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Call Us Today (732) 249-0444
While traveling on a motorcycle can be a lot more thrilling than driving in an enclosed cab, it can also be a lot more dangerous as well. Because motorcycle riders often have nothing but a helmet protecting them from external impacts, they are susceptible to extremely serious injuries in the event of a collision, some of which can even be life-threatening.
Fortunately, motorcyclists have the same protections under state law as other drivers, as well as the same right to retain a personal injury attorney and seek fair compensation if someone else’s negligence causes them to get hurt. If you were recently involved in a wreck someone else caused while riding your motorcycle, speaking with a Perth Amboy motorcycle accident lawyer about civil recovery may be in your best interests.
No matter how many wheels are attached to a New Jersey resident’s motor vehicle, drivers have the same duty to drive safely and in a manner that preserves the safety of others at all times. Anyone who violates—or “breaches”—this duty in a way that directly contributes to or causes an accident could bear financial responsibility for any damages that come of that accident.
One of the most common ways motor vehicle drivers negligently cause motorcycle wrecks is by violating a traffic law—for example, by exceeding the speed limit, running a stop sign, or not signaling a turn or lane change. However, any reckless, careless, or unnecessarily aggressive maneuver could constitute negligence if it leads to a crash, including failure to give motorcyclists the same space and consideration that a full-sized motor vehicle would warrant.
No matter what specific form negligence takes, a finding of negligence in a civil claim could allow recovery for both economic and non-economic forms of harm. Depending on the circumstances and a plaintiff’s unique losses, a qualified Perth Amboy could seek restitution for current and future medical bills, motorcycle repair costs, lost work income, and various forms of physical and emotional suffering.
Importantly, defendants named in civil lawsuits are not the only parties who could be at fault for the incident that lawsuit is about. Unfortunately, plaintiffs in motorcycle accident claims are often unfairly targeted with accusations of recklessness and irresponsible behavior, based solely on popular stereotypes about motorcyclists rather than the facts of the case.
If a jury agrees with a civil defendant’s arguments that a plaintiff bears partial or primary fault for their own injuries, New Jersey Revised Statutes §2A:15-5.1 requires a judge to proportionately reduce the plaintiff’s damage award by the motorcyclist’s percentage of fault. In light of this, representation from a dedicated lawyer can be especially important for motorcycle accident victims in Perth Amboy seeking to maximize the compensation available to them.
Motorcyclists deserve just as much respect on the road as any other driver, but unfortunately that legal right does not always translate into protection from accidents. Fortunately, if someone else’s negligence caused you to get into a motorcycle wreck, you may be able to hold them liable for property damage, physical injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and more.
A consultation with a Perth Amboy motorcycle accident lawyer could clarify what is possible in your situation and what the best course of action would be to preserve your future prospects. Call today to speak with a legal professional.