Motorcycle injury attorneys of Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman have been protecting the rights of motorcycle accident victims in New Jersey. If the reckless actions of another driver caused catastrophic injury or death, we are here to explain your legal options and protect your best interests. If you live in Bergen County and have questions about your rights, we invite you to reach out for a complimentary consultation. In every case we take on, our number one goal is to obtain fair compensation for clients and provide them with the necessary resources to recover and move on with their lives.
Common causes of motorcycle crashes
Motorcycle riding is a favorite pastime along the northeastern corridor during spring and summer. Unfortunately, all it takes is one misstep to turn a scenic morning ride into tragedy. In far too many accidents involving passenger vehicles and motorcycles, visibility is the problem. Motorists simply don’t register motorcycles visually as they do other vehicles.
Other common causes of motorcycle accidents:
- Left turn accidents
- Failure to obey traffic signs
- Driving under the influence
- Unsafe lane changes
- Opening car doors
- Road hazards
- Excess speed
- Distracted and/or reckless driving
- Highway construction
- Motorists failing to check their blind spots
- Hit and run
Motorcycle accidents: establishing liability
In New Jersey, more than one party or entity may be held liable for a motorcycle accident. Defendants may include an at-fault motorist who negligently turned left into the path of the biker, without checking his blind spots. In crashes stemming from hazardous conditions such as pot holes and road defects, government entities responsible for their maintenance may also be held accountable. Liability may rest with a manufacturer or distributor if a defective motorcycle part caused the bike to lose control and crash.
While the at-fault parties may seem obvious, remember that insurance companies have a vested interest in settling quickly and for the lowest amount possible. Always consult with an attorney at KGG before signing any documents or waivers. Our legal team performs a thorough investigation in every case by interviewing witnesses, gathering police and accident reports and other pertinent evidence.
Once we have established liability, our lawyers team up with both medical experts and financial planners to determine the true value of your claim. This compensation is designed to cover current and future expenses and losses including: medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, rehabilitation and lost earning capacity.
Experienced personal injury representation
Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman brings a wealth of knowledge, courtroom expertise and critical thinking skills in litigating serious injury claims. Our New Jersey personal injury lawyers recognize that each client and case is unique and deserving of compassionate, individualized attention.
We are proud to offer our clients:
- A free and confidential case evaluation
- No upfront legal fees: all personal injury claims are contingency
- Resources to hire the best expert witnesses
- Superior negotiating and trial skills
- Proven track record
Motorcycle accident statistics
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that motorcyclists are 27 percent more likely to die in accidents than drivers of passenger cars, and 80 percent of all motorcycle crashes result in injury or death. Motorcyclists – and their passengers — who manage to survive crashes are routinely left with debilitating injuries that threaten quality of life. According to the CDC, 30 percent of all non-fatal motorcycle injuries affect the legs and feet. Road rash, third-degree burns, broken bones and muscle damage are the most common injuries sustained. Although helmet use can significantly reduce likelihood of mortal injury, many bikers suffer life-threatening harm. Injuries run the gamut from spinal cord damage and herniated discs to traumatic brain injury.
2016 NHTSA crash data reveals an alarming uptick in motorcycle accidents and deaths throughout the U.S. In 2016, more than 5,280 motorcycle crash fatalities were reported, up from 4,594 just two years prior. Unsurprisingly, 41 percent of those killed were not wearing helmets, and 25 percent involved in deadly crashes were alcohol impaired.
Even veteran motorcyclists who have years of experience anticipating distracted drivers, road hazards and driving in poor weather conditions are at tremendous risk for grave physical harm. When you need a strong advocate in your corner – a motorcycle accident attorney who is ready to fight a case before judge and jury, you can put your trust in Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman. We offer our clients large-firm quality work along with individualized service and have a proven track record of favorable settlements and verdicts.
Filing a motorcycle accident claim in New Jersey
We have convenient office locations in Bergen County, NJ. If you or a loved one has sustained serious personal injury in a motorcycle accident, contact our law firm today. We offer personal injury representation on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you will not owe us any attorney fees unless we obtain a settlement or verdict in your favor.
Additional Motorcycle Accident Resources:
- State of New Jersey, Motorcycle Safety Resources http://www.nj.gov/lps/hts/motorcycle/index.html
- Insurance Information Institute, Motorcycle Crashes: Fatalities and Injuries https://www.iii.org/article/background-on-motorcycle-crashes
- NHTSA, USDOT Releases 2016 Fatal Traffic Crash Data https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/usdot-releases-2016-fatal-traffic-crash-data