A motorcycle accident lawyer in Jersey City can help you pursue fair compensation for injuries sustained in a crash. Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi serves riders and their families in Jersey City and nearby areas of New Jersey.
Motorcycle accident claims involve a number of unique challenges not encountered in car accident cases. It is of the utmost importance to consult a knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible if you were injured or a loved one was hurt or killed.
Call Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi at (201) 585-9111 today to speak to a motorcycle accident lawyer. Your initial consultation is FREE, and you don’t pay unless we obtain compensation on your behalf.
How Do I Choose a Good Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
Many lawyers in and around Jersey City handle motorcycle accident claims. However, it is a mistake to assume that all attorneys are the same.
You only have one opportunity to obtain compensation for your injuries. Things to consider when choosing the right Jersey City motorcycle accident lawyer include:
- Experience: The attorney you choose should be well-versed in motorcycle accident cases. It is also important to take into account the lawyer and/or the law firm’s trial experience. A host of different factors can result in your case going to trial, and you need to know that your motorcycle accident lawyer is up to the challenge of representing you in court as necessary.
- Results: Capable motorcycle accident attorneys should have a record of success in these matters. They should also be able to provide an educated estimate of what your case may be worth.
- Awards and recognition: Honors and awards can tell you a lot about the firm’s experience and results. Recognition from organizations such as The Best Lawyers in America, Martindale Hubbell, Super Lawyers, and more demonstrate that the firm has a solid reputation among clients and within the legal community.
- Local knowledge: It is crucial to hire a lawyer who lives and works in the community where the accident took place. Although national law firms may advertise in the area, there is no substitute for an attorney who knows the local courts, insurance companies, etc.
- A personalized approach: Far too many personal injury firms treat their clients like files instead of people. Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi does things differently. We are committed to using our skills, knowledge, and resources to build the best case possible and pursue the outcome you deserve.
Being involved in a motorcycle accident is stressful and traumatic. Finding a lawyer who can represent you effectively should not be a source of stress.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today.
What Should You Do If You Are a Victim of a Motorcycle Accident in New Jersey?
Motorcycle accidents always need to be taken seriously. Riders have little in the way of protection when they are struck by a vehicle or lose control on a dangerous road.
Follow these steps if you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Jersey City:
1. Seek Medical Attention
Whether you are treated at the scene or have to be taken to the emergency room, you should get medical care immediately.
2. Document the Accident
If you are able to stay on scene, take the time to collect necessary evidence. This may consist of taking photos, speaking to witnesses, and more.
3. Exchange Information
Just like you would after a car accident, you need to obtain information from any and all drivers involved in the motorcycle accident. Be sure to get the driver’s name, contact information, and insurance coverage information, as well information about the vehicle such as the license plate number and the year, make, and model.
4. Report the Accident to the Police
Motor vehicle accidents resulting in injury, death, or damage to property totaling more than $500 need to be reported to the police (see New Jersey Statutes § 39:4-130). Although New Jersey law allows up to 10 days for a report to be made, it is generally best to call 911, wait for the police to arrive, and provide a statement to the responding officer.
5. Talk to a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you believe the negligence of a driver or other party caused the crash, you owe it to yourself to seek legal counsel. A Jersey City motorcycle accident lawyer can review your case for free and determine what legal rights and options you may have.
I wanted to make sure that you were aware of my extreme gratitude to Chris DiGirolamo, and his law firm, for the work done on my behalf.
As a 33 year licensed motorcyclist in the state of NJ, I have seen a lot of friends/family go through the process of a personal injury suit, and many times the outcome is less than favorable. Let’s face it, there is a lot of bias against bikers out there… So when it was my turn to experience the process first hand, I didn’t hold a lot of hope that I would recover any of what I lost.
Chris DiGirolamo not only got me enough of a settlement to recover what was lost, he got the max available, allowing me to have a little piece of mind for the future as well.
He was patient when I sent endless emails full of questions and kind and understanding with regard to my case. I will ALWAYS refer my friends to this firm, and use them again myself, if the situation ever arises…
Thank you again for all your hard work!
What Is the Most Common Injury in a Motorcycle Accident?
Serious injuries are the rule rather than the exception in motorcycle accidents. Our attorneys thoroughly review your medical records, talk to your doctors, and consult experts to obtain a complete understanding of the injuries you have sustained and their impact on your life.
Common injuries motorcyclists suffer in accidents include:
- Bone fractures, especially of the bones in the legs and feet, arms, chest, and the head and face
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Facial injuries
- Injuries to the neck and back
- Spinal cord injuries
- Road rash and burn injuries
- Soft tissue damage
- Lacerations and internal bleeding
- Internal organ damage
Fatal injuries are alarmingly common in motorcycle accidents. In 2021, the New Jersey State Police recorded 97 deaths in fatal crashes involving motorcycles—a 5-year high for the state.
Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi can help if your family is grieving the loss of a relative after a motorcycle accident. Our lawyers can pursue a wrongful death claim on your behalf and fight aggressively for the compensation you and your loved ones deserve.
How Long Does a Motorcycle Accident Claim Take to Settle in NJ?
First and foremost, it is important to understand how long you have to file a claim after a motorcycle accident. In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for personal injury is 2 years.
It can take anywhere from 3–6 months to more than a year to negotiate a settlement after a motorcycle accident. Most accident claims will settle before the statute of limitations expires, often without the need to file a lawsuit. However, if settlement negotiations draw out and the end of the statute of limitations is near, it is of the utmost importance to talk to a motorcycle accident lawyer about filing a lawsuit.
Your case may still settle after the lawsuit is filed. However, at this point it is also important to collaborate with your attorney as needed in order to prepare for trial.
Verdicts and Settlements
$2,000,000 - Motorcycle Accident
To a forty five year old motorcyclist who was struck by a rented box truck making a left turn against traffic. Client sustained multiple leg fractures and ruptured Aorta and had multiple leg surgeries.
Does New Jersey Have Helmet Laws?
Yes. New Jersey Statutes § 39:3-76.7 states the following:
“A person shall not operate or ride upon a motorcycle unless the person is wearing a securely fitted protective helmet of a size proper for that person and of a type approved by the chief administrator. A helmet shall be equipped with either a neck or chin strap and be reflectorized on both sides thereof.”
Both motorcyclists and their passengers are required to wear helmets. Failure to do so can reduce the compensation you may be able to recover in an accident claim, even if someone else caused the accident.
Read More: Do You Have to Wear a Motorcycle Helmet in New Jersey?
What Type of Damages Am I Entitled To for My Motorcycle Accident?
Unlike other types of motor vehicles in New Jersey, motorcycles are not eligible for no-fault coverage. While this does mean that motorcyclists do not have recourse to PIP insurance for coverage of their losses, it also means they face no restrictions on the right to sue after an accident.
Attorneys at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi can seek maximum compensation for the damages you sustain as a result of the motorcycle accident. This may include:
- Current medical expenses
- Medical expenses you face in the future
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Damage to your personal property
- The cost of travel for medical care, physical therapy, etc.
- Any out-of-pocket expenses for assistive devices, home and vehicle modifications, etc.
- Pain and suffering
- Disability
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of the enjoyment of life
The total compensation you are ultimately entitled to depends on the unique facts of the case and the specific damages you incur. An experienced Jersey City motorcycle accident lawyer can investigate thoroughly, build a strong case on your behalf, and pursue a favorable settlement via settlement negotiations or, if necessary, at trial.
What If I Am Partially Responsible for the Motorcycle Accident?
New Jersey has adopted a modified comparative negligence rule in personal injury matters. According to New Jersey Statutes § 2A:15-5.1:
“Contributory negligence shall not bar recovery in an action by any person or his legal representative to recover damages for negligence resulting in death or injury to person or property, if such negligence was not greater than the negligence of the person against whom recovery is sought or was not greater than the combined negligence of the persons against whom recovery is sought. Any damages sustained shall be diminished by the percentage sustained of negligence attributable to the person recovering.”
What this means is that a motorcyclist can be partially responsible for an accident but may still recover damages provided that his or her share of fault does not exceed that of the driver.
Riders are often unfairly blamed for motorcycle accidents by motorists and insurance companies alike. Even if you think you might be partly at fault, you should not say anything to suggest that you caused the accident. A motorcycle accident lawyer can gather evidence on your behalf, determine who is at fault, and explain what compensation you may be able to recover.
Can Previous Motorcycle Accident Claims Affect My Accident Compensation?
Given the dangers motorcyclists face, it is not unheard of for riders to be involved in more than one accident in the course of a lifetime. In this situation, injuries from a previous motorcycle accident would be considered a pre-existing condition.
As a general rule, you cannot claim damages for an injury you had before the accident. However, you can pursue compensation if a motorcycle accident aggravates a pre-existing injury.
Insurance companies often dispute claims on the grounds that an injury existed before the accident. Thorough medical records from the original accident as well as the current crash are needed to establish the nature of any pre-existing conditions, whether a prior injury was made worse by the accident, and any new injuries sustained.
Liability disputes in a motorcycle accident claim are difficult to handle on your own. If you were injured in a previous crash and need assistance with a new claim, it is in your best interest to consult a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Speak to a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi is a top-rated personal injury law firm in New Jersey. Our team consists of 30 people dedicated to achieving the optimal outcome in your case.
If you or a loved one suffered harm in a motorcycle accident, we encourage you to speak to a lawyer as soon as possible. We have the experience and results to represent injured motorcyclists and their families effectively.
For a FREE consultation, call Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi at (201) 585-9111 today. Our motorcycle accident lawyers serve clients in Jersey City and throughout New Jersey.
