Clifton, NJ Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been involved in a severe motorcycle accident in Clifton, we can help you recover compensation.

Motorcycle accident injuries range from road rash to traumatic brain injuries. Regardless of the severity of your injuries, you can sue the party responsible for causing them if you have incurred damages. To successfully sue for a motorcycle accident injury in Clifton, you will have to bring your claim within two years of the crash. Furthermore, you will have to prove fault by submitting relevant evidence, such as your medical records, photographs of the accident scene, eyewitness statements, expert witness statements, and surveillance footage. We will also record all of your losses to submit as proof of your financial and emotional damages.

To get a free case review from Clifton, NJ motorcycle accident lawyer Jerry Friedman, call us today at 1-800-529-4464.

Common Injuries Caused in Most Motorcycle Accidents in Clifton, NJ

Injuries are arguably unavoidable in motorcycle accidents. A motorcyclist is always exposed to more dangers compared to other drivers. Typically, all that is protecting a motorcycle rider on the road are a helmet and a leather jacket. Even with these protections, a motorcyclist can sustain severe bodily damage, depending on the circumstances surrounding their accident in Clifton.

Road Rash

During a motorcycle accident, a motorcycle rider can fall from their bike and slide across the pavement for a long distance at high speeds. This type of painful and dangerous injury is commonly known as “road rash.” Depending on the extent of a road rash injury, a biker may lose big chunks of skin and tissue, which can take a long time to heal. In severe cases, a road rash injury victim can suffer permanent scarring or disfigurement. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident caused by another negligent driver, you might have the right to fight for compensation. Our motorcycle accident attorney can help you hold the liable parties accountable for your losses related to a road rash injury sustained in Clifton.

Lacerations and Contusions

Cuts, bruises, and lacerations are also frequently seen in motorcycle accidents. During a motorcycle accident, a biker can suffer deep wounds and cuts caused by debris, pieces of metal or glass, and other objects. These injuries, no matter how mild they may seem, should be treated immediately. A severe cut or laceration can lead to devastating consequences, such as severe infections.

Motorcycle riders commonly hit their body against the pavement or objects near the crash, which can lead to bruising and contusions. These injuries are not only painful, but they can also develop into serious health issues if left unattended.

Broken Bones

A rider can suffer from painful broken bone injuries due to the force of impact and the momentum of a motorcycle crash. A motorcyclist is prone to break any bone on their body during a collision including, their back, collar, arm, and leg bones. We can help you recover compensation if you have sustained these painful injuries in Clifton.

Head Injuries

While many people may find it unlikely, head injuries are common in motorcycle accidents despite the use of a helmet. A helmet may reduce the force of impact and damage to the head. Furthermore, according to N.J.S.A. § 39:3-76.7(a), motorcyclists in New Jersey are required to wear helmets at all times. Even when wearing a helmet, a heavy blow can be enough to cause a severe concussion or other head injury. A motorcyclist might suffer a traumatic brain injury, depending on the extent of the impact.

Internal Injuries

Because of the violent nature of many motorcycle accidents in Clifton, victims might be more likely to sustain internal injuries. Such injuries might not be visible or apparent to victims right away, causing them to worsen over time. Because of the possibility of sustaining internal injuries, victims should seek immediate medical treatment following a motorcycle crash.

Deadline for Filing Motorcycle Accident Claims in Clifton, NJ

You will only have a certain amount of time to sue for injury in Clifton. After that point, you will be barred from recovery.

In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for motorcycle injury claims is two years, according to N.J.S.A. § 2A:14-2(a). This deadline is strictly enforced by the court. This means that if you attempt to bring your claim after two years have passed from the date of your accident, your complaint will be rejected by the court.

Because of the risk of being barred from recovery in Clifton, victims should aim to file their claims as soon as possible. This will allow you to obtain certain evidence that often degrades with time, like eyewitness statements, and ensure you are able to recover compensation for your injuries in a timely fashion.

Suing After a Motorcycle Accident in Clifton, NJ

Motorcycle accidents can lead to devastating consequences for their victims. As we mentioned above, a motorcycle rider can suffer from catastrophic, life-altering injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Clifton, NJ, you might be able to fight for compensation.

First, it is essential to understand whether you have a case or not. You can achieve this by scheduling a private consultation with our skilled motorcycle accident attorney. During your initial consultation, we can help you understand what your case may be worth and how you should proceed moving forward.

