According to the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety, 82% of people involved in motorcycle crashes between 2013 and 2017 were injured. If you sustained injuries in a motorcycle wreck due to another driver’s negligence, they may be liable for your injuries.
Depending on the circumstances of your crash, you may have legal options. A Jersey City motorcycle accident lawyer may be able to handle your case. With legal representation pursuing compensation on your behalf, you can concentrate on recovering from your injuries.
Motorcycle Accidents Can Cause Significant Damages
The injuries from a motorcycle accident can be more catastrophic compared to those sustained in motor vehicle accidents. This is because the motorcycle victim typically experiences a direct impact to their body.
Motorcycle accident victims may require ongoing medical treatment to recover from their injuries. Some victims sustain injuries that may disable them for the rest of their lives. Spinal injuries or imputations are amongst the types of disabling injuries that may occur in motorcycle accidents.
Determining Fault in a Motorcycle Accident
Establishing fault is an essential stage in a personal injury case. It may not be immediately apparent after a motorcycle accident who was at fault, especially if multiple vehicles or factors were involved in the accident.
When a Jersey City motorcycle accident lawyer handles your case, they can investigate your crash and identify the liable party. A legal team will also gather evidence of their liability to hold them responsible for their actions. The liable party in a motorcycle accident can include:
Another Motorist
If another driver’s negligence caused your accident, they may be liable for your damages. Driver negligence can include:
- Speeding
- Drunk or intoxicated driving
- Running a stop sign or red light
- An illegal turn
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Failure to signal
- Swerving in front of a motorcycle
- Violations of traffic rules
Jersey City Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Other Potentially Liable Parties
Depending on what caused your accident, the liable party for your injuries could also be:
- The repair shop that fixes and maintains the motorcycle or another vehicle
- The manufacturer of the motorcycle
- A motorcycle rental company
- The government entity responsible for ensuring the roads are in proper condition
- The manufacturer of a component of the motorcycle or safety equipment
It is possible to have multiple responsible parties in a motorcycle accident. Your Jersey City motorcycle accident attorney can help you identify these individuals.
Proving Your Motorcycle Accident Case
A motorcycle accident case may require you to establish the negligence of the at-fault party.
There are four elements of negligence:
- Duty of care
- Breach of duty
- Causation
- Damages
A Jersey City motorcycle accident lawyer can gather evidence to demonstrate that these four elements of negligence were present. This evidence may include:
- Photos or videos from the scene of the accident
- Surveillance or traffic camera footage
- Witness statements
- Police reports
- Testimony from accident reconstruction experts
- Your medical records
Once an investigation into your case is complete, a motorcycle accident lawyer will present the responsible party’s insurance company with evidence in settlement negotiations. If they are unwilling to make you a fair offer, your case can be brought to trial before a judge or jury.
Recoverable Damages in a Motorcycle Accident Case
The following economic and non-economic damages may be available in your motorcycle accident case:
- Ambulance fees and emergency room care
- Medical bills, including all surgeries, treatments, and medications
- Estimated future costs of medical care
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capability
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
A Jersey City motorcycle accident attorney can advise you of what specific compensation may be available in your case when they represent you.
Contributory Negligence in New Jersey
New Jersey law applies contributory negligence to personal injury lawsuits, per NJ Statute §2A:15-5.1. This means that, so long as you were less than 50% responsible for your accident, you may be able to recover compensation from the primarily responsible party or parties.
However, your compensation may be reduced according to your percentage of fault. For instance, if a judge determines that you are 25% at fault for the accident and your total damages are worth $400,000, your compensation may be reduced by 25% to $300,000.
Deadlines for Motorcycle Accident Claims in Jersey City
The serious nature of motorcycle accident injuries may mean that victims are unable to contact an attorney immediately following an accident. Don’t wait too long because the state of New Jersey has a statute of limitations for when you can file a suit for accident claims.
Motorcycle accident victims have two years from the date of their collision to file their claim in the New Jersey civil court system. If you miss this deadline, your case may be dismissed. Contacting a motorcycle accident attorney in Jersey City early can make all the difference for your case and your financial compensation.
What a Motorcycle Crash Lawyer in Jersey City Can Do for You
While you recover from your injuries, a motorcycle accident lawyer can take on your legal responsibilities. This can include:
- Thoroughly investigating the collision by analyzing evidence
- Determining who is at fault for the accident
- Acquire the professional opinions and testimony of expert witnesses to prove negligence
- Calculating the full scope of your damages
- Handling all interactions with the insurers on your behalf
- Negotiating with the insurance company to get you the compensation you deserve
- Representing you in all legal proceedings, including depositions, mediations, and, if necessary, a trial in front of a jury and and judge
- Managing the logistics of your claim, including deadlines, legal requirements, and disbursement of your funds
Contact Our NJ Motorcycle Accident Lawyers for Help
If you were harmed in a motorcycle accident caused by another party’s negligence, you are not alone. A Jersey City motorcycle accident lawyer from Morelli Law Firm can pursue compensation on your behalf when we represent you.
To learn more about our legal services, speak with a member of our team today. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to Jersey City motorcycle accident victims.