Do Motorcycles Have the Right of Way?

Suffering from the terrifying experience of a motorcycle accident is a catastrophic and devastating event. Most people are left facing severe long-term injuries, mental suffering, and mounting financial burdens. 

Survivors and their loved ones are often unsure where to go for help when navigating the traumatic aftermath of a motorcycle accident and often wonder if motorcycles have the right of way.

Getting the help of an experienced Fort Lee motorcycle accident lawyer will protect your rights and maximize your chances for compensation recovery. Your motorcycle accident lawyer will handle the convoluted and intimidating insurance claim process for you and your loved ones, allowing you to better focus on getting your life and recovery on track. 

At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., our team of diligent lawyers will help you and your loved ones navigate this challenging time and attain the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (201) 585-9111 to schedule your free case consultation.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents 

Numerous factors on the roadway cause devastating motorcycle accidents, leaving motorcyclists suffering from severe injuries and trauma. 

Head-on Collisions

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 76 percent of motorcycle fatalities that included another vehicle were the result of a head-on collision in one recent year. Drivers of personal and commercial vehicles often fail to see a smaller motorcycle on the road, increasing the chances of a head-on collision. 

Left-Handed Turns

When making a left-handed turn, most drivers focus on the cars in the oncoming traffic lane they are turning across and often fail to see motorcyclists in these scenarios. 

The NHTSA calculates that 42 percent of all two-vehicle crashes involving a motorcycle and another vehicle in one recent year occurred when the other vehicle was making a left-handed turn, and the motorcycle was either going straight, passing, or overtaking other vehicles. 

Speeding

A driver speeding on the road puts everyone in danger. When driving above the posted speed limit, drivers often have more difficulty safely maneuvering their vehicles and avoiding collisions. 

The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that 29 percent of all traffic-related fatalities in one recent year involved a driver who was speeding. More than 12,150 speeding-related fatalities occurred that year, representing an average of more than 33 people every day. 

According to data gathered by the NHTSA, approximately 34 percent of motorcyclists involved in a fatal crash were speeding. Motorcyclists between the ages of 25 and 29 were the highest age group involved in fatal motorcycle accidents where speeding was involved. 

Driving While Impaired

Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs a driver’s ability to react to hazards on the roadway adequately, concentrate fully on the task at hand, and maintain clear visibility of the road ahead of them. 

Illicit drugs, as well as some prescription or over-the-counter medications, affect a driver’s ability to operate their vehicle safely. 

Lane Changing

Drivers changing lanes often miss seeing a motorcyclist in their blind spot and drive into the motorcyclist, causing an accident on the roadway. 

The NHTSA reports that most multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents typically occur when a driver does not see the motorcyclist.

Road Hazards

Construction zones, potholes, and other road hazards make it challenging for vehicles to navigate safely, especially if they are speeding or driving recklessly. 

Hazards on the road create situations where vehicles may need to change lanes quickly, apply the brakes, or veer off the road. This increases the risk that a driver of a larger vehicle reacts without seeing a motorcycle in their new path. 

Distracted Driving

Drivers distracted behind the wheel are unaware of many things happening on the roadway around them, including motorcyclists. 

According to the NHTSA, more than 3,300 fatalities in one recent year were the result of a distracted driver. 

Contact Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. today if you or a loved one suffered a dangerous motorcycle accident. Let us help you get the care, justice, and compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering. 

Common Injuries Caused by Motorcycle Accidents

Being in a motorcycle accident is a scary and devastating experience that often leaves people suffering brutal physical pain and traumatic emotional suffering. 

Common injuries caused by motorcycle accidents include

• Road rash
• Cuts, scrapes, abrasions, and lacerations
• Bruise and contusions
• Burns
• Scarring
• Disfigurement 
• Soft tissue and muscle damage
• Broken bones 
• Crushed limbs, possibly resulting in an amputation
• Spinal cord injuries that could result in paralysis 
• Internal organ damage and internal bleeding
• Brain injuries, ranging from a concussion to a more detrimental traumatic brain injury 
• Post-traumatic stress
• Fatalities 

If you or your loved ones have suffered a devastating injury from a motorcycle accident, contact Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. today. Let us help you get the care, justice, and compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering. 

What Is My Motorcycle Accident Worth?

Most motorcyclists who experience a traumatic accident are left suffering through severe amounts of physical pain, mental stress, increasing medical expenses, and other financial hardships. 

You can receive compensation for the damages caused by your motorcycle accident, including

• Physical pain and injuries
• Mental anguish
• Inability to use a body part
• Partial or permanent disability 
• Medical expenses for both current and future treatments
• Any resulting medical complications or health issues
• Property damage
• Loss of wages 
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Loss of quality of life
• Loss of consortium or companionship
• Any additional associated expenses
• Wrongful death

Working with a trusted and assertive motorcycle accident attorney will help you protect your rights while maximizing your chances of recovering compensation for the damages caused by your motorcycle accident. 

Contact Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. today to schedule your free case consultation. 

What Do I Do After Being in a Motorcycle Accident?

It is vital to take the proper steps after being in a motorcycle accident to safeguard your health, increase your chances of recovering compensation for your damages, and protect your rights.

