New Jersey Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys
Representing motorcycle accident victims throughout NJ
Eichen Crutchlow Zaslow, LLP, has been successfully fighting on behalf of people injured in motorcycle accidents throughout New Jersey for years. We have earned our reputation as formidable, aggressive and intelligent personal injury lawyers with a case history to prove it. We work with the leading accident reconstruction professionals in the region to investigate and prepare motorcycle accident claims. When our lawyers sit down to negotiate a settlement, it is with a case of evidence that is prepared to win in court.
How common are motorcycle accidents in NJ?
There were 5,286 motorcyclists killed in 2016, which represents a 5.1% increase over the previous year. That's 257 more motorcyclists losing their lives in traffic crashes, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA.) Motorcycle accident fatalities accounted for about 14% of all traffic fatalities and 17% of all occupant (driver and passenger) fatalities.
What are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents?
Motorcyclists have two substantial strikes against them: the first is that they are smaller than the other vehicles on the road making them more difficult to be seen, and they have no protection in a crash. There are many factors that can lead to a motorcycle collision including:
- Speeding
- Alcohol use
- Rider inexperience
- Following too closely
- Inadequate surveillance when turning in front of a motorcyclist
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Failure on the part of the other driver to see the motorcyclist
The driver said he/she didn’t see the motorcycle before the crash
Sometimes after a crash between a motor vehicle and a motorcycle, the driver will say in disbelief, "I didn't see the motorcycle." Yet, the motorcycle was there because the driver managed to crash into it. Drivers owe a duty of care to one another to drive safely and part of that duty is to be on the lookout for all types of vehicles from other cars to smaller vehicles, such as motorcycles and bicycles. Drivers who remain alert and aware and focused on the task of driving keep our roads safe for everyone.
Motorcyclists who wear reflective gear, a helmet, and remain alert and aware of everything around them also contribute to a safe driving environment.
Examples of motorcycle accident injuries
Since motorcycles do not contain the same amount of safety features that other vehicles do, motorcycle riders are vulnerable when an accident transpires. The open nature of motorcycles also increases the chances of a rider incurring numerous injuries and fatalities. Victims who survive a motorcycle crash may experience mental distress, debilitating injuries, and find it challenging to return to work in the same capacity, if at all. Some examples of motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Crush injuries
- Road rash
- Internal organ damage
- Head and neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Injuries to the knee, ankle, and foot
- Wrist, hand, and finger injuries
- Burn injuries
Motorcycle helmet law in New Jersey
New Jersey motorcycle riders are required by law (P.L. 39:3-76.7) to wear a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) (FMVSS 218) approved helmet. The NJ Department of Transportation reports that about 90% or riders who are involved in crashes have no formal training. NJDOT recommends the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) training programs for new riders to help avoid crashes and injuries.
Is there a time limit for filing a motorcycle accident injury claim?
Yes. The legal time limit for filing a personal injury claim after a motorcycle crash in New Jersey is two years from the date of the injury. A person who fails to file a claim before the two years has expired lose the right to pursue compensation. This tight timeline underscores the crucial importance of contacting an experienced New Jersey motorcycle accident attorney right away so that we can get started building a strong case for you.
What types of damages are available for a motorcycle accident lawsuit?
Our system of civil justice provides a venue where people who have sustained an injury, or survivors who have lost loved ones because of the negligence of another person can pursue justice in the form of financial compensation. Every case is unique, but the most common types of damage available to compensate the injured or the loved ones of the decedent in a wrongful death claim include:
- Medical expenses related to the accident injury, which may include ongoing medical care into the future.
- Lost wages and benefits for the time missed at work due to a hospital stay, or time spent recuperating from the injury.
- Pain and suffering for the injury
- Emotional distress. Some accidents can be traumatic, and cause the injured person significant distress and in some cases, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Loss of consortium damages are awarded to the spouse to compensate him or her for the loss of services that the injured person was once able to provide before the injury.
- Punitive damages are rare because they are only available in egregious cases
How can a New Jersey motorcycle accident injury lawyer help my case?
When motorcyclists have been injured in a crash with another vehicle they may face significant challenges when it comes to trying to recover compensation for their injuries. Working with a New Jersey motorcycle accident lawyer gives you access to the skills and experience to advocate on your behalf with the insurance companies and preparing a case in court. Most personal injury cases are settled with the insurance companies without a trial, but at Eichen Crutchlow Zaslow, our partners are Certified Civil Trial Attorneys. When a motorcyclist is injured or killed in an accident, insurance companies often believe they have an upper hand when it comes to settling a personal injury or wrongful death claim. The fact is, if the biker tries to sue in court, many jurors have a built-in bias against anyone who chooses to ride a motorcycle. Insurance adjusters know that less experienced personal injury lawyers will back down and accept a low-ball settlement, rather than take their chances with a jury.
We are skilled litigators who will fight for the compensation you deserve. We handle all the legal aspects of preparing a claim or building a case for litigation including:
- Gathering evidence and witness statements
- Investigating the accident scene
- Accident reconstruction
- Review of your medical records
- Work with appropriate subject matter experts
- Negotiate with the insurance companies
When you work with Eichen Crutchlow Zaslow, you gain the benefit of working with a team of award-winning attorneys who have secured more than $750 million in jury verdicts and settlements for our clients. Our NJ motorcycle accident attorneys have garnered national attention from having taken on high-profile cases and winning them, but we never lose sight of the needs of individual clients.
NJ motorcycle crash lawyers helping the injured
From offices in Edison, Red Bank, and Toms River, New Jersey, our lawyers advise and represent clients in personal injury and wrongful death litigation matters throughout New Jersey. Call Eichen Crutchlow Zaslow, LLP at 732-777-0100 or contact us online to arrange a free consultation with an experienced New Jersey accident lawyer at an office near you.