Motorcycle Accident Information & Motorcycle Accident Lawyers In New-jersey

Motorcycle accidents in New Jersey increased significantly between 2005 and 2006. There were 61 deaths caused by motorcycle accidents in 2005 and 87 fatalities in 2006, a 42.6 percent jump. Nationally, the number of fatal motorcycle accidents has risen every year for the past nine years. Motorcycle riders are over represented in fatal accidents. Bikers make up about two to four percent of the drivers on the road, yet motorcycle involved deaths made up 11.3 percent of the deaths in America in 2006. In New Jersey, that percentage matched national numbers exactly, meaning that the 87 fatalities in 2006 in New Jersey represented 11.3 percent of the total deaths.

When you consider the safety equipment on a motorcycle, or lack thereof, it is easy to understand why fatality rates are so high for motorcycle riders. By its very nature, a motorcycle is much less safe than other passenger vehicles. It is completely unrealistic to try to add safety features found in most automobiles to a motorcycle or scooter. Seat belts, air bags, safety cages and roll bars cannot be added to most two-wheeled conveyances. There is a 96 percent chance of injury in a single vehicle crash on a motorcycle, and a 98 percent chance of injury in a multi-vehicle accident. There is also a 45 percent chance that the injuries sustained will be severe.

One out of every four motorcycle accidents are single vehicle accidents. In most cases, the leading factor in these crashes is an inexperienced and under trained rider. 92 percent of riders involved in an accident have been taught to ride by family and friends or are self-taught. The most likely place for these types of accidents to occur is at a corner or curve. If a rider enters a curve going too fast, it becomes very difficult to navigate the corner successfully. If the rider leans too far to try to stay on the roadway, it is possible that the tires will slip out from under the bike, sending the rider and any passengers to the pavement. Depending on the rate of speed, it is likely that the slide will end with the bike and biker entering a lane of oncoming traffic or be sent off the road. If the driver does not lean far enough, he or she may, again, leave the road or enter a lane of oncoming traffic.

The other three out of four motorcycle accidents involve some other vehicle. In most cases, the other vehicle is a passenger vehicle that has violated the motorcycle rider’s right-of-way. In these accidents, the driver of the other vehicle claims not to have seen the rider at all, or not to have seen him soon enough to avoid the bike. While it is believed that headlights and wearing brighter clothing can help make a motorcycle more visible, any distraction along the roadway can misdirect a motorist’s attention. Even something as simple as sunlight reflecting off a window can render a motorcycle completely invisible to other drivers. A biker must always keep his or her attention on the road and other drivers.

Laws governing licensing and safety gear vary from state to state. You must be at least seventeen years old to drive a motorcycle in New Jersey. While you may receive a motorcycle only license, most riders have a motorcycle endorsement added to their valid driver’s license. To receive you motorcycle endorsement, you apply for your permit and take a vision and written knowledge test. Your permit is valid for ninety days and allows you to ride with licensed motorcycle rider on another bike. Once you feel comfortable with your motorcycle skills, you may take and pass a road skills test to obtain your permission to ride. You may also wish to take a Motorcycle Safety Education Program. These courses provide instruction on riding basics and allow you to actually ride a motorcycle under controlled conditions. If you attend and pass one of these state approved courses, you may waive the road skills test. Safety helmets are required for all riders in the state of New Jersey. They must meet sate minimum standards and have some form of reflective device on them.

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