New Jersey Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Representing Injured Riders in New Jersey & New York

Motorcycle accidents often cause devastating injuries because riders have little to no physical protection compared to occupants of other vehicles, such as cars or trucks. Even minor collisions may result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, fractures, road rash, or permanent impairment. When a negligent driver causes a motorcycle crash, the injured rider may have the right to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, future care needs, and the long‑term impact the injuries have on quality of life.

The experienced lawyers at Simonson Goodman Platzer PC help injured motorcyclists navigate the unique challenges these cases present under New Jersey personal injury law. Motorcycle claims often involve disputed liability, rider bias, and insurance companies that undervalue serious injuries. As dedicated New Jersey motorcycle accident attorneys, we focus on thorough investigations, accident reconstruction, and aggressive advocacy to hold negligent parties accountable and pursue compensation that reflects the true scope of the harm caused.

Call (800) 817-5029 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our New Jersey motorcycle accident attorneys.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Negligent drivers often cause motorcycle accidents in several avoidable ways. Below are some of the most common causes our firm encounters:

• Left-Turn Collisions: When a motorcycle travels straight through an intersection, a negligent driver may turn left in front of the motorcycle. These accidents frequently occur when a driver fails to see the motorcyclist or misjudges their speed.
• Dooring: Dooring accidents happen when a driver or passenger in a parked vehicle opens their door into a motorcyclist’s path. The rider may not have enough time to stop, resulting in severe injuries.
• Head-On Collisions: Head-on collisions between a motorcycle and another vehicle often prove fatal. These crashes may result from a driver going the wrong way on a one-way street or drifting into the opposite lane of traffic.
• Unsafe Lane Changes: Drivers who fail to check their blind spot before changing lanes can collide with a motorcyclist already occupying the lane. These accidents often occur on highways or during merges.
• Rear-End Collisions: Rear-end collisions can throw a motorcyclist from the bike, causing serious injuries. These crashes typically happen when a driver follows too closely and cannot stop in time.
• Speeding: Speeding decreases the driver’s ability to stop in time to avoid a crash. A speeding driver may not stop in time to avoid a motorcyclist who is stopped at a red light or stop sign.
• Drunk Driving: Alcohol impairs a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Drunk drivers may swerve, run red lights, or engage in dangerous driving behavior, leading to motorcycle accidents.

Weather conditions and road maintenance issues also play a significant role in motorcycle safety throughout New Jersey. Potholes, uneven pavement, or road debris can force riders to lose control, especially during the spring thaw or after severe storms. In addition to these environmental factors, drivers distracted by mobile devices or other in-car activities continue to present serious dangers to motorcyclists. Recognizing all contributing factors can help strengthen a claim when seeking recovery after a crash.

What Are the Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries because a motorcycle offers little protection. Riders may be thrown from the bike and collide with the ground, another vehicle, or a stationary object. Even when wearing a helmet and protective gear, a rider may still suffer injuries in a motorcycle accident.

Some of the most common injuries that result from motorcycle accidents include:

• Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can occur if a motorcyclist’s head strikes the ground or another object. Even a mild blow to the head can cause a TBI, which may result in cognitive impairments, memory loss, and other issues.
• Neck Injuries: A rider can suffer a neck injury if they are thrown from the motorcycle and land on their head or neck. These injuries may cause paralysis or lasting impairment.
• Back Injuries: Back injuries can happen when a rider is thrown from the bike and lands on their back. These injuries might cause permanent damage and require significant medical treatment.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: A spinal cord injury can occur if a motorcyclist’s back breaks in the crash. These injuries can lead to paralysis and may be fatal.
• Broken Bones: Broken bones often result from motorcycle crashes due to the force of impact. These injuries can be painful and may require surgery to repair.
• Road Rash: Road rash occurs when a motorcyclist’s skin slides across pavement during a crash. These injuries may leave permanent scars and can sometimes become infected.
• Biker’s Arm: Biker’s arm arises when a motorcyclist tries to break their fall using their arms, which can result in nerve damage and other serious injuries.

