Princeton New Jersey Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Types of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents in New Jersey can happen for a variety of reasons, but usually some combination of inattention, inexperience and intoxication is at the core. Car drivers tend to be unaware of motorcycles on the road and not realize how much space riders need to maneuver safely through traffic. Car drivers may be generally unaware, and a moment of distraction such as reaching for a coffee or changing the music can lead to an accident. Inexperienced motorcycle riders, particularly those with no formal training, are the most likely to be involved in an accident. Intoxication is a contributing factor for both riders and car drivers.
Motorcycle Collisions Involving Another Vehicle
When passenger cars or trucks do not give motorcycles the proper amount of space or fail to truly see them on the road, they can cause motorcycle accidents in a number of ways. Tailgating can lead to rear-ending a motorcycle, especially because motorcycles can stop much quicker than cars. Even a small tap from behind can be disastrous. When cars pull out of parking spaces or turn across lanes because they do not notice the much smaller vehicle traveling alongside them, they can collide with motorcyclists who are sometimes moving at a considerable speed. Right-of-way violations leading to collision are common types of motorcycle accidents. Intersections are the most dangerous places for motorcycle riders.
These types of NJ motorcycle accidents in which another vehicle is involved in a collision are about three times more prevalent than single vehicle motorcycle accidents. Most often, a passenger car is the other vehicle. It is misleading though to consider all single vehicle crashes as not involving other drivers. Many times riders lose control of their bike because they are avoiding hazards caused by other drivers.
Single Vehicle Motorcycle Accidents
Not all vehicle motorcycle collisions originate with the motorcycle rider. While many accidents do happen because a rider lost focus momentarily, handled the bike improperly or was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, other times, the critical incident that causes the wreck is out of the rider's control.
Some accidents happen when a motorcycle driver tries to avoid another hazard. For example, if a car cuts off a motorcycle, this forces the rider to brake suddenly and swerve. If the motorcycle then loses control, but does not meet with any other vehicles, it is considered a car crash, but the other driver still bears some degree of responsibility. The same situation can happen with pedestrians in the roadway as well as bicyclists. Animals crossing the road pose a similar danger.
The Princeton motorcycle collision attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein are well versed in the complicated laws surrounding motorcycle crashes in the state of New Jersey. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in any type of motorcycle accident, we may be able to help you recover financial compensation. Call us today for a free consultation.
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