While motorcycle riders often enjoy riding on the open road, their safety is not always the top concern of other drivers. Negligent drivers in cars are often the root cause of motorcycle crashes, and injured riders should seek legal help from qualified attorneys.
Following the crash, call for help immediately. You should focus on getting to a hospital and speaking to the police. While waiting for help, talk to others at the scene if you can and exchange information. Once you have received medical care, contact a lawyer who can help you assess your damages and explore your legal options for financial compensation. Even if the at-fault driver did not mean to cause harm, they should still be held accountable for their negligent behavior.
Call our motorcycle accident lawyer, Jerry Friedman, at 1-800-529-4464 and begin your case with a private, free legal review.
What Should I Do Immediately Following a Motorcycle Crash in Beachwood, NJ?
Following a motorcycle crash, your main focus should be on getting urgent help. Call 911 and have the police dispatched to your location and an ambulance if you need it.
Call 911 for Help
A motorcycle accident can be extremely serious for riders. Since riders are not shielded inside an enclosed vehicle, they are especially vulnerable to injurie sand may suffer catastrophic damage. As such, call 911 immediately and ask for emergency medical responders.
The 911 dispatcher should also send law enforcement to your location. They may take charge of the accident scene, speak with all involved, and possibly arrest negligent drivers if their actions constitute a crime.
Document the Crash Scene
You can and should document the scene of the accident if you are able. Use a cell phone or digital camera to take pictures of the scene. Be sure to photograph the vehicles and drivers involved.
You should also record or preserve any dashcam footage if you have it. Such footage may be among the strongest evidence in our arsenal.
About Our Beachwood, NJ Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Our attorney, Jerry Friendman, has extensive experience representing injured motorcycle riders and securing the compensation they need. Motorcycle riders are often unfairly blamed for accidents due to numerous unfair misconceptions and stereotypes, and Jerry is more than ready to fight for your rights and compensation.
Jerry knows how to investigate motorcycle accidents and obtain the evidence needed to help injured victims.
How Do I Get Financial Compensation from Those Responsible for My Motorcycle Accident?
You may have multiple options for securing fair compensation, and you should review all of them with your lawyer before deciding what steps to take next.
Insurance Claims
Insurance claims are fairly standard after motorcycle accidents. While New Jersey drivers typically must carry and file claims with their own no-fault insurance, this requirement does not extend to motorcycle riders. As such, riders may need to file third-party claims with the at-fault driver’s liability coverage.
Settlements
Most civil lawsuits do not end with trials but instead result in private settlements. When negotiating a settlement, you must be prepared to compromise with the defendant, and you might have to give up some damages to secure others.
While some plaintiffs prefer settlements because they would rather avoid a potentially grueling trial, others feel the opposite. If you would rather fight for the full extent of your damages in a trial, our motorcycle accident attorneys are ready to make that happen for you.
Personal Injury Lawsuits
A personal injury lawsuit can help injured motorcycle riders get the compensation they need, but trials can be time-consuming, challenging, and the outcome is not guaranteed. If you lose in court, you might get no compensation at all.
If your evidence is strong, a trial may be the way to go. However, if our evidence is not as solid as we hoped, our legal team can help you explore other options.
FAQs About Suing for Injuries from a Motorcycle Accident in Beachwood, NJ
What Should I Do Following a Motorcycle Accident?
After a motorcycle accident, call 911 and ask for urgent help. If your injuries are severe, you should tell 911 dispatchers that you need an ambulance. If the police arrive first, they may ask questions and render emergency aid until medical responders arrive. After you get treatment and are safe, contact an attorney for legal help.
What Happens if the Other Driver in a Motorcycle Crash Flees the Scene?
If the other driver leaves the scene of the accident before the police arrive, you should tell the police immediately. Often, the police will mobilize and quickly search for the driver. When they find them, the driver may be arrested and criminally charged for a hit and run.
Can I Sue for a Motorcycle Accident if I am Partially to Blame?
Yes. It is common for the injured victim in a motorcycle or vehicle accident to share a bit of responsibility with the at-fault driver. This should not prevent you from suing, but you might see a reduction in your damages. However, if your share of fault exceeds that of the defendant, you may be barred from recovering anything.
What Are Damages in a Motorcycle Accident Worth?
Your damages may be worth a significant amount of compensation. Serious injuries will require extensive medical care, and many injured victims incur thousands upon thousands of dollars in medical debt. You should also consider the damage to your motorcycle and your ability to continue working after the crash. Emotional damages may also be quite high. It is not unusual for injured riders to seek tens of thousands of dollars in damages.
When Should I Call a Lawyer for Help with a Motorcycle Accident?
You should call an attorney for help as soon as possible. You should contact a lawyer as soon as you leave the hospital after treatment. If your injuries are severe, you may need to contact a lawyer from the hospital or have a loved one call for you.
How Long After a Motorcycle Accident Can I Receive Financial Compensation?
A lawsuit for a motorcycle accident must be filed within 2 years of the date of the accident. If you do not file the lawsuit within this time frame, you risk becoming time-barred, and you might never receive fair compensation.
Receive Legal Help from Our Beachwood, NJ Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Call our motorcycle accident lawyer, Jerry Friedman, at 1-800-529-4464 and begin your case with a private, free legal review.