Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Pennsauken and Cherry Hill
The thrill of riding a motorcycle is palpable to just about anyone who has experienced it. However, operating a motorcycle carries inherent risks, often more perilous than those associated with driving other types of vehicles. Motorcycles lack the protections that cars typically afford to occupants, such as seat belts or airbags.
New Jersey motorcyclists were involved in 97 fatal accidents in 2021, the highest total crashes recorded in 15 years. According to the New Jersey State Police, 99 people were killed in the collisions, of which the majority were motorists.
Because of their vulnerability when sharing the road with others, motorcyclists tend to be careful riders. Nevertheless, when an accident occurs, the damages and injuries to the motorcyclist are usually significant. If you have been injured in a South Jersey motorcycle accident, contact the legal team at Petrillo & Goldberg Law to learn about the possibility of pursuing compensation for your losses.
What Causes Motorcycle Accidents?
South Jersey motorcycle accidents can occur due to various reasons, such as poor weather or motorcycle manufacturing defects. However, one of the top causes is driver negligence. Speeding and driver inattention were identified as contributing factors in around 45 percent of New Jersey fatal motorcycle accidents in 2021. Poor driving behavior such as following too closely and improper passing were cited in about 15 deadly collisions that year.
Motorcycles are hard to spot in a vehicle’s blind spot, increasing the risk of collisions when drivers change lanes or make turns without noticing the motorcycle. More than 50 percent of motorcycle accidents that involve other vehicles happen at intersections. Additionally, over two-thirds of such crashes occur when the vehicle driver fails to see the motorcyclist. One of the most common ways a motorcycle accident can occur is when a driver is turning left and strikes an oncoming motorcycle.
Motorcyclists may attempt to maneuver between the lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. This practice can be risky and lead to collisions if other drivers are unaware. Motorcycle accidents can occur if someone opens their vehicle door without first checking for motorcyclists. If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, here are some other common causes that may be responsible for the crash:
- Speeding: Motorcyclists or other drivers exceeding the speed limit may have reduced reaction time and difficulty maneuvering safely.
- Distracted driving: Both motorcyclists and other drivers can be distracted by mobile phones, navigation systems, and other distractions. Inattention on the road jeopardizes the safety of the driver and others in the vicinity.
- Failure to yield: Accidents often happen when drivers fail to yield the right of way at intersections or when merging onto roads.
- Impaired driving: Riding a motorcycle or driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs increases the risk of accidents. Motorists may experience impaired judgment, reduced coordination, and slower reaction times.
- Weather conditions: Adverse weather such as rain, snow, or fog can create hazardous road conditions for motorcyclists. Slick roads can increase the likelihood of accidents, while poor visibility may make motorcycles harder to spot.
- Road hazards: Potholes, debris, loose gravel, and other road hazards can pose a significant threat to motorcyclists, especially if they are not visible or anticipated.
All motorists should practice safe driving habits to reduce the risk of accidents on South Jersey roads. Additionally, wearing helmets and other appropriate safety gear can significantly enhance a motorcyclist’s protection in the event of a crash.
Some motorcycle accidents are caused by recklessness or motorcyclist errors. However, the legal team at Petrillo & Goldberg Law has found that most collisions between motorcycles and other vehicles occur due to driver negligence. Many crashes are preventable.
Despite following common-sense safety tips, sometimes the unthinkable occurs. If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, an experienced South Jersey motorcycle accident lawyer can help you hold the at-fault party accountable.
Obtaining Compensation After a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accidents result in expensive medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other costs. New Jersey residents who are injured in car accidents can rely on their Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits for immediate coverage of medical bills. Motorcyclists, however, are not entitled to PIP medical expense coverage by their motor vehicle insurance policies. Some motorcycle policies include coverage for a limited amount of medical costs.
If a motorcyclist is injured due to another driver’s negligence, they have the right to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party to recover compensation for all their losses. Unfortunately, obtaining the compensation you deserve can be challenging.
