Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in New Jersey

Motorcyclists face the road with little protection — and when crashes happen, the injuries are almost always life-altering. While riders are often blamed or dismissed, the reality is clear: many motorcycle accidents are caused by negligent drivers who fail to share the road responsibly.

At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we represent injured motorcyclists and their families in complex, high-value litigation across New Jersey. From traumatic brain injuries to fatal collisions, we hold negligent drivers, trucking companies, and insurance carriers accountable. If you’ve been hurt or lost someone, we don’t just pursue compensation — we pursue justice.

Why Motorcycle Accident Claims Are Different

Motorcycle crashes are not typical traffic accidents. They often involve:

• Catastrophic injuries (spinal cord injuries, amputations, internal bleeding)
• Higher fatality rates
• Bias from insurance adjusters and jurors
• Liability disputes, especially at intersections or during lane changes
• Inadequate insurance coverage, including uninsured/underinsured motorists

We build every case with a litigation-first mindset, working with accident reconstruction experts, trauma physicians, and financial analysts to prove liability and damages.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

We investigate and litigate cases involving:

• Unsafe left turns by cars or trucks
• Drivers failing to yield or merging into motorcyclists
• Distracted or impaired driving
• Roadway hazards (gravel, potholes, poor signage)
• Defective bike parts or failed safety systems
• Speeding or aggressive driving around motorcycles

We move quickly to preserve evidence, obtain surveillance footage, download vehicle data, and file litigation before critical windows close.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

In a successful motorcycle accident claim, you may recover:

• Medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, rehab, future treatment)
• Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Wrongful death damages for surviving family members

We maximize every category of damages, including claims under your own motorcycle insurance if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

Frequently Asked Questions: NJ Motorcycle Accident Claims

Do I have to prove the other driver was 100% at fault?

No. New Jersey follows comparative negligence under N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.1. You can still recover damages if you were less than 51% at fault, though your recovery will be reduced accordingly.

What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?

Not wearing a helmet may reduce your damages for head injuries, but it doesn’t automatically bar your claim. New Jersey law requires helmets under N.J.S.A. 39:3-76.7, but liability depends on many factors.

Can I sue even if the driver was uninsured?

Yes — we pursue UM/UIM (uninsured/underinsured motorist) claims through your motorcycle policy and explore all avenues, including dram shop claims if alcohol was involved.

How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in NJ?

You generally have 2 years from the date of the crash under New Jersey’s statute of limitations. But don’t wait — evidence and witness memory fade quickly.

Do motorcycle passengers have the same rights?

Yes. Injured passengers can file claims against the driver of the motorcycle, another at-fault vehicle, or both. We represent passengers in solo crashes and multi-vehicle collisions.

Relentless Advocacy for Riders and Their Families

If you were injured in a motorcycle crash, or lost someone you love, don’t settle for a quick insurance offer. At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we know how to build cases that stand up in court — and we’re not afraid to take them there. Your injuries deserve accountability, and your recovery deserves full compensation.

Call 856-209-3111 or contact us online to schedule a no-cost consultation.