Injured motorcyclists face unique challenges when pursuing compensation in New Jersey, from biased assumptions about motorcyclists to insurers that do everything possible to limit payouts.
At Nagel Rice LLP, we have extensive experience representing accident victims and a proven track record of success, having recovered over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements against insurance carriers in New Jersey. Contact us today to consult with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney.
Common Challenges Motorcyclists Face with Insurance Companies
Motorcyclists are often treated unfairly by insurance adjusters. There’s a persistent bias that riders are inherently reckless, which can lead to blame-shifting and reduced offers. Insurance companies may:
- Offer low settlements that fail to cover the full cost of injuries and damages
- Delay processing claims to pressure you into accepting less
- Deny claims based on technicalities in the policy
- Push you to provide recorded statements that can be used against you
These tactics are designed to protect the insurer’s bottom line, not your recovery. Having an experienced lawyer on your side levels the playing field.
Understanding Your Rights Under New Jersey Law
New Jersey’s comparative negligence law means you can still recover damages if you are less than 50 percent at fault for the crash, though your percentage of fault will reduce your compensation. This makes proving the other driver’s responsibility critical to maximizing your recovery.
Motorcycle riders are also treated differently under New Jersey’s no-fault system. Unlike drivers of passenger vehicles, motorcyclists do not receive PIP (personal injury protection) coverage, which means you cannot rely on your insurance to cover medical bills. Instead, your claim will often go directly against the at-fault driver’s liability coverage.
It’s also important to know that you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can permanently bar you from recovering compensation.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident
The actions you take right after a motorcycle accident can significantly impact your ability to recover full compensation:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel okay — some injuries take time to appear
- Call the police and request an official report
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene, your motorcycle, and your injuries
- Collect contact information from any witnesses
- Notify your insurance company promptly, but only provide basic details until you speak with a lawyer
These steps help preserve evidence and protect your claim from the start.
How Insurance Companies Try to Reduce or Deny Claims
Insurance companies have a variety of strategies to protect their interests, including:
- Arguing that the motorcyclist was speeding, weaving through traffic, or otherwise at fault
- Downplaying injury severity or attributing injuries to pre-existing conditions
- Offering quick settlements before you know the full extent of your medical needs
- Using surveillance or monitoring your social media for posts that could weaken your case
Without a lawyer to push back, these tactics can significantly reduce the compensation you receive.
How Nagel Rice Can Help
You can trust Nagel Rice to handle all the details of your claim so you can focus on healing. Our motorcycle accident attorneys:
- Conduct thorough investigations, gathering police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction evidence
- Handle all communications with the insurance company to protect you from harmful questioning or unfair tactics
- Accurately value your claim, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering
- Negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement and prepare every case as if it will go to trial
- Take cases to court when insurers refuse to pay what’s fair
Our history of success against major insurance carriers means we know how to anticipate their strategies and counter them effectively.
Legal Help for Injured Motorcyclists in New Jersey
Dealing with insurance companies after a motorcycle accident is daunting. Don’t go it alone. At Nagel Rice, we have the experience, resources, and determination to take on insurers and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. The sooner you contact us, the better your chances of recovering just compensation.
Nagel Rice LLP helps its clients throughout New Jersey, including Roseland, Bergen County, Essex County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Morris County, Passaic County, and Sussex County. We also represent clients in New York throughout Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn, and the Bronx.