Hawthorne, NJ Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcyclists hurt in accidents might require compensation for various damages, which they can recover by filing lawsuits against negligent parties.
Before filing your motorcycle accident case, you must identify who is liable for your injuries. Most likely, that will be a negligent driver. We can obtain and organize evidence that proves the defendant is liable for your damages and undermines any arguments claiming you contributed to the accident. Bring your case as soon as possible so that you do not miss the filing deadline, which will be three years from the accident date. While focusing on your financial recovery, do not ignore your physical recovery. Get all necessary treatments for your injuries so that you can provide ample evidence of their existence.
To get help with your case from Hawthorne, NJ motorcycle accident lawyer Jerry Friedman, call 1-800-529-4464 today.
Allocating Fault for Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Hawthorne, NJ
One of the most important things victims should do following motorcycle accidents is identify who is to blame for their injuries and allocate fault appropriately. Otherwise, the jury might question a victim’s involvement in an accident.
For any victim of negligence, it is important to familiarize oneself with the comparative negligence laws in New Jersey. Under N.J.S.A. § 2A:15-5.1, plaintiffs cannot sue when they are more at fault for a collision than a defendant. Furthermore, even if you are less to blame for a crash, your involvement might ultimately reduce the damages you walk away with. For example, if the jury finds you to be 20% at fault for a crash, you would only get 80% of your total award.
Anticipating this from the beginning of your case is crucial. At the onset of your claim, our motorcycle accident lawyer will review the evidence and documentation of the accident, such as eyewitness statements, police reports, and photos from the scene. Eyewitness statements might align with your claim, making them important for your recovery. Even if the defendant attempts to argue that you contributed to the accident, we can introduce evidence to the contrary so that your recovery is unaffected.
Keep in mind that various parties can be liable for a motorcycle accident. For example, suppose you struck a large pothole while driving your motorcycle in Hawthorne. In that case, you might have a claim against the local government. Furthermore, accidents due to motorcycle defects might be traced back to manufacturers. We can explore all possibilities when it comes to liability so that we ultimately hold the at-fault party responsible for your damages.
Time Limit to File Motorcycle Accident Claims in Hawthorne, NJ
Anyone hurt in a motorcycle accident needs to familiarize themselves with the statute of limitations for injury claims. If you miss the deadline to file you will also lose your opportunity to recover damages.
New Jersey is very clear in that motorcycle injury victims can only bring a lawsuit within the two years following an incident, according to N.J.S.A. § 2A:14-2(a). Preparing a personal injury lawsuit can take time, and you do not want to rush through the process, as doing so could result in issues down the line.
Furthermore, while filing on time is crucial, so is filing when you know a case’s full value. For example, suppose a victim got into a motorcycle accident on Monday and then tried to file a lawsuit on the following Friday. This is not wise for several reasons, as victims may not know the full scope of their injuries within a few days of an accident. Furthermore, they might not fully appreciate all of their financial damages as they have not yet incurred them. So, while you must file before the deadline to sue, you should not be too rash when bringing your case, as that could lead to issues with your recovery.
Documenting Injuries from a Motorcycle Accident in Hawthorne, NJ
As part of your lawsuit, you have to show the jury that the defendant’s negligent act caused your injuries. So, you will need proof that you were actually injured. Because of this, victims should prioritize receiving medical care in the immediate aftermath of an accident and during the following weeks and months.
Get Immediate Medical Treatment
Start by going directly to the emergency room from the accident location. If first responders arrive on the scene, accept care from them and let them take you to the nearest hospital. Motorcyclists who are pinned beneath their vehicles or otherwise trapped after an accident should not try to remove themselves, as doing so could worsen their injuries. If you can, take pictures of any visible injuries so we have photographic evidence to use at trial. When you get to the emergency room, medical professionals will assess your injuries. Depending on your status, you might need surgery right away. Do not be concerned about the cost of emergency medical treatment, as a lawsuit can cover those expenses in Hawthorne.
Get Continuous Medical Treatment
You may also need continuous medical treatment, depending on the scope of your injuries. If doctors advise you to see specialists for further care, do so. If you do not, and there are gaps in your medical treatment, you could harm your case. Prioritizing your medical care is crucial, as the basis of your claim will be the injuries you sustained. As you get routine treatment, you will build detailed records of your specific injuries, which we can use as evidence in your case. Keep track of how much all your treatment costs so that you can get compensated for those expenses. Because motorcycle accidents are often especially dangerous, leading to traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and other serious injuries, getting continuous medical care is crucial for victims’ physical and financial recoveries.
Call Jerry to Discuss Your Motorcycle Injury Claim in Hawthorne, NJ
Call motorcycle accident lawyer Jerry Friedman at 1-800-529-4464 to get a free evaluation of your case.
