Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Jersey City, NJ

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Jersey City, New Jersey?

  Residents are advised to call (201) 547-5477 for any non-emergency or non-violent police service requests.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Jersey City, New Jersey?

  Requests for accident reports can be sent by mail or submitted in person to the Police Records office at 1 Journal Square Plaza, 4th Floor, Jersey City, NJ 07306. You will have to provide the record number and information about the accident, such as the names of those who were involved, the time, and the place of the incident.

• What are the common causes of motorcycle accidents in Jersey City?

  Motorcycle collisions in Jersey City are frequently caused by cars, trucks, SUVs, and other large vehicles. When these drivers fail to keep a sufficient lookout for motorcycle riders or fail to see them in their mirrors or blind spots, accidents frequently result. These motorists could also infringe on the law by speeding, neglecting to stop when necessary, or following a motorcyclist too closely. These drivers may also be at fault for accidents if they are driving while intoxicated, distracted, or texting.

• What damages can one recover from a personal injury lawsuit involving motorcycle accidents in Jersey City?

  Filing a personal injury lawsuit can make you eligible to recover compensation for present and future medical costs, lost wages and benefits, diminished earning capacity, property damages, and temporary transportation. In some cases, Jersey City lawyers can also help accident victims file non-economic claims for pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, and emotional anguish such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

• If a person didn't have their helmet on when the accident happened, are they still eligible for compensation under Jersey City laws?

  Even if you weren't wearing a helmet when the accident in Jersey City occurred, you may still be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit against the parties at fault. The drawback, however, is that the Comparative Negligence Act may apply, reducing your compensation. In some cases, the insurance adjuster may even claim that the collision was your responsibility since you were not wearing a helmet. This is when it is necessary to seek the counsel of a motorcycle accident lawyer.

• Is it required to hire the services of a lawyer following a motorcycle accident in Jersey City?

  Due to the intricacies of motorcycle accidents, hiring an attorney in Jersey City is important to getting compensation. Motorcycle accidents not only cause more serious injuries than car crashes, but it is also more difficult to obtain justice because some insurers and jurors stereotype riders as risk-takers and are quick to blame them for accidents rather than fairly determining who is at fault. When confronted with such prejudices, motorcyclists may have difficulty obtaining fair compensation if they attempt to handle their cases on their own.

• Is there a time limit for filing a motorcycle accident injury claim in Jersey City?

  Yes, there is a time restriction in Jersey City for filing motorcycle accident claims. In general, the statute of limitations for any type of injury case is two years. However, if you were a minor at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations does not begin to run until you turn 18, which means that the statute of limitations will expire on your 20th birthday. If you miss this date, you forfeit all rights to hold the negligent motorist accountable in the future.

• What does a motorcycle accident attorney do?

  Motorcycle accident attorneys provide legal advice, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent accident victims in and out of court. They investigate the cause of collisions, establish fault, value claims, prepare legal documents, and fight to recover adequate compensation for their clients. Most lawyers in this practice area also handle car and truck accidents and other personal injury claims.

• What is my motorcycle accident injury claim worth?

  Injured motorcyclists may be eligible for several types of compensation depending on their losses, state of residence, and level of fault. Whether or not they were wearing a helmet may also come into play. A lawyer can help to evaluate claims based on medical expenses, property damage, past and future lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

• How long after a motorcycle accident can you claim an injury?

  The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, each state has its own rules. In Tennessee and Louisiana, for example, victims of motorcycle accidents have just one year to file a lawsuit. In Maine, Minnesota, and North Dakota, individuals have up to six years to initiate a claim.

• What is the average settlement for a motorcycle accident injury?

  Based on eight years of national data, the average verdict in motorcycle accident cases ranges from $74,000 to $560,000. Also note that the majority of claims are settled out of court. Riders may receive compensatory damages for medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, as well as general damages for emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Additionally, in states that follow a comparative negligence model, the plaintiff’s claim may be reduced according to his or her level of fault.

• What is the first thing I should do after a motorcycle accident?

  The steps that you take immediately after a collision can be instrumental in proving an accident or injury claim. In general, you should follow these guidelines:

  • Gather insurance and contact information from the other driver and any witnesses.
  • Contact law enforcement to report the collision and complete an accident report.
  • Document injuries, property damage, and road conditions.
  • Visit a doctor or hospital within 24 hours.
  • Avoid discussing the accident with the other driver or their insurance company.

  
  

• How does the motorcycle injury claim process work?

  Motorcycle accident cases typically start with an insurance claim. After documenting their client’s losses and establishing fault, attorneys generally prepare a demand letter requesting compensation from the other driver’s insurance company. It can take anywhere from one to six months for insurance adjusters to make a settlement offer. If the company denies the claim or the parties can’t reach an agreement, the lawyer can prepare a notice of intent to sue and file a formal lawsuit with the appropriate court.

• How do many motorcycle crashes happen?

  The most common causes for motorcycle collisions are drunk driving, exceeding the speed limit, and left turns. In 42% of all motorcycle collision fatalities, another vehicle turned left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Motorcycle accidents are also caused by dangerous road conditions, such as crumbling pavement, debris in the road, and potholes. Other factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents include unsafe lane changes, sudden stops, lane splitting, inexperienced drivers, motorcycle defects, and car doors opened in the path of a motorcycle.

• How many motorcyclists get into accidents?

  In 2017, of the over 8 million motorcycle riders that year, approximately 89,000 were injured in motorcycle accidents and over 5,000 motorcycle collisions resulted in fatalities. The fatality rate for 100 million miles driven is 25.67, which is largely attributed to the lack of helmet use. Most fatal crashes involving motorcycles happened during the heaviest traffic times between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

• Are motorcycles more dangerous than cars?

  Motorcycles are more dangerous than cars because they lack any protection for the rider in the event of an accident. Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a crash and more than five times more likely to be injured than those riding in enclosed vehicles. Because of their small size, motorcycles’ lack of visibility is a major contributing factor in collisions with other vehicles. Motorcycles are also more vulnerable to weather conditions and road hazards than other automobiles.

• How do you check a motorcycle after a crash?

  For a minor crash with no injuries, the immediate danger is being struck again by oncoming traffic, so moving your bike off of the road as soon as possible is imperative. Check your mirrors, brake lights, headlight, and controls. You should also check to make sure there is no leaking fluid, such as fuel or oil.