Tinton Falls Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycle accidents are, unfortunately, quite common in Tinton Falls. The main reason is that some drivers do not pay enough attention to riders sharing the roads, leading to severe accidents and injuries.
Recovering from such injuries can be a long and arduous, often requiring significant financial support to cover medical bills and other expenses. Fortunately, victims injured by negligent drivers can seek recourse by getting the help of an experienced lawyer like Jerry to file a lawsuit against the responsible party. Our team can make a full and accurate evaluation of your case so that the full amount of compensation you are owed is claimed. While a lawsuit might seem overwhelming, Jerry will be with you every step of the way to overcome the challenges in your case.
Call Jerry Friedman at 1-800-529-4464 today for a free case analysis with our motorcycle accident attorneys.
Common Injuries Motorcycle Riders Suffer in Tinton Falls Accidents
Understanding the common injuries motorcycle riders suffer in Tinton Falls accidents can help riders take preventive measures and guide victims in seeking appropriate medical and legal assistance. While protective gear and safe riding habits can significantly reduce the risk of injury, accidents can still happen. When they do, Jerry and his motorcycle accident attorneys are standing by to help riders assert their rights and explore avenues for compensation. The following are common injuries that our team helps victims cover through a lawsuit in Tinton Falls:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are one of the most serious injuries a motorcycle rider can sustain. They occur when a forceful impact jolts the brain inside the skull, causing damage to the brain tissue. Symptoms can range from mild concussions to severe cognitive impairment, memory loss, or even coma. Even with a helmet, riders can still sustain TBIs, highlighting the importance of safe riding practices and defensive driving.
Spinal Cord Injuries
In a motorcycle accident, riders can also sustain spinal cord injuries. These injuries result from damage to the vertebrae, ligaments, or disks of the spinal column or to the spinal cord itself. Depending on the severity and location of the injury, this can lead to partial or complete paralysis, significantly impacting the victim’s quality of life.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are a common injury in motorcycle accidents because of the force of impact during a crash. Riders often break their arms or legs, but injuries can also include broken ribs, collarbones, or pelvic bones. These injuries can require extensive medical treatment, including surgery, and can lead to long-term complications such as chronic pain or mobility issues.
Road Rash
Road rash refers to skin and soft tissue damage that results from sliding across the pavement during an accident. While it might sound minor compared to other injuries, severe road rash can lead to significant scarring, nerve damage, and infections if not appropriately treated. Wearing protective clothing can help reduce the risk of road rash in the event of a motorcycle crash.
Internal Injuries
The force of impact in a motorcycle accident can also cause internal injuries. These can include damage to organs, internal bleeding, or internal bruising. Such injuries can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Unfortunately, internal injuries might not be immediately apparent after an accident, making it crucial for victims to seek medical evaluation even if they feel fine.
Lower Extremity Injuries
In many motorcycle accidents, riders sustain injuries to their lower extremities, including the legs, knees, and feet. These injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to fractures or even amputations in severe cases. Protective gear such as motorcycle boots and knee pads can offer some protection, but safe riding practices are the best defense against these types of injuries.
Psychological Harm
Last but not least, we must not overlook the psychological harm that can result from a motorcycle accident. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues can arise following such a traumatic event. It is important for accident victims to seek psychological support, as mental health is just as crucial as physical recovery in the aftermath of an accident.
Important Motorcycle Laws that Must Be Followed in Tinton Falls
As a motorcycle rider, it is crucial to have a thorough understanding of the laws that govern operations in Tinton Falls and throughout New Jersey. By familiarizing yourself with these laws, you can ensure that you are riding legally. Besides safety, it is important to observe all rules of the road and riding as the other party can argue later that you contributed to your injuries by not following the law. The following are the most important motorcycle laws to follow in Tinton Falls, and anywhere else you are riding:
The Helmet Law
One of the most critical safety laws for motorcycle riders is the helmet requirement. N.J.S.A. ยง 39:3-76.7 mandates that all motorcycle riders and their passengers, regardless of age or experience level, must wear a helmet while riding.
This rule is not only for the rider’s safety but also for the protection of others on the road. Wearing a helmet significantly reduces the risk of serious head injuries and fatalities in the event of an accident. It is important to note that not just any helmet will do. It must meet the standards set by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
Lane Usage and Splitting Rules
Lane splitting, the practice of riding a motorcycle between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic, is a topic of much debate among riders and lawmakers alike. However, in Tinton Falls, the law is clear: lane splitting is not legal.
Motorcyclists are required to follow the same rules of the road as other motor vehicles, which includes staying within marked lanes. While some riders argue that lane splitting can help reduce traffic congestion and even enhance rider safety by reducing rear-end collisions, the practice remains prohibited because of concerns about the unpredictability of other drivers and the increased risk of accidents. If you end up in an accident while lane splitting, it can be used to reduce the compensation you might recover in a claim.
The Contributory Negligence Rule
Tinton Falls, as with the rest of the state, operates under a system known as modified comparative negligence. This means that if a motorcyclist is involved in an accident, their degree of fault will be determined, and any compensation they receive will be reduced by that percentage.
For instance, if a rider is found to be 40% at fault for an accident, their compensation will be reduced by 40%. If a rider is more than 51% at fault, they are not eligible to receive any compensation. This underscores the importance of safe, responsible riding and adherence to all traffic laws.
Jerry and His Team of Tinton Falls Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Are Here to Fight for the Compensation You Are Owed
For a free case consultation with a knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer, contact Jerry Friedman by calling 1-800-529-4464.