What if I am in a Motorcycle Crash without My License in NJ?
It happens to all of us: we forget to grab our wallets or purses when running out of the door, leaving our licenses behind. But what if you then get into a motorcycle accident? What will happen to motorcyclists who get into a crash without their licenses in NJ?
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident but did not have your license on you at the time, don’t worry. Injured victims or their attorneys can get that information to local law enforcement in the days after an accident. NJ motorcycle accident victims can also still recover compensation through a lawsuit or by filing a claim against a negligent driver’s liability insurance. If your license was expired at the time of your collision, recovering damages becomes a bit more complicated. However, it’s still possible with help from a skilled NJ attorney.
For decades, Jerry Friedman has been helping injured motorcycle accident victims across NJ recover damages from negligent drivers. For a free case evaluation with NJ motorcycle accident lawyer Jerry Friedman, call today at 1-800-529-4464.
What Happens if You Are Injured in a Motorcycle Crash without Your License in NJ?
Motorcycle accidents are scary. The little protection these vehicles provide can result in serious injuries for motorcycle accident victims. If you realize you don’t have your license on you in the aftermath of a collision, you may be even more frightened. The reality is, it’s not typically that big of a deal.
If you’re injured in a motorcycle accident but don’t have your license on you, don’t worry. When NJ police officers arrive at the scene to complete a police report, they’ll likely ask you for your motorcycle license or driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement. If you left your valid license at home, simply explain that to the officers.
Give NJ law enforcement officials any information they may need for a police report, like your name and contact information. Generally, police officers can look up your license based on this information. If officers require a copy of your license for their records, your Atlantic City motorcycle accident attorney can bring it to them shortly after a collision.
Can You Be Fined for Getting in a Crash without Your Motorcycle License in NJ?
If you were recently in a motorcycle accident and did not have your license on you, several things can happen. Either responding officers will understand the situation and not issue a minor traffic citation, or they will issue one. After all, all motorcyclists must have a valid license on their person while operating their vehicle in NJ.
While it’s human nature to be forgetful at times, leaving your motorcycle license at home can result in a NJ minor traffic citation. Generally, whether or not you will be issued a citation will depend on your specific circumstances. If you simply forgot your license and were injured in a motorcycle accident, responding police officers may not issue a citation. If they do, you can likely get the citation dismissed by providing proof that you were licensed at the time of the incident.
The circumstances change when motorcyclists willfully drive without a valid motorcycle license, which is illegal in NJ. Greater fines are often issued in such situations. However, if you just forgot your license at home on the day of your motorcycle accident, you likely won’t face serious consequences.
Can You Recover Compensation if You Are Injured in an NJ Motorcycle Crash without Your License?
While operating a motorcycle without a license on your person is not allowed in NJ, it won’t greatly affect your ability to recover compensatory damages in a motorcycle accident lawsuit. Injured victims can still file a lawsuit against a negligent driver even if they forgot their license at home that day.
Not having your valid motorcycle license on you when an accident in NJ won’t bar you from recovering compensation. Victims can still hire a Camden motorcycle accident lawyer to file an insurance claim or lawsuit against a negligent driver.
Because of NJ’s contributory negligence laws, motorcycle accident victims may be concerned that they will be unable to sue a responsible driver if they did not have a valid license on them at the time of an accident. However, failing to have your license on your person does not make you partially to blame for a collision.
As long as you have a valid license and are legally qualified to operate a motorcycle in NJ, not having it on you does not constitute contributory negligence. Basically, you did not in any way cause your injuries because you forgot your license at home that day.
Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits for Victims with Expired Licenses in NJ
When your motorcycle license lapses without you realizing it and you get into an accident in NJ, you may be concerned that you won’t be able to recover compensatory damages. Generally, driving without a valid license doesn’t bar victims from suing a negligent party in NJ.
It’s not uncommon for an NJ motorcyclist’s license to expire without them knowing it. Life can get in the way, schedules get complicated, and it may be too late before you realize that your license is no longer valid. If you get into a motorcycle accident and do not have a valid license on you, you may still be able to recover compensatory damages.
Victims with expired licenses should hire an experienced Egg Harbor motorcycle accident attorney immediately after sustaining injuries in a crash. While it’s unlikely that you will be able to file a claim against a negligent driver’s liability insurance if you do not have a valid motorcycle license, you may be able to file a lawsuit. Doing so can be difficult because of NJ’s contributory negligence laws, but is still possible with help from a skilled attorney.
Call Jerry Friedman if You Were in a Motorcycle Crash without a License in NJ
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in NJ, hire a skilled attorney you can trust. For a free case evaluation with Trenton motorcycle accident lawyer Jerry Friedman, call today at 1-800-529-4464.
