Union County Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

These laws, in particular, are often important in how a case unfolds: 

• Helmet laws: New Jersey has a mandatory helmet law. All riders must wear a helmet that meets the safety standards issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation. A failure to comply could impact your ability to get a financial settlement. 
• Insurance requirements: Motorcyclists are excluded from Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, meaning injured riders must often rely on the other driver’s liability insurance or their own health insurance for medical expenses.
• Comparative negligence: New Jersey uses a comparative negligence rule. This means your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re deemed more than 50% responsible, you cannot recover compensation from the other party.

Attorney Michael Chelland has a strong understanding of these laws, other important legal considerations, and how they may apply in your case. You can count on him to work hard to protect your rights. 

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident 

Being involved in a motorcycle accident can be a traumatic experience, but the steps you take afterward are vital, not only to your health but also to protecting your legal rights. Proper action can strengthen any future injury claim and put you in a better position to recover damages.

Here’s what you should do, presuming you are physically able, in the aftermath of a motorcycle accident: 

• Get medical attention: Your health should always come first. Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not show symptoms right away. Make sure to get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible. This also establishes a record that will support your claim.
• Call the police: Under New Jersey law, accidents that result in injury, death, or significant property damage must be reported to the police. The officer’s accident report, like the doctor’s medical report, is a respected source of evidence in personal injury cases.
• Document the scene: Take photos of your motorcycle, the other vehicle, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect contact and insurance information from all parties involved and get the contact information of witnesses. 
• Call your insurance company: Inform your motorcycle insurance provider about the accident promptly. Remember, New Jersey insurance policies for motorcycles often lack PIP coverage, so understanding your policy details is important. 
• Avoid admitting any fault: New Jersey’s comparative negligence laws mean that admitting any degree of fault could reduce your potential compensation. Stick to the facts when discussing the accident and remain as silent as possible. The less said, the better. 

These are some basic ways that you can protect your interests. As soon as possible, get our office involved. We can follow up with witnesses, take the load of doing paperwork off your hands, and give you peace of mind that your case is being responsibly handled.