Motorcycle accidents have increased in frequency throughout New Jersey and beyond in recent years. It is quite shocking to learn nearly 10 million motorcycles are currently registered across the country. Motorcycles are becoming more popular as fewer people are willing to make the financial commitment necessary to purchase an automobile. Riding a bike of any type, whether it is a motorcycle, scooter, moped or motorbike is certainly fun yet it is an inherently dangerous activity. Motorcycle accident statistics reveal these vehicles are involved in excess of 70,000 accidents each year. All in all, motorcycle accidents comprise 10 percent of highway fatalities. A whopping 80 percent of reported motorcycle accidents cause significant injury compared to merely 20 percent of automobile crashes.
The Most Common Injuries Resulting from New Jersey Motorcycle Accidents
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, there is a good chance you will be injured. It is interesting to note 98 percent of all motorcycle riders in multiple-vehicle accidents suffer at least one injury. A whopping 96 percent of motorcycle riders involved in single-vehicle collisions are injured. The most common motorcycle accident injuries include burns, broken bones, road rash, facial fracture, disfigurement, traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injuries, paralysis and compromised limbs that sometimes require amputation.
The top Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in New Jersey
The majority of motorcycle accidents are not the result of the motorcyclist’s error. Rather, most of these accidents are caused by a negligent driver. About three-fourths of all motorcycle accidents are the result of contact with another vehicle. In most such cases, the other car is a regular passenger vehicle. Sadly, statistics show motorcyclists had the right of way in about 60 percent of accidents.
The failure to check blind spots is one of the most common causes of New Jersey motorcycle accidents. Motorcycle riders are low to the ground and sit atop comparably small vehicles. It is awfully easy for such a rider to be lost in a car driver’s blind spot. If the driver does not see the motorcyclist in his or her blind spot and does not perform a head check, the biker will be cut off or struck.
Misjudged Motorcycle Speed
Motorcycles are quite small, making them that much more difficult to see in side and rearview mirrors. Even if a nearby driver sees the motorcyclist, it will be difficult to judge the bike’s speed. Most drivers struggle to gauge motorcyclists’ speed only to pull out ahead of the bike or changing lanes and hitting the biker.
Motorcyclists’ Rapid Stops
Motorcycles are engineered to stop faster than traditional vehicles. Though stopping on a dime is certainly helpful in some situations on the road, rapid stops also hike the chances of a rear-end collision with a tailgating automobile or even a tractor-trailer.
Distracted or Drunk Driving
Though everyone understands it is wrong to drink and drive, people still do it. Distracted and drunk drivers are major threats to motorcyclists. If the driver’s abilities are impaired by alcohol, drugs or another distraction, the driver will not be able to pay full attention to the road. A distracted or drunk driver is less likely to see a motorcyclist and contact that rider with considerable force.
Mechanical Issues or Equipment Flaws
The motorcycle or vehicle itself might be the true cause of the crash. Even the slightest defect in the manufacturing process or a defective design can make the motorcycle that much more challenging to operate. If it is raining or has recently rained, motorcyclists should stay off the road.
Problems With the Road
Motorcycles are highly vulnerable to accidents resulting from roadway imperfections. Everything from loose gravel to potholes, puddled water, road undulations and uneven lanes can lead to a nasty motorcycle accident. In certain situations, the government agency tasked with maintaining the road in question can be deemed legally liable for damages resulting from a crash.
Reduced Visibility
As noted above, motorcycles are difficult to see due to their small size. Motorcycles are often blocked from drivers’ view due to vehicle pillars, blind spots and inclement weather. Vehicles that emerge from side street curb parking, driveways and parking lots are especially likely to move into the path of a motorcycle rider.
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Contact Schibell Law Today
Richard Schibell is here for all New Jersey motorcycle accident victims. Even if you are slightly at fault for the accident, it still might be possible to obtain compensation. Our New Jersey legal team is here to pursue damages ranging from medical expenses to emotional distress, pain, suffering, lost wages and beyond. In fact, we can even pursue compensation for future expenses causally related to the motorcycle accident. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident or if you have lost a loved one as a result of such an accident, reach out to our legal team right away. You can contact Schibell Law, LLC by dialing 732-774-1000.
