The experience of riding a motorcycle is wholly different than that of sitting behind a steering wheel. Although there is no right or wrong choice when it comes to transportation preferences, New Jersey motorcyclists often enjoy the sense of freedom that only comes on two wheels. That freedom comes at a cost. When it comes to accidents and injuries, motorcycle riders are especially vulnerable and may need to understand how personal injury claims can help.
The majority of motorcycle accidents that involve another vehicle are not the fault of the motorcycle driver. In fact, drivers violating motorcyclists’ right of way are responsible for 66% of these accidents. Motorcycle riders are at a certain disadvantage on the road since they are less visible than larger vehicles. However, every driver is responsible for his or her actions when it comes to watching out for other vehicles — including motorcycles.
Compared to drivers, motorcycle drivers are about five times more likely to suffer injuries in collisions. Fatalities among motorcyclists are much higher too, about 26 times that of someone in a passenger vehicle. Driver and vehicle safety is not getting any better, either. Motorcyclist fatalities have gone up over 50% since 1999.
Even the safest motorcycle rider is no match for a negligent driver. A collision that left a car driver completely unharmed is often enough to put a motorcyclist in the hospital or at the very least suffer serious injuries. A New Jersey driver cannot use the excuse that he or she simply did not notice a motorcycle before causing a crash. This means that a victim may be able to recover compensation for his or her injuries by pursuing a personal injury claim.