In New Jersey, we have the most congested roads in the nation due to being the most heavily populated state per square mile in the nation. This dense population combined with being located adjacent to Manhattan means heavy commuter traffic and higher chances of motorcycle accidents. Drivers of cars have a duty to share the road safely with motorcycles, but do not always follow that duty.
Car Drivers Must Share the Road Safely with Motorcycles
May is Safety Awareness Month and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) is asking all motorists to improve their driving, improve their riding, and increase safety for both motorcycles and cars on the road. Of course, the human element is the most important aspect of traffic safety, and the MSF presents five key rules of the road for drivers and five for motorcyclists.
Safety Tips For Drivers to Avoid Motorcycle Accidents
- Focus on Driving - Do not be distracted. Never text or surf the Web while driving. Put down the cell phone or mobile device. Food, pets and even passengers can be bad distractions.
- Look for Motorcyclists - Motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles and are often harder to see. But motorcyclists are out there and you should expect to see them and make every effort to see them in the mix of traffic.
- Give Motorcyclists Enough Room - Keep a safe distance when following a motorcyclist. Don't change lanes too close in front of a motorcycle. Motorcyclists generally don't just have fender-benders in collisions with cars.
- Use Your Turn Signals - Always signal your intentions. It's for everyone's safety and it's also the law.
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Keep it in the Car - Trash, including cigarette butts, should stay in the car, not thrown out where it could hit a motorcyclist. Road debris can kill a rider. Heavier items, especially, should be kept inside the car or truck or should be very well secured.
Safety Tips For Motorcyclists to Avoid Motorcycle Accidents
- Get properly trained and licensed - Half of all riders today have never taken a proper safety class such as the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Basic RiderCourseSM. Along with training, get your motorcycle license from the DMV.
- Wear all the right gear, all the time - Always wear a real motorcycle helmet manufactured to the standards of the Department of Transportation. Visit www.helmetcheck.org to ensure you have a proper helmet. But that's not enough. Also wear sturdy gloves, a jacket or riding suit, protective pants and boots, all made for motorcycling. Ideally, no one riding a motorcycle should have any visible skin, other than a small amount between the bottom of their helmet and the collar of their jacket.
- Don't drink and ride - Never, ever ride while impaired by alcohol or any kind of drug. Bikes, beer and booze don't mix. Nearly half of all riders killed in motorcycle crashes had been drinking.
- Ride within your skill limits and obey traffic laws - Don't ride faster or farther than your abilities can handle
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Be a lifelong learner - Take refresher RiderCourses. No matter how often you ride or how long you've been riding, take advanced courses to brush up on the basics and keep working on improving your skills. The MSF has an extensive curriculum with courses for all riders from beginner to the most experienced.
Legal Problems with Motorcycle Accidents in NJ
With a motorcycle accident in New Jersey, motorcyclists have the added insurance problem that there is no Personal Injury Protection coverage for motorcycles in NJ. New Jersey is a no fault state and with an automobile you have mandatory Personal Injury Protection or PIP coverage to cover your medical expenses regardless of fault. If you have a motorcycle and do not have health insurance you have a real problem. The only way you will get medical expenses covered is by recovery against a negligent party that caused the accident. The problem with such claims is that they take a long time, sometimes even years, to resolve. Furthermore, since motorcycle injuries are usually so serious most auto insurance coverage is not high enough to cover the injuries involved in such accidents. As with all accidents, it is important to call an attorney as soon as possible to go over your options and attempt to cut through the insurance problems.
Contact a New Jersey Lawyer on Your Motorcycle Accident
Our firm has represented many motorcyclists and their families recover awards in cases involving both death and serious injury. Motorcycle accidents have particular legal issues not involved in a regular car accident. If you have questions about a motorcycle accident, call a lawyer in one of our New Jersey offices to set up an appointment.
