What Causes Motorcycle Accidents in Bergen County, NJ?
Most motorcycle crashes result from driver negligence rather than rider error. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 6,335 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes in 2023, accounting for 15% of all traffic fatalities nationwide.
Common causes for motorcycle accidents in Bergen County include:
- Left-turn collisions
- Distracted driving
- Road conditions
Municipal governments and property owners must maintain safe road conditions, and failures in this duty can establish liability for resulting crashes.
How Do Motorcycle Accident Injuries Differ From Car Accidents?
Motorcycle accidents typically produce more severe injuries than car crashes. Riders lack the protective barriers that vehicles provide. Even with proper safety gear, motorcyclists sustain serious harm in collisions.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries despite helmet use
- Spinal cord damage leading to paralysis
- Severe road rash requiring skin grafts
- Multiple fractures from impact with vehicles or pavement
Motorcycle accident injuries often result in substantial medical expenses. Emergency room visits, surgeries, and ongoing care can accumulate six-figure bills. Victims also lose income during long recovery periods. Fair compensation must reflect these economic damages and the physical and emotional pain caused by catastrophic injuries.
What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Bergen County?
Your actions immediately following a crash can significantly affect both your health and your legal claim. The first step is to seek medical attention, even if you feel uninjured, because adrenaline can mask pain and some internal injuries.
If you are physically able, your next step should be gathering evidence at the scene. Take photographs of vehicle positions and visible injuries, and collect contact information from any witnesses who saw the collision.
After securing evidence, you need to report the accident to the police. New Jersey law requires a police report for accidents involving injury, death, or property damage over $500. The police report serves as an official record of the incident and can be important for your claim.
The next step is to notify your insurance company about the crash. Limit your statements to basic facts and avoid detailed discussions.
Finally, before accepting any settlement offers, contact a motorcycle accident attorney, who can review your case and help you proceed. Insurance companies typically propose inadequate settlements, hoping injured riders will accept quick payouts rather than pursuing legal action.
How Does New Jersey Law Affect My Motorcycle Accident Claim?
New Jersey’s modified comparative negligence rule allows injured parties to recover damages even when partially at fault for an accident. However, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, and you cannot recover anything if you’re more than 50% at fault. Insurance companies exploit this rule by arguing that motorcyclists contributed to crashes through excessive speed.
The state’s two-year statute of limitations creates a deadline for filing motorcycle accident lawsuits. This timeframe begins on the accident date, and missing it eliminates your right to pursue compensation through court action. Some exceptions exist for delayed injury discovery or claims involving government entities, which require notice within 90 days. These procedural rules make early consultation with a vehicle accident attorney essential for protecting your legal rights.
Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet?
New Jersey requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear approved helmets. Failure to comply with this law doesn’t automatically bar recovery, but insurance companies will argue it contributed to your injuries. The state’s modified comparative negligence rule means your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to not wearing a helmet.
Many catastrophic motorcycle accident injuries occur regardless of helmet use. Our firm carefully examines the medical evidence to distinguish between injuries resulting from the collision itself and those potentially affected by helmet use. We work with accident reconstruction experts and medical specialists who can demonstrate that the cause of your harm was the other driver’s negligence, not your equipment.
Secure Experienced Representation for Your Bergen County Motorcycle Accident Claim
Motorcycle accidents demand immediate legal action to preserve evidence and protect your financial recovery. Managing partner, Jae E. Lee, has secured millions in recoveries for injured clients. Our firm invests in comprehensive case preparation that positions you for maximum compensation, whether through settlement negotiations or trial.
Do not let insurance companies capitalize on your vulnerable situation after a serious accident. Our willingness to litigate signals that we will not accept inadequate settlement offers. Talk to a motorcycle accident attorney at Jae Lee Law about your case by scheduling a free consultation through our contact form today.
