Motorcycles symbolize the freedom of the open road. Unfortunately, motorcycle riders are more vulnerable when an accident occurs. Those who survive a serious accident may take years to recover. Many will never work again or be employed in the same position they had before the accident.
A Hackensack motorcycle accident lawyer at The Rothenberg Law Firm will fight for you to receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries. When you need a full-service law firm with the experience you need, you can depend on our team. Our firm handles cases on a contingency fee basis; we do not take any money from you unless and until we successfully win your case.
Why Choose The Rothenberg Law Firm for Your Motorcycle Accident Injury Claim?
Over the past four decades, we have built a formidable legacy in personal injury law, handling a broad spectrum of injury cases with an unwavering commitment to each of our clients. This dedication has fueled our success in navigating numerous high-stakes, complex cases.
We have secured dozens of million-dollar verdicts, coupled with a multitude of sizable settlements. Though past triumphs cannot guarantee future results, they can vouch for our vast experience and relentless drive to advocate for you. Each client benefits from this unyielding determination, which we invite you to inspect further in the results section of our website.
When you work with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer from The Rothenberg Law Firm, you’ll receive the attention and determination you need to achieve the best resolution possible. We invite you to reach out to us today for a free consultation with our team of New Jersey personal injury attorneys and find out if we can help you recover compensation.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident. They are also five times more likely to sustain injuries. In any New Jersey motorcycle accident, the motorcyclist has an 82 percent chance of injury. Finally, over half of all motorcycle accidents involving other vehicles happen at intersections. Of these, over 66 percent resulted from the driver failing to see the motorcycle.
Types of Motorcycle Accidents
Our team of committed personal injury lawyers deals with diverse accident circumstances daily. Some of the most frequent types of motorcycle accidents we see include:
Head-on Collisions
Hailed as one of the most dangerous forms of motorcycle accidents, head-on collisions occur when a car or another road user is driving directly towards a motorcyclist. The result is often catastrophic, often leading to severe injuries, permanent disability, or even death due to the forces involved. If another driver’s negligence led to such a tragic incident, you have the right to pursue a lawsuit and seek compensation.
Rear-ending
Rear-end accidents take place when another vehicle hits the back of the motorcycle. These accidents can have especially devastating effects due to a motorcycle’s lack of protection compared to a car. This type of collision can lead to spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and broken bones, among other injuries. In most situations, the driver who rear-ends the motorcycle is typically at fault, thus liable for damages.
Sideswipes
Sideswipes usually occur when a car changes lanes without checking its mirrors and blind spots, causing them to hit a motorcyclist riding alongside them. These accidents can cause grievous harm to motorcyclists due to their exposure and the close proximity of the vehicles involved. The guilty driver can be held accountable for such negligence.
T-bone Collisions
T-bone, or side-impact, collisions happen when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another – forming a “T” shape. When this happens to a motorcycle, the rider can be thrown off or, worse, crushed between the two vehicles. These crashes often result from inattentiveness or failure to yield right of way. Legal measures can be taken against the offending driver.
Our firm’s seasoned motorcycle accident attorneys in Hackensack are experienced in handling all these collisions. Our team works relentlessly to investigate the factors that contributed to each accident and build a robust legal case for motorcycle accident victims — duly ensuring that your rights are defended and justice is served.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Hackensack, NJ
Common causes of motorcycle accident claims include the following:
Cars Failing to Yield on a Left-Hand Turn
This accident scenario happens when the driver of a car does not notice an oncoming motorcycle while making a left-hand turn. Regardless of the specifics, it ultimately comes down to a breach of the car driver’s responsibility to yield the right of way. While this type of motorcycle crash can occur at junctures, roundabouts, or openings in median strips, these accidents can also happen in parking lots and residential areas, resulting in serious injury or sometimes even fatality.
Driving Under the Influence
Impaired driving continues to be a leading cause of motorcycle accidents. The altered physical and cognitive capabilities caused by alcohol or drugs make it difficult for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles, judge distances, keep a constant speed, or even remain conscious.
Parked Car Doors Opening on a Passing Motorcycle
Commonly referred to as “dooring,” these accidents happen when a driver or passenger opens their vehicle door without checking for oncoming motorcycles. Given their size, motorcycles are easily overlooked or hard to spot in a driver’s side mirror, resulting in unfortunate accidents.
