If you were injured in a motorcycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, do not hesitate to contact Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers for legal assistance. A motorcycle accident lawyer in Clifton can provide the necessary legal assistance after a motorcycle crash, helping you hold liable parties accountable. You might be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, medical treatment, and other losses.
Motorcyclists can sustain debilitating injuries in collisions with other vehicles. Although the media has left motorcycle riders with a stigma of recklessness, other drivers are often at fault for accidents. Hiring an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Clifton is important to handle the complexities of motorcycle accident claims and ensure you receive full compensation for your injuries.
At Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, we believe our clients have a right to full and fair compensation. When you hire our Clifton personal injury attorneys, we will aggressively pursue the money owed to you and seek the justice you deserve. Call your New Jersey personal injury attorneys today at (973) 364-8300 for your free consultation.
Common Motorcycle Accidents
Various scenarios can occur when a motorcycle and another vehicle collide. The most common types of motorcycle accidents include:
- Dooring accidents – Anytime a driver parks their car, they must look behind them for approaching traffic. They might open their door in the path of a motorcyclist if they ignore their surroundings.
- Left-turn accidents – Drivers are supposed to slow down or stop before completing a left-hand turn. They must check for oncoming vehicles. Turning without yielding to others can cause an accident with a motorcyclist.
- T-bone crashes – A T-bone collision occurs when the front end of one vehicle crashes into the side of another. Intersections are common locations for accidents like this.
- Rear-end collisions – Tailgating can lead to a rear-end accident. A driver who follows a motorcycle too closely might not have enough time to brake if the rider needs to stop or slow down.
- Lane splitting – Lane splitting is riding a motorcycle between two rows or lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction. It’s risky because an inattentive driver can suddenly change lanes, sideswiping the rider.
- Head-on accidents – Fatalities can occur when a motorcyclist and vehicle crash into each other head-on. Without the protection of a seatbelt, the rider can be ejected from the bike and suffer life-threatening injuries.
A motorcycle accident case often involves complex legal proceedings to determine liability and secure a fair settlement for the injured rider.
Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers has a high success rate in recovering settlements for injured clients. Our Clifton motorcycle accident lawyers are ready to help you fight to hold the negligent driver liable.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Some people might unfairly perceive a motorcyclist as a menace to society. They believe anyone riding a motorcycle is a danger to others and probably at fault when a crash occurs.
The reality is many drivers are irresponsible at the wheel. They might disobey traffic laws or ignore motorcyclists. Motorcycle accidents often result from driver error.
The most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Tailgating – Tailgating doesn’t leave enough space between two vehicles. A tailgating driver likely won’t be able to react quickly enough to stop if a motorcyclist stops without warning in front of them.
- Fatigued driving – Fatigue is more dangerous than people realize. It compromises a person’s driving abilities.
- Driving under the influence – Alcohol and drugs affect normal faculties. A driver with an impairing substance in their system has trouble focusing on the road ahead and noticing dangerous conditions.
- Vehicle and part defects – Defective parts prevent a vehicle from functioning as it should. The driver can lose control and crash if a car isn’t running correctly.
- Speeding – Speeding accidents that involve motorcyclists can have deadly consequences. In an accident, a rider’s body experiences sudden and violent forces that can throw them off the bike, causing debilitating injuries.
- Distracted driving – A GPS, text message, and numerous other distractions take a driver’s attention away from driving. Noticing their surroundings is difficult when they’re focusing on a different task.
It is integral to act quickly when pursuing motorcycle accident claims to ensure proper filing and avoid issues with insurance companies and juries.
Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accident injuries can be significant and often severe, leading to a range of injuries, such as:
- Permanent disability
- Road rash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Disfigurement
- Permanent scars
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injury
- Internal bleeding
- Psychological or emotional damage
- Loss of limb
Motorcyclist fatalities occur every year. Riders lack protection, such as seatbelts and enclosed vehicles. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 6,222 motorcyclists died in traffic-related accidents in 2022.
Compensation for Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
In New Jersey, all drivers must purchase personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. The minimum coverage required by state law is $15,000. PIP allows policies up to $250,000. Motorcycle accident victims often face significant financial burdens due to medical bills, making it important to seek compensation for these expenses.
Two coverage options are available through PIP insurance:
- Medical expense coverage – The insurance company pays for necessary medical care and equipment to treat an injury if you choose medical expense coverage.
- Additional PIP coverage – Additional PIP coverage reimburses policyholders for lost wages and other accident-related expenses.
What Injuries Can You Claim For?
However, you can file a lawsuit for pain and suffering compensation if your injury involves:
- Significant scarring or disfigurement;
- A displaced fracture;
- Permanent injury;
- Loss of a body part;
- Loss of a fetus; or
- Death.
Injured motorcycle riders throughout New Jersey face unique challenges after an accident, and having experienced Clifton motorcycle accident attorneys is important to handle the complicated claims process and secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
You can choose your rights with a standard policy. With the unlimited right-to-sue option, you can sue the at-fault driver for money to compensate for your pain and suffering. Additionally, you can purchase a basic or standard policy. A basic policy includes a limited right-to-sue option. That means you agree not to pursue action against another party for causing your pain and suffering in an accident.
