New Jersey Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycles are a desirable form of transportation for a lot of drivers in New Jersey. These vehicles are a lot less expensive than most cars on the road and substantially more economically efficient, especially when it comes to traveling through cities. Unfortunately, those on motorcycles are at an increased risk of suffering serious injuries, should they be involved in an accident. Motorcyclists’ bodies are almost completely exposed to oncoming vehicles, rendering them helpless against larger vehicles on the road.
Motorcyclists understand the vulnerable condition they are in on the roadways, which is why they are so cautious while hitting the roadways. Unfortunately, they are unable to eliminate the risk of becoming involved in an accident caused by a reckless driver sharing the road.
Individuals who are involved in motorcycle accidents often suffer devastating, long-term impacts because of their injuries. Motorcyclist injuries are often life-threatening or result in death. If you or someone you love have been injured in a motorcycle accident, or your loved one died, due to a negligent driver, it is crucial for you to contact a New Jersey motorcycle accident attorney at Brady Reilly & Cardoso, LLC as soon as possible to discuss your motorcycle accident.
Choosing the Right New Jersey Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Selecting the appropriate legal professional to advocate for you makes a world of difference when dealing with potentially life-altering situations like motorcycle accidents. Here are some factors to consider when deciding who to work with:
Experience in Motorcycle Law
When it comes to legal matters surrounding motorcycle accidents in New Jersey, having a lawyer who specializes in this area of the law is essential. This ensures that you’ll have the benefit of someone who understands the law and knows how to navigate all the complexities surrounding your claim.
Assess Legal Expertise and Resources
You need a motorcycle accident lawyer who isn’t just experienced; they must also possess the resources necessary to take your case all the way through to trial if required. When choosing an attorney, ask them about their resources – specifically their access to support staff, investigators, and expert witnesses.
Check Client Testimonials and Past Case Results
Testimonials and reviews from previous clients provide clear insight into the lawyer’s abilities, level of service, communication style, integrity, and track record. Reviewing these can give you a realistic expectation of your possible experience should you decide to work with this professional.
Compatibility and Communication
You should always choose a lawyer that you’re comfortable speaking with and who is prompt and respectful in communicating with you. If you have questions, you don’t want to wait days or weeks for an answer; you want a lawyer who cares enough about you and your case to get back to you as soon as possible.
Additionally, if you don’t choose a lawyer you’re compatible with and that you trust, you may find yourself withholding important information, which will inevitably harm your case.
Partnering with Brady Reilly & Cardoso, LLC, grants you access to our firm’s more than 50 years of dedicated experience dealing with complex motorcycle accident lawsuits. As certified civil trial lawyers, we have an in-depth understanding of the intricacies and nuances that can make or break your case. Rest assured that with us by your side, you’re choosing a partner committed to justice.
Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents
In New Jersey, motorcycle accidents can happen at any time. There are various reasons these incidents occur. Some reasons include:
Speeding Drivers
Cars and trucks traveling down the road often rear-end motorcyclists after failing to recognize how fast they are going. Motorists often assume motorcyclists are speeding, which is a rather deadly assumption.
Driving Too Slow
Drivers who fail to maintain the flow of traffic can cause motorcyclists to crash their vehicles.
Negligent Drivers
Merging into other lanes without looking and turning in front of motorcyclists in intersections are leading causes for motorcycle accidents in New Jersey.
Poorly Maintained Roadways
Unlike cars, motorcycles have a difficult time maneuvering over poor road conditions because they balance on two wheels. Potholes, uneven surfaces, debris, and other objects in the roadway can cause motorcyclists to lose control of their vehicles.
Product Liability
Motorcycles with defective parts or defective designs place drivers at an increased risk of being involved in an accident.
If you or a loved one are injured on your motorcycle due to any of these contributing factors, contact the New Jersey personal injury attorney at Brady Reilly & Cardoso, LLC as soon as possible to schedule a free case evaluation and find out if you have the right to pursue legal action.
Factors Involved in Motorcycle Accidents
Dangers in the roadway place motorcyclists at an increased risk of sustaining injuries if they become involved in an accident. The attorneys at Brady Reilly & Cardoso, LLC understand the unique challenges motorcyclists face while trying to maneuver around on our busy roadways.
Although motorcyclists often go above and beyond to ensure their safety, and the safety of others, on the road, they are often blamed for causing accidents. Some drivers even blame motorcyclists for accidents because they were driving in dark conditions. The truth is, most motorcycle accidents occur in the day time.
There are several elements and conditions that are beyond the control of motorcyclists which often contribute to the occurrence of accidents, including:
Driving Conditions
It is difficult for individuals on motorcycles to anticipate disturbances in the roadways. Passing over branches, leaves, potholes, and other hazards in the road can be extremely dangerous for motorcyclists.
Inclement Weather
Weather conditions can change suddenly and have a devastating impact on drivers’ ability to see objects in the roadways. Motorcyclists who are caught in the wind, fog, rain, ice, and snow are difficult to see, which increases the likelihood of an accident.
Uneven And Damaged Roadways
Roads that a riddled with broken or rough patches, ruts, bumps, or potholes can throw motorcyclists off balance and cause major accidents. These conditions are often unpredictable, as motorcyclists are unable to notice them from a distance. If they try to swerve to miss the damaged areas or brake, they are more likely to be struck by other vehicles from behind.
Poor Traction
Oil, water, and gravel can put the lives of motorcyclists’ at serious risk. These elements can create slick finishes, which makes gaining adequate traction extremely difficult for motorcycles.
