Why You Should Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer in New Jersey is essential if you have suffered an accident. In New Jersey, there is a “verbal threshold” that applies to certain types of accidents, so be sure to discuss your case with an attorney before you file a lawsuit. This limitation allows you to opt for a cheaper insurance premium. However, there is a statute of limitations that applies to motorcycle accidents. The statute of limitations is two years after the date of the accident.
Distracted driving causes motorcycle accidents
The number of fatal motorcycle accidents has steadily increased over the last couple of decades, and many attribute the increase to distractions caused by distracted driving. Motorcycle accidents were below three thousand per year in the 1990s, but the number began to increase sharply in the early to mid-2000s and now hovers around five thousand. Distractions can be of various kinds, including visual, audio, and cognitive. Distractions while driving can include cell phone use, eating, and other objects in the driver’s path.
UM/UIM insurance
The first step in filing a claim against a negligent party is to determine if they carry enough insurance to cover your damages. If the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance to cover your expenses, you may have to file a claim against your own insurance company, which will pay out the full amount of the policy limits. Another step to take is to contact your own insurance company and submit a UIM claim.
Documenting the scene of the accident
When a motorcycle accident occurs, documenting the scene is vital for a compensation claim. The scene of the accident is important to help reconstruct the accident and gather evidence to support your claim. Documenting the scene includes sketching out the route of the vehicles, taking pictures of the damage, and recording any observations of the accident. These documents will help you later prove who was at fault. Listed below are some ways to document the scene of a motorcycle accident.
Reasons to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer
Many injuries associated with a motorcycle accident are life-altering. These injuries can range from disfiguring burns to serious head or brain injuries. If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to hire a motorcycle accident attorney. Your lawyer will be able to determine how serious your injuries are and what future medical expenses you will incur. A New Jersey motorcycle accident attorney will work to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries.
Time limit for filing a personal injury claim after a motorcycle accident in New Jersey
While the New Jersey statute of limitations is usually a year, it may be a little longer for personal injury claims. In New Jersey, a personal injury claim must be filed within two years of the accident. That means that you should contact an attorney as soon as possible after your motorcycle accident. This is because evidence can disappear quickly and witnesses can forget important details. The sooner you file a claim, the better.
