Motorcycle accidents in New Jersey often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection compared to other vehicles. If you've been involved in a motorcycle accident, it's crucial to understand your rights and the legal avenues available to you. At Mallon and Tranger, our experienced attorneys are dedicated to helping victims navigate the complexities of personal injury claims to secure the compensation they deserve.
Motorcyclists face far greater risks than other motorists on New Jersey’s roads. Unlike passengers in cars or trucks, motorcycle riders have no structural protection, airbags, or seatbelts. In the event of a collision, riders are often thrown from their bikes, leading to direct impacts with pavement, guardrails, vehicles, or other hazards.
Even when wearing helmets and protective gear, the force and dynamics of a motorcycle crash frequently cause severe, life-changing injuries. Many victims face long hospital stays, multiple surgeries, permanent disabilities, and a lasting emotional toll.
At Mallon and Tranger, we’ve represented riders throughout New Jersey, from the Jersey Shore to the Turnpike, who have suffered the following common injuries in motorcycle crashes:
Psychological and Emotional Trauma
Prompt medical attention is critical. Many injuries, especially internal bleeding, brain trauma, or psychological symptoms, may not be obvious at the scene. A delayed diagnosis can not only endanger your health but also weaken your legal claim.
At Mallon and Tranger, we work closely with medical experts, trauma specialists, and life care planners to ensure every injury is thoroughly documented and valued. Whether your accident happened in Howell, Middletown, or anywhere else in New Jersey, we are ready to advocate for the full compensation your injuries demand.
Determining who is at fault in a motorcycle accident is critical to any successful personal injury claim. Unlike car accidents, motorcycle crashes often involve unique circumstances, including visibility issues, road conditions, and bias against riders. At Mallon and Tranger, we conduct detailed investigations to identify every party that may bear responsibility and to build a case that protects your right to full compensation.
Related: THIRD PARTY LIABILITY IN A MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT
In New Jersey, liability is assessed under a system known as modified comparative negligence, and more than one party can be held legally accountable. Under N.J.S.A. § 2A:15-5.1, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still recover damages as long as you're not more than 50% responsible for the crash.
Negligent or reckless actions by other drivers are one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents. Some of the most common driver errors include:
Motorcycles are smaller and less visible, but that does not excuse inattentive driving. When a driver fails to properly check blind spots or disregards traffic rules, they can and should be held liable for resulting injuries.
If the accident was caused or worsened by a road hazard, the state, county, or city government may share liability. Examples include:
Claims against public entities in New Jersey must follow strict procedures under the New Jersey Tort Claims Act (N.J.S.A. 59:1-1 et seq.), including a 90-day notice requirement. It’s essential to act quickly if a public road defect played a role in your crash.
If a defective motorcycle part, safety feature, or piece of protective gear contributed to your accident or made your injuries worse, the manufacturer or distributor could be held liable under product liability laws.
Common product-related issues include:
Product liability claims often require engineering or mechanical expert testimony to establish design flaws, manufacturing defects, or failure to warn of dangers.
If your motorcycle or the at-fault driver’s vehicle was recently serviced, and negligent repairs contributed to the crash, the mechanic or repair shop could be liable. Examples include:
These claims require careful investigation, work orders, and service records, often available only through subpoena or formal discovery during litigation.
Under New Jersey’s modified comparative negligence rule, your financial recovery is directly impacted by your share of fault.
Here’s how it works:
This rule often becomes a key battleground in motorcycle cases, especially when insurance companies argue that the rider was speeding, not wearing visible clothing, or “lane splitting” (which is illegal in New Jersey).
That’s why it’s critical to work with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney who can:
Identifying the correct party or parties is essential to:
At Mallon and Tranger, we leave no stone unturned in determining who caused your crash and holding them accountable. Whether your accident occurred on a congested city street in Newark, a highway near Toms River, or a winding road in Monmouth County, we will fight to uncover the truth and secure the justice you deserve.
Motorcyclists in New Jersey face unique risks every time they take to the road. While many riders are experienced and safety-conscious, accidents still occur, often due to the negligence of others or hazardous roadway conditions. Understanding the most common causes of motorcycle crashes not only aids in prevention but also helps establish liability when pursuing a personal injury claim.
At Mallon and Tranger, we’ve represented injured riders across New Jersey who have been hurt because of preventable mistakes and oversights. Below are the leading causes of motorcycle accidents in the Garden State.
One of the most dangerous behaviors on New Jersey roads is distracted driving. When motorists focus on their phones, navigation systems, eating, or even talking to passengers, they often fail to see motorcyclists, especially at intersections or in stop-and-go traffic.
Excessive speed reduces a driver's ability to react to changing traffic conditions, increases stopping distances, and dramatically increases the force of impact during a crash.
Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs are less likely to spot motorcycles, often misjudge distances, and have impaired reflexes.
Lane splitting, or riding between lanes of slowed or stopped traffic, is illegal in New Jersey under current state traffic laws.
