Motorcycle Accidents
Over 35 years of experience. Over $100 million recovered for clients.
New Jersey Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident can result in crippling injuries. Indeed, 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.” Many of the injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident are extremely serious and may result in life-altering injuries.
One of the reasons serious injuries are common in motorcycle accidents, is due to the rider (and possibly a passenger) often being ejected from their motorcycle. When this happens, they may sustain head (e.g., traumatic brain injury), shoulder, neck, back, and serious road rash injuries after the force of the impact catapults them into another vehicle, an object, or onto the road.
According to the New Jersey State Police, motorcyclists were involved in 97 fatal crashes throughout New Jersey in 2021 — the highest total recorded since 2006. Because of the 97 crashes, 99 people lost their lives. "Driver inattention" and "unsafe speed" were cited as contributing circumstances in 44 of New Jersey's fatal motorcycle crashes in 2021. One notable statistic is that 90% of the riders who are involved in crashes have no formal training.
Seek immediate medical attention if you, and/or a passenger, have been injured in a New Jersey motorcycle accident. It is important to ensure your rights are protected, and ensure you receive maximum compensation for your injuries. Contact a motorcycle accident attorney at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm. We offer relentless personal injury representation and work to prove liability and hold those who caused your accident responsible when it comes time to reach a settlement or verdict.
Types of Injuries in a Motorcycle Accident
Given the lack of protection that motorcycles provide to riders, spinal cord injuries and other serious injuries often occur after a motorcycle accident. However, not all injuries are the same, and an accident victim's prognosis depends on the type of injury and its severity. The types of injuries common in 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
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. Motorists should consider purchasing uninsured (UM) and underinsured (UIM) motorcyclist coverage as an extra precaution. If you get 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
35 years
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GENERATIONS
OF ADVOCACY
a legacy of excellence
A proven track record of success
Contact an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today!
If you or a loved one were involved in a motorcycle accident, and were diagnosed with serious injuries, call the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm immediately. Our dedicated motorcycle accident lawyers are here to help you recover from your accident. We make sure you are informed every step of the way, so you can make the best decision for yourself and your family. Also, if you lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident and want to file a wrongful death claim, contact one of our dedicated New Jersey personal injury attorneys to discuss your rights. Our attorneys provide compassionate, zealous advocacy on behalf of aggrieved families across New Jersey, and will hold all of the responsible parties fully accountable.
Our New Jersey Motorcycle Accident Attorneys have counseled and represented motorcycle accident clients for more than 30 years, and have significant experience obtaining maximum financial compensation. Our firm can help you recover the damages you need to get your life back on track after suffering a serious motorcycle accident injury.
Contact us for a free, confidential consultation today at (973) 920-7900. You can also connect with us through our online form. There is no risk in calling because we never charge a fee unless we can help you recover compensation for your injuries. We have two conveniently located offices in Denville and Morristown, New Jersey.
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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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