Motorcycle Accidents in New Jersey: What Riders Need to Know
There’s nothing quite like the freedom of riding a motorcycle on New Jersey’s roads—the Garden State Parkway on a summer day, Route 206 through the Pine Barrens, or the winding roads through Sussex County. But that freedom comes with serious risks.
According to NHTSA data, motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than passenger car occupants and five times more likely to be injured. In New Jersey alone, approximately 80 motorcyclists are killed each year. If you’re looking for a motorcycle accident lawyer in NJ after a crash, understanding your rights is the first step toward getting the compensation you deserve.
Why Are Motorcycle Accidents So Dangerous?
The physics are simple but brutal: a motorcycle offers no protection in a collision. There’s no steel frame, no airbags, no seatbelt. When a 4,000-pound car collides with a 500-pound motorcycle, the results are often catastrophic.
Motorcycle vs. Car Accident Comparison
Factor | Comparison |
Fatality rate (per mile traveled) | Motorcycles: 28x higher than cars |
Injury rate | Motorcycles: 5x higher than cars |
Alcohol involvement (fatal single-vehicle) | 41% of motorcycle fatalities |
Speeding involvement | 35% of motorcycle fatalities |
What Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes?
In New Jersey, motorcycle accidents happen for many of the same reasons as car accidents—but the consequences are far more severe. Some of the most common causes include cars making left turns in front of motorcycles, drivers failing to check blind spots, rear-end collisions, road hazards like potholes and debris, and poor road conditions. According to NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety, driver inattention contributes to 24% of fatal motorcycle crashes, and unsafe speed is a factor in 26%. These are some of the deadliest roads in New Jersey for all motorists.
What Injuries Are Common in Motorcycle Accidents?
Because motorcyclists lack protection, injuries tend to be severe. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries (even with a helmet), spinal cord injuries and paralysis, road rash and severe burns, broken bones and fractures, internal organ damage, and limb amputations. For more information about head injuries from vehicle accidents, see our detailed guide.
What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident?
- Get to safety. Move out of traffic if you can do so safely.
- Call 911. Even if injuries seem minor, get checked out and file a police report.
- Document everything. Take photos of the scene, your injuries, vehicle damage, and road conditions.
- Get witness information. Names and contact info can be crucial later.
- Don’t admit fault. Let the investigation determine what happened.
How Does Insurance Work for Motorcycle Accidents in NJ?
Here’s something important that surprises many riders: New Jersey’s no-fault insurance rules don’t apply to motorcycles. While car drivers typically file claims with their own insurance first (through PIP), motorcyclists can go directly after the at-fault driver. This is a key difference from the 5 most common types of car accidents we see.
Do I Need a Lawyer After a Motorcycle Accident?
Because motorcycle accident injuries tend to be severe and insurance companies often try to blame the rider, having an experienced attorney is especially important. A lawyer can investigate the accident, gather evidence, deal with insurance companies, and fight for maximum compensation.
Injured in a motorcycle accident? We’re here to fight for you.
At Weiner Mazzei LLC, we understand the unique challenges motorcycle accident victims face. We work on a contingency basis—you don’t pay unless we win.
Call (973) 471-2300 today for your free consultation. Hablamos español.