Many of these injuries require extended hospitalization, rehabilitation, or ongoing therapy. A serious crash can result in long-term disability, changes to daily routines, or prevent a motorcyclist from returning to work. New Jersey’s required minimum insurance may not be enough to cover the true cost of recovery, especially when injuries are catastrophic.

Navigating the consequences of severe injuries often means dealing with mounting medical bills and difficult insurance decisions. In these circumstances, having a knowledgeable New Jersey motorcycle accident attorney makes a difference in both the process and the outcome.

New Jersey Motorcycle Accident Laws and Insurance Requirements

Every motorcyclist in New Jersey should understand the laws and insurance rules that affect the right to recover compensation after a crash. These requirements can directly influence fault, available coverage, and the value of a claim.

Key legal and insurance rules that apply to motorcycle accidents in New Jersey include:

• Mandatory liability insurance: New Jersey law requires all motorcycle operators to carry minimum liability insurance for injuries or property damage caused in an accident.
• Limits of minimum coverage: Minimum insurance coverage may be insufficient in serious injury cases, and uninsured or underinsured claims can involve complex rules.
• Traffic, helmet, and equipment laws: Riders must comply with state traffic laws and equipment regulations, which can affect both safety considerations and fault determinations.
• Modified comparative negligence: Compensation may be reduced by a rider’s percentage of fault if more than one party contributed to the accident.
• Bar to recovery at higher fault levels: If a rider is found more at fault than the other involved parties, recovery may be barred under New Jersey law.

Understanding how these laws and insurance requirements work together is essential to protecting your rights after a motorcycle accident. Working with a motorcycle accident attorney in New Jersey who is familiar with state liability rules and insurance practices can help avoid missteps and improve the chances of pursuing fair compensation.

Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident in New Jersey

Taking the right steps immediately after a motorcycle accident in New Jersey can make a meaningful difference in both medical recovery and any future claim for damages. Prioritizing safety, documentation, and careful communication can help protect your rights.

Important steps to take after a motorcycle accident include:

• Ensure safety and call for help: Move to a safe location if possible and contact emergency responders. Request medical assistance if anyone is injured.
• Communicate with law enforcement: Provide clear and honest information to police officers and obtain a copy of the police report, which often becomes key evidence.
• Exchange and gather information: Share contact and insurance details with other involved parties and collect witness information when available.
• Document the scene: Take photos or videos of the crash site, vehicles, road conditions, and nearby signs to preserve details that may change.
• Seek medical evaluation promptly: Get a full medical exam even if you feel fine, as some injuries may have delayed symptoms.
• Notify your insurer cautiously: Report the accident to your insurance provider, but avoid signing releases or accepting settlements before speaking with legal counsel.

Acting quickly and collecting accurate information can significantly strengthen your ability to pursue compensation under New Jersey law.

How Long Do You Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in New Jersey?

Timing matters after a motorcycle accident in New Jersey. State law sets strict deadlines—known as statutes of limitations—on when you can file a personal injury lawsuit after an accident. Typically, you have two years from the date of the crash to pursue a claim for bodily injury. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to seek compensation entirely.

Some exceptions can apply in rare cases, such as when the injured rider is a minor or if the claim involves a government entity, which may require special notice procedures and shorter timelines. It's essential to understand which deadlines apply so you don’t miss your chance to recover damages for your injuries and losses. Consulting with our motorcycle accident lawyer in New Jersey helps ensure you meet every legal deadline, preserve key evidence, and keep your case moving forward. Filing within the correct timeframe protects your rights and improves your ability to collect damages from responsible parties.

How Our Motorcycle Accident Attorney in New Jersey Helps You

Motorcycle accident claims can be complex because they often involve serious injuries and disagreements about fault. An experienced attorney can explain your legal options and guide you through filing a claim.