Insurance companies are notorious for relying on stereotypes to place the blame for a motorcycle accident onto an injured motorcyclist. They may insist that the motorcyclist was at fault for the crash to avoid paying full and fair compensation. With an experienced motorcycle accident attorney working on your behalf, you can fight against such tactics to minimize your compensation.
Another common problem that arises in motorcycle accident cases is that drivers who cause injuries are uninsured or underinsured, meaning they lack the insurance required to fully cover the motorcyclist’s losses. The same situation can create issues in hit-and-run collisions. As such, we urge all our motorcyclist clients to maximize their right to purchase significant uninsured or underinsured coverage on their own policies.
If you are seeking to recover damages for your motorcycle accident injuries, one of the first steps is to determine who is responsible for causing them. Petrillo & Goldberg Law will carry out a thorough investigation of your crash, gathering evidence to build your claim. Your South Jersey motorcycle accident lawyer will help you identify who is at fault and hold them accountable. You can be assured we will explore all avenues of compensation for you.
Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries
South Jersey motorcycle accidents can result in various injuries. While some injuries may be minor, others can be very severe due to how exposed motorcyclists are on the road. Motorcyclists are five times more likely to suffer injuries in a crash than car occupants. Certain factors, such as high speeds or the involvement of a truck, can increase the likelihood of serious harm. Common types of injuries include:
- Head injuries: Motorcyclists can suffer traumatic brain injuries, concussions, and skull fractures even when wearing a helmet. While helmets provide some protection, they do not prevent head injuries entirely.
- Fractures and broken bones: The impact of a motorcycle accident can lead to fractures and broken bones, commonly affecting the arms, legs, wrists, and ribs. When a heavy motorcycle falls on top of a motorcyclist, it can also result in crushed bones.
- Facial injuries: Motorcycle riders are susceptible to facial injuries, including fractures, lacerations, disfigurement, and dental injuries.
- Road rash: When a motorcycle rider skids along the road surface during a crash, friction can cause abrasions known as road rash. These injuries may range from mild to severe, potentially leading to infections if not treated properly.
- Burn injuries: Motorcycle accidents may involve fires or contact with hot surfaces, resulting in burn injuries.
- Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, strains, and contusions to muscles, ligaments, and tendons are common due to the forces involved in a motorcycle collision.
- Spinal cord injuries: Severe accidents may result in spinal cord injuries, leading to paralysis or loss of sensation in certain body parts.
- Internal injuries: Blunt force trauma can result in internal bleeding, lacerations, or organ bruising. Additionally, broken ribs can puncture lungs or damage internal organs.
No matter what motorcycle accident injuries you sustain, the road to recovery may be a long one. Some injuries may even be life-changing and cause disabilities that require long-term treatment with medical specialists.
Even when motorcycle accident injuries are not fatal, they can be incredibly painful. Along with being physically and emotionally challenging, the recovery process can quickly rack up expensive medical bills and keep you away from work. As a result, we believe you should be compensated for the full extent of your losses, including past and future expenses.
Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accidents
New Jersey has important time limits for filing personal injury claims to recover compensation when a victim is injured due to someone else’s negligence. Motorcycle accidents fall under the umbrella of personal injury. The statute of limitations for motorcycle accidents is typically two years from the date of the injury.
The statute of limitations means that South Jersey motorcycle accident victims have a short window in which to pursue compensation for their injuries. Consulting an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help ensure you file your lawsuit before the deadline and maximize your chances of obtaining damages.
Contact the South Jersey Motorcycle Accident Attorneys at Petrillo & Goldberg Law
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in the South Jersey or metropolitan Philadelphia region, you need the assistance of Petrillo & Goldberg Law. Our experienced and knowledgeable legal team will work diligently on your behalf to obtain the best possible result in your motorcycle accident claim. Contact us today to discuss your case.
