Nagel Rice LLP has a great deal of experience defending the rights of motorcyclists who have been injured in lane-splitting accidents in New Jersey. Although there is a general prejudice against bikers as risk-takers, our motorcycle accident attorneys are well aware that most motorcyclists drive safely and are committed to defending their rights.
If you have suffered an injury in a lane-splitting motorcycle accident due to another driver’s negligence or recklessness, we are here to get you the compensation you need and deserve.
Causes of Lane-Splitting Accidents in New Jersey
In a lane-splitting accident in which you were not to blame, the other driver may have caused the collision by:
- Veering toward the line between lanes
- Changing lanes without signaling
- Failing to look in the rear-view mirror
- Turning suddenly without signaling
- Driving while intoxicated, fatigued, or distracted
- Speeding, weaving, or otherwise driving recklessly
While it is certainly true that high-speed accidents are more dangerous, even motorcycle accidents at low speeds can cause devastating injuries to the biker. This is why you need the help of our sharp motorcycle accident attorneys.
Reasons for Severity of Injuries to Motorcyclists
Because bikers are not enclosed in the protective structure of a car, and because other vehicles are many times as large and heavy as their motorcycles, they are much more likely to suffer catastrophic injuries or death in collisions. Even when wearing appropriate protective gear, bikers are almost certain to make direct bodily contact with the other vehicle and/or road surface in an accident.
Traumatic Injuries Suffered in Lane-Splitting Accidents
You require urgent medical attention and perhaps one or more surgical procedures if you have suffered any of the following injuries:
- Fractures
- Burns
- Brain damage
- Spinal cord injury
- Loss of sight or hearing
- Neuromuscular damage
- Disfigurement
You will also need a lengthy recovery period, extensive rehabilitation, or perhaps ongoing nursing care.
What Our Strong Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Will Do to Help
Our lane-splitting accident attorneys have the in-depth knowledge of the law and well-developed legal skills to give you a powerful edge when it comes to negotiating with insurance adjusters and/or litigating with opposing attorneys. To win your case, we will:
- Investigate the site of the accident
- Examine any forensic evidence
- Handle all legal and insurance communications
- Subpoena smartphone records to see if the other driver was texting while driving
- Look for any evidence of the defendant’s prior negligence or driving misconduct
- Consult with experts who may offer supportive testimony
- Examine police records and medical reports
- Interview witnesses
- Identify all responsible parties
Most importantly, we will create a legal strategy so persuasive that we may be able to settle for maximum damages without ever entering the courtroom.
We Will Fight to Win Every Dollar You Deserve
At Nagel Rice, we are well aware of how costly being incapacitated (even temporarily) is. We also know that being unable to work with mounting medical bills can be frightening. Fortunately, we have a strong skill set and are determined to bring you damages for:
- Medical and rehabilitation costs
- Nursing care
- Lost income, present and future
- Property damage or loss
- Replacement services (e.g. house cleaning)
- Alterations to make your home accessible
- Pain and suffering
- Psychological counseling
- Permanent disability
- Permanent disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Our attorneys are also fully prepared to take your case if you have suffered the tragic loss of a loved one in a lane-splitting motorcycle accident. Though we can never bring back your family member, we will do everything in our power to recover damages for final medical costs, funeral costs, and loss of financial and emotional support.
Lane Splitting Is Not Against the Law in New Jersey
Although lane splitting is not explicitly against the law in New Jersey, you should be aware that it is illegal in most states and that New Jersey police typically frown on the practice. Still, riding between lanes is a major advantage for bikers in slow or stopped traffic. It should be noted that NHSTA statistics show that in collisions between motorcycles and other vehicles, the drivers of the larger vehicles are frequently at fault.
Comparative Negligence as Part of Lane-Splitting Motorcycle Accidents
There is always the possibility that you were partially at fault for the collision (e.g. because you were speeding or made an illegal turn). Even if this is the case, we can recover damages for you under the New Jersey principle of modified comparative negligence.
What this means is that you can receive compensation for your losses as long as bear 50 percent or less of the responsibility for the accident. You will, however, forfeit the percentage of the court award that matches your percentage of fault. So, for example, if the court assigns you 20 percent of the fault and awards you $100,000, you will receive $80,000.
Contact Our Experienced Lane-Splitting Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Now
Lane-splitting motorcycle crashes are often more complicated to litigate than other car accidents. They also tend to involve more serious injuries. By calling us early on, you give our legal team the advantage by allowing us to collect evidence while it is fresh and witness accounts before memories have faded. Contact us today so our efficient, compassionate attorneys can begin the hard work necessary to provide you with a brighter and more secure future.