Motorcyclists are a common sight on New Jersey roadways. Their presence increases during the summer. While motorcycle enthusiasts enjoy hitting the road when the weather gets warm, there is also an increased risk of a crash.
Anecdotally and statistically, this is a growing concern about motorcycle safety. When there is a motorcycle accident, the potential for injury and death is high. Those who are hurt or have lost a loved one must think about how they will move forward personally and financially.
North Jersey motorcycle accidents are on the rise
During the summer, there have been several fatal motorcycle collisions in North Jersey. Three happened in July and two occurred in the first three days of August. This falls in line with the statistical information provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Using data compiled by AAA, it says that nearly six in 10 motorcyclist deaths occur in the warmer months of May to September.
Many of these accidents are because drivers of passenger vehicles are not adhering to the law when making turns or are simply not paying attention to motorcyclists. Even if riders are wearing protective gear, they are susceptible to catastrophic injuries.
This is not just a problem in the Garden State. The entire nation is facing the challenge of keeping motorcyclists safe. The NHTSA reports that in 2023, there were more than 6,300 motorcyclist fatalities. That comes to 15% of all road deaths. It is the highest total in nearly 50 years.
In New Jersey during the decade of 2014 to 2023, 13% of the more than 6,000 road deaths were motorcycle riders. What is particularly worrisome is that the number of traffic deaths in general have been on the decline, meaning that riders are at greater risk.
Injured riders and their families should know their rights
In a motorcycle crash, riders can suffer broken bones, cuts and bruises, requiring hospitalization. They might have head injuries, lose limbs, have spinal cord damage and other long-term problems. Or they could lose their lives.
This can be costly in every conceivable way with medical expenses, lost time at work, families that need to take care of an injured loved one or deal with an unexpected death. In the aftermath, it is vital to know how and why the accident happened. Understanding what can be done to make a full recovery and cover for all that was lost in a motorcycle accident may require help. Discussing the matter with those experienced in a wide variety of motor vehicle accidents can be essential to pursuing all available options.
