Driving on the Atlantic City Expressway and other highways in the Atlantic City area can be stressful, let alone the city’s crowded streets. If you are a local motorcycle rider or you were in town for a vacation or conference, you might have suffered serious injuries in an accident caused by other negligent or dangerous drivers on the road.
If so, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the negligent driver who injured you. In a lawsuit, experienced motorcycle accident attorney Jerry Friedman can prove why the defendant is liable and what your deserved compensation is.
Call personal injury lawyer for motorcycle accident victims, Jerry Friedman today, at 1-800-529-4464 to schedule a free case review.
Where Do Motorcycle Accidents Happen in Atlantic City?
Atlantic City is arguably one of the busiest places in New Jersey. Because of this, several roads and highways in and around Atlantic City are infamous for motorcycle accidents. Fortunately, an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer like Jerry Friedman can help you recover compensation no matter where your accident occurred.
Atlantic Avenue
Atlantic Avenue is a bustling and renowned roadway in Atlantic City that experiences heavy traffic and frequent pedestrian activity. The street is a hub of activity, with numerous shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues lining the way.
However, it can also be a treacherous route, particularly for motorcyclists. The road poses a significant risk to riders because of the high volume of distractions and the increased likelihood of other drivers not seeing them on the road.
Atlantic City Expressway
The Atlantic City Expressway is the major highway connecting Atlantic City to various destinations throughout the region. However, this highway has experienced several unfortunate incidents of motorcycle accidents over time. Because of the high traveling speeds and the heavy traffic, accidents on the Atlantic City Expressway often result in severe injuries and fatalities for motorcyclists.
Tourist Areas in Atlantic City
Atlantic City welcomes many visitors year-round. With a wide range of tourist attractions, including boardwalks, entertainment districts, and casinos, it is no surprise that these areas are often crowded.
Motorcyclists need to exercise extra caution when navigating areas with increased foot traffic and distracted tourists driving in an unfamiliar area. To stay safe, riders should reduce their speeds and remain mindful of pedestrians and other vehicles.
Other Dangerous Roads in and Around Atlantic City
Atlantic City and its surrounding areas have several highways and freeways known for frequent motorcycle accidents. These include routes such as 287, 206, 295, and 202. Additionally, routes 1, 3, 9, 22, 70, and 78 are also particularly dangerous. Speeding, heavy traffic, and numerous interchanges all present additional risks for motorcyclists on these roads.
Should You Sue for a Motorcycle Accident in Atlantic City?
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you might have been in and out of the hospital seeking medical care, and you might now have additional bills for rehabilitation and physical therapy. In some cases, insurance payouts might be enough to cover your damages, but many cases should be filed as lawsuits instead.
You can sue if your injuries are so severe that you need to take time off work or stop working permanently. Throughout all of this, you could be facing serious mental and physical pain and suffering, which is another reason you should seek compensation.
What You Should Do Before Getting a Personal Injury Lawyer for a Motorcycle Accident?
Before getting a personal injury lawyer for motorcycle accident victims, focus on collecting evidence at the scene, getting medical evidence, and following all medical advice from physicians.
Collect Evidence at the Scene
Do your best to collect evidence at the scene. Try to take photos of property damage and debris from different angles, including pictures of the other driver’s car. We can review pictures later and use them to piece together what happened, including who was at fault.
Get Medical Attention
You should also get medical attention right away. You might be in shock after an accident, which can cause you to ignore discomfort or pain. Let paramedics evaluate you, and let them take you to the hospital if they advise it.
Follow All Medical Advice
Follow all medical advice related to your injuries. That includes attending follow-up appointments, seeing specialists such as physical therapists, and avoiding strenuous activity that might worsen the injury.
Why Should You Get a Personal Injury Lawyer After a Motorcycle Accident?
Getting fair compensation without an attorney is very difficult, so do not wait to see if you have a case after a motorcycle accident in Atlantic City.
Help Navigating the Legal Process
Without a personal injury lawyer for your motorcycle accident case, you might struggle to navigate the legal process and have difficulty writing and filing the complaint, negotiating a settlement, or proving fault at trial.