What Compensation Can You Claim?
If you file a liability claim or lawsuit, you might receive compensation for:
- Ambulance services, surgery, rehabilitation, and other medical expenses
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Cost of replacing property lost or damaged in the accident
If you file a liability claim or lawsuit, you might receive compensation for these damages. Deal with insurance companies effectively, as delays in filing claims can lead to skepticism from both insurance companies and juries, potentially jeopardizing the compensation you can receive.
You might be able to recover punitive damages in a lawsuit. State law requires the plaintiff to prove, through clear and convincing evidence, that they suffered harm because of the defendant’s malice or willful or wanton disregard of the harm another might suffer.
Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accidents
There is a specific timeframe for suing someone after a motorcycle accident. In New Jersey, the statute of limitations allows a two-year timeframe to file a lawsuit. That means you must file your lawsuit within two years of the accident date. Timely legal action is crucial for a motorcycle accident claim to ensure proper investigation and fair compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my auto insurance cover my medical bills after a motorcycle accident in New Jersey?
Not always. In New Jersey, motorcycles are generally not covered by standard Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits that apply to most passenger vehicles. Because of this, injured motorcyclists often rely on:
- Their health insurance.
- Optional medical payment coverage (if purchased).
- The at-fault driver’s liability insurance.
- A personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party.
Motorcyclists should review their insurance policies carefully because motorcycle coverage rules differ significantly from standard automobile insurance requirements in New Jersey.
Can I sue for pain and suffering after a motorcycle accident?
Yes. Unlike many automobile accident claims in New Jersey, motorcycle accident victims are generally not subject to the state’s verbal threshold (limitation-on-lawsuit rules) that can restrict pain-and-suffering claims for car drivers.
If another party caused the crash, an injured motorcyclist may typically pursue compensation for:
- Pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress.
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
- Lost income and future earning capacity.
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs.
The amount recoverable depends on the severity of the injuries and the facts of the case.
What are common causes of motorcycle accidents in Clifton and throughout New Jersey?
Many motorcycle accidents result from driver negligence or unsafe road conditions. Common causes include:
- Drivers making left turns in front of motorcycles.
- Distracted driving involving phones or navigation systems.
- Unsafe lane changes.
- Following motorcycles too closely.
- Speeding or impaired driving.
- Failure to check blind spots.
- Road hazards such as potholes, debris, or uneven pavement.
Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than passenger vehicles, which can increase the risk of serious collisions.
What injuries are common in motorcycle crashes?
Motorcycle accidents often cause severe injuries because riders lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis.
- Broken bones and fractures.
- Road rash and skin injuries.
- Internal bleeding and organ damage.
- Burns and disfigurement.
- Neck and back injuries.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), thousands of motorcyclists are killed each year in traffic crashes nationwide, and many more suffer serious injuries.
What compensation may be available after a motorcycle accident?
Depending on the circumstances of the crash, injured riders may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills and future treatment.
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress.
- Property damage to the motorcycle and riding gear.
- Rehabilitation and long-term care costs.
In rare cases involving especially reckless or intentional conduct, punitive damages may also be available under New Jersey law.
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in New Jersey?
In most cases, New Jersey’s statute of limitations for motorcycle accident injury lawsuits is two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within the legal deadline can prevent an injured person from recovering compensation.
Different deadlines may apply in cases involving minors, government entities, or wrongful death claims, so it is important to act promptly.
Is lane splitting legal in New Jersey?
No. Lane splitting — riding a motorcycle between lanes of moving traffic — is generally considered illegal in New Jersey under the state’s traffic laws requiring vehicles to remain within a single lane and operate safely. (LegalClarity)
If a motorcyclist was lane splitting at the time of a crash, that conduct may affect liability and compensation under New Jersey’s comparative negligence rules. However, lane splitting does not automatically prevent an injured rider from pursuing a claim.
Why do injured motorcyclists hire an attorney?
Motorcycle accident claims often involve serious injuries, disputed liability, and insurance companies that may attempt to blame the rider. Many injured motorcyclists hire an attorney to help:
- Investigate the crash.
- Preserve evidence and accident reports.
- Work with medical and accident reconstruction experts.
- Negotiate with insurance companies.
- Pursue full compensation through settlement or litigation.
Most motorcycle accident attorneys offer free consultations, and many work on a contingency fee basis, meaning legal fees are only paid if compensation is recovered.
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Contact Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers Today
At Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, we care about our clients. You will receive personal attention and ongoing communication from our legal team. Our team’s goal is to reach the best possible result in your case so you can recover and get your life back on track.
If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident someone else caused, call our law firm at (973) 364-8300 for your free consultation with one of our experienced Clifton motorcycle accident attorneys who specialize in handling claims related to significant injuries. We can get you the compensation you deserve.
Written by: Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers Last Updated : August 28, 2026We are the trial attorneys with the experience and knowledge to get you the results you deserve. At Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, we take time to get to know you, as well as your case. We are committed to excellence. It is important for our team to understand your fears, concerns and expectations. We are always available to answer any questions, and are willing to come to you if you are unable to come to us.
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