Even when riders take proper precautions and wear all the right protective gear, accidents can still happen, and riders get hurt. If this happens to you, get a lawyer who can help you recover compensation for your injuries and damages.
Insurance claims are common after accidents, but insurance laws in New Jersey apply differently to motorcycles. While other drivers may be covered by no-fault insurance, motorcycles are excluded from no-fault insurance laws. As such, you may file a third-party claim with the other driver’s insurance or file a lawsuit. A lawyer can help you explore these options and determine which is best for you.
Ask our motorcycle accident attorney Jerry Friedman for a free, private case review by calling 1-800-529-4464.
How Does Insurance Apply to Motorcycle Crashes in Cliffside Park?
Motorcycle riders must have insurance like all other drivers, but the rules apply differently.
No-Fault Insurance
New Jersey is one of several states that requires drivers to have no-fault, personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. Drivers file claims with their own coverage rather than the other driver’s, and there is no requirement to prove fault for the accident. However, motorcycles are specifically excluded from no-fault insurance laws.
Many motorcycle riders also have cars, so they likely have no-fault coverage. Remember, your no-fault coverage will not apply in a motorcycle accident case, and you may need to explore other insurance options.
Third-Party Claims
After a motorcycle accident, riders may file third-party insurance claims with the at-fault driver’s liability insurance, which they are legally required to have. Unlike no-fault insurance, riders must present evidence that the other driver is responsible for the accident.
If the other driver is uninsured or their insurance is too limited to adequately cover your damages, you may rely on your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage is not legally required, but it is a good idea for motorcycle riders to have it since they are excluded from no-fault insurance.
No Limitations on Lawsuits
In New Jersey, drivers must elect a limited or unlimited right to sue when they buy insurance. Many drivers choose a limited right to sue, as it is usually the less expensive option, and they cannot sue unless they meet certain legal criteria regarding their injuries. More specifically, drivers must have a serious injury to sue.
Since motorcycles are excluded from no-fault insurance, they are not bound by these restrictions. As such, you can sue freely without having to satisfy a legal threshold first.
Claiming Damages After a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accidents can be severe, and riders may be badly hurt. As such, you may claim extensive damages, which our motorcycle accident attorney can help evaluate.
Medical Expenses
You might be thrown from your bike or pinned by the other vehicle, and you may need urgent medical care. Medical treatment is famously expensive, and you should claim these costs in your case. Keep a record of all your medical treatment and costs after a motorcycle accident.
Damaged Property
You may also lose property in the accident, including your motorcycle, gear, and personal items you had with you. Even smaller, less expensive personal belongings still need to be replaced, and the costs will add up quickly.
Lost Wages
Motorcycle accidents often involve severe injuries, and riders may need to step away from their jobs while they recover. Unfortunately, this usually means the injured rider will lose income while they recover. The longer you cannot work, the more damages you should claim for your lost income and wages.
Pain and Suffering
Motorcycle accidents may leave deep psychological injuries in addition to physical ones. The trauma of the crash, the pain of your injuries, and any medical complications you may have to deal with can take an enormous toll on your life and mental health. As such, you may claim extensive damages for pain and suffering.
What to Do Following a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accidents often constitute severe emergencies, and you should get help immediately after a collision.
Call 911
After a motorcycle crash, call 911 immediately. If you are too injured to call 911 or your phone is damaged, the other driver or someone else at the accident scene should call for help. Ask for emergency medical personnel and the police to be sent to your location immediately.
Photograph the Scene
Remember, motorcycle riders are often unfairly blamed for accidents. You need as much evidence as possible to prove that the other driver is at fault. It is a smart idea to take photos of the accident scene, as it will likely be cleared away by law enforcement, and important details and evidence may be lost.
Call a Lawyer
Contact an attorney who can help you take legal action to get financial compensation. You might be overwhelmed with medical treatments, property repairs, and the mounting costs of the accident. On top of that, you may be recovering from painful injuries. An attorney can ease your burden and handle your legal claims for you while you rest and recover.
Who is Often to Blame for Motorcycle Accidents?
Drivers in cars are often directly responsible for motorcycle collisions. Motorcycle riders are often blamed based on unfair stereotypes and biases, but drivers in cars are usually the culprits. They often do not notice or completely ignore motorcycles on the road, which often leads to accidents.
What Are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle accidents may occur for many different reasons, including, but not limited to, the following common factors:
- Distracted drivers
- Speed
- Inattentional blindness
- Blind spots
- Failing to signal
Should You Go to the Hospital After a Motorcycle Accident?
Yes. Motorcycle crashes are famous for being severe and inflicting harsh injuries. Even if you do not feel that badly injured, you may have internal injuries that require immediate medical attention. If you wait to go to the hospital for any reason, your injuries may only become worse.
What if the Other Driver Flees the Scene of a Motorcycle Accident?
Call the police immediately. If the other driver flees, they may be charged with a hit and run, which is a very serious crime. Contact the police immediately because they may be able to find the driver before they get too far. Sometimes, the police apprehend hit and run drivers before they can get off the road.
Review Your Claims with Our Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Cliffside Park
Ask our motorcycle accident attorney Jerry Friedman for a free, private case review by calling 1-800-529-4464.
