New Jersey Helmet Law Attorney
Lombardi & Lombardi P.A.’s Experienced Helmet Laws Attorneys In New Jersey Can Help You Receive Compensation After An Accident
New Jersey’s motorcycle laws require motorcycle operators and riders to wear a securely fitted, Department of Transportation-approved protective helmet. If you were struck in an accident and sustained injuries or vehicle damage, you likely have grounds for a claim. However, recovering damages from a motorcycle accident can be more complicated than this, since you may have injuries that a helmet would not have prevented, or you may have sustained head or neck injuries but weren’t wearing a helmet. For such cases, you should consult with an attorney on how to handle your case. Motorcycle accident injuries can cost tens of thousands of dollars to treat, and your insurer – and any at-fault motorists – will be sure to argue that you were in some way at fault for your injuries. Contact Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. to speak with a dedicated New Jersey helmet laws attorney to learn more about safeguarding your rights after a motorcycle accident.
Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents
The first step in any motorcycle accident case is determining the cause of the accident. This will lay the foundation of your claim or lawsuit.
Many factors can cause or contribute to an accident, such as the driver’s experience level, road and weather conditions, and the actions of other motorists. Vehicle performance issues, road conditions, and negligence in its many forms can all lead to an accident.
The most common causes of motorcycle accidents are:
- Negligence, such as overspeeding, drinking and driving, distracted driving, road-raging, aggressive driving, reckless driving, and ignoring safety rules and safety control devices and signs.
- General errors such as driving too closely to another vehicle or under- or overestimating the time it takes to stop or reach a certain point on the road.
- Poor decision-making, often the result of intoxication or drowsiness.
- Poor weather, poor lighting, unsafe road conditions, road debris, unclear lane markings, narrow lanes, and malfunctioning or missing warning signs.
- Vehicle malfunctions caused by worn brakes, worn tires, engine failures, or malfunctioning brake lights.
Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. Can Help You Successfully Prove Your Personal Injury Case
To win a personal injury case, you must show that you sustained injuries or losses, such as bodily injuries, vehicle damage, property damage, emotional trauma, mental anguish, etc. in a motorcycle accident. Evidence that can be used to substantiate your claims can include:
- Eyewitness statements
- Photo/video proof
- Cell phone logs
- Medication use by drivers involved in an accident
- Vehicle repair logs
- Road repair schedules
- Police reports
- Medical reports
- Vehicle repair invoices
This evidence can be submitted to your insurer along with a demand letter stating that you were injured in an accident and that you expect to be compensated – based on the terms of your insurance coverage – for your losses. An assessment of your damages will also be required, which our New Jersey helmet laws attorney can help you calculate.
If, however, you sustained catastrophic damages in the accident, you may have grounds for a lawsuit against an at-fault party who was responsible for causing the accident in which you were injured.
To do so, you must gather evidence as above, but you must also show that:
- The at-fault party’s actions were a direct cause of your accident.
- Their actions were tantamount to negligence and did not meet the standard of care, defined as actions that a reasonably experienced and skilled driver would have performed under the same circumstances.
- That your accident led to quantifiable damages.
Losses And Damages Our New Jersey Helmet Laws Attorney Can Help You Recover
Remember that with or without a helmet, if you were injured in an accident, you may have grounds for an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. Losses and damages you may be able to file for include:
- Current and future medical expenses, including diagnostic fees, hospitalization costs, treatment expenses, medication costs, doctor’s visits, and ambulance fees.
- Lost income and wages from being unable to work while injured.
- Vehicle and property damage.
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
- Pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress.
- Loss of consortium in case of the death of a loved one.
- Wrongful death damages, including funeral and burial expenses.
Contact The New Jersey Helmet Laws Attorney at Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. Today For Assistance With Your Motorcycle Accident Case
Our team of experienced and empathetic attorneys is just a call away. We can help you get your life back on track after a motorcycle accident. We vigorously fight for the rights of our clients and can help you navigate the complex rules and laws that govern personal injuries and insurance claims. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents And Helmet Laws In New Jersey
You should gather whatever evidence you can, such as photos or videos of the scene, and undergo a physical checkup. Some accident injuries may manifest days or weeks after your accident but undergoing a physical will help identify those injuries earlier. You should also speak to a qualified helmet laws attorney for assistance with your case.
We have the experience and legal knowledge required to successfully file for and defend personal injury claims and lawsuits involving motorcycle accidents. Winning a claim or lawsuit involves identifying the at-fault party, if any, as well as gathering evidence, quantifying your damages, and composing a demand letter that will be sent to your insurer. You may also require a certificate of merit from a medical professional attesting that your injuries are serious enough to warrant a claim. We can help you obtain this documentation as well. We will also handle insurer negotiations on your behalf.
We charge no upfront fees, and we only collect if you win your claim or receive a settlement payout. For insurance claims, most attorney’s offices charge one-third of your award. For lawsuits involving court proceedings, attorneys typically receive 40% of your award. You pay nothing if you do not win, so you have nothing to lose by speaking with an attorney.