Calculate and Maximize Your Damages
We can also calculate and maximize your damages, using strong negotiation tactics and leveraging our best evidence during settlement discussions.
File within the Statute of Limitations
You must file your lawsuit within New Jersey’s two-year statute of limitations for motorcycle accident lawsuits, or else you will be barred from recovering damages, something your lawyer can make sure does not happen.
What Damages Can You Get After a Motorcycle Accident in Atlantic City?
When the negligent driver’s liability insurance doesn’t pay enough to cover your damages from a motorcycle accident in Atlantic City, we can help you file a lawsuit.
Damages from an Insurance Claim
The damages paid through an insurance claim are usually good for covering damage to your motorcycle or compensation for minor injuries treated by EMTs or first aid.
However, more severe injuries involving substantial pain and suffering cannot usually be covered in full through an insurance claim. In fact, most auto insurance policies will not cover pain and suffering damages at all.
Damages from a Lawsuit
You may have to take the at-fault driver to court to get the compensation you need. Jerry has handled many lawsuits for victims of motorcycle accidents, and he can help you determine what your case is worth and how to go about getting the maximum compensation you are entitled to for economic and non-economic damages.
If this means fighting the insurance company for an adequate payout or fighting a trucking company for the damages you need, we will do it. If it means we will need to take your case to court and put on a trial to get you the damages you need, we will do that, too.
Proving Fault in an Atlantic City Motorcycle Accident
Many motorcycle riders are afraid that if they are involved in a crash, the other driver will try to claim it was their fault. Motorcycles are often accused of being hard to see on the road, or their drivers are accused of being unsafe because they choose to ride a motorcycle, and should live with the consequences of a crash. This is patently false in most cases and does not accurately reflect how the law works.
Proving the Defendant’s Fault
Victims of auto accidents have the right to sue the at-fault driver for their injuries, and the law determines which driver is at fault by looking at mistakes and errors made behind the wheel. This means that if a driver was speeding, driving under the influence, or running a red light, that will be used to determine who is at fault. The consideration of what vehicle you were operating at the time should not come into play.
Disproving Comparative Negligence Defense
If the at-fault driver does accuse you of contributing to your own injuries, we will fight to handle that. In many cases, accusations that the motorcyclist was not wearing sufficient safety gear or failed to wear enough pads or body armor should fail outright in court because nothing in New Jersey law requires riders to take such excessive precautions.
Instead, your lawyer will focus on the at-fault driver’s actions and errors to prove who caused the crash, since the law imposes obligations on them to drive safely, follow traffic rules, and avoid accidents.
What Are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Atlantic City?
Atlantic City has several major highways that get even more crowded in the summer months. Plus, its streets are often quite wide and carry many cars daily. The types of crashes that occur in Atlantic City often involve negligent drivers who fail to keep an eye out for smaller vehicles or motorcyclists, are distracted, or are traveling at high speeds.
Reckless Lane Changes
Accidents involving a motorcycle often stem from drivers failing to keep a proper lookout for a bike. If the driver of another vehicle changes lanes without checking their blind spot or fails to notice a small vehicle to their side, they could force the motorcyclist off the road or into another vehicle, causing a crash.
Negligent Turns
Similarly, drivers need to watch their surroundings when they make sudden stops or turns, and failing to notify a motorcyclist around them by using their turn signal could cause a crash.
Reversing
Other accidents on the city streets could be caused by drivers opening car doors or pulling out into your lane of traffic from a parking lot or parking space. Even at low speeds, an accident can still cause serious injuries to a motorcyclist, potentially entitling them to substantial financial compensation.
Speeding
Speeding is another leading cause of motor vehicle accidents in Atlantic City and elsewhere, including motorcycle collisions with passenger cars or trucks.
Common Injuries Sustained in Atlantic City Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents in Atlantic City can easily result in severe injuries because of the lack of protection and vulnerability of riders. However, you are entitled to compensation even if your injuries were minor.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Motorcycle accidents are a leading cause of spinal cord injuries, which can result in partial or complete paralysis. Spinal cord injuries occur when the delicate spinal cord is compressed, severed, or damaged because of the impact of the accident.
