According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 4,985 motorcyclists were killed in accidents in 2018. Motorcyclists are more likely to experience disabling and fatal injuries because motorcyclists are directly exposed to impact, while passengers and drivers in vehicles are protected by their vehicle.
If you’ve been in a motorcycle crash due to someone else’s negligence on the road, you may be eligible for compensation. A Wayne, NJ, motorcycle accident lawyer can help.
A motorcycle helmet lies next to the scene of an accident. A Wayne, NJ, motorcycle accident lawyer may be able to help recover damages related to your crash.
The Risks of Riding a Motorcycle in New Jersey
Motorcycles do not have certain safety features, such as seatbelts and airbags, that provide additional protection to occupants of cars and commercial vehicles. Motorcyclists can experience injuries in an accident such as:
- Head trauma
- Broken legs, ribs, and arms
- Scarring
- Organ damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries
Accidents can be terrifying, especially if you sustain severe injuries. When you are involved in an accident, it is important to receive immediate medical treatment, as certain injuries may not present symptoms in the aftermath of a crash. Experiencing an accident can cause shock, which can mask symptoms like pain.
What a New Jersey Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Do
When you are hurt in a motorcycle crash, a Wayne, NJ motorcycle accident lawyer can help you recover damages from the other driver. When other motorists violate traffic laws and cause an accident, a lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages.
It is important to discuss your case with a lawyer in a timely manner because New Jersey Statutes (NJ Stat) §2A:14-2 cites a two-year statute of limitations in most personal injury cases. A Wayne motorcycle accident lawyer can:
- Recover copies of the accident report
- Interview witnesses
- Recover video footage of your accident
- Represent you at trial
- Negotiate a settlement
Wayne Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
Following a motorcycle accident, knowing what to do is essential. Failure to seek medical treatment can result in complications. Medical treatment ensures that your injuries are documented, which is necessary to receive insurance benefits such as lost wages and to recover damages during a personal injury case.
It is also important to notify law enforcement of your accident, as officers will investigate the cause of your crash and compile an accident report. If the other motorist violated traffic laws, officers are empowered to cite the driver. If the other driver receives a citation, it can be used as evidence by a motorcycle accident lawyer during your case.
If you incur expenses because of your crash, keep copies of the bills and costs. Economic losses can be reimbursed by your insurance company and during civil litigation. Photographs of the accident scene can help prove that the other motorist is at fault.
Fault
Fault matters if you pursue a personal injury claim, as New Jersey uses a contributory negligence rule. That means the percentage you are responsible for the accident is deducted from your judgment. Proving fault can be more difficult without help from a motorcycle crash lawyer, as your injuries may prevent you from collecting evidence at the scene.
Insurance benefits are disbursed from your policy regardless of which motorist is responsible for the accident. However, your coverage limits dictate how much your insurance company will reimburse you for damages. Additionally, insurance policies only cover economic losses and limit the length of time you can receive lost income replacement benefits.
If the other driver was responsible for the accident or if you sustained significant injuries and losses, a lawyer may be able to recover financial compensation from the responsible parties. The cause of your crash will determine who is liable.
How Does a Lawyer Prove Fault in a Motorcycle Accident?
When trying to prove fault in a motor vehicle accident, it’s important to prove that the other driver acted negligently while on the road. That means they failed to meet the standard of care they owe to other motorists, which includes driving safely and predictably. To prove fault, an experienced motorcycle accident attorney from our firm will:
- Investigate the scene of the crash
- Assess any information you’re able to provide
- Interview witnesses
- Gather documents, including the driving record of the negligent driver
After we get all the evidence we need, our lawyers will get to work proving that you’re owed compensation.
Damages
When a Wayne motorcycle accident lawyer files a personal injury claim, you may be able to recover economic and non-economic damages. New Jersey does not cap damages in personal injury claims, meaning you can receive more compensation than your actual losses.
Economic
To prove economic losses, you can provide copies of bills and invoices to your Wayne motorcycle accident lawyer. Economic losses encompass all costs you paid as a direct result of your accident and the injuries you sustained in the incident.
Injuries may require rehabilitation or medical devices, which may not be fully covered by your medical insurance. A lawyer can recover compensation for the costs you incurred and paid as a result of your collisions, which can include the costs associated with repairing or replacing your motorcycle.
Non-Economic
A motorcycle accident lawyer can recover noneconomic damages when your injuries impact your quality of life. Serious injuries can prevent you from engaging in the same activities you participated in before your crash, which can lead to depression.
Juries can consider the mental suffering your injuries cause when awarding noneconomic damages. If your injuries prevent you from re-entering the workforce, juries can award noneconomic damages for your future lost income and diminished earning capacity.
Another factor juries can consider when calculating noneconomic damages is your age. Since non-economic damages consider your future losses, you can recover non-economic damages if you are unable to continue pursuing your professional and educational goals.
How Much Does a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Take?
The amount of money that our lawyers will receive from your claim is decided on a case-by-case basis. Our firm works on a contingency-fee basis, which means we don’t make any money until you get your compensation. We’ll sit down with you before we start on your case to determine how much we’ll receive.
After your claim is settled, the insurance company will send the money to us and we will take out the agreed-upon percentage. Then we’ll send you your compensation so you can move on from your accident and start a new chapter in your life.
Call Morelli Law Today
A motorcycle accident can be traumatizing, painful, and costly. Injuries can impact your finances and long-term health, which is why a Wayne motorcycle accident lawyer may choose to pursue financial compensation from the party responsible for your crash.
Contact Morelli Law today for a free case evaluation. We will protect your rights and help you move forward after a wreck.