Passaic County Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

New Jersey is home to over 160,000 motorcyclists, and it’s no secret why–motorcycles are a practical, economical, and fun way to get from place to place. Unfortunately, they can also be quite dangerous. Because motorcyclists lack the protection of other motorists on the road, they are extremely vulnerable, should an accident occur. If you are a motorcyclist who has been injured due to another party’s negligence, a dedicated Passaic County motorcycle accident lawyer here at the Law Offices of August R. Soltis stands ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us for a free initial consultation today.

Motorcycle Helmet Laws in New Jersey

New Jersey has some of the strictest motorcycle helmet laws in the country, and for good reason—helmets save lives. Under N.J.S.A. 39:3-76.7, all motorcyclists and their passengers are required to wear a DOT-approved helmet while operating a motorcycle. The helmet must have a securely fastened chin strap and fit properly to provide maximum protection in the event of an accident.

Wearing a helmet is not just about complying with the law—it’s about reducing the risk of severe head and brain injuries. Studies show that helmets significantly lower the likelihood of traumatic brain injuries and fatalities in motorcycle crashes. While not wearing a helmet does not prevent an injured motorcyclist from filing a personal injury claim, it may impact the compensation they are eligible to recover. Insurance companies often argue that failing to wear a helmet contributed to the severity of injuries, potentially reducing the payout under New Jersey’s comparative negligence laws.

Ultimately, safety comes first. Whether you are riding across Passaic County or anywhere else in New Jersey, always wear a helmet to protect yourself and ensure you remain in compliance with state law. If you were injured in an accident caused by another driver’s negligence, regardless of helmet use, our firm is here to help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

Common Injuries Sustained in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists are at a much higher risk of severe injury in an accident compared to occupants of passenger vehicles. Without the structural protection of a car, even a low-speed collision can result in devastating injuries. Some of the most common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Even with a helmet, riders can suffer concussions, skull fractures, or long-term brain damage. These injuries can lead to cognitive impairments, memory loss, and permanent disability.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: A hard impact can damage the spinal cord, leading to paralysis or lifelong mobility issues.
• Road Rash: When a rider is thrown from their motorcycle and slides across the pavement, they can suffer serious skin abrasions that may require extensive medical treatment and leave permanent scarring.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: Collisions frequently result in broken arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones, often requiring surgery and prolonged rehabilitation.
• Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma can cause internal bleeding and damage to vital organs, which may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening without prompt medical care.
• Lower Extremity Injuries: The legs and feet are particularly vulnerable in motorcycle crashes, leading to fractures, ligament tears, and severe bruising.

Documenting Your Accident

The moments after a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming, but documenting the incident properly is crucial to building a strong personal injury case. Here’s what you should do to protect your rights:

1. Call 911 Immediately: Reporting the accident ensures that law enforcement will arrive at the scene and generate an official police report, which serves as vital evidence in your claim.
2. Take Photos and Videos: If you are physically able, document the scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries.
3. Gather Witness Information: If anyone saw the accident, collect their contact information. Witness testimony can be powerful evidence in proving liability.
4. Exchange Information with the Other Driver: Obtain the name, contact details, driver’s license number, vehicle information, and insurance details of any other parties involved.
5. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, some injuries take time to manifest. A doctor’s report will serve as crucial evidence of your injuries.
6. Keep Records of Everything: Maintain copies of medical records, hospital bills, prescription costs, lost wages, and any communications with insurance companies.
7. Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters Alone: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. Do not provide a recorded statement or accept a settlement without consulting a lawyer first.

Proper documentation strengthens your case and increases your chances of securing maximum compensation. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, our experienced Passaic County motorcycle accident lawyer is here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the financial recovery you deserve.

Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accident Claims

In New Jersey, the statute of limitations is, typically, two years. This means that accident victims generally only have two years from the date of their accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Allowing this timeframe to lapse will likely result in you being permanently barred from suing. Don’t let this happen–speak with a skilled Passaic County personal injury attorney from our firm today.

Contact a New Jersey Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Here at the Law Offices of August R. Soltis, we are dedicated to effectively representing the interests of our clients. If you’ve been hurt due to another party’s negligence in a motorcycle accident, please don’t hesitate to contact a skilled personal injury lawyer from our team for a free consultation.