motorcycle Accidents

 New Jersey Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Despite increased helmet use and public awareness, motorcycle accidents continue to result in serious injuries and fatalities across New Jersey each year. Unlike occupants of passenger vehicles, motorcyclists have little physical protection and are often exposed to the full force of a collision, the roadway, and surrounding traffic—even when wearing a helmet.

At Icaza, Burgess & Grossman, we represent motorcyclists who have suffered severe or life-altering injuries as a result of motorcycle crashes. We also provide dedicated legal representation to families pursuing wrongful death claims following fatal motorcycle accidents in New Jersey and New York.

Motorcyclists, including riders of motorcycles, dirt bikes, and recreational vehicles, are often unfairly characterized as reckless or thrill-seeking. As a result, injured riders are frequently presumed to be at fault before a thorough investigation has been conducted.

Our attorneys have extensive experience handling serious motorcycle accident cases and understand that this perception is not only inaccurate, but harmful. In many cases, motorcycle crashes are caused by the negligence or inattention of other drivers who fail to share the road responsibly.

Motorcycle accidents are often the result of driver negligence, including:

• Drivers making sudden turns and cutting off a motorcyclist
   
• Failure to yield the right of way to a motorcycle
   
• Following too closely behind a motorcyclist
   
• Forcing a motorcyclist to swerve into traffic, a ditch, or a fixed object
   

Because motorcycles are smaller and less visible than passenger vehicles, drivers frequently fail to notice them until it is too late.

Not all motorcycle accidents are caused solely by other drivers. In some cases, additional factors may contribute to or cause a crash, including:

• Loose gravel, debris, or uneven roadway surfaces
   
• Defective tires, brakes, or other motorcycle components
   
• Dangerous weather conditions
   
• Poorly designed or inadequately maintained roadways
   
• Insufficient lighting, signage, or guardrails
   

When these conditions are present, our firm investigates the potential for additional liability, including product liability claims against manufacturers or claims against municipalities or government entities responsible for roadway design and maintenance.

We approach every motorcycle accident case with careful attention to detail. When injuries prevent a rider from recounting the events—such as cases involving traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, or coma—we rely on qualified experts, including accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and engineers, to determine how the crash occurred and who is responsible.

Our goal is to identify all liable parties and pursue full compensation for medical expenses, lost income, long-term care, pain and suffering, and other damages permitted under New Jersey law.

Yes. While New Jersey is a no-fault state for automobile accidents, motorcyclists are generally not covered by Personal Injury Protection (PIP) in the same way as car occupants. This often allows injured motorcyclists to pursue claims directly against the at-fault party.

New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You may still recover compensation if you were less than 51% at fault, although your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.

Motorcycle accidents frequently result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractures, road rash, internal injuries, and permanent disability.

In most cases, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in New Jersey is two years from the date of the accident. Claims involving government entities may have shorter notice requirements.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, prompt legal guidance is critical. An experienced attorney can investigate the crash, protect your rights, and pursue accountability from all responsible parties.