Although motorcycles can be exciting and energy efficient, they can also be quite vulnerable to accidents on New Jersey roads. Because a rider is not protected by the interior of a vehicle as other motorists are, an accident can result in serious injuries or death. This makes it particularly important for motorcycle operators to be well-trained in the use of their bikes. However, other motorists are equally responsible for exercising diligence on the roads to minimize their risks of colliding with a motorcycle.
Many of the most common motorcycle accidents result from judgement errors or a lack of experience with a bike. For example, corner accidents may occur due to excessive speed. Accidents involving the opening of a parked vehicle’s door typically occur because a motorcyclist is riding between an active lane and a parking lane, an example of poor judgement. Failure to pay attention while riding in a group can lead to a motorcylist’s crashing into a fellow biker. Locked front brakes can lead to serious wrecks as well. Practicing the use of the front brake is the best way to develop the skill needed to handle a motorcycle effectively on the road.
Motorcycle accidents caused by drivers of other types of vehicles are often the result of visibility problems. One of the most common scenarios involves a vehicle making a left turn in front of a motorcycle because of the driver’s failure to see clearly. Similarly, a driver may change lanes, crashing into a motorcycle that was in a blind spot. While motorcyclists need to learn to identify such situations in order to ride more defensively, other motorists need to be courteous and cognizant as they share the roads with motorcycles.
A motorcyclist who is injured because of a motorist’s inattentiveness could deal with long-term medical consequences depending on the severity of the accident. Legal representation might be important for pursuing a personal injury claim to address medical expenses and lost wages.