Working with a reputable and experienced New Jersey motorcycle accident attorney at Brady Reilly & Cardoso, LLC will ensure you are able to obtain a full and fair amount of compensation for your injuries.
What’s the Process of a New Jersey Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Navigating a New Jersey motorcycle accident claim can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with serious injuries. Here’s the typical process of a motorcycle accident claim:
Seek Immediate Medical Help
After any accident, your health should always be your top priority. Make sure to access medical attention immediately after the accident, no matter how mild the injuries seem.
Investigation
Next, your attorney will assist you in a comprehensive investigation of the accident. This includes gathering physical evidence, witness testimony, consulting with experts, and anything else your lawyer thinks is necessary to file a successful claim.
File an Insurance Claim
In New Jersey, which is a no-fault state, you generally start by filing a claim with your own insurance company, where you may be able to receive compensation for some medical expenses. However, standard Personal Injury Protection (PIP) usually doesn’t cover motorcyclists; therefore, the claim then typically turns to the at-fault party’s coverage.
Submit Demand Letter
Your attorney will draft and send a demand letter to the involved insurance companies detailing your injuries and damages, along with supporting documentation and an explanation of who was at fault.
Negotiations
Your lawyer will then negotiate with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement for your claim. Together, you and your attorney will review any offers made by insurance companies after evaluating the extent of your injuries and the impacts on your life.
Filing a Lawsuit Against the Negligent Party
If an adequate settlement cannot be reached during negotiations, you and your attorney might decide to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
While every accident is different, this is the typical process of a motorcycle accident claim.
Proving Fault in a New Jersey Motorcycle Accident Claim
Obtaining compensation after a motorcycle accident in New Jersey depends on your ability to successfully prove that another driver caused the crash. While this might sound simple, establishing fault is not always straightforward. It usually requires investigating and highlighting when there was a clear violation of state traffic laws, such as speeding, reckless driving, or disregarding traffic signals. These violations often become critical pieces of evidence to establish liability.
Having an experienced New Jersey motorcycle accident lawyer by your side can greatly benefit you during this process, as they possess the expertise and resources required to uncover evidence and build a solid case for you.
Damages Available in New Jersey Motorcycle Accidents
Individuals who sustain injuries in motorcycle accidents caused by negligent drivers on the roadway may be able to receive compensation for damages sustained. Some of the most common awards for damages in New Jersey motorcycle accident cases include the cost of:
- Medical bills related to treatments, therapy, and surgeries for injuries;
- Lost wages resulting from an inability to work due to injuries;
- Lost earnings for individuals forced out of work indefinitely;
- Property damage to repair or replace motorcycles;
- Physical pain and suffering;
- Mental anguish; and
- Loss of consortium.
Victims are able to receive compensation for all financial damages incurred as the result of the accident.
Additionally, victims are able to be compensated for punitive damages in some cases. These awards are given to victims who suffer due to gross negligence. It is crucial to contact a skilled motorcycle attorney as soon as possible to ensure you are compensated for injuries and damages caused by a reckless party.
How We Can Help
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck and spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Broken vertebrae
- Herniated discs
- Amputation injuries
- Road burns
Is There a Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accident Claims?
In New Jersey, there is a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including motorcycle accident cases. The deadline to file a claim is two years from the date of the accident. Should you fail to take legal action within this two-year period, you will likely lose your right to pursue legal action.
However, there are some cases where exceptions exist, which could lengthen or shorten the deadline. Always speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to make sure you don’t miss your chance to recover what you’re owed.
Steps to Follow After a Motorcycle Accident
There’s often confusion and disorientation in the moments following a motorcycle accident. However, it’s crucial to keep these steps in mind for your safety and protection. Here’s what you need to do:
Ensure Safety
After a motorcycle accident, it’s essential to make sure you and anyone else involved in the accident (if possible) move out of harm’s way as quickly as possible. You don’t want to be involved in another accident due to oncoming traffic or other dangers.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
You should always seek medical attention after an accident as soon as you can. Even if you think your injuries are minor, getting a thorough check-up is smart, as adrenaline and shock from the accident can delay the onset of symptoms.
Exchange Information
Make sure you exchange insurance and contact information with anyone involved in the accident. This will help you and your lawyer file an appropriate claim.
Contact A Lawyer
Always contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a motorcycle accident. While you can technically handle these types of situations on your own, it’s not advisable. Insurance companies have their own team of lawyers and professionals trying to limit the payout they owe you, putting them at an unfair advantage if you’re working by yourself. A motorcycle accident attorney can level the playing field.
New Jersey Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Being involved in a motorcycle accident can be terrifying and life-changing. Accident victims are often forced to undergo extensive medical treatments and spend lengthy periods off work. Lost wages, combined with ongoing medical expenses, can financially devastate a victim. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in New Jersey, you may be entitled to reimbursement for your injuries and damages.
The attorneys at Brady Reilly & Cardoso, LLC understand the challenges injured motorcyclist face in the aftermath of their accidents. These individuals often suffer serious injuries, which can drastically impact their ability to return to activities they love. With over 50 years of experience, the New Jersey and Jersey City personal injury lawyers at Brady Reilly & Cardoso, LLC work diligently to ensure motorcyclists obtain full and fair compensation for their injuries and damages. We will work with you to determine the best legal approach for your case. Contact our law firm today at (201) 997-0030 to schedule a free case evaluation.