Unlike larger vehicles, motorcycles are highly sensitive to even minor road defects. What might be a small bump for a car can throw a rider off balance or into oncoming traffic.
Under the New Jersey Tort Claims Act, claims against public entities must be filed quickly, usually within 90 days, making it critical to consult an attorney right away if poor infrastructure contributed to the crash.
Left-turn collisions are among the most common and dangerous types of motorcycle accidents.
According to national data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 40% of all motorcycle crashes involving another vehicle occur because of left-turn violations.
At Mallon and Tranger, we thoroughly investigate every motorcycle crash to identify all contributing factors and liable parties. Whether the crash was caused by another driver’s distraction, a poorly designed intersection, or a defect in your bike, we’re here to protect your rights and secure the compensation you need to recover.
New Jersey law mandates that all motorcycle operators and passengers wear a securely fitted protective helmet that meets federal standards. The helmet must be equipped with either a neck or chin strap and be reflectorized on both sides.
Lane splitting, the practice of riding between lanes of traffic, is illegal in New Jersey. Motorcyclists must adhere to the same traffic laws as other vehicles, including lane usage. There has been legislation introduced to allow motorcycles to travel slowly between stopped traffic, though nothing has been officially passed or changed.
To operate a motorcycle in New Jersey, individuals must possess a motorcycle license or an endorsement on their existing driver's license. Operating a motorcycle without the proper credentials is illegal and can affect liability and insurance claims.
These figures underscore the risks motorcyclists face and the importance of adhering to safety regulations.
Navigating the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming. An experienced attorney can provide invaluable assistance in several ways:
Victims of motorcycle accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
Our team has a great deal of experience helping injured victims recover compensation in a number of different personal injury cases, such as:
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident or any other accident, our team is here to help.
A motorcycle gives you the feel of the open road. And for many riders, it is the ultimate feeling of freedom and power that makes riding a motorcycle enjoyable. Unfortunately, not all motorists watch out for motorcycles. Because motorcycles are much smaller than cars and trucks, they are easy to miss, especially when drivers are distracted. Motorcycle accidents are often serious for the motorcyclists because their vehicles offer very little in the way of protection against the road itself or other vehicles. Often, a motorcyclist can suffer catastrophic injuries while an automobile driver may not be injured at all. This imbalance can lead to significant injuries, damages, and even death.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in New Jersey, don't face the legal challenges alone. The dedicated team at Mallon and Tranger is here to provide the support and representation you need to achieve justice and recovery. Contact us today or connect with us online to schedule your free consultation.
When you work with a skilled motorcycle accident attorney in Freehold, New Jersey, you gain an advocate who understands how insurance companies often undervalue motorcycle injury claims. We can build a strong case by gathering accident reconstruction reports, medical records, and eyewitness testimony to establish liability and damages. This allows us to negotiate from a position of strength and increases the likelihood that you’ll receive a settlement that truly reflects your losses.
Yes, if you were involved in a motorcycle accident in New Jersey where the at-fault driver fled, an attorney can help you pursue compensation through uninsured motorist coverage or other available avenues. We can investigate the accident, review nearby traffic cameras, and work with local authorities in areas like Freehold and Point Pleasant to strengthen your case. Even in hit-and-run scenarios, there may be options for recovery that you might not know about without experienced legal guidance.
New Jersey requires all riders and passengers to wear an approved, properly fitted helmet. Failing to wear one may be cited and can be argued by insurers as contributing to certain injuries. You can still bring a claim for another driver’s negligence. Comparative negligence rules may reduce damages if the defense proves lack of a helmet worsened specific harm. Medical experts are often used to address causation. Your attorney will focus on the other driver’s fault while handling any helmet-related defenses.
Motorcyclists are generally excluded from New Jersey’s automobile PIP benefits because the statute defines covered “automobiles” and does not include motorcycles. That means riders often rely on health insurance, optional motorcycle medical payments coverage, and the liability insurance of the at-fault driver through a bodily injury claim. If a household automobile policy includes UM or UIM, it may help with losses when the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. Coordinating these coverages is time sensitive. Your lawyer will also examine any subrogation rights your health plan may assert. These steps protect access to treatment while your liability case proceeds.
Because PIP usually does not cover motorcycle operators, riders should consider robust UM and UIM limits on their household auto policies and their motorcycle policies. Medical payments coverage on a motorcycle policy can help pay treatment costs regardless of fault. Higher liability limits protect personal assets if a rider is alleged to have caused harm. Riders should also understand coordination options with health insurance. Reviewing policy declarations before an accident helps avoid unpleasant surprises. State consumer guidance explains these coverages and how they work.
After a motorcycle accident in New Jersey, it can be difficult to know whether your injuries justify legal action. Even injuries that seem minor at first can develop into long-term medical issues, which is why it’s crucial to consult with an attorney who understands motorcycle claims in areas like Freehold and Point Pleasant. We can evaluate the full extent of your damages, including future medical costs and lost earning capacity, and advise whether legal action is in your best interest. If you’d like to learn more about how we can help, please contact us to discuss your situation.