In New Jersey, you can have the right to get compensation from your insurance or the liable party’s. Insurance companies are not always happy to give money away to an injured victim. It is not unusual for insurance companies to come up with complex formulas to calculate a “fair settlement” in your case. An insurance company’s initial settlement will rarely be enough to cover all of your losses. They may take advantage of your situation by being aggressive in their offer, so you accept the terms of their settlement. However, having our lawyer by your side can help you increase the compensation you can get.

Taking the liable parties to court means that you will have to provide evidence supporting your claim. Through a personal injury claim, we can help you prove that the defendant owed you a legal duty that was breached, caused you harm, and led to subsequent losses.

However, it is also critical to understand that you have a limited amount of time to file your claim. The statute of limitations shortens the time you have to submit your personal injury lawsuit. Remember, you will have up to two years from the moment of your crash to file your claim with the court. If you miss this window, the court may refuse to see your case, and you may be left out without legal recourse. We can help you make sure you file your claim on time in Clifton.

Evidence Used in Motorcycle Accident Claims in Clifton, NJ

To meet the burden of proof against the defendant and claim the damages you deserve, you will have to submit evidence of their negligence. Common evidence used in motorcycle injury claims includes security camera footage, pictures from the accident scene, witness statements, and medical records. Victims will also have to submit proof of their damages in order to confirm their financial and emotional losses in Clifton.

Security Camera Footage

After your crash takes place, our motorcycle accident lawyer can obtain any surveillance footage from nearby security cameras to review and use in your case. It is important to do this immediately, as owners might delete such footage as time passes. Surveillance footage can be exceptionally useful in injury cases as it can show the other driver committing the negligent act in question.

Pictures from the Accident Scene

One of the best things victims can do after being injured in motorcycle accidents is to take pictures of their injuries and the accident scene. This can help prove causation by showing that you sustained your injuries due to the accident in question. In addition to photographing your injuries, take pictures of any apparent property damage to your motorcycle or the other driver’s vehicle.

Preserving physical evidence from the accident scene can be challenging, as these sites are often cleaned up fairly quickly to ensure that there is no danger to others driving on the road. For example, a broken fender left in the street might cause another accident so it will be removed almost immediately. This means that obtaining physical evidence from the accident location might not be possible in your case. The next best thing is to take photographs of the area.

Witness Statements

Witness statements from eyewitnesses or expert witnesses can be invaluable to motorcycle accident lawsuits in Clifton. Following your accident, talk to eyewitnesses if you are able. If you cannot do so, we can obtain their names from the police report for your crash. Eyewitness testimony can confirm your telling of events and reinforce the other evidence we present in your favor.

In addition to eyewitness statements, expert witness testimony can make all the difference in your case. For example, medical experts can explain the severity of your injuries and the anticipated impact they will have on your life in the future. Experts can also provide context to more confusing areas of a case, which a jury may appreciate if your claim goes to court in Clifton.

Medical Records

The victim’s medical records are often the most important evidence in any injury claim. These records can show, in detail, the specifics of your injuries and your necessary treatment. To more easily prove that you were hurt as a result of the other driver’s negligence, go to the hospital right after your motorcycle accident. Then, continue to get medical care as needed. Having gaps in your medical treatment might harm your case.

Proof of Damages

In addition to submitting proof of negligence, you will also have to submit proof of your damages. This refers to any losses, financial or otherwise, that you have incurred as a result of your motorcycle crash in Clifton. Generally, the most substantial damages victims suffer are from medical treatment. Especially serious motorcycle accident injuries, like broken bones, head injuries, or internal injuries, might require immediate medical care, such as surgeries. Victims might require various tests to confirm their injuries, like CT scans or MRIs. All of the medical expenses you have incurred can be compensable in your claim when you submit proof that such losses exist.

While medical costs might be the bulk of your damages, they are not the only losses that can be compensated. If you have been unable to return to work because of a motorcycle accident in Clifton, you can also recover compensation for your lost wages. To do this, we will submit evidence of your employment records as well as your previous tax returns and paystubs. Additionally, if you have incurred any other out-of-pocket costs, such as transportation expenses to and from the hospital, those can be compensated in your claim.

Proof of damages will also be necessary in order for you to recover non-economic damages in your motorcycle injury claim. Proving emotional damages can be more challenging and might require testimony from mental health professionals.

Call Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Serving Injured Victims in Clifton, NJ

Call Jerry today at 1-800-529-4464 for a free assessment of your case from our motorcycle accident lawyer.