Seaside Heights, NJ Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycle accidents are infamous for causing riders extreme financial losses and debilitating injuries. However, many motorcyclists cannot handle the added burdens caused by a negligent driver.
When you are injured on your motorcycle through no fault of your own, Jerry can help you get the compensation you need by filing a legal claim on your behalf. Not only will you have an attorney that knows how to assess the extent of your injuries, but you will also have one that understands how insurance companies can use a rider’s hobby against them. The other driver might claim you contributed to the accident or your injuries. However, Jerry will prepare your case and gather evidence to address and undermine the defendant’s claims. He can also arrange for experts to provide testimony if your claim has complex elements.
Call our motorcycle accident attorney, Jerry Friedman, today at 1-800-529-4464 to discuss your case free of charge.
Common Injuries Negligent Drivers Cause in Seaside Heights, NJ Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents often make the news in Seaside Heights because of their devastating nature. Even a minor collision can cause riders to sustain major and life-altering injuries. While the negligent driver should compensate you for the damages, they can get around liability if they prove you contributed to your injuries. According to N.J.S.A. § 2A:15-5.1, you cannot recover compensation if you are more responsible for your injuries and will lose compensation if less than 50% at fault but still partially responsible.
However, Jerry, our motorcycle accident lawyer, knows that most victim’s injuries are purely the defendant’s fault and can help you prove your claim. That said, you can also take steps to protect yourself from serious injuries and ensure you are complying with New Jersey motorcycle laws. You might lose compensation if you do not take necessary safety measures and contribute to your injuries. The following are common yet significant motorcycle accident injuries and how to protect against them:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among some of the most catastrophic injuries motorcycle riders suffer. This class of injuries ranges from concussions to serious skull fractures. Even a minor head injury can put a rider in a coma or cause paralysis. If the rider does not have a helmet on when the crash occurs, the injuries might prove fatal.
A National Institutes of Health study shows that wearing a helmet can significantly reduce the risk of sustaining these types of injuries and death. New Jersey also recognizes the importance of wearing a motorcycle helmet by making it a legal requirement while riding under § 39:3-76.7(a).
Thus, you must wear one even if you are taking a short jaunt down the road. The defendant can use a helmet violation against you if you are hit without one equipped and suffer a TBI, potentially costing you some or all of your compensation. It will open the door for the defendant’s attorneys to argue that your damages would not be as high as they are had you been wearing one. However, Jerry will fight the use of this fact if wearing a helmet is not relevant to the injuries the defendant caused, like a broken arm or leg.
Eye, Face, and Dental Injuries
Even if a rider does not sustain TBIs in the accident, they can still endure serious facial, eye, and dental injuries if not wearing the necessary protective gear. For instance, goggles will offer far more protection to your eyes if an accident occurs. If your motorcycle has no windshield installed, § 39:3-76.8 requires you to wear safety goggles when riding. If your claim for damages includes compensation for vision loss and you violate the law, it can hurt your recovery.
Many riders opt for a fully enclosed helmet with a visor or face shield to protect themselves from these injuries. However, you are not required to wear a full helmet, as a bucket helmet can be worn but must be approved by NJ law.
Road Rash
Road rash injuries are common in many motorcycle accidents, occurring when a rider is thrown from their bike in the crash and skidding on the asphalt. These injuries are notoriously painful and can be deadly if a significant portion of the victim’s skin is damaged. Victims are also not out of the woods if they survive their road rash injuries since the damaged skin is at a higher risk of infection. Some riders suffer nerve damage that often requires surgeries like skin grafts and long-term physical therapy to recover if their nerves regain feeling at all.
While the defendant might try to argue that you were not wearing protective gear, such as a riding jacket and gloves, and should not have to pay, no law requires this gear. Jerry will fight these claims if they attempt to use this against you to deny you your rightful compensation.
Broken Bones and Internal Injuries
Compared to the other injuries discussed above, broken bones might not seem as bad. But § 39:6A-8(a) specifically recognizes fractures as serious injuries because they are. Fracturing a major bone, like the femur or humerus, can cause the fractured piece to slice the artery running alongside, leading to life-threatening internal bleeding. Victims who break bones in their motorcycle accidents also experience a great deal of pain and suffering, and that pain can last indefinitely after the bone heals.
Other internal injuries can cause serious complications if not treated immediately. For instance, you might have torn the abdomen muscle lining your internal organs but did not notice the pain in the chaos of the accident. Surprisingly, it might be hours before you notice something is wrong, as the abdominal cavity is large and can hold a great deal of blood without the victim noticing. To ensure your injuries are not life-threatening and that you have records of your damages, get medical care immediately after the collision.
Call Our Seaside Heights, NJ Motorcycle Accident Lawyer, Jerry, for Help Covering Your Damages
To schedule a free case consultation, contact our motorcycle accident attorney, Jerry Friedman, at 1-800-529-4464.