These injuries can lead to permanent disabilities that affect a person’s mobility, sensation, and bodily functions. Depending on the severity of the injury, physical therapy and assistive devices might be necessary to enhance the quality of life for those with spinal cord injuries. This can include occupational therapy, speech therapy, and psychological counseling, along with the use of wheelchairs, braces, and other assistive devices. The recovery process for spinal cord injuries can be long and difficult, often requiring care for years after the accident occurred.
Head and Traumatic Brain Injuries
As might be suspected, motorcycle accidents are a major cause of head injuries in Atlantic City. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a common type of head injury that can range from minor concussions to more severe conditions such as hemorrhages, contusions, or diffuse axonal injuries.
The consequences of TBIs can be life-altering, including memory loss, cognitive impairments, personality changes, and motor function disabilities. Victims often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care to recover from the physical and emotional toll of these injuries.
That is why it cannot be overstated how important it is to wear a helmet at all times while riding. Failing to wear a helmet might not prevent you from recovering compensation, but it will likely considerably reduce what you are awarded in a legal claim.
Road Rash
Motorcycle accidents often cause a particularly painful and serious injury known as road rash. This type of injury occurs when the rider’s skin rubs against the road surface, resulting in abrasions, lacerations, and even deep tissue damage.
The severity of road rash can vary depending on the motorcycle’s speed and the type of protective gear the rider wears. In some cases, road rash can lead to significant blood loss and nerve damage.
The treatment for road rash often involves extensive medical care, including debridement to remove any dirt or debris from the wound, skin grafts to promote healing, and ongoing wound care to prevent infection.
Fractures
Fractures are also common in Atlantic City motorcycle accidents, as riders are often thrown from their bikes or collide with other vehicles or objects. Fractures can require surgery, immobilization, and extensive rehabilitation to regain mobility. In worst-case scenarios, individuals might suffer permanent disabilities or chronic pain for years to come.
Internal Injuries
The impact of a motorcycle accident can also cause internal organ damage, which might not be immediately apparent. Blunt force trauma to the abdomen or chest can easily result in injuries to organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs. Internal bleeding, organ rupture, and other complications often require emergency surgery and ongoing medical monitoring. Internal injuries can lead to long-term health problems and require extensive medical intervention.
Psychological and Emotional Trauma
Motorcycle accidents can have a significant and long-lasting impact on the mental and emotional well-being of injured riders. In addition to the physical injuries, victims often develop a range of psychological conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
Injured parties might also experience flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts about the accident. They might also withdraw from social activities and have difficulty returning to their normal routines. The emotional trauma tends to affect their work, personal relationships, and overall quality of life. While these injuries are not physical, you still have every right to be compensated for them after a motorcycle accident.
FAQs About Atlantic City Personal Injury Lawyers for Motorcycle Accidents
Do You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer After an Accident?
You should get a personal injury lawyer after a motorcycle accident in Atlantic City, or you risk undervaluing your damages, missing the statute of limitations, or having insufficient evidence to prove fault or compel a worthwhile settlement.
Will a Personal Injury Lawyer Interview Motorcycle Accident Eyewitnesses?
Your attorney should interview eyewitnesses to the recent motorcycle accident. Please let us know if you spoke directly with any witnesses. If so, giving us their names and phone numbers makes it easier to contact them, though we may also get in touch through the police report.
Should a Lawyer Get the Police Report for Your Motorcycle Accident in Atlantic City?
Your lawyer should help you get the police report for the motorcycle accident in question, and determine if officers from the Atlantic City Police Department responded or officers from the New Jersey State Police, if you were injured on a highway.
Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Get Me Punitive Damages After a Motorcycle Accident?
You might be able to get punitive damages if the defendant’s conduct was egregious enough. Drunk drivers who strike motorcyclists may be forced to pay punitive damages by a jury.
How Do Personal Injury Lawyers Know When to Take Motorcycle Accident Cases to Trial?
Jerry can tell when settlement negotiations are stalling, and may advise you to take your case to court to get fair compensation as soon as possible.
Our Atlantic City Motorcycle Accident Attorney is Ready to Fight to Get the Compensation You Deserve
Call personal injury lawyer for motorcycle accidents, Jerry Friedman, today at 1-800-529-4464 for your free case review.