Motorcycle accidents are known to be extremely dangerous, and riders are often severely injured. Motorcycle riders often face unfair blame for the accident when other drivers in cars are usually responsible. If you were hurt in a motorcycle crash, talk to an attorney about how to get financial compensation.
After a motorcycle accident, you should speak to a lawyer about how you can determine who is at fault and how to get compensation for your damages. Whether you file an insurance claim or pursue a lawsuit, you need evidence to support your claims. You may claim compensation for things like property damage, medical treatment, and distress and pain from the accident.
Ask our motorcycle accident attorney for a free legal review to begin by calling Jerry Friedman at 1-800-529-4464.
Why Should I Hire a Lawyer After a Motorcycle Accident in Ringwood, NJ?
You may be tempted to handle your legal claims on your own, but this would be unwise. Even the simplest of legal procedures may be more complicated than the average person realizes, and an attorney should help you with your case.
Determining Who is At Fault
First, our motorcycle accident attorney will review evidence and facts surrounding the accident to determine who is at fault. Sometimes it is clear that the other driver is at fault, but we still need to review the evidence to be sure. It is very possible that another driver who fled the scene shares responsibility.
Navigating Insurance and Lawsuit Options
Insurance claims are pretty much par for the course when it comes to motorcycle accidents. However, insurance does pan out for everyone. Your damages may exceed the other driver’s policy limits. Alternatively, your claims may be denied by the insurance company.
Remember, New Jersey is a no-fault state for car accident insurance claims, but this does not typically cover motorcycles. As such, you will likely file a third-party claim with the at-fault driver’s liability coverage.
About Our Ringwood, NJ Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Our motorcycle accident attorney handles claims throughout New Jersey, including Ringwood. Jerry Friedman only handles motorcycle accident claims and has years of experience fighting for justice on behalf of injured riders.
Jerry can help you navigate complex insurance claims procedures or take your case to court if that is what is necessary to get you the financial compensation you need and rightfully deserve.
What Damages Can I Claim After a Motorcycle Accident?
Your damages represent financial costs, losses, and painful experiences from the motorcycle accident. These damages may be worth considerable compensation, depending on your circumstances.
Property Damage
We should first consider the cost of property damage. This will include the damage to your motorcycle as well as damage to personal property you had with you during the accident. Protective gear like helmets and pads may be damaged and expensive to replace, and your bike might be totaled.
Hospital Bills
Your medical treatment may be very costly, especially if your injuries are severe and require extensive care. For many, medical bills run into the thousands of dollars and constitute the bulk of their economic damages.
We may also claim future medical bills if you need long-term care that is expected to last beyond the completion of your civil lawsuit.
Emotional Damages
You may experience immense physical and emotional pain, suffering, and distress. If your injuries come with long-term or permanent complications, you may have to re-learn how to live your life and perform ordinary daily tasks. You might feel uneasy about riding your motorcycle again, something you previously enjoyed.
While emotional damages are subjective and somewhat challenging to measure in terms of money, they may deserve significant financial compensation.
FAQs About Getting Compensation for Motorcycle Accidents in Ringwood, NJ
Who Should I Sue for Damages After a Motorcycle Accident?
You may sue the person or people you believe are directly responsible for the motorcycle accident. In many cases, those responsible include other drivers involved in the accident. Usually, defendants are drivers in cars rather than other motorcyclists.
Should I File Insurance Claims Before Filing a Lawsuit?
Generally, yes. It is a good idea to explore your insurance options with an attorney. You might find that your damages are completely covered by insurance. Alternatively, you might find insurance is off-limits or insufficient. Either way, if you sue, the courts generally prefer that plaintiffs exhaust their insurance options first, if possible.
How Do I Prove That Another Driver Caused a Motorcycle Accident?
We need evidence from the accident to prove that another driver caused the crash. We may use dashcam footage from your motorcycle or another driver’s car. We can also talk to the drivers and passengers at the accident scene to determine if they can provide supporting testimony.
Should I Contact the Police After a Motorcycle Accident?
Yes. You should immediately call 911 and request medical assistance and have law enforcement sent to the scene. The police may investigate the accident while all drivers are still present, ask important questions, get statements from witnesses, and possibly arrest anyone who may be criminally responsible for the crash.
How Long After a Motorcycle Accident Should I File a Lawsuit?
In New Jersey, personal injury claims for accidents, including motorcycle accidents, must be filed within 2 years. If you do not file your lawsuit within this time, you may be unable to do so, barring special circumstances.
Can I Sue if the Other Driver in a Motorcycle Accident Claims I Caused the Accident?
Yes. It is not unusual for injured victims in motorcycle accidents to share a little bit of the blame. Even if these allegations against you turn out to be true, you may still sue and recover damages. New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence law where your damages may be reduced in proportion to your fault, but you may be barred from recovery if you are more than 50% responsible for the crash.
Get Legal Support from Our Ringwood, NJ Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Ask our motorcycle accident lawyer for a free legal review to begin by calling Jerry Friedman at 1-800-529-4464.