Motorcycle Accident Attorney in New Jersey

Have you been injured in a motorcycle crash in New Jersey? Was someone else to blame? If so, they could owe you compensation for the losses they caused you, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and vehicle damage. New Jersey motorcycle accident lawyer Steven Ellman will help you pursue this compensation so that you’ll have the financial security to rebuild your life.

For more than 35 years, Steve Ellman has advocated for the rights of injured accident victims across New Jersey. He prides himself on the personalized service he provides his clients and the positive results he achieves on their behalf. And because Steve Ellman accepts motorcycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis, you won’t owe any money unless he recovers compensation for you.

You deserve justice. Let Steve Ellman help you demand it. Reach out to the Law Office of Steven Ellman for a free initial motorcycle accident case evaluation.

What Are the New Jersey Motorcycle Laws?

New Jersey’s motorcycle laws stipulate the following:

• Motorcycles are defined as any motor-operated vehicle of the bicycle or tricycle type — except motorized bicycles, low-speed electric bicycles, and low-speed electric scooters, which have a saddle or seat that the operator sits astride or upon, or have a platform on which the operator stands.
• All motorcycle operators must have a motorcycle driver’s license or a motorcycle endorsement on their New Jersey driver’s license or commercial driver’s license. Motorcycle licenses or endorsements are issued after the applicant has passed a written knowledge test and a motorcycle road skills test or an approved NJ Motorcycle Safety Education Program Basic Rider Course. Applicants under the age of 18 must take the Basic Rider Course.
• All motorcycles must be registered before being operated on public roads in New Jersey. License plates must be displayed on the rear of motorcycles.
• All motorcycle operators and passengers must wear a helmet that meets the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218. Helmets that meet the standard will have a DOT sticker on the back of the helmet and a label on the inside listing the manufacturer’s name, the month and year of manufacture, the construction materials, the helmet size, and other important information.
• Motorcycle operators must have a face shield on their helmets or wear approved goggles unless their motorcycle has a windscreen.
• All motorcycles must have a headlight, taillight, brake light, license plate light, brakes, and rear view mirror. The motorcycle’s handle bars may not be above the operator’s shoulders. Any passengers, except those riding in a sidecar, must have their own factory-installed seat and footrests.
• Motorcycles are entitled to the full width of the traffic lane. No vehicle may occupy the same lane next to a motorcycle. Motorcycles may not lane split or ride on top of road lines or in between rows of traffic.

What to Do If You’re Involved in a New Jersey Motorcycle Wreck

You can take the following steps to protect your rights and strengthen your motorcycle wreck case for compensation:

• Document the accident scene if you are physically able to. This includes taking photos of details such as vehicle damage, skid marks on the road, traffic controls at the scene, or weather, road, and traffic conditions.
• Seek prompt medical attention so that a doctor or other medical professional can diagnose injuries and create a treatment plan. Follow this plan to improve your prognosis and demonstrate that you are taking your recovery seriously.
• Report the crash to your motorcycle insurance provider.
• Keep copies of bills, invoices, receipts, and your pay stubs or income statements to document your expenses and financial losses from the accident.
• Start a journal to document the pain and physical difficulties you experience due to your injuries and medical treatments.

Finally, talk to New Jersey motorcycle accident lawyer Steven Ellman as soon as possible to begin pursuing the compensation you deserve.

What Damages Can I Expect to Recover from a New Jersey Motorcycle Collision Claim?

The compensation you may be entitled to recover in a motorcycle accident claim in New Jersey can include money for:

• Medical and rehabilitation expenses to treat injuries you suffered in the wreck
• Costs of long-term healthcare or personal care you need if you suffer permanent disability or impairment due to your injuries
• Loss of wages/income if you miss time from work or have reduced earnings while on modified/light duty during your recovery from injuries
• Loss of future earnings and job benefits if you become permanently disabled from your current job or the workforce
• Physical pain and emotional suffering
• Lost enjoyment and quality of life for permanent physical disability or permanent, visible disfigurement
• Costs to repair or replace your motorcycle

How a New Jersey Motorcycle Accident Differs from a Car Accident

Victims of motorcycle accidents in New Jersey often find they have a much more difficult road to recovery than those injured in car accidents. Some of the reasons why motorcycle accidents differ from car crashes include the following.

Motorcycle Accidents Tend to Cause Serious Injuries for Riders

Riders often suffer devastating injuries in accidents, which can complicate the claims process if their treatment is ongoing while they’re also trying to negotiate a settlement or going to trial. Their future estimated expenses and losses should be included in the compensation.

At-Fault Drivers May Not Have Sufficient Insurance Coverage To fully Compensate Injured Riders

New Jersey law requires certain drivers to carry only a basic insurance policy, which provides limited liability coverage. And even with the new, larger minimums, a more robust standard policy still might not offer enough coverage for a serious motorcycle accident resulting in severe injuries.

Drivers and Insurance Companies May Rely on Biases and Stereotypes of Motorcycle Riders to Shift Blame for a Motorcycle Crash

At-fault drivers and their insurers may try to shift fault for a motorcycle accident onto the motorcyclist by relying on biases and stereotypes to claim that they were behaving recklessly or carelessly at the time. Counteracting this underhanded tactic may require additional evidence and a more aggressive stance.

Common Injuries from a New Jersey Motorcycle Crash

Motorcyclists lack the protections provided by a vehicle body and other safety systems like seat belts or airbags. Consequently, they can suffer serious, life-altering injuries in a crash, such as:

• Lacerations
• Abrasions/road rash
• Degloving injuries
• Burns
• Broken bones
• Dislocated joints
• Ligament, tendon, and muscle injuries
• Whiplash
• Nerve damage
• Herniated disc injuries
• Internal organ injuries and internal bleeding
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Facial injuries
• Traumatic amputation or digit/limb loss

Common Causes of New Jersey Motorcycle Collisions

Negligent drivers cause many motorcycle accidents in New Jersey. Some common negligent driving behaviors include:

• Speeding
• Tailgating
• Reckless driving, including speeding, street racing, or weaving in and out of traffic
• Distracted driving, including using a cell phone while driving
• Drowsy or fatigued driving
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Unsafe lane changes and turns, including failing to check mirrors or use signals
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Failing to move over to the adjacent lane when passing a motorcycle
• Opening doors on a street-parked vehicle without looking for an oncoming motorcycle
• Backing up or pulling out of a parking spot without looking at mirrors
• Inadequate vehicle maintenance,including failing to maintain tires or brakes

Other common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Vehicle or auto part defects
• Poor road conditions, including potholes, broken pavement, or icy/wet road surfaces
• Adverse weather conditions
• Nighttime or low lighting