Trusted Newark Motorcycle Accident Attorneys For Injury Victims And Their Families
Riding a motorcycle offers an exciting feeling of freedom by catching high speeds and feeling the open air. There is no such other feeling. Unfortunately, riders also face serious risk of injury and death in an accident – especially those involving larger vehicles.
If you’ve been seriously injured or lost someone you love in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, contact the skilled accident attorneys at Goldstein & Goldstein, LLP. Pursuing justice and fair compensation is essential for your health and financial future.
The Most Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents
Unfortunately, accidents are caused due to manufacturing defects, hazards on the road or other negligent actions. Since motorcyclists share the road with other vehicle drivers, they can become challenging to see, especially if the road is under construction. Due to their narrow profile, motorcycle drivers put themselves at a higher risk than any other drivers.
Among the most common causes of motorcycle accident injuries are:
Poor Weather
Rain, strong winds, snow or hail can make the road a lot more dangerous for motorcyclists, but so do the actions of other drivers in conditions of bad weather. In most cases, drivers of large trucks continue to drive fast despite the slick roads or the lack of visibility. They may not have the time to stop due to the wet or icy roads and could hit a motorcyclist.
Defective Parts
When buying a motorcycle, the manufacturers have an obligation to sell you a safe bike. If it has defective components, it could result in a crash. It is not often that brakes fail and make the motorcycles lose control and possibly crash into another vehicle. It is essential to check your gear regularly, for if regular maintenance is ignored, the rate of accidents substantially raises.
Vision Obstruction
Poor or obstructed visibility is among the most common causes of motorcycle collisions. Being distracted by buildings or traffic that could make other vehicles less visible might lead to motorcycle crashes.
Violations Of Motorcycle Rights
Like any other vehicle on the road, motorcyclists also have the right of way in certain situations. However, other drivers fail to offer priority properly and cut the motorcycles off. If doing so, the motorcyclist may lose control and crash into the vehicle or be pushed off the road.
Not Following The Traffic Laws
Traffic laws are known to be extensive, and drivers should be aware at all times of what driving behaviors are illegal. The most familiar violations for a motorcycle accident include drunk driving, reckless driving, distracted driving, high speed, running traffic signals or aggressive driving.
Road Hazards
Operating a motorcycle when facing debris, potholes, puddles or uneven pavement might get extremely difficult as motorcycle drivers constantly need to keep their balance. By hitting a pothole, the front tire can stop and make you lose balance and crash in an instant.
The Most Severe Injuries To Motorcyclists
Once involved in a motorcycle accident, the consequences can be severe. Almost 80% of motorcycle crashes result in serious injuries or death. What’s more, some injuries may be permanent. Many motorcyclists might suffer multiple injuries to more parts of their bodies, injuries that may not be visible. Seek immediate medical attention if involved in a motorcycle crash, as the injuries could be internal and lead to possible death. Medical attention is vital for your health, as well as for your potential claim and lawsuit. Your medical records will serve as essential evidence of your injuries and will help you get the proper compensation in your case. Even if you feel alright, you should get a medical check-up as soon as possible.
The most frequent motorcycle accident injuries are:
Bone Fractures
Suffering from bone fractures can keep you from going to your job, driving or even engaging in simple, regular activities. Most bone fractures require surgery, and doctors could insert hardware to help your bone heal rapidly and adequately. After surgery, a significant recovery time is required, so constant medical attention is mandatory.
Loss Of Limbs
Unfortunately, even with multiple surgeries, some injuries can not be repaired. Crushed limbs might be amputated and replaced with a prosthetic. Even the simple amputation of a finger can be a life-changing factor and could seriously impact your lifestyle. Additionally, prosthetics might come at a high price and need replacement over time. The consequences of losing a body part can be both physical and emotional, so always contact a New Jersey motorcycle accident lawyer to seek compensation.
Internal Organ Damage
Most motorcycle accidents could include severe internal injuries such as punctured lungs, broken ribs or pelvis, ruptured diaphragm, damage to kidneys or liver, or abdominal aortic aneurysm. While these injuries are not visible to the naked eye, they require immediate medical help, or else they could be life-threatening.
Permanent Disability
If the spinal cord is seriously injured, the victims of a motorcycle crash can be permanently paralyzed. Once paralyzed, certain organs can be affected such as the lungs, bladder or bowels.
Road Rash
Road rash occurs when a motorcyclist’s skin touches a rough surface and may damage several layers of skin. The resulting abrasions act as burn injuries and could leave the victim with permanent scars, damage to ligaments, tendons or muscles. Physical therapy or surgery may be needed in some cases.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
In most cases, motorcyclists hit their heads in motorcycle accidents, and the more severe, the higher the traumas. A traumatic brain injury occurs when the brain hits the skull and damages the brain tissue. Some motorcycle accident victims partially recover after months or years of rehabilitation but will remain permanently disabled.
