes involved another vehicle and a motorcycle. In 78 percent of these collisions, a car hit the biker head-on. Approximately 5 percent of motorcycle collisions involve the biker being rear-ended. Being involved in a serious motorcycle accident can leave you with questions about who was at-fault, and how can I obtain financial compensation for my lost wages and injuries.
Motorcycle injuries are typically devastating and cause serious life-altering injuries. Some of the more common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Cars turning left in front of a motorcycle
- Head-on collisions
- Lane-splitting
- Speeding
- DUI/DWI
- Colliding with a fixed object
- Poor road conditions
- No formal motorcycle rider training
- Defective parts
- Improperly modifying a motorcycle
- Distracted driving
New Jersey Motorcyclists Are Required to Purchase Motorcycle Insurance
The Garden State requires motorcycle owners to purchase motorcycle insurance. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission states that it is mandatory for all drivers to have personal injury protection and liability insurance. As an extra precaution, motorists should consider purchasing uninsured (UM) and underinsured (UIM) motorcyclist coverage. In the event of getting in an accident with a driver who does not have adequate coverage, you can better protect yourself and others. According to New Jersey's Division of Highway Traffic Safety, many motorcycle fatalities in 2016 were caused by distracted driving, lack of attention, unsafe speed, and improper passing.
It is important for motorcyclists to update their motorcycle licenses, stay up to date with Helmet Laws, and understand their insurance policy. Make sure you purchase enough motorcycle insurance in case you are seriously injured, or the party that injures you has no insurance or is underinsured. If you have been terribly injured, your medical bills may not get paid fully due to the defendant having little to no insurance.
How a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help
If you or a loved one was hurt in a New Jersey motorcycle accident, the help from a personal injury lawyer may be of utmost importance. Our experienced New Jersey personal injury lawyers will thoroughly investigate your motorcycle accident by obtaining the police report, scene photographs and witness statements to determine who is at fault for the accident. We will always thoroughly investigate the cause of accidents to discover who is liable and what injuries and financial damages you may be able to recover. We also work with accident recinstructionists, if necessary, to determine who the responsible parties are that caused your accident.
In addition, the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm will provide legal advice and make sure you obtain the compensation you deserve. Our lawyers can provide assistance in obtaining the following compensation for your injuries.
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MILLIONS
RECOVERED
for clients
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DECADES
OF PRACTICE
30 years
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GENERATIONS
OF ADVOCACY
a legacy of excellence
A proven track record of success
Contact a New Jersey Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you, or a loved one, have been hurt, or lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident you can trust the experienced legal team at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm. We have over 30 years of experience handling motorcycle accidents, and are dedicated to providing outstanding personal injury representation to each of our clients. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.
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We are responsive to our clients' phone calls, and we feel privileged to represent them. Because we were born and raised in this area, we understand the community, and we combine our old-fashioned personal attention and modern investigative technology to give our clients the best of both worlds. Let our family help yours.
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