Why Clients Choose Nagel Rice
- Over $1 Billion In Settlements & Verdicts
- Decades Of Personal Injury Litigation Experience
- Proven Results In High-Stakes Injury Cases
- Prepared To Litigate When Insurance Falls Short
- FREE Consultations & No Fee Unless We Recover
Hear From Our Clients
“My case was handled well. Great communication throughout the process.” – Ellen H.
What Causes Motorcycle Accidents In New Jersey?
Most motorcycle accidents are caused by the negligence of other drivers, not the rider. Common causes include:
- Drivers failing to check blind spots before changing lanes
- Left-turn collisions at intersections
- Rear-end crashes caused by distracted driving
- Drivers opening doors into a rider’s path
- Road hazards such as potholes or debris
- Speeding or impaired driving
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Motorcycle Accident?
Liability depends on how the crash occurred and who contributed to it. Potentially responsible parties include:
- Negligent drivers
- Commercial vehicle operators or trucking companies
- Government entities responsible for unsafe roads
- Motorcycle or parts manufacturers
- Bars or establishments that overserved intoxicated drivers
New Jersey follows comparative fault rules. You may still recover compensation if you are less than 51 percent at fault, though your recovery may be reduced.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If another party is responsible for the crash, you may be able to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. This may include:
- Emergency room and hospital costs
- Surgery and ongoing medical treatment
- Physical therapy and assistive devices
- Lost income and reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Property damage to the motorcycle
In fatal motorcycle accident cases, surviving family members may also bring a wrongful death claim for funeral costs, loss of support, and emotional damages.
How Motorcycle Insurance Works
Motorcycle insurance works differently from standard auto insurance in New Jersey. Notably:
- Motorcyclists are not covered by PIP (Personal Injury Protection) under NJ no-fault laws
- Injured riders must pursue compensation from the at-fault driver’s liability insurance or their own health insurance
- Optional coverage, like uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM), can be critical if the other driver has inadequate coverage
Time Limit To File A Motorcycle Accident Claim In New Jersey
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in New Jersey. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and strengthen your case.
Contact Our New Jersey Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, do not wait to seek legal guidance. Nagel Rice LLP represents riders across New Jersey in serious injury cases and is prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
FAQS
Do I have to wear a helmet to file a motorcycle accident claim in New Jersey?
Yes, helmets are required by law. Not wearing one does not automatically prevent a claim, but it may affect how certain injuries are evaluated.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes. As long as you are less than 51 percent at fault, you may still recover damages, though your compensation may be reduced.
Can I file a claim if road conditions caused my crash?
Possibly. If unsafe road conditions contributed to the accident, you may have a claim against the responsible government entity.
How long does a motorcycle accident case take?
The timeline depends on the severity of injuries, complexity of the case, and whether it settles or proceeds to litigation.