Driver Inexperience
Inexperience can lead to fatal errors. Drivers unfamiliar with their vehicle or those unfamiliar with motorcycles’ operating characteristics may fail to anticipate a motorcycle’s movements, react too late, or make dangerous maneuvers, causing accidents.
Road Hazards
Uneven lane height, slick roads, and debris can all lead to a motorcycle losing control. Motorcycles are far less stable than cars when dealing with road hazards.
Motorcycle Malfunctions
Faulty or defective motorcycle parts can lead to accidents. This can include brake failure, tire blowouts, steering malfunctions, and engine trouble. Manufacturers of faulty equipment can be held liable for accidents and injuries caused by malfunctions in some cases.
By having an in-depth understanding of these common causes, our New Jersey motorcycle accident lawyers are thoroughly equipped to extract the relevant evidence required to build a compelling case on your behalf.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Because motorcycles do not offer any protection, as with an automobile, a motorcyclist’s body receives the full impact of any collision. That is why injuries are usually serious and often fatal.
Common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Amputation
- Broken bones
- Disfigurement
- Internal bleeding
- Paralysis
- Road rash
- Traumatic brain injury
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident
Because many motorcycle accidents result in severe, life-threatening injuries, many victims cannot take any steps after an accident and must hope that someone has called 911. However, if you are able, do the following:
- Call 911 immediately. Never leave the scene other than to receive medical care.
- Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver. If there were eyewitnesses, obtain their contact information.
- Take photos of the scene, including all vehicles involved, as well as your visible injuries.
- Always seek prompt medical attention. Perhaps you feel you were not hurt in the crash, but even serious injuries may not appear immediately. For instance, internal bleeding is not always obvious until it becomes life-threatening.
New Jersey Motorcycle Safety Laws
New Jersey’s motorcycle safety laws are relatively strict. For example, anyone operating or riding a motorcycle must wear a DOT-approved, securely fitted protective helmet. The helmet requires either a neck or chin strap, as well as reflectors on both sides. Unless the motorcycle has a windscreen, all riders must wear protective eye gear. All passengers must have a seat.
Motorcyclists must also possess a license. To register the bike, the owner must carry the minimum liability insurance. However, it is wise to purchase as much coverage as you can.
Motorcycle Accident Damages
Damages, or compensation, in a motorcycle accident case may include the following:
- Current and future medical bills and expenses
- Lost wages and income
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
Compensation depends on various factors but primarily on the severity of the injury. For example, those suffering catastrophic injuries from the accident may require lifelong care and can no longer live independently, which will be factored into the amount of compensation awarded.
In a wrongful death case, damages may include the following:
- Final medical expenses
- Funeral expenses
- Burial costs
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship, care, and guidance
- The value of household services performed by the deceased
How Our Hackensack Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you likely have a long road to recovery. Likewise, if a family member was killed, you are dealing with trauma and loss. A Hackensack motorcycle accident lawyer from our firm can help you during this difficult time. We will handle your claim so you can focus on recuperating or rebuilding your life without your loved one.
The statute of limitations to file a personal injury lawsuit in New Jersey is two years from the accident date, and filing a wrongful death lawsuit is also two years. Therefore, it is essential to obtain legal counsel as soon as possible. Waiting too long can mean valuable evidence disappears.
We will engage in the often-complex negotiations with the insurance companies and fight for you to receive the maximum compensation for your injuries. While many motorcycle accident cases are settled, we will pursue your case through trial in court if the insurance company refuses to offer you maximum compensation.
Contact a Hackensack Motorcycle Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation
If you or someone or a loved one was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident because of another party’s negligence, contact a personal injury attorney at The Rothenberg Law Firm today. Call to discuss a wrongful death lawsuit if a family member was killed. Under state law, the estate’s representative must file on behalf of the deceased’s family.
Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation where we can answer all of your questions. Our lawyers work on a contingency basis, so there is no fee unless you receive compensation.
Hackensack Office Location
The Rothenberg Law Firm LLP
1 University Plaza Dr #505,
Hackensack, NJ 07601
