Morris County, New Jersey Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Pursuing Legal Action Against Negligent Drivers
A motorcycle accident is one of the most deadly types of traffic accidents. Motorcycle riders are exposed as they travel on public roadways, making them much more vulnerable to serious—even fatal—injuries. At Leonard Legal Group, LLC, we represent motorcycle accident victims throughout the state of New Jersey. Many drivers try to dodge liability, attempting to shift blame to the motorcyclist. However, we know how to prove that you were not at fault for your claim and work hard to get you the money you deserve.
The elements of a motorcycle accident claim
In every motorcycle accident claim, there are certain facts that must be proven for the victim to prevail.
Motorcycle accident claims fall under the umbrella of negligence cases. In a negligence case, the victim must show:
- The at-fault party owed a duty to the victim;
- The at-fault party breached this duty by a negligent act or omission; and
- Due to this breach, the victim suffered damages.
Each of these elements must be proven for a victim to prevail. If one of the elements is not supported with evidence, the claim will fail.
All individuals–whether they are operating a motor vehicle, a truck, or a motorcycle–have a duty to act reasonably under the circumstances as they use public roads. Acting reasonably includes abiding by traffic laws and paying attention to the road.
There are a number of ways that the duty to act reasonably under the circumstances may be breached. Running a stop sign, texting while driving, and failing to yield are all examples.
Damages may include financial losses such as medical expenses and lost wages, and they may include other types of losses, such as pain and suffering and emotional distress. The amount of damages available in a claim depends on the accident itself.
Motorcycle accident statistics
According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2015, there were 29 times more deaths on motorcycles than in cars when measured by the number of miles traveled. The number of deaths in motorcycle crashes has increased over the past several years.
The CDC recommends that all motorcyclists wear helmets to prevent traumatic brain injuries and death. According to its statistics, helmets are approximately 37 percent effective in preventing deaths in motorcycle accidents and about 67 percent effective in preventing brain injuries.
In New Jersey, helmets are mandatory for motorcycle riders. If you were involved in a motorcycle accident and were not wearing a helmet, the other driver may try to use this against you to avoid liability. However, whether your lack of helmet impacts your claim depends on the nature of your injuries and other facts surrounding your case. With the assistance of an experienced attorneys, you are able to fight against drivers who try to avoid liability for causing your injuries.
Contact experienced Morris County motorcycle accident attorneys today for a free consultation
At Leonard Legal Group, we take your motorcycle accident claim seriously. We aggressively pursue all avenues of recovery so you are fully compensated for your injuries. To schedule your free consultation with our experienced accident attorneys, call 973-984-1414 or visit us online.