Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Serving All of Pennsylvania and New Jersey
Helping Injured Motorcyclists throughout NJ and PA
Motorcycle riding has always had a certain appeal for adventurous people. Avid riders preach about the joys of riding through open air, being at one with the road, and taking full advantage of scenic views. Unfortunately, riding motorcycles does not come without risk. Statistically, operating a motorcycle puts the driver at a much higher accident risk than operating a motor vehicle.
Many people think that motorcycles themselves are dangerous. Yet, most motorcycles accidents are caused by a negligent driver of a car, truck, or SUV. Since bikers are not protected by their vehicle, motorcycle accidents are much more likely to be fatal than a typical car accident. Vehicles provide drivers and passengers with a variety of safety features that motorcycles lack. Motorcyclists who are involved in motor vehicle accidents can be seriously injured, and many accidents result in death.
Safety Precautions Are Essential
Because motorcycle riders risk being in an accident every time they take their bikes out on the road, every rider should do their best to follow the law and take appropriate safety precautions. First and foremost, every motorcycle rider should wear a helmet while riding on a motorcycle. Without a helmet, the risk of traumatic brain injury and head trauma drastically increase.
In New Jersey, the law requires motorcycle drivers and passengers to wear helmets with reflective tape. If the helmet lacks a windscreen, another form of eye protection, such as goggles, is required. Riders who disregard the law are subject to tickets and fines and may also be denied insurance coverage if an accident does occur.
Helmets are not the only pieces of safety equipment a motorcycle driver should wear; most motorbike retailers sell leather riding suits that protect a biker’s skin from road rash. Motorcycle boots, full-fingered gloves, leather jackets, and jeans will also offer some measure of protection. The safest course of action is to wear fitted clothing that covers all exposed skin to reduce the risk and severity of the injury.
Rules for Operating a Motorcycle in New Jersey
All motorcyclists in New Jersey must have a current driver’s license along with proof of registration and insurance for their motorcycle. New Jersey also requires that all bikes pass an annual safety inspection to meet the safety standards put forth by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the emissions standards set forth by the Environmental Inspection Agency. Standard inspections check lights, steering, brakes, alignment, and tires.
Motorcycle riders are required to abide by the rules of the road. Even though a motorcycle is smaller and more maneuverable than a motor vehicle, drivers should not share lanes with cars or other bikes. Lane sharing also increases the risks and severity of motorcycle accidents. Motorcycle drivers should maintain situational awareness at all times and be comfortable with their operating skills before driving on major highways.
Roads themselves can pose hazards for motorcycle drivers. Potholes and road debris can be deadly for a motorbike driver. Bikers should also take additional precautions in poor weather conditions and during dusk and dawn.
Hiring legal counsel as quickly as possible following a major personal injury is crucial.
Law Offices of Eric A Shore is a Philadelphia Personal Injury and Workers Compensation Law Firm servicing Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Our proudest qualifications come from the more than two decades that we have been practicing, along with the tens of thousands of satisfied clients we have served. Our legal team has more than 100 years of combined experience. Since we are completely committed to serving the needs of every individual who contacts us, we have become known for our responsiveness, reliability, and dedication to achieving positive results.
Our firm never charges a fee or cost upfront; we only get paid when your case is won.
