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New Jersey Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

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Motorcycle ownership is seeing a rising popularity in the United States, as more and more people are discovering the joy of riding. Yet there are some downsides to riding, including some scary statistics that you must face and prepare for as a motorcyclist, such as a 75% chance of suffering an injury in an accident. Eighty percent of accidents that involve both a car and a motorcycle are the fault of negligent automobile operators. More than 50% of accidents happen in intersections. Forty percent of motorcycle accidents involving no other parties are caused by corners and turns. Every year, 165,000 Americans are hospitalized, and more than 3,500 die, in motorcycle accidents. In New Jersey alone, over 2,500 crashes occur annually.

You can take steps to increase your chances of avoiding an accident and injury through training and safety gear. You are required in the state of New Jersey to wear a helmet by law. Inexperienced riders are much more likely to be in a crash, as they are not trained to avoid hazards. Even experienced riders, however, can also benefit from taking a motorcycle safety or defensive driving course.

Insurance requirements in New Jersey must be met, and you should speak with a qualified insurance agent to ensure you are sufficiently covered. For motorcyclists, there are two different types of coverage. One is uninsured motorist coverage, which is coverage on your policy, which pays for your injuries when someone who doesn't have any coverage causes the injury to you. Then there is underinsured motorist coverage, which pays you for your injuries when the person who is at fault has insurance coverage, but their liability limit is not high enough for compensate you fully.

If you were not wearing your helmet while driving a motorcycle, and get into an accident due to the other driver's fault, you can still file a claim against the at-fault driver. Even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you may still be able to recover a percentage of the damages.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you need to find an attorney as soon as possible. Personal injury attorneys are readily available throughout New Jersey. Try to find a lawyer that specializes in motorcycle accidents so you can benefit from their experience. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better your chances of having a successful outcome in your case. If you cannot afford an attorney, don't worry. Most personal injury lawyers will take your case on a contingency basis. You will need no money down and if you lose your case, you will generally pay nothing, or just a small amount for expenses. If you win, your attorney will take a percentage of your award to pay for their services.

You deserve competent representation in order to take on the insurance companies involved in your case. They may not play fair, so you need someone who has experience fighting them in the courtroom. Contact your local motorcycle clubs or associations to find attorneys that have represented others successfully.