Motorcycle accidents can be incredibly dangerous. Riders are often severely injured, and they tend to face unfair blame and judgment following accidents. In many cases, negligent drivers in cars are responsible for these accidents, not motorcycle riders. An attorney can help you prove this and fight for fair financial compensation.
Motorcycle accidents often occur because other drivers are traveling too fast, driving while distracted, or failing to check their blind spots before turning or changing lanes. After the accident, you might be able to sue the other driver, several drivers if more than one is involved, or even the manufacturer of faulty motorcycle parts, depending on the circumstances. You should speak to an attorney as soon as possible so they can begin gathering evidence to support your claims. You only have a limited time in which to file your case, so time is of the essence.
Get a free case review from our personal injury lawyer for motorcycle accident victims by calling Jerry Friedman at 1-800-529-4464.
Why Should You Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer for Your Cape May Motorcycle Accident Case?
Some people are tempted to try to file their cases alone, but this is not a good idea. You need an attorney to help you navigate complex legal procedures, including filing the case. An experienced lawyer can also explain your recovery options, allowing you to focus on your physical healing.
Handle the Legal Process
Your attorney should be able to compile the extensive information needed to draft and file a formal legal complaint against the defendant. They should also be able to accurately calculate your damages so that no compensation is left on the table.
Explain Recovery Options
Your attorney should also be able to advise you of all your legal options. If a lawsuit is just one of many ways to get fair compensation, your lawyer can explain all your choices and help you make the one that is right for you.
Focus on Recovery
While we focus on your financial recovery, you can fully prioritize your physical recovery after a motorcycle accident in Cape May. By focusing on healing, attending all doctor appointments, and getting whatever care you need, you generate medical records that Jerry can use as evidence.
Who Can You Sue for a Motorcycle Accident in Cape May?
You should talk to your attorney about who you can sue for damages. There might be more than one driver involved in the accident, or a third party might be responsible.
Negligent Driver
You must exchange information with all the other drivers involved in the accident. One or more of them might be responsible, and we need to know their names so we can take proper legal action.
If a driver flees the scene, call the police and report it as a hit and run accident. The police may investigate and identify the other drivers, allowing our motorcycle accident lawyer to hold them accountable.
Motorcycle Manufacturer
In some cases, motorcycle accidents occur due to faulty parts. Your personal injury lawyer for motorcycle accident victims should have your bike inspected for defects. If any are found, and we believe they are the direct cause of the accident, we might be able to sue the manufacturer.
When is the Right Time to Sue After a Motorcycle Accident?
You might want some time to think about your legal options before speaking to an attorney. While this is normal, you should not wait too long. The statute of limitations allows plaintiffs 2 years to file their case in civil court. This time usually begins on the day of the accident, barring special circumstances.
While 2 years might sound like more than enough time, it is surprisingly short. Many cases take months just to prepare before anything is filed. More complex cases might take even longer. In short, time is of the essence, and you should speak to an attorney as soon as possible.
What Are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
Many people tend to blame motorcycle riders for accidents, often due to unfair and inaccurate stereotypes. However, these accidents are often caused by negligent drivers.
Speeding
Speed is often a huge factor in motorcycle accidents. A car might be going too fast to stop in time to avoid hitting a motorcycle rider. Even when the car is not traveling very fast, motorcycle riders may still be badly hurt. They can easily be thrown from their bikes and seriously injured.
Distracted Driving
Another major factor is distractions. If a driver is more concerned with their cell phone or GPS device than with watching the road, they may strike a motorcycle rider. Motorcycles are especially susceptible because they are smaller than cars and trucks and are more likely to be overlooked if a driver is distracted.
Motorcycles in Blind Spots
The smaller size of motorcycles also makes them susceptible to accidents when drivers fail to check their blind spots. A motorcycle may be easily hidden in a blind spot, and a negligent driver might try to turn or change lanes and hit a motorcycle rider.
What Evidence Do You Need to Support Your Motorcycle Accident Case?
Since people often unfairly blame motorcycle riders for accidents, we must be prepared with strong evidence to the contrary.
Eyewitness Testimony
First, we should speak to witnesses who were present during the accident. This may include other drivers, passengers, or even pedestrians who were walking by when everything happened. If witnesses can testify that the defendant caused the accident, not you, we may build a strong case.
Dashcam Footage
Many cars and motorcycles today have dashcams, cameras mounted on dashboards that record the road. These cameras often record accidents and may be crucial in proving who is responsible. If you or another driver had a dashcam during the accident, we must try to get copies of the footage.
Medical Records
Finally, we should get copies of your medical records from when you were treated for injuries. Motorcycle accidents tend to cause serious injuries, and your medical records may help us prove just how badly you were hurt. Our team can help you get copies, as they often take time to assemble.
Photographs
Photos help with accident reconstruction, something Jerry can do to show the jury exactly how the accident happened. Impact points, dents, and other damage to motorcycles indicate how much force they were struck with, telling us the defendant’s speed at the time.
Also, take pictures of any injuries you sustained at the scene so we can prove you were injured during the crash involving the other driver.
How Much is Your Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?
You deserve fair financial compensation, but we must first determine the value of your claim by identifying all economic and non-economic damages.
Medical Damages
Motorcycle accidents tend to cause severe injuries that require extensive medical care. Medical care is known for being expensive, even for minor injuries. Be sure to keep track of all your medical costs and hospital bills.
Lost Wages
Next, we should calculate the value of your lost income. You might be too injured to return to work for a while, and you might lose significant income. These costs may be enormous, and we must factor them into your claims.
Property Damage
Your bike might be badly damaged and in need of costly repairs, and we can seek compensation for those damages in a lawsuit as well.
Pain and Suffering
Finally, we should claim non-economic damages for your pain, suffering, trauma, and distress. Motorcycle accidents can be highly traumatic, especially when they are severe. Your suffering may warrant significant compensation, so do not underestimate these damages.
FAQs About Cape May Motorcycle Accident Lawyers and Lawsuits
How Do You Find a Personal Injury Lawyer for Motorcycle Accidents?
You can find the right attorney for you by doing some research of your own, reading reviews, and discussing your case with a lawyer during what should be a free case evaluation.
Should You Get a Personal Injury Lawyer Who Specializes in Motorcycle Accidents?
It is a good idea to get a personal injury lawyer who specializes in motorcycle accidents specifically, like our Jerry Friedman, and has experience settling and litigating these claims.
What Injuries Warrant a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Cape May?
You may file a lawsuit if you are injured in any way during a motorcycle accident and you need help paying hospital bills, covering lost wages, and dealing with other damages from a serious crash.
What Damages Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Recover?
We can recover economic damages on your behalf for lost wages, medical expenses, property damage costs, and any other financial damages you have incurred. We can also seek compensation for all non-economic damages, such as mental suffering, physical pain, emotional distress, reduced quality of life, and other intangible harms we can help victims identify.
Do Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits Always Go to Trial?
Motorcycle accident lawsuits rarely go to trial, though your personal injury lawyer should prepare for the possibility of a trial from the get-go so that your case is strong enough to win in court.
Is There a Limit on Compensation in Cape May Injury Lawsuits?
Currently, New Jersey imposes no statutory limit on the compensation available to personal injury victims for economic and non-economic damages. With careful tracking and strong proof of damages, you may get compensation for all of your losses in Cape May.
Call Our Cape May Motorcycle Accident Attorney for Help Today
Get a free case review from our personal injury lawyer for motorcycle accident victims by calling Jerry Friedman at 1-800-529-4464.