If you’re a motorcycle rider you might be under the impression that police officers target motorcyclists. But is that truly the case?
Stereotypes about motorcycle riders might lead police officers to believe they are irresponsible, leading to more traffic stops. That said, the difficulty involved in pulling over motorcyclists might lead to fewer traffic stops by police. Even if you believe that police officers unjustly target motorcycle riders, you should alert law enforcement to accident if you are injured in a crash. Failing to do this is against the law and might make it harder for you to recover compensatory damages against a negligent driver. Fortunately for motorcyclists, police reports are inadmissible in lawsuits. So, even if a police officer believes you are automatically to blame for your injuries just because you are a motorcyclist, the opinions included in their accident report cannot be used as evidence.
To have New Jersey motorcycle accident lawyer Jerry Friedman review your case for free, call 1-800-529-4464 today.
Do New Jersey Police Officers Target Motorcycle Riders?
While police officers should pay equal attention to all drivers on the road, some are more likely to catch the eye of law enforcement officials. You might have heard that certain colors or models of cars are more likely to be pulled over. But what about motorcycle riders?
There is often a certain stigma assigned to motorcyclists. Some might view them as irresponsible or reckless, leading to more frequent traffic stops by police. Although police officers should not target any one type of driver or rider, that is not always the case. A motorcycle might draw more attention than other vehicles on the road, increasing the chances that a rider is pulled over for minor traffic violations.
Although motorcycle riders might be more conspicuous than other drivers, that does not mean that police easily pull them over. Because motorcycles can maneuver between cars more easily, it is harder for officers to pull over motorcycle riders successfully. So, sometimes officers might not bother trying. Regardless of whether or not police officers target motorcycle riders, you can reduce your chances of being pulled over and given a traffic violation by heeding all traffic regulations in New Jersey.
Reasons Why Police Officers Might Pull Over Motorcycle Riders in New Jersey
Regardless of possible targeting by law enforcement, there may be several reasons why police officers might pull over motorcycle riders in New Jersey. These include speeding, recklessly moving between lanes and running stoplights.
Generally speaking, a motorcyclist can be pulled over for any traffic violation, just as a passenger car driver can. But, because motorcycles operate differently than cars, for example, they can get up to high speeds faster, there might be more opportunities for police officers to pull over or target riders. Weaving your motorcycle between lanes or in and out of cars might also get you pulled over for reckless driving.
In New Jersey, all motorcyclists are required to wear helmets. If a police officer sees that you are not wearing a helmet while riding your motorcycle, they might pull you over and issue a fine. Because motorcycles are more difficult to operate than passenger cars, riders might be more likely to swerve while driving. This might indicate to a police officer that you are under the influence of alcohol, even if you are not, resulting in a traffic stop.
What to Do if a Police Officer Targets You as a Motorcycle Rider in New Jersey
If you hear sirens behind you and believe a police officer is about to pull you over, it is important to stop your motorcycle in a safe location. Continuing to ride your motorcycle might result in an accident.
Do not assume that you can or should outrun the police if you are about to be pulled over while riding your motorcycle in New Jersey. If you believe you have been targeted, you can contest the fine issued to you at a later date. Continuing to operate your vehicle is dangerous and might cause you or others to become injured.
Getting targeted by the police as a motorcycle rider can be a frustrating experience. It is important to stay composed and handle the matter as calmly as possible.
Will Police Officers Help Motorcycle Riders Injured in Accidents in New Jersey?
Even if you operate under the assumption that police officers target motorcycle riders or believe motorcycle riders to be irresponsible, you should alert local law enforcement to a motorcycle accident after it occurs.
When you call the police to your motorcycle accident site, explain what happened. Often, people believe that motorcyclists are automatically negligent and are always to blame for an accident. To ensure that the police report for your collision is accurate, explain how another party acted negligently. Police officers will include all pertinent details in the crash report for your accident.
This document is for informational purposes only and cannot be used as evidence in your accident claim. In New Jersey, opinions or conclusions made by police officers and included in accident reports are inadmissible in lawsuits. So, even if a police officer’s prejudice against motorcycle riders leads them to believe you are at fault for your injuries, their opinions from a police report cannot be used in your case.
Additionally, Atlantic City, NJ motorcycle accident lawyer Jerry Friedman can present actual evidence of negligence to undermine any assertions that you are partially to blame for a crash just because you are a motorcycle rider. Such evidence might include statements from eyewitnesses, statements from experts, footage from security cameras, photographs from the accident scene, and your medical records from the days and weeks following a motorcycle incident.
Call Jerry About Your New Jersey Motorcycle Accident
Call Cherry Hill, NJ motorcycle accident lawyer Jerry Friedman at 1-800-529-4464 to get a free case evaluation today.