Accidents on the road or highway can be extremely dangerous, but motorcycle accidents are often considered among the most dangerous. Riders are not shielded in enclosed vehicles and may be more susceptible to serious injuries. As such, injured motorcycle riders should seek legal help to recover fair financial compensation.
After a motorcycle accident, riders should call 911 immediately. Speak to a lawyer about the accident as soon as possible, even if you have not yet fully recovered, so that they can begin working on getting you compensation. While insurance may help you recover some damages, it is often limited and might not cover the full extent of your damages. A lawsuit may help you get all the compensation you are entitled to, and the sooner you contact a lawyer, the stronger your case may be.
For a free initial case review from our motorcycle accident attorney, call Jerry Friedman at 1-800-529-4464.
What Should Someone Do After Being Injured in a Ridgewood Motorcycle Accident?
If you or someone you know is hurt in a motorcycle crash, get immediate help and contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
Call 911 Immediately
After a motorcycle accident, you or someone at the scene should call 911 immediately. Motorcycle accidents are infamous for severe injuries. Many riders are injured so badly that they never fully recover. The sooner you get medical attention, the more likely your injuries will heal.
Speak to an Attorney About Your Accident
After you get medical care, you or someone you trust should contact a lawyer. Our motorcycle accident lawyers will review the accident and your injuries and help you determine the best way to get fair financial compensation.
While insurance is a common legal option following motorcycle accidents, it is often insufficient. Insurance policies may be too limited to provide adequate compensation, but a lawsuit may help you recover the full extent of your damages.
Assess Your Damages
Before taking legal action for financial compensation, your lawyer must fully assess your damages. This includes reviewing your injuries, treatments, and medical bills. Your lawyer should also consider property damage, including damage to your motorcycle and ant person property that was damaged in the accident. If your injuries prevent you from working, your lawyer should also account for your lost wages.
Non-economic damages may also be significant. Painful or permanent injuries and disabilities can take a huge mental and emotional toll on victims.
How Can a Lawyer Help You Get Financial Compensation After a Motorcycle Accident?
There may be several ways in which you can get fair compensation after a motorcycle accident, and your lawyer should review all our options with you before taking official action.
Insurance Claims
In New Jersey, insurance is required for all drivers, including motorcycle riders, and it is a common first step for injured riders. While drivers are bound by New Jersey’s no-fault insurance laws, these laws do not apply to motorcycle riders.
When filing an insurance claim after a motorcycle accident, riders must file third-party claims with the at-fault driver’s insurance. Riders must be prepared to provide evidence of their injuries and the other driver’s fault before the insurance company will pay anything.
Settlement Negotiations with the Defendant
Insurance settlements are not always enough, and insurance companies often look for any excuse to reduce an injured rider’s compensation. Your lawyer may step in and negotiate a much better settlement that more adequately covers your damages. Again, we will need evidence of all your injuries and damages, and we must prove that the other driver, not you, is responsible.
Personal Injury Lawsuits
While most people prefer to avoid lawsuits, they are sometimes the best way for injured victims to get fair financial compensation after a motorcycle accident. While lawsuits tend to be time-consuming, they often net plaintiffs greater compensation, including compensation for non-economic damages that insurance companies usually do not want to pay or exclude from policies.
FAQs About Obtaining Financial Compensation After a Ridgewood Motorcycle Accident
Do You Need a Lawyer After Being Injured in a Motorcycle Crash?
Yes. Motorcycle crashes can be severe, and you might be very badly hurt and in for a long road to recovery. As you rest and recover, a lawyer can take legal action on your behalf and get you fair compensation to cover things like medical bills, property damage, and more.
How Soon After a Motorcycle Accident in Ridgewood Should You Contact a Lawyer?
You should call a lawyer for help as soon as possible, even if you are still recovering in the hospital. In New Jersey, personal injury plaintiffs, such as those filing motorcycle accident lawsuits, must file their claims in court no later than 2 years after the accident.
How Much Compensation Should You Receive for a Motorcycle Accident?
Compensation varies from case to case, but it may be quite substantial in motorcycle accident cases. It should cover economic damages such as medical costs, motorcycle repairs, and lost income. It should also cover non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, and any reduction in your quality of life.
Who Should You Sue for Damages After a Motorcycle Collision?
You should sue whoever you believe is directly responsible for the accident, such as other drivers involved in the accident. In some cases, you may sue the other driver’s employer if the other driver was on the job at the time of the accident.
Do You Have to File an Insurance Claim Before Filing a Lawsuit for a Motorcycle Accident?
Insurance is not necessarily required before you file a lawsuit, but you should file a claim if insurance is available before escalating the matter to a lawsuit. Judges often encourage plaintiffs and defendants to pursue alternative dispute resolution, including insurance, mediation, and settlements. If you can file an insurance claim but choose not to, the judge in your case might not be too happy.
Contact Our Ridgewood Motorcycle Accident Attorneys for Legal Help
For a free initial case review from our motorcycle accident attorney, call Jerry Friedman at 1-800-529-4464.