Legal Rights of Motorcycle Passengers in Accident Cases in NJ

When you’re the one operating a vehicle, you should have a good idea of what to do if you get into an accident. That applies whether you’re the one who caused it or not. 

However, things become dicier when you’re merely a passenger. Even a minor collision can result in serious injuries for anyone on a motorcycle, so it’s critical to understand what steps to take in the immediate aftermath.

No matter what, it’s good to consult with a New Jersey motorcycle accident attorney at Rosengard Law Group to get a better understanding of the laws. But as soon as the accident occurs, here’s what to know. 

What Should a Passenger Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

You probably know that as a motorist, you need to exchange insurance information with other drivers involved in the crash. As a passenger, it’s vital not to sit idly by. Even if you feel perfectly find, here are the steps to take to bolster your case.

• Document the Scene: Someone within your party should take photos of the scene. This Documenting of the Accident scene includes damage to all vehicles involved and any apparent injuries. You may even want to take video of the immediate aftermath if you can. Plus, it’s always recommended for motorcyclists to ride with a dash cam that can provide more information into who was truly at fault for the accident.

• Call the Cops: It’s always good to have the police document the collision. Even if you believe you’re at fault, the police’s statement will be critical when communicating with insurance agencies.

• Get Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, you should see a doctor promptly. The rush of adrenaline following a crash may make it so that you feel better than you actually are. A thorough medical exam will determine if there are any injuries underneath the surface that require attention and need financial compensation.

• Get the Other Driver’s Insurance Information: Ideally, the motorcycle operator will get all of that information they can then share with you. But it’s always good to make your presence known and get it first-hand yourself. If you’re injured, you may need to go through the other person’s insurance to get it all paid for.  

• Contact an Attorney: You’ll want to get in touch with an experienced New Jersey motorcycle accident lawyer right away. At Rosengard Law Group, we provide a no fee promise so that you can learn about next steps without worrying about money right away. 

Types of Compensation for Motorcycle Passengers

As a motorcycle passenger, you can acquire a