Motorcycle Accidents
Understanding Motorcycle Accident Claims in New Jersey
Many people are great lovers of motorcycling, and they manage to ride their motorcycles safely for years. However, when other motorists fail to obey the rules of the road, motorcycle accidents can be devastating, leading to severe injuries and financial burdens for the victims. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in New Jersey, it is crucial to understand the legal process for filing a claim and seeking compensation for your injuries and damages.
Liability in Motorcycle Accidents
In New Jersey, determining liability in a motorcycle accident is crucial for establishing a successful claim. The state follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that compensation is awarded based on the percentage of fault assigned to each party involved in the accident.
It is essential to gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records to determine liability accurately. Consulting with a skilled personal injury lawyer who specializes in motorcycle accidents can help you navigate the complexities of determining fault.
Filing a Claim
When filing a motorcycle accident claim in New Jersey, it is important to act swiftly. The state has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, which is typically two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file a claim within this timeframe may result in losing your right to seek compensation.
Consulting with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can help you ensure that all paperwork is filed correctly and within the designated timeframe. Your lawyer will also assist you in gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing you in court if necessary.
Compensation for Motorcycle Accidents
In New Jersey, victims of motorcycle accidents may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Disability and disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
Calculating the full extent of your damages can be complex, as it may involve estimating future medical expenses and lost earning capacity. Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you accurately assess the value of your claim and negotiate for fair compensation.
Insurance Requirements in New Jersey
New Jersey law requires all motorists, including motorcycle riders, to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance coverage. The state’s minimum insurance requirements for motorcycles are:
– $15,000 for bodily injury or death of one person in an accident
– $30,000 for bodily injury or death of more than one person in an accident
– $5,000 for property damage in an accident
Failing to carry the required insurance coverage may result in fines and penalties, as well as limitations on your ability to seek compensation in the event of an accident. It is crucial to review your insurance policy with a knowledgeable lawyer to ensure that you are adequately protected.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
As a motorcyclist, you are at a greater risk of sustaining an injury than the car drivers around you. Anyone who makes an improper lane change or fails to notice you at an intersection can cause you serious harm. Examples of injuries you could endure include things like:
- Broken collarbones
- Broken arms or legs
- Road rash
- Scarring
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputations
Injuries like these tend to require long recovery periods, and aspects such as surgeries, therapy, cosmetic procedures, and other treatments can carry significant costs. You shouldn’t be forced to pay for damage someone else caused. Let the team at The Law Offices of G. Martin Meyers, P.C. help you hold the at-fault party accountable and fight for the fair compensation you deserve.
Insurance Requirements in New Jersey
In New Jersey, all drivers must have proof of insurance in order to operate a motor vehicle. The law recognizes three different kinds of mandatory auto insurance:
- Bodily injury liability insurance. Liability insurance compensates others for damages you caused if you were found responsible for the accident. It does not, however, cover their medical expenses.
- Personal injury protection (PIP). Also called “no-fault coverage,” PIP covers the medical expenses of you and any other members listed in your policy, regardless of whether you were at fault for your accident.
- Uninsured motorist coverage. This type of insurance protects you if you are in an accident with someone who doesn’t have proper insurance coverage.
How a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help
After an event as frightening as a motorcycle accident, it can be beneficial to have an attorney walk you through your legal options. Whether you want to sue an at-fault driver or file a claim with your insurance company, seek the guidance of a professional before getting started.
Attorney G. Martin Meyers has an outstanding record of success in the recovery of damages on behalf of the victims of motorcycle accidents, even in cases where there was no other vehicle involved. For example, he obtained a jury verdict in the amount of $9.9 million, one of the highest verdicts ever awarded against a motorcycle manufacturer, in the Ocean County New Jersey Superior Court in Molinaro v. Harley-Davidson, Inc., Docket No. L-2190-93, in February of 1997. The case, arising from an accident involving only the plaintiff’s Harley-Davidson motorcycle, was later settled on a confidential basis.
Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Denville, New Jersey
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in New Jersey, it is essential to consult with a skilled personal injury lawyer who specializes in handling motorcycle accident claims. Your lawyer will evaluate the specifics of your case, advise you on your legal rights, and advocate on your behalf to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
At our law firm in New Jersey, we have extensive experience representing victims of motorcycle accidents and helping them navigate the complexities of the legal system. Contact us today for a confidential consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can assist you in obtaining the compensation you deserve. Time is of the essence when it comes to filing a motorcycle accident claim. Don’t delay seeking legal representation and fighting for your rights. We are here to help.
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