Yes, and here is why. An admission of fault by an insurance company is not the same as a fair settlement offer. Insurers admit liability and then work to minimize what they pay out. They may argue that your injuries were pre-existing, that you were partially responsible for the crash, or that your medical treatment was excessive. Without an attorney reviewing your case, you have no way of knowing whether the number they offer reflects your actual damages, including future medical costs, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Speaking with Petrillo & Goldberg Law before you sign anything costs you nothing and could mean the difference between a fair recovery and leaving money on the table.

Possibly, but it will make your case more difficult. New Jersey’s comparative negligence law under N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.1 allows a court to reduce your damages based on your percentage of fault. If you were not wearing a helmet as required by N.J.S.A. 39:3-76.7, an insurance company will argue that your injuries were more severe because of that choice, and they will try to assign a portion of fault to you. As long as you are found to be less than 51% at fault for the accident overall, you can still recover compensation. An attorney can work to limit how much your lack of helmet use affects your recovery and keep the focus on the other driver’s negligence.

This is a real problem in New Jersey, and it’s exactly why uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is so important for motorcycle riders. If you purchased UM/UIM coverage on your motorcycle policy, you can file a claim with your own insurer for the gap between what the at-fault driver’s insurance pays and what your actual damages are. If you don’t have that coverage, your options become more limited but are not necessarily gone. An attorney can investigate whether other parties share liability, such as a vehicle manufacturer, a road maintenance entity, or an employer if the at-fault driver was working at the time of the crash. Contact Petrillo & Goldberg Law to discuss what options are available in your specific situation.

The biggest difference is that motorcyclists are excluded from New Jersey’s no-fault PIP system. Car drivers can turn to their own PIP coverage for medical bills after a crash, regardless of who caused it. Motorcycle riders cannot. You must file a claim directly against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance and prove their negligence to recover anything. This means your case requires a stronger evidentiary foundation from the start. Police reports, witness statements, accident reconstruction, and medical documentation all become critical. The process is more adversarial than a standard car accident claim, which is another reason having an attorney on your side matters so much.

First, call 911 and get medical attention, even if you feel okay. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries, don’t present obvious symptoms right away. Get a police report filed at the scene. Collect the names, contact information, and insurance details of everyone involved. Take photos of your bike, the other vehicles, the road conditions, and any visible injuries. Do not apologize or admit any fault at the scene, even casually. Notify your own insurance company that an accident occurred, but do not give a recorded statement to any insurer before speaking with an attorney. Then call Petrillo & Goldberg Law at 856.486.4343. The earlier we get involved, the better we can protect your rights and preserve the evidence needed to build a strong case on your behalf.