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Wanaque Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

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    All drivers on the road, including motorcycle riders, deserve the respect of all other drivers. Unfortunately, drivers often disregard motorcycle riders, which can lead to serious accidents. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, our attorney can help you get financial compensation.

    After an accident, you may be badly hurt and in need of legal help. An attorney can help you navigate complicated insurance claims or pursue a personal injury lawsuit against those responsible for the accident. Motorcycle riders are often unfairly blamed for accidents, and you need a qualified lawyer who can stand up for you.

    Request a free, private case review by calling our motorcycle accident attorney Jerry Friedman at 1-800-529-4464.

    What to Do Following a Motorcycle Crash

    Following a motorcycle accident, your first priority should be to get help.

    Call 911 Immediately

    If you have a cell phone, call 911 and report the accident immediately. You may need an ambulance, and the police should come to your location to secure the scene, speak with the other driver, and investigate.

    Exchange Information

    If you can, exchange information with the other driver while you wait for help to arrive. We need their name and insurance information so you can file a claim later. We also need this information if you plan to file a lawsuit.

    Contact a Lawyer

    Call an attorney and discuss the accident as soon as possible. You may need legal help when filing insurance claims or exploring other legal options. An attorney can advise you of all your options, help you gather evidence, and accurately evaluate your damages.

    What Damages Should You Claim in a Motorcycle Accident Case?

    Your damages may be extensive, and it can be easy to underestimate them or overlook certain damages without a lawyer.

    Medical Bills

    Your medical bills may constitute a large portion of your claim. Motorcycle accidents are known for severe injuries, and you might need extensive and costly treatment.

    Property Costs

    Your motorcycle and safety gear are likely badly damaged after an accident. These items can be expensive to repair or replace, and you must account for these costs in your damages.

    Lost Income

    Your injuries may interfere with your ability to return to work. The longer you cannot work because of your injuries, the more income you may lose. Our motorcycle accident lawyer can claim the income you have lost so far and the income you will likely continue to lose in the future if you do not expect to return to work any time soon.

    Pain and Suffering

    Motorcycle accidents often leave injured victims with intense physical pain, emotional distress, and even psychological damage. While these painful experiences cannot be proven by evidence of cost alone, they may still warrant significant damages, and you should speak to your lawyer about how to properly evaluate them.

    Filing an Insurance Claim for a Motorcycle Accident in Wanaque

    In New Jersey, drivers are usually covered by no-fault, personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. Drivers may file first-party claims under their own PIP coverage, and they do not need to prove who is at fault. However, no-fault coverage specifically excludes motorcycles.

    You can file a third-party claim with the at-fault driver’s liability insurance. You must present proof of the accident and of the other driver’s fault when filing your claim.

    What if the At-Fault Driver in a Motorcycle Accident is Uninsured?

    If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may rely on your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. These policies are designed to help riders when the other driver has no insurance, or their insurance is insufficient to cover all their damages.

    Another strategy is to find alternative defendants. For example, if the at-fault driver was driving for work at the time of the accident, we may be able to sue their employer, who likely has more resources to pay for your damages.

    Should You File an Injury Lawsuit After a Motorcycle Accident in Wanaque?

    If insurance is unavailable or insufficient, you should talk to your attorney about filing a personal injury lawsuit. If you accept an insurance settlement, your case is over, and you may be unable to take the case to court. While lawsuits can take more time to complete, they often yield larger damages awards and may include damages not normally covered by insurance alone.

    Gathering Evidence of a Motorcycle Crash at the Accident Scene

    You may be able to gather some evidence for your case directly from the crash scene. If you can, while waiting for help, take photos of the scene and record videos. The scene will be cleared away soon after you leave, and important evidence may be lost if you do not document everything.

    You should also try to get the names of anyone involved, even if they are not the at-fault driver. Having their information may make it easier to find them later if we need witnesses.

    What Happens if the At-Fault Driver Blames You for the Motorcycle Accident?

    If the defendant accuses you of causing or contributing to the accident, the court may apply the law of modified comparative negligence. Under this law, a plaintiff may still sue and recover damages even if they are deemed partially responsible for the accident. However, the court reduces damages according to the plaintiff’s share of fault. If your fault exceeds 51%, you may recover no damages.

    Can You Sue for a Motorcycle Accident if You Were Not Wearing a Helmet?

    Yes. You can still sue even if you did not have a helmet during the accident, but the defendant or their insurance may try to mitigate your damages by highlighting your lack of a helmet. If you have serious head injuries, failure to wear a helmet might be used to reduce your claims.

    What Should You Do if the Other Driver Flees the Scene After a Motorcycle Accident?

    If the other driver flees after causing a motorcycle accident, call 911 right away. Ask for help and report the accident as a hit and run. If you can, provide a description of the other driver. Even if the accident is not severe, a hit and run is a serious crime, and the police will work to quickly bring the other driver to justice.

    Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Wanaque to Discuss Your Claims

    Request a free, private case review by calling our motorcycle accident attorney Jerry Friedman at 1-800-529-4464.