What Every Rider and Passenger Should Know About Motorcycle Accidents in New Jersey

Motorcycle accidents remain a significant concern in New Jersey, affecting riders, passengers, and other road users. Understanding the factors contributing to these accidents, the state’s safety initiatives and the legal rights of those involved is crucial for promoting safety and ensuring justice.

Factors Contributing to Motorcycle Accidents

Several factors have been identified as significant contributors to motorcycle accidents in New Jersey:

• Alcohol impairment. Nationally, 29% of motorcycle fatalities in 2022 involved riders with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. 
• ​Speeding. Excessive speed is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities.​
• Failure to yield to motorcycles. Many motorcycle crashes occur because drivers fail to recognize or properly judge a motorcyclist’s speed and distance. This leads to side-impact collisions and head-on crashes, often with devastating results.
• Lack of training. Approximately 90% of riders involved in crashes have not received formal training. ​

These factors highlight the importance of responsible riding and adherence to traffic laws, which ensure the safety of all road users.

Legal Rights and Compensation Options for Motorcycle Accident Victims

Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries that leave victims facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and long-term pain and suffering. Whether you are a motorcyclist, passenger, or another motorist involved in a crash, understanding your legal rights is essential. In New Jersey, personal injury laws allow accident victims to seek financial compensation when another party’s negligence is to blame.

Compensation for Injured Motorcyclists

Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable on the road. Without the protection of a vehicle’s frame, airbags, or seat belts, they often suffer catastrophic injuries, including:

• 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 another driver’s reckless or negligent actions caused the crash, the injured motorcyclist has the right to file a personal injury claim to recover damages.

Compensation may cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and long-term care needs. Many riders require extensive surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment, which can place a heavy financial burden on them and their families. Lost wages are another primary concern, as many injured motorcyclists are unable to return to work immediately—or at all—due to their injuries. Compensation can provide financial relief for past and future lost earnings in such cases. Additionally, New Jersey law allows injured riders to pursue damages for pain and suffering, accounting for the physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life caused by the accident.

Legal Rights of Motorcycle Passengers

Passengers injured in motorcycle accidents often face the same severe injuries as riders, but have little control over the situation. Whether the crash was caused by another vehicle or the motorcycle operator, injured passengers have the right to seek compensation for their injuries.

If another driver caused the crash, the injured passenger can file a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance company. However, in some cases, the motorcycle operator may be responsible, such as when reckless speeding, impaired driving, or loss of control led to the accident. Even if the motorcycle operator is a friend or family member, an injured passenger should not hesitate to pursue compensation, as insurance policies exist to cover such claims. Passengers can seek reimbursement for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering, ensuring they receive the financial support necessary for recovery.

Compensation for Other Motorists Involved in a Motorcycle Crash

While motorcyclists and passengers are often the most at risk, other drivers can also suffer injuries in a motorcycle accident. Some crashes occur due to reckless motorcycle operation, such as excessive speeding, lane-splitting, or sudden maneuvers. In these cases, injured drivers may pursue compensation from the negligent rider’s insurance provider for their medical expenses, vehicle damage, and other losses.

Additionally, accidents caused by defective motorcycle parts, unsafe road conditions, or improper signage may lead to third-party claims against manufacturers, maintenance companies, or government entities responsible for roadway upkeep. 

In any of these situations, working with an experienced New Jersey motorcycle accident attorney is crucial to ensuring the best possible outcome in securing compensation.

Motorcyclists are more vulnerable than occupants of passenger vehicles, which is why New Jersey law provides strong legal protections for riders and accident victims.

New Jersey Motorcycle Safety Initiatives and Legislation

In response to the escalating fatalities, New Jersey has introduced legislative measures to improve motorcycle safety. The “New Jersey Motorcycle Awareness and Safety Act” (A4718), introduced in September 2024, mandates the Department of Transportation to develop and annually update a public awareness campaign focused on motorcycle safety. This initiative aims to promote vigilant driving and reduce motorcycle-related accidents through educational materials, information on the risks of distracted driving, and using variable message signs to encourage safe road-sharing practices.

These efforts aim to protect motorcyclists, passengers, and other motorists, but accidents still happen. When they do, injured victims have legal options.

Have You Been Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Get the Legal Help You Deserve

A motorcycle accident can change your life in an instant, leaving you with painful injuries, financial burdens, and uncertainty about the future. Whether you are a rider, passenger, or another motorist affected by a crash, you should not have to bear these challenges alone.

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 35 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.