Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Old Bridge Township, NJ

The harm caused by motorcycle accidents can be severe. Riders often suffer catastrophic injuries when they are struck by negligent drivers’ vehicles. After being hit, victims can suffer additional trauma when they contact the ground or another hard object.

Thankfully, after sustaining a motorcycle crash, you can pursue payment by bringing a claim against the at-fault motorist. However, they may be reluctant to offer the compensation you deserve. Accordingly, assistance from our experienced attorneys can be very helpful when proving your case.

Get help from a motorcycle accident lawyer in Old Bridge Township, NJ, by calling Jerry Friedman at 1-800-529-4464.

Motorcycle Helmet Laws in Old Bridge Township, NJ

All motorcycle riders must wear helmets in New Jersey. The state has established this law to help protect riders from serious injuries like brain damage and skull fractures. Studies have shown that riding a bike without a helmet significantly increases your chances of suffering fatal crash injuries.

Furthermore, you can’t just wear any helmet when riding a motorcycle in New Jersey. Specific rules and regulations have been established governing which types of helmets are permitted. For instance, helmets must be equipped with one-inch thick liners, secure chin or neck straps reflectorized on both sides, and they must not have any parts that protrude over one-fifth of an inch from the outer surface. Legal helmets with be marked with a sticker indicated approval from the Department of Transportation (DOT).

In addition to the helmet requirement, there are other rules that riders in New Jersey should be aware of. For example, if your bike does not have an approved windscreen, then you must wear a face shield, goggles, or some other form of eye protection while riding. Additionally, New Jersey has established strict laws that govern the length of motorcycles’ handlebars. For instance, your bike’s handlebars cannot be taller than shoulder height while you are seated.

Can You Still Sue if You Were Riding a Motorcycle Without a Helmet in Old Bridge Township, NJ?

Thankfully, you can still sue if you were injured because of a motorcycle accident where you were not wearing a helmet. However, the compensation you recover may be reduced.

Courts in New Jersey will abide by the rules of comparative negligence when awarded damages for motorcycle accident injuries. Accordingly, damages are assigned based on each party’s percentage of fault. As an example, if you were 15% liable for your collision while the defendant is 85% to blame, then the defendant will have to pay for 85% of damages caused by your crash, while you are left to account for the leftover 15%.

Therefore, if you were not wearing a helmet at the time of your crash, it is possible that the judge will reduce the amount of payment you recover based on the doctrine of comparative negligence. It will be argued that your injuries would not have been as severe if you were obeying the law.

Still, you should not let your failure to wear a helmet deter your from seeking compensation for your motorcycle accident injuries. You may still recover a wide range of monetary damages for the harm you endured.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes in Old Bridge Township, NJ

A high number of motorcycle crashes happen because drivers exhibit negligent behavior behind the wheel. The following are common sources of motorcycle crashes in Old Bridge Township:

Speeding

Many accidents happen because of speeding drivers. Motorists who travel at excessive speeds will have difficulty controlling their vehicles and are prone to swerving outside of their lanes. Accidents caused by speeding drivers often occur on highways are likely to lead to devastating injuries.

Sudden Stopping

Many motorcycle accidents occur because drivers stop suddenly. When a driver brakes abruptly, a rider travelling behind them may be unable to stop in time to avoid a collision. These accidents frequently occur during periods where traffic congestion is high.

Illegal Lane Changes

Furthermore, illegal lane changes are a common cause of motorcycle accidents. Drivers can commit illegal lane changes by changing lanes in improper areas or by changing lanes without using their turn signals. Many of these accidents happen on highways, but they are also common in crowded urban areas.

Improper Left Turns

Finally, improper left turns are a common cause of motorcycle accidents in Old Bridge Township. Severe crashes can occur at intersections when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way.

Is Lane Splitting Legal in Old Bridge Township, NJ?

Lane splitting refers to the practice of riding between two adjacent lanes of traffic. In many states, this is illegal. However, in New Jersey, there is not a statute that forbids lane splitting. Still, there is not a statute that specifically allows for it, either. It is a legal grey area.

Riders must travel carefully and check their blind spots when lane splitting. However, if you were involved in a crash while lane splitting, you are not automatically at fault.

Are There Laws Governing How Loud Your Motorcycle Can Be in Old Bridge Township, NJ?

New Jersey has not established laws regulating the sound emitting from your motorcycle. However, your bike must be equipped with a working muffler. Some riders may wish to take their mufflers off to increase the sound made by their vehicles, but this practice is not allowed in New Jersey.

Additionally, some states outlaw the use of helmet speakers or headphones while riding. There are no such laws in New Jersey. You are allowed to use headphones, earbuds, or similar devices while riding your motorcycle.

If You Suffered a Motorcycle Accident Injury in Old Bridge Township, NJ, Contact Jerry Friedman for Support

Seek assistance from an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Old Bridge Township, NJ, by calling Jerry Friedman at 1-800-529-4464 today.