As far as accidents are concerned, motorcycle riders have it rough. Auto accident deaths have declined by 28% over the past ten years. Motorcycle crashes deaths, on the other hand, have risen 26%, according to The Washington Post.
In recent years, the total amount of motorcycle fatalities has been around 4,000 annually, and as high as 5,000 in some years, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Motorcycle accidents affect riders of all age groups. If you ride a motorcycle, it can happen to you, even if you wear safety gear and are the most cautious rider.
Motorcycle accidents result in fatality 26 times more often than passenger car accidents, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports. In addition, they’re five times as likely to suffer non-fatal injuries.
The fact is, if you’re in a motorcycle accident, chances are slim that you will walk away unscathed.
A motorcycle collision can involve any kind of vehicle – car, bus, truck, or another motorcycle. Even though they can happen anywhere in New Jersey, the majority of motorcycle crashes occur with other vehicles at intersections, according to the State of New Jersey Office of the Attorney General.
More bad news – in over two of every three of these crashes, the other motorist didn’t even see the motorcycle. Bikers who are making turns or who don’t have much experience riding tend to be the most vulnerable.
Your Rights After a Motorcycle Accident
While you may have had the same rights in using the road as any other motorist, the driver who caused your crash didn’t seem to think so. They didn’t see you, or they wrongfully expected that you should yield to them even if you had the right of way. Now you’re the one suffering injuries.
When someone injures you as a result of their reckless behavior on the road, you have every right to hold that driver responsible. You also have the right to receive compensation. Motorcycle accident injuries can be brutal and may change your life forever.
These injuries may keep you from working for a time or even for life. Add to this all of your medical bills, and financial burdens can quickly add up.
When pursuing a claim against the driver responsible for your collision, you can seek compensation from that motorist’s insurance policy including damages for:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Lost future earnings
The Clock is Ticking on Your Legal Rights
Under New Jersey state law, you have two years after the date of a motorcycle crash to file a lawsuit for damages. This deadline is referred to as a statute of limitations, and once you miss it, that’s it. All your rights to ever hold the other driver responsible are gone forever. No matter how serious your injuries or high your medical bills, you will not have a chance to get any compensation.
Take action before that day comes. Contact one of our New Jersey motorcycle accident attorneys today.