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Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents in New Jersey can result in catastrophic injuries for riders. A motorcyclist has very little protection from the force of an impact with another vehicle. Many times, the rider is crushed or thrown from the motorcycle. The result can be multiple injuries. A New Jersey motorcycle accidents attorney helps victims recover compensation for their injuries and damages.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in New Jersey
When another vehicle strikes a motorcycle, the rider sustains immediate injuries. Additionally, the rider sustains more injuries when they hit the pavement or another object or are crushed beneath or between vehicles. Common motorcycle injuries include:
- Multiple fractures and broken bones
- Abrasions and lacerations (road rash)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Back and neck injuries
- Injuries to internal organs
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Loss of limbs and amputations
- Facial injuries
A motorcycle helmet and protective clothing decrease the chance of injuries and deaths in a motorcycle crash. However, wearing a helmet does not prevent all injuries from a motorcycle crash. Therefore, seeking immediate medical treatment for injuries after a motorcycle wreck is crucial.
Who Is Responsible for Damages Caused by a Motorcycle Accident in New Jersey?
The person who caused the collision can be held liable for damages. Common factors that contribute to the cause of motorcycle accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Weather conditions
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Improper lane changes
- Road conditions
- Drunk driving
- Following too closely
- Road rage and aggressive driving
- Drowsy driving
However, the injured party has the burden of proving causation and fault before they can recover money for their injury claim. A New Jersey motorcycle accident lawyer uses evidence to prove fault. Evidence may include:
- Accident and police reports
- Evidence from the accident scene
- Statements from the drivers, passengers, and eyewitnesses
- Video of the collision from traffic cameras, dash cams, and surveillance cameras
- Data recorders from the vehicles
- Cell phone records
- Opinions and reports from accident reconstructionists and other experts
Proving fault is crucial. If you are partially to blame for the cause of the motorcycle accident, your compensation could be reduced by your level of fault. Under New Jersey’s comparative fault laws, you cannot receive any money for your damages if you are 51% or more at fault for the crash.
What Damages Can I Receive for a New Jersey Motorcycle Accident?
Accident victims can recover economic damages for their:
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Nursing and personal care
- Physical therapy
- Decreases in future earning capacity
They can also receive money for their non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, permanent impairments, disfigurement, and decreases in quality of life. In a few cases, the victim could receive punitive damages. Punitive damages do not compensate the victim for losses. Instead, jurors award punitive damages to “punish” a defendant for specific types of egregious conduct.
Carefully documenting damages helps maximize your settlement amount for a motorcycle accident. Therefore, keep copies of all bills, invoices, and receipts for expenses related to the crash. Also, keep a journal with details about your recovery, including your emotional state, pain levels, and activity level.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a New Jersey Personal Injury Attorney
You should not have to bear the financial burden when another person causes a motorcycle accident. Contact our law firm to schedule a free consultation with our experienced New Jersey personal injury attorney to discuss how we can help you with your case.