At Nagel Rice, LLP, our personal injury attorneys have been successfully defending the rights of New Jersey motorcyclists for more than four decades. We are particularly committed to protecting inexperienced bikers as they encounter the challenges of the road and its often thoughtless or reckless drivers.
If you have been seriously injured in an accident due to a motorist’s negligent behavior, now is the time to contact a member of our skilled legal team. Although bikers have an undeserved reputation for recklessness, many collisions in which motorcyclists are hurt are caused by the drivers of larger vehicles.
Call our Roseland or Manhattan office to make an appointment for a free consultation, during which we will evaluate the viability of your case. We realize that your wallet, as well as your body and mind, has taken a hit, so once you become our client, we will charge you no attorney’s fees until we bring you the compensation you are entitled to receive.
Why All Motorcyclists Are at Elevated Risk of Injury
Motorcycle riders are 28 times more likely to die and four times more likely to be injured in an accident than those in cars. In exchange for the blissful freedom of the open road, bikers put themselves at a greater risk of injury than drivers encased in the metal of a car. Not only do motorcyclists have to be more alert to the ever-present dangers surrounding them; they also have to work much harder than other drivers to control their vehicles.
In fact, they have to do all of the following:
- Maintain balance and maneuver sharp turns on 2 wheels instead of 4.
- Watch for rough patches, potholes, and debris in their path.
- Be keenly aware of bad weather — heavy rain, strong wind, snow, sleet, or fog that can easily derail their progress since they, unlike motorists, are “outside.”
- Be aware that their motorcycles are much less visible to motorists than other, larger vehicles and take the necessary precautions.
- Realize that the rudeness of other drivers that may be an annoyance to motorists, may actually threaten bikers’ lives.
Why Inexperienced Motorcyclists Are Especially Vulnerable
Experience makes tasks easier to handle, whether writing an essay or baking a cake. The same is true of driving and we can all agree that riding a motorcycle is considerably more complicated than driving a car. Inexperienced motorcyclists are at greater risk of being injured in a traffic accident because:
Inexperienced Motorcyclists Don’t React As Quickly As Veteran Riders
Bikers who are learning to ride a motorcycle are likely to be preoccupied with routine tasks, like braking with their hands and keeping their balance on turns. This prevents them from reacting quickly if the car in front of them stops short or the car beside them abruptly changes lanes. Unfortunately, the extra seconds it takes new riders to react to an unexpected act can result in a collision.
Inexperienced Motorcyclists Cannot Yet Gauge the Risk
Also, because new bikers have less experience on the road, they have no way of truly understanding how suddenly things can go wrong, nor how many dangers lurk even on a peaceful roads. Therefore, they are more likely than experienced drivers to be unprepared and less attentive than the circumstances require.
Nagel Rice Protects Inexperienced Motorcyclists
Inexperienced traffic accident attorneys often assist new motorcyclists who have been injured in a traffic accident that was not their fault but fear that their inexperience will be used to hold them liable. What they don’t realize is that, while they are inexperienced, our lawyers are not. We have the in-depth knowledge and strategic skills to hold the appropriate party accountable and to fight for their right to just compensation.
Reminders To Keep Inexperienced Motorcyclists Safe
At Nagel Rice, we have two major priorities when it comes to dealing with inexperienced motorcyclists: [1] Recovering the damages victims need and deserve for their injuries and [2] Helping to keep our least experienced motorcyclists safe as they become accomplished bikers.
Safety Tips for Inexperienced Motorcyclists
We strongly recommend that as a new biker:
- You give the road your full attention.
- You are especially careful on narrow, winding, or poorly lit roads.
- You remain alert to the actions of other drivers.
- You always leave enough room for a safe stop.
- You choose a motorcycle that is easy to handle for your first bike.
- You always inspect your bike before riding — tires, fuel, lights, brakes.
- You use appropriate protective gear — helmet, reflectors, boots, gloves, eyewear.
- You obey all traffic laws, signs, and signals.
- You never ride your motorcycle while impaired.
- You practice your riding skills before taking to the open road.
What Nagel Rice Will Do To Help
Although fighting for the rights of inexperienced motorcyclists can be difficult, our attorneys are well up to the challenge. We will be proactive in:
- Gathering evidence at the accident site
- Examining police reports and medical data
- Interviewing witnesses
- Checking possible history of misconduct on the part of the defendant
- Consulting with medical and accident reconstruction experts
- Drafting and filing all necessary documents
- Negotiating with opposing attorneys and insurance adjusters
- Litigating forcefully if necessary to ensure maximum compensation
Contact Our New Jersey Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Today
If you are feeling overwhelmed by the physical, emotional, and financial trauma of your motorcycle accident, remember that our highly competent motorcycle attorneys are here for you. We have the comprehensive understanding of New Jersey law needed to fight for your right to damages commensurate with your injuries. We will do everything we can to reclaim the funds you require for your medical and rehabilitation costs, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering. Contact us now so we can get started working on your case.
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.