New Jersey Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Advocating for Injured Riders & Their Families

Motorcycle accidents can be devastating for victims and often result in serious injuries or even death. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, it's important to contact a lawyer to understand your legal rights and options. 

Our motorcycle accident lawyer in New Jersey can help you navigate complex insurance claims and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, loss of income, and other damages. Additionally, we can investigate the accident to determine who was at fault and hold negligent parties accountable for their actions. 

By working with our team at The Law Offices of James C. DeZao, P.A., you can focus on your recovery while we fight for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Our initial consultations are free — call (973) 358-6134 or send us a message to discuss your options with a New Jersey motorcycle accident attorney.

Recovering Compensation for Your Injuries & Losses

Following a motorcycle accident, victims can file personal injury lawsuits against those who caused the crash. These claims can help you recover compensation for your injuries. 

Compensation can be awarded for your: 

• Medical bills
• Current and future lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• And other damages

This money will help you stay afloat during your rehabilitation. Money you secure in a personal injury claim can go a long way towards helping you live your life and feed your family.

What If My Loved One Died?

If you lost a loved one due to a motorcycle accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the person who caused the accident. You must be the surviving spouse, child, sibling, or parent of the deceased in order to file a wrongful death claim, which can provide compensation for the funeral services for your loved one, as well as their lost wages, loss of companionship, and more.

Common Injuries Suffered by Motorcyclists

Motorcycle accidents can result in devastating injuries to riders, which are often catastrophic or fatal in nature. 

Some of the most common injuries suffered in motorcycle accidents include: 

• Brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis
• Broken bones
• Road rash
• Loss of limb/amputation
• Internal organ damage
• Dental injuries
• Eye injuries
• Nerve damage

These injuries can lead to lengthy hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation, not to mention countless medical bills. Anyone who has been involved in a crash should seek medical attention immediately, speak to a NJ motorcycle accident attorney, and consider any long-term consequences that may arise from the injuries they have sustained.

Common Motorcycle Accident Scenarios

Rear-End Accidents

Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of motorcycle accidents. In this type of accident, a vehicle strikes the back of a motorcycle, often because the driver was not paying attention or did not see the motorcycle in time to stop. These types of accidents can cause serious injuries to the motorcyclist, including broken bones, head trauma, and spinal cord injuries.

Lane-Splitting Accidents

Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist drives between two lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. Lane splitting accidents occur when another vehicle suddenly changes lanes or makes an unexpected turn and collides with the motorcyclist who is attempting to pass between them. These types of accidents can be particularly dangerous due to the high speeds involved.

Left-Turn Accidents

Left-turn accidents occur when a vehicle turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle without giving it enough time to stop or slow down safely. These types of accidents are often caused by drivers not paying attention or failing to yield to oncoming traffic, which can lead to devastating consequences for motorcyclists involved in these collisions.

Intersection Accidents

Intersection accidents occur when a vehicle enters an intersection without looking for oncoming motorcycles or fails to yield right-of-way at a four-way stop sign or traffic light. These types of collisions are very common and can be deadly for motorcyclists who may not have enough time to react and avoid being hit by other vehicles entering the intersection.

A Closer Look at New Jersey Motorcycle Laws

Is Lane Splitting Legal in NJ?

No, lane splitting is not legal in New Jersey. Lane splitting, also known as white-lining or stripe-riding, involves a motorcyclist riding between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. While this practice is permitted in some states, New Jersey law does not allow it. Motorcyclists in New Jersey are required to follow the same traffic rules as other vehicles, which includes staying within a single lane of traffic.

Are Motorcycle Helmets Required?

Yes, New Jersey has strict motorcycle helmet laws. Both motorcycle operators and passengers are required by law to wear a helmet at all times when riding, regardless of age or experience level. 

The helmet must meet the following criteria:

• Approved by the DOT: Helmets must comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218.
• Properly fitted and fastened: The helmet should fit snugly and be securely fastened with a neck or chin strap.
• Reflective material: Helmets must have reflective material on both sides for increased visibility.

In addition to helmets, New Jersey law also requires motorcyclists to wear protective eyewear unless the motorcycle is equipped with a windscreen.

Does No-Fault Insurance Cover Motorcycle Accidents?

In New Jersey, motorcyclists are not covered by the state's no-fault insurance system. 

No-fault insurance, also known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP), is a type of coverage that pays for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs regardless of who is at fault in an accident. However, PIP coverage is specifically excluded for motorcycles.

Motorcyclists in New Jersey are required to carry liability insurance, which includes:

• Bodily injury liability: Covers injuries that the motorcyclist may cause to other people in an accident. The minimum required coverage is $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident.
• Property damage liability: Covers damage to other people's property caused by the motorcyclist. The minimum required coverage is $5,000 per accident.

Since motorcyclists are not covered by no-fault insurance, they must seek compensation for medical expenses and other damages through other means, such as:

• Liability claims: Filing a claim against the at-fault driver's insurance policy.
• Personal injury lawsuit: Pursuing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver to recover damages.

Navigating the insurance and legal complexities following a motorcycle accident can be challenging. If you were injured in a wreck, it is essential to consult with a motorcycle crash attorney in New Jersey who can help you understand your rights and options for obtaining the compensation you deserve. 

Discuss Your Options in a Free Consultation

After you have been in a motorcycle wreck, every passing day matters. You cannot wait to have a lawyer by your side. Call our NJ motorcycle accident lawyers today so we can get started on getting you the compensation that you are owed. No one should fight alone after suffering an injury. Let The Law Offices of James C. DeZao, P.A. help you.

Medical bills, loss of wages, and other expenses will begin to add up very quickly. Many people are surprised at how much their daily lives are impacted by a single crash. After the trauma of a motorcycle accident, you should only worry about yourself. 

We will explore the fine details, so you do not have to.

Contact us at (973) 358-6134 to schedule a free consultation with our motorcycle accident attorneys in New Jersey.