According to the Federal Highway Authority, approximately 2,500 motorcycles are involved in accidents each year in New Jersey. Statistics show that for motorcycle accidents involving other vehicles, more than two-thirds occur when the vehicle’s driver does not see the motorcycle and more than half of the accidents occur at intersections. Furthermore, for motorcycle accidents not involving other vehicles, more than two-thirds result from excessive speed, 40% occur during turns and corners, and 22% of motorcycle fatalities involved inexperienced or unendorsed riders.
A common cause of motorcycle accidents is the motorist’s dangerous and improper passing. A 37-year-old man was recently hospitalized following an accident in which he attempted to pass a turning car but instead collided with the car and was subsequently thrown from his bike. Another driver who witnessed the accident reported to the police that the driver of the car had signaled a right turn but that the man driving the motorcycle still attempted to pass the car.
In New Jersey, motorcyclists are always required by law to wear a helmet approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation while riding and operating a motorcycle. The New Jersey Helmet Law (P.L. 39:3-76.7) states that “[n]o person shall operate or ride upon a motorcycle unless he wears s securely fitted protective helmet of a size proper for that person and of a type approved by the federal DOT. Such a helmet must be equipped with either a neck or chin strap and be reflectorized on both sides.”
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in New Jersey, contact an experienced motorcycle injury attorney at our office. Gregg A. Wisotsky, Esq., Partner, Javerbaum Wurgaft Hicks Kahn Wikstrom & Sinins, PC, offers a free phone consultation at 973-898-0161 to discuss your situation.