Getting around New Jersey on a motorcycle can be a dangerous endeavor. With so many cars on the road, a rider needs to use extra caution to avoid a crash. However, even the most experienced riders can get hurt in accidents.
Negligent behaviors of other motorists can’t always be avoided. And sometimes, you can’t see them coming no matter how prepared you are. Motorcycle injuries can take a significant amount of time and money to treat, and PIP insurance doesn’t cover these costs in New Jersey.
If you are injured in a bike wreck, you can contact the Passaic motorcycle accident attorneys of Morelli Law. We can help you to navigate the road to financial recovery. We can handle the negotiations with the insurance companies and may be able to pursue a claim in court to secure compensation after your accident.
Who Pays for Injuries in a Motorcycle Crash in New Jersey?
It can be a complicated question to answer in New Jersey. Depending on the specifics of the accident, generally, your own “med pay” policy is the first solution. Since we live in a no-fault state, many riders carry a $5,000-$10,000 policy that will pay for injuries after a motorcycle crash.
After that, your own health insurance policy will be tapped to pick up the rest of the bill.
In many cases, the co-pays for insurance policies are extremely expensive and leave the injured party in financial hardship. This is when the services of a lawyer can be helpful.
Some of the parties you can file a claim against following a motorcycle accident include:
- Other drivers involved in the crash
- Parts or vehicle manufacturers if defective parts contributed to the crash
- Other contributors to the accident, such as cyclists or pedestrians
- Municipalities, government agencies responsible for traffic lights and roads
- Your own insurance companies
A personal injury lawyer will be adept at finding the other potential sources of liability. This can allow us to take the necessary legal action to pursue compensation through negotiations with insurance companies of the other parties involved or to file a lawsuit to fight for compensation in court.
Can I File a Lawsuit in New Jersey After a Motorcycle Crash?
Even though New Jersey is a no-fault state, it is still possible to file a suit if the medical bills exceed a certain amount or if extreme negligence was involved. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Passaic can help you understand your options, and Morelli Law can evaluate your case free of charge.
Passaic Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Don’t Provide Too Much Information to Insurance Company Adjusters
You are required to let the insurance company know about your motorcycle accident and be cooperative with the adjustors as they investigate your claim. You should be polite and professional and keep the small talk to a minimum.
Do what’s required by your policy and follow directions, but do not agree to give any statements or provide details. The best option is to have your motorcycle accident lawyer talk to them on your behalf.
Any requests they make for you to sign documents, medical releases, or to provide recorded statements should be politely declined until you speak to your attorney. It’s within your rights to ask for their contact information and let them know you can’t talk just now. Then, provide your attorney with the contact information and let them handle it.
What Is the “Modified Comparative Negligence” Rule in New Jersey?
More than one person can contribute to an accident, including the injured person. Under this concept, the jury and court determine the amount of losses you sustained. The court then assigns a percentage of fault to the negligent parties in the case.
The total amount of damages is reduced by the percentage of fault you are assigned. This is important because if you are found to be more than 49% to blame for your own injuries, you won’t be able to collect compensation.
Further, if you were not wearing a helmet or you were lane splitting, for example, you contributed to your own injuries by disobeying the law. It may be very difficult to pursue compensation in these cases without the help of a seasoned Passaic motorcycle accident attorney.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries
According to the National Safety Council, motorcycle crash victims can experience multiple injuries, ranging from cuts and bruises to traumatic brain injuries. Some of these injuries become fatal due to complications or the failure to seek appropriate medical attention.
Motorcycle crash victims are often fooled by the effects of the adrenaline released by the body in response to the trauma of being hit. These endorphins will temporarily mask pain, and the rider will not realize how serious the injuries are until days later.
This is why it’s crucial to seek medical evaluation and treatment after an accident. These are some of the common injuries cited in motorcycle accident cases:
- Road rash
- Burn injuries
- Leg and foot injuries, including torn ligaments and tendons
- Arm and hand injuries
- Fractured and shattered bones and joints
- Internal organ damage
- Skin lacerations, bruises, and infections
- Neck, back, and shoulder injuries
- Paralysis, spinal cord injuries
- Loss of limbs, amputation
- Hearing and vision impairment or loss
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Head injuries, concussions, skull fractures
- Facial injuries, broken teeth
Often, a motorcycle rider who gets in an accident will experience multiple injuries. The treatment of any of these injuries alone can be costly and time-consuming, but the impact of multiple injuries can be devastating.
An experienced lawyer can calculate the financial impact by consulting with medical and financial experts to ensure you seek sufficient compensation for all your damages.
Contact the Personal Injury Law Team at Morelli Law Today
Getting the right compensation is critical to cover your losses. Mounting medical bills, time off work, and the disruption of your daily life even temporarily can be financially overwhelming. It may be tempting to accept the first settlement offer, but there may be a better option.
Some riders injured in motorcycle crashes may not be able to care for their families or return to work. If you are facing life-altering injuries, you will need an experienced, aggressive law firm to fight on your behalf.
The Passaic motorcycle accident lawyers of Morelli Law Firm can help you face the challenges and fight for your right to the full amount of compensation you need. Contact us today for a free case evaluation to learn more about legal options with no obligation.