Our attorneys can help with a motorcycle accident claim by:

• Conducting a Thorough Investigation: Our attorneys will investigate the motorcycle accident and gather evidence to support your claim. This can include photos of the accident scene, video footage, and other relevant documentation.
• Calculating Your Damages: We can help calculate the full extent of your damages, including past and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
• Negotiating with the Insurance Company: Our attorneys can handle all communications with the insurance company and fight for a fair settlement on your behalf.
• Filing a Lawsuit: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, our attorneys can file a lawsuit and represent you in court. We have substantial litigation experience and are prepared to go to trial if necessary.

New Jersey law requires motorcyclists to carry liability insurance, but insurance companies often try to limit payouts or shift blame onto riders. Understanding the specifics of New Jersey's comparative negligence rules is critical, as riders who are found partially at fault can still recover damages, though their compensation may be reduced in proportion to their degree of fault.

Our attorneys know these laws and can help to address disputes with insurers and protect a rider’s claim if liability is challenged. Additionally, we stay current on legal developments and local court procedures across New Jersey, helping to address issues efficiently if a claim ends up in litigation.

Why Choose Simonson Goodman Platzer PC for Your Motorcycle Accident Case?

Our attorneys have a long history of standing up for injured riders and pursuing meaningful compensation. Experience, results, and accessibility are central to how we represent clients across New Jersey.

Clients choose our firm for several important reasons:

• Strong results: More than $200 million recovered for injured clients through settlements and verdicts.
• Consistent success: A 98% success rate across the cases we handle.
• Personalized attention: Clients work directly with attorneys who remain involved throughout the case.
• Willingness to litigate: We are prepared to take cases to trial when settlement offers do not reflect fair value.
• Statewide representation: Assistance for riders throughout New Jersey, including areas near Jersey City, Newark, Trenton, and high‑risk highways.
• Local knowledge: Familiarity with New Jersey traffic patterns, common causes of motorcycle crashes, and insurer tactics.
• No upfront costs: Representation handled on a contingency fee basis.
• Partner‑level review and access: Partners review every case and remain available to answer questions about claims and New Jersey law.

Our firm has built a reputation for achieving strong results through years of experience in New Jersey courtrooms, offering guidance grounded in practical knowledge of how these cases move forward.

To learn more about how our New Jersey motorcycle accident attorneys can help you, call (800) 817-5029 or fill out our online contact form today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents

Do New Jersey Helmet Laws Affect My Motorcycle Accident Claim?

New Jersey requires all motorcyclists and passengers to wear approved helmets. If you were not wearing a helmet during an accident, the insurance company might try to reduce your compensation for certain head or neck injuries. However, you may still have the right to recover other damages depending on the circumstances of your crash.

Can I Still Recover Damages If I Am Partly at Fault for My Motorcycle Accident?

Yes. New Jersey follows modified comparative negligence. If you are less than 51% at fault, you may recover damages, but your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are more than 50% responsible, you may not be eligible for recovery under state law.

What Happens If the Driver Who Hit Me Does Not Have Insurance?

If the at-fault driver lacks insurance or carries inadequate coverage, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage if your policy provides it. Your attorney can review your options based on your plan and explain the steps to pursue a claim under New Jersey law.

Do I Need a Police Report to File an Injury Claim in New Jersey?

While you can still pursue a claim without a police report, having one can make your case stronger. The report provides an official record of the accident, including key facts and details that may support your version of events.

If My Motorcycle Was Damaged, Can I Recover Repair or Replacement Costs?

Yes, property damage, such as repairs or total loss of your motorcycle, can be part of your compensation claim. Keep all estimates, receipts, and photos to help support the full amount you request.

What Makes Simonson Goodman Platzer PC Different from Other Law Firms in New Jersey?

Our attorneys handle every case personally from start to finish, communicating closely with each client and helping guide you through the complex legal process. Our history of successful recoveries and contingency fee structure means clients pay no upfront costs. We pursue the maximum compensation available and provide ongoing support at every stage.

How Does the Initial Consultation Work?

Your free initial consultation gives you the opportunity to discuss your situation, ask questions, and learn about your legal options with no obligation. Our attorneys will explain the process, potential outcomes, and the next steps so you can decide how you want to proceed.