Haddonfield Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

While motorcycles are an enjoyable way to travel, they are also much more dangerous to operate than motor vehicles. Unfortunately, drivers do not always pay enough attention to motorcyclists, who are especially vulnerable to severe injuries in the event of a collision.

A personal injury attorney from our firm could be your best advocate in recovering your damages after a motorcycle crash. If you were injured by the carelessness or negligence of another motorist, you will need qualified representation from a Haddonfield motorcycle accident lawyer to obtain compensation.

What are the Helmet Laws in Haddonfield?

State law requires all motorcyclists to wear a helmet while riding, and bikers who are injured in accidents should be aware of the impact that helmet laws may have on their claims. According to New Jersey Statutes §39:3-76.7, all motorcycle riders must wear protective head gear, and helmets should have a neck strap and reflectors and meet state guidelines.

When motorcyclists do not wear helmets, their injury claims can be more difficult to litigate. Failure to wear protective head gear can be cited as evidence of a motorcyclist’s negligence. A jury may determine that the injured plaintiff is ineligible to recover damages, or they may ultimately diminish his or her compensatory award in proportion to his or her share of responsibility.

What is the Role of Contributory Negligence?

Sometimes, traffic accidents cannot be attributed to the actions of only one party, and both the defendant and plaintiff may play a role in a motorcycle collision. NJ Stat §15-5.1 requires jurors to use contributory negligence when determining the levels of fault for the motorcyclist and motor vehicle operator.

A claimant who shares a majority of the blame may be barred from recovering any damages whatsoever. Alternatively, a plaintiff who bears less than 50 percent responsibility may obtain compensation, but his or her award would be reduced according to his or her assigned percentage of fault.

Statute of Limitations

A motorcyclist who is injured in an accident because of someone else’s negligence only has a certain amount of time to file a civil lawsuit in Haddonfield. This legal deadline is referred to as the statute of limitations, and it varies depending on the state.

Per NJ Stat §2A:14-2, the statute of limitations for motorcycle collision claims is two years. That means an injured biker must file his or her civil claim within the two-year timeframe, otherwise her or she may be unable to bring a lawsuit at all. For this reason, it is best to work with a motorbike accident lawyer in Haddonfield who can help motorcyclists adhere to the statute of limitations.

Call a Haddonfield Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

After a motorcycle accident, you may be left with serious physical injuries and property damage. While the consequences of a motorbike crash can be significant, the compensatory award at the conclusion of a successful civil lawsuit can help offset your pain and suffering.

By retaining experienced legal representation, you can better focus on recovering from your losses. Contact a Haddonfield motorcycle accident lawyer today if you were injured because of another driver’s carelessness.