A part of being a motorcycle driver is to understand the risks that you take being on the road compared to most other drivers. Because you are more exposed to the elements, your risk of being injured after being in an accident is high. Being prepared for a situation like this will make a huge difference in the moments after being involved in an accident. Continue reading to learn what you should know about motorcycle accidents in New Jersey and the steps to take after being injured in one.
What causes motorcycle accidents most in New Jersey?
The most common causes of motorcycle accidents are caused by negligence. Whether it be distracted driving, fatigued driving, or simply tailgating, most motorcycle accidents can be prevented if it wasn’t for human error. The following factors cause many motorcycle accidents on the roads of New Jersey:
- Driving under the influence
- Texting and driving
- Tailgaiting
- Failure to yield
- Speeding
- Driving while tired
- Distracted driving
- Weather conditions
- Road conditions
- Lane splitting
- Eating or smoking while driving
- Navigating directions while driving
What should I do after being in a motorcycle accident?
It is important to create a plan before stressful, potentially painful life events occur. This especially relates to being involved in a motorcycle accident. Follow these steps to create a safer scene and to protect and prepare yourself should you need to open a personal injury claim:
- Call 911 so that both the police and an ambulance can arrive on the scene. Be sure to seek immediate medical attention for your injuries even if you do not immediately feel them. It is possible that certain injuries do not arise after multiple days. To be safe, get checked out by a medical professional just in case. After receiving medical attention, collect any medical documents from this event. Be sure that these documents label the date, time, and severity of your issues. The police will conduct a police report that will support your future claim. They will also be able to redirect any traffic when necessary and create a safer scene for everyone involved.
- Collect the other party’s contact information as well as their insurance information.
- Take photos of the damage and your injuries. This should include damage to any vehicles and property.
- Reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney to open a claim and recover the compensation you deserve.
What is the statute of limitations for motorcycle accidents in New Jersey?
In order to properly take legal action against the other party involved in your car accident, it is important to understand the statute of limitations in New Jersey. The statute of limitations for motorcycle accidents is generally two years. This means that you will have two years from the date of your accident to take legal action against the negligent party. Though this might seem like a long time to take action, it is important that you do so as soon as you can. After two years have gone by, you may be barred from suing. Bring attention to your claim by reaching out to an experienced attorney today to begin your process.
Contact our New Jersey firm
Our firm understands how serious criminal and personal injury cases are. We are prepared to guide you towards a favorable outcome. If you are in need of experienced legal counsel in New Jersey, please contact The Law Office of Andrew S. Maze today for any criminal and personal injury matters.