Seek Medical Care

Seek medical care as soon as possible after the accident, even if you think you suffered only minor cuts and bruises. Not all injuries immediately manifest. 

Follow all medical treatment plans provided to you by your trusted medical team.

Maintain Detailed Documentation

Maintain detailed documentation for as many items as possible associated with your motorcycle accident, including 

• Photographs and videos from the scene, if available
• Photographs and videos of any injuries that you suffered from the accident
• Photographs and videos of any property damage that resulted from the accident
• All receipts from expenses that result from your accident
• Proof of any lost wages that result from your injuries
• A copy of the police report
• Notes and copies from any communications with third parties, including the other driver or drivers involved, medical professionals at the scene, witnesses, and insurance agencies 
• Doctors’ notes and recommendations
• A journal detailing what you recall from the accident, as well as any pain and suffering that resulted

Contact an Attorney

Contact an attorney as soon as possible after your motorcycle accident to make sure you meet all of your state’s statutes of limitations for your case. 

Having the help of a dedicated motorcycle accident lawyer after your catastrophic incident will ease the stress and anguish felt by you and your loved ones, allowing you to focus better on getting your life and health back on track. 

Contact Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. today to get the care, justice, and compensation you deserve for your painful motorcycle accident. 

Why Choose Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. for My Motorcycle Accident

Being in a terrifying motorcycle accident leaves survivors struggling with immense physical injuries, distressing emotional anguish, and increasing financial hardships. 

Survivors and their loved ones are often unsure of how to protect their rights and recover just compensation for their damages. 

Working with a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer will make handling this challenging and stressful situation more manageable for you and your loved ones. 

At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., we know how distressing the complicated aftermath of a painful accident is for survivors and their loved ones. 

Our team is dedicated to working relentlessly to help our clients attain the justice they deserve after suffering an accident. We strive to help our clients recover maximum compensation for the damages they sustained while protecting their rights.

We start every client relationship with a free case consultation, where we take the time to listen to your unique situation carefully. From there, we will guide you and your loved ones on the best path forward to seek justice and fair compensation for the damages you have suffered from your accident. 

We have successfully recovered millions of dollars in settlements for our clients, including 

• $101,000,000 for a construction accident
• $11,500,000 for hospital negligence
• $10,000,000 for a motor vehicle accident
• $7,000,000 for a motor vehicle crash
• $3,350,000 for a burn injury
• $2,000,000 for a motorcycle accident

Our clients often share their gratitude with our team. 

Jin was pleased with how empathetic, professional, and knowledgeable our team was when handling his case and appreciated our genuine care for his injuries and well-being. He appreciated how thoroughly we answered all of his questions and fought hard for his case. 

Jadi and her family had PTSD and physical injuries after their accident. She was happy and grateful for all the hard work, dedication, and attentiveness our team put into her family’s case. 

Lenora appreciated the constant communication our team provided throughout her case. She was pleased with our due diligence and thorough gathering of evidence, which helped strengthen her claim and deliver positive results.

Contact Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. today. Let us help you get the care and justice you deserve after your painful accident. 

Ride Responsibly

Riding your motorcycle safely and responsibly will help mitigate many dangers on the road. Responsible riding habits include

• Knowing and obeying all local traffic laws 
• Obeying all traffic lights, traffic signs, lane markings, and speed limits
• Riding defensively
• Using proper signals and checking before changing lanes, stopping, and turning
• Do not ride your motorcycle under the influence of alcohol or drugs; be aware if any of your prescription medications could cause any adverse side effects to your driving capabilities

Be Visible

Making sure that other drivers see you is critical to maintaining your safety as a motorcyclist on the road. 

Use your motorcycle’s headlights at all times and apply reflective materials to increase your visibility to other vehicles. 

Make sure you are not riding in another vehicle’s blind spot to help mitigate the chances of them turning into you or changing lanes in your path. 

Wear the Proper Attire

Wearing the proper safety attire while riding your motorcycle will lessen the injuries caused by any accidents you may get into and can save your life. 

• Wear a helmet that fits properly (not too big) and meets the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. 
• Wear protective safety attire that helps you feel more comfortable while riding and provides protection in case of a fall or accident. This includes sturdy pants, a sturdy jacket, boots, gloves, and eye protection if your helmet does not provide it.

Know Your Motorcycle

Be familiar with your motorcycle and how to operate it properly. It is important to be confident in your ability to handle and maneuver your motorcycle safely before taking it on the road around other vehicles. 

Contact Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. today if you or your loved one were injured in a motorcycle accident. Let us help you attain the justice and compensation you deserve after your painful and traumatic motorcycle accident.

Work With an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Suffering a devastating motorcycle accident often leaves motorcyclists struggling with severe physical pain and injuries, emotional distress, and mounting financial hardships. 

Working with an experienced and well-respected motorcycle accident injury attorney will help you and your loved ones manage the stressful aftermath of a motorcycle accident, allowing you to better focus on your health and recovery. 

If you or your loved one have suffered from a motorcycle accident, contact Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. today at (201) 585-9111. Let us help you get the care, compensation, and justice you deserve for your pain and suffering. 

Our New Jersey headquarters is conveniently located in Fort Lee, just a few blocks west of the Hudson River and Veterans Field Park.