What To Do After Being Involved In A Motorcycle Accident
If you or your loved ones have suffered injuries or wrongful death, you might want to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other medical expenses. Any of the mentioned consequences or injuries can turn your life upside down. The last thing you need when facing a motorcycle accident is to deal with the system of recovery or financial compensation. That’s where our personal injury attorneys step in.
So what are the steps you may want to follow if being involved in a motorcycle accident? Firstly, make sure the accident scene is safe for other drivers. If possible, move your motorcycle out of the way. Then check if you or other persons involved are injured and call 911 for immediate help. If you are in a safe position, gather as much information as possible. Take photos or videos, or write notes. If the police respond to your accident, they will file a report including all information about your case and the identities of the parties involved. If possible, ask for a copy of that report.
Contact your insurance company, and start filing your motorcycle accident claim. Then seek one of our experienced East Orange and Newark personal injury lawyers to get a beneficial outcome in your case. Our law firm will do what it can so that you might get the maximum compensation for your injuries, damages and losses that may have occurred.
What Compensation Can You Receive?
As in all personal injury claims, it depends on the value and the severity of your case, as well as the degree of negligence of the other parties involved. If the other driver is found at fault, you could receive total compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages or income
- Loss of earning capacity
- Loss of life’s enjoyment
- Expenses for medical therapy
- Loss of consortium
- Emotional stress
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent injuries or disabilities
Proving liability in a motorcycle accident can be both intimidating and challenging. With the legal representation on your side, we are ready to go the extra mile to reach the best possible compensation and outcome for your case. No stone will be left unturned when dealing with your personal injury cases.
Do You Need A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
Some personal injury attorneys in New Jersey may hesitate to defend the rights of motorcycle injury victims because they think driving a motorcycle is unsafe, or others may find the cases too challenging to handle. Sure, motorcycles offer their drivers the freedom to open roads, but they also come with considerable safety risks.
We understand that many motorcycle accidents occur when a vehicle driver fails to be aware of the motorcyclist on the road. Sometimes, when the driver finally notices, it is too late for the motorcyclist, who will likely suffer severe injuries. Such accidents are life-threatening, and at times, the helmet is just not enough to keep you alive.
You should be aware that many obstacles may occur when fighting for your rights and getting the compensation you fully deserve after a crash. Insurance companies will try to blame the motorcycle rider for the accident. By reaching out to a personal injury lawyer, you will increase your chances of winning your case. Under no circumstances should you accept an offer from your insurance company before contacting a motorcycle accident attorney. If suffering severe injuries, at least the compensation will cover the costly medical bills.
If you or someone you love is considering motorcycle accident claims, you should always get a Newark motorcycle accident attorney by your side. The process is complex and, without the guidance of a legal representation, can imply losing the much-needed compensation.
It is also vital to rely on a New Jersey motorcycle accident lawyer if the other person involved in the accident is also a motorcyclist. The chances for the other victim to be represented by a lawyer or a powerful insurance company are high, and you may encounter difficulties when dealing with your case.
No motorcycle accident cases are similar, but having the proper legal counsel on your team could change the outcome of any motor vehicle accident. If a motorcycle accident occurs, get an experienced attorney to assist you in your personal injury claim, and if needed, in your personal injury lawsuit. Contact our law firm to advise you of your rights and to be represented by our experienced and well-trusted Newark motorcycle accident lawyers. We will find the best strategy for your case after gathering evidence, interviewing the witnesses and determining liability. Schedule your free consultation at 973-675-8277.
Is There A Time Limit For Filing A Motorcycle Accident Injury Claim?
The statutes of limitations may differ from state to state. In New Jersey, the legal time for filing a motorcycle accident injury claim after a crash is two years from the date of injury. If failing to file a claim, the injured person will lose the right to pursue compensation. Discussing the statutes of limitations with your attorney before filing your motorcycle accident claim is vital.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
Our initial cost is free, so you risk nothing by contacting our law firm. Schedule your free consultation as soon as possible, and let us review your case and assist you in any legal move you make.
Do I Have To Go To Court For A Motorcycle Accident?
There are always slight chances of going to court for a motorcycle accident. If you can settle your case with the other party involved, you will not need to make any court appearances. If you are represented by one of our motorcycle accident lawyers, the trial is likely the single time you need to appear in court.
What Types Of Damages Are Available For A Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?
Given the nature of motorcycle accidents, compensation can depend on various factors. Our Newark and Orange County, New Jersey, motorcycle accident attorneys help you obtain damages such as medical bills, mental anguish, pain and suffering, punitive damages, loss of earning capacity or property damage.
Contact Us To Discuss Your Case For Free
To learn about your legal options in a free consultation, contact Goldstein & Goldstein, LLP, with offices in East Orange, New Jersey. However, we do most of our work in Newark. Call us today at 973-675-8277 or fill out our online contact form.