Key Takeaways
- Motorcycle injury claims often carry higher value because the injuries tend to be more severe than in car crashes.
- New Jersey’s comparative negligence law can lower an award if the rider shares part of the fault.
- Riders do not get the same no-fault medical coverage that car owners get, which changes how bills get paid early on.
The average motorcycle accident payout in New Jersey covers damages like medical bills, lost wages, plus pain and suffering. The amount depends on how severe the injuries are, and the range runs from a few thousand dollars to well over a million. Every crash is different, and working with an experienced New Jersey motorcycle accident lawyer helps riders see value an insurer might otherwise overlook.
The Damages You Can Recover After a Motorcycle Crash
Riders hurt in crashes on Route 35, Route 70, or the Garden State Parkway can typically recover medical costs, lost income, and property damage to the bike or gear. Pain and suffering can also be part of the claim, along with future medical care if the injuries are long-term.
Why Severe Injuries Make Motorcycle Cases More Valuable
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists are more than 28 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash. Riders lack the protection a car frame provides, which is why road rash, traumatic brain injuries, and fractures happen often. Because these injuries usually require longer treatment and rehabilitation, the claims tied to them tend to settle for more.
How the PIP Coverage Gap Affects Your Recovery
New Jersey requires drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection, but that coverage does not automatically extend to motorcycles. Riders in Ocean and Monmouth Counties often rely on their health insurance or the at-fault driver’s liability coverage instead. This gap can slow down medical payments right after a crash, so reviewing your policy before making insurance claims matters.
How Comparative Negligence Can Reduce Your Award
New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means an award gets reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to the rider. If a rider is found more than 50 percent at fault, they cannot recover damages at all. Because insurers often try to shift blame onto the rider, having a clear account of the crash is important.
Why Early Insurance Offers Are Usually Too Low
Insurance adjusters frequently reach out soon after a crash, before the full extent of injuries is known. An early offer rarely accounts for future treatment, lost future income, or long-term pain. Accepting quickly can close out a motorcycle accident settlement in NJ permanently, even if new symptoms appear weeks later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does New Jersey Require Motorcyclists to Wear a Helmet?
New Jersey has a universal helmet law under N.J.S.A. § 39:3-76.7, which requires every motorcycle operator and passenger to wear a DOT-approved helmet at all times, regardless of age or riding experience.
Can I Still Recover Damages if I Was Not Wearing a Helmet?
You may still recover damages, although a lack of a helmet could affect the amount awarded for certain injuries.
How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in New Jersey?
Most motorcycle accident claims in New Jersey must be filed within two years of the crash date.
Contact Our New Jersey Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC
To learn what your claim might be worth, contact our New Jersey motorcycle accident lawyers at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC. Call 732-920-8383 or complete our online form today for a free consultation. We have offices in Manasquan and Brick, NJ, and serve clients in the surrounding area.