Elizabeth, NJ Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
A great number of motorcycle accidents happen each year in Elizabeth, NJ. In many cases, these crashes are caused by drivers’ careless and reckless behavior. For example, motorists may cause collisions with bikers because they were driving distracted, speeding, or performing illegal lane changes.
Negligent drivers can be sued for motorcycle accidents they cause. However, plaintiffs in motorcycle accident lawsuits must gather evidence that shows they were hurt because of the defendants’ careless actions. Cases can take from weeks to months to years to resolve.
If you were hurt because of a motorcycle crash in Elizabeth, NJ, get help building your case against the driver who hit you. Get in touch with our experienced Elizabeth motorcycle accident lawyers today by calling The Carrion Law Firm at (718) 841-0083. Our attorneys can review your case for free.
Elements of a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Elizabeth, NJ
The process for pursuing payment through a motorcycle accident lawsuit can vary from case to case. There are several different strategies and analyses that that can be applied to your lawsuit. However, in every case, the plaintiff must prove that each of the following elements are true:
- The defendant was under a duty of care
- The defendant breached their duty of care
- You were hurt because of the defendant’s breach of their duty
- You incurred damages because of your injuries
During your free case review, our Elizabeth motorcycle accident lawyers can help evaluate the strength of your claim by determining if the required elements have been satisfied.
What if You Are Partially to Blame for Your Motorcycle Accident in Elizabeth, NJ
If you share some of the responsibility for your motorcycle crash, you may be limited in the amount of monetary damages you can recover from the other driver. The doctrine of modified comparative fault will be applied when assigning damages in motorcycle accident lawsuits in Elizabeth, NJ. Accordingly, damages will be awarded based on percentages of fault. For instance, if you share 30% of the blame for your accident while the defendant is 70% at fault, then the defendant will have to pay for 70% of damages related to the collision while you must account for the remaining 30% on your own. If you are over 50% to blame for your crash, then you will be unable to recover financial compensation.
Therefore, many defendants are represented by insurance companies who will attempt to shift blame for their accidents. By arguing that other parties are at fault, defendants may avoid paying the full value of plaintiffs’ claims. Our team of experienced Elizabeth motorcycle accident lawyers can help gather evidence, fight insurance companies, and prove that defendants are at fault.
Common Injuries Caused by Motorcycle Accidents in Elizabeth, NJ
When motorcycle riders are struck by drivers of standard cars, devastating injuries can happen. The type of injuries suffered by a plaintiff can affect the types of damages awarded in their case. Our Elizabeth motorcycle accident lawyers can help victims pursue payment related to any of the following injuries:
Broken Bones
Broken bones are suffered by many victims of motorcycle accidents. Victims can break their bones with they are impacted by a vehicle or when they contact the ground during a crash. In severe cases involving crush injuries and compound fractures, injured parties may require surgical treatment.
Spinal Cord Damage
Spinal cord damage is another common type of injury caused by motorcycle crashes. Spinal cord damage can come in many forms and often leads to severe symptoms. In many cases, victims suffer from severe immobility or even total paralysis. Accordingly, many riders with spinal cord damage will be unable to partake in the same hobbies and activities that they enjoyed before their collisions. Our Elizabeth motorcycle accident lawyers can help plaintiffs with spinal cord injuries pursue the full range of economic and non-economic damages available to them.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries refer to the harm that occurs when victims suffer internal bleeding or internal organ damage. They are another common type of injury caused by motorcycle accidents in Elizabeth. Internal injuries usually occur when riders sustain some form of blunt force trauma because of their crashes.
Internal injuries can lead to many severe symptoms. However, they are not always easy to detect. Some internal injuries may not become painful until days after a crash. Therefore, if you believe you may have suffered internal injuries because of a motorcycle accident, you should seek medical care as soon as possible. Our lawyers can help find the right doctors for you.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries are also a common type of harm suffered by motorcycle accident victims. These injuries usually occur because of external blows to the head. Traumatic brain injuries can come in many forms and lead to an array of devastating symptoms. Riders who suffered such harm can contact our Elizabeth motorcycle accident lawyers for guidance and support on their paths to compensation.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Lastly, soft tissue injuries are a common type of injury suffered by motorcycle accident victims. These injuries occur in the form of damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These types of injuries are often very painful and debilitating. In many cases, riders with soft tissue injuries are prevented from returning to work until they recover. Plaintiffs with soft tissue injuries may be entitled to multiple forms of damages from the drivers responsible for their accideents.
Categories of Damages Available to Plaintiffs in Elizabeth, NJ Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits
There are several types of monetary damages available to plaintiffs in motorcycle accident lawsuits. The categories of damages available in you case will most likely depend on the extent of harm caused by your injuries. During a free review of your case, our Elizabeth motorcycle accident lawyers can explain which of the following types of damages may be recovered:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Punitive damages
The aforementioned damages can provide motorcycle accident victims with important support during periods of immense hardship.
If You Suffered a Motorcycle Accident in Elizabeth, NJ, Our Attorneys Can Help
If you were injured because of a motorcycle crash, seek help from our experienced Elizabeth motorcycle accident lawyers by calling The Carrion Law Firm at (718) 841-0083 to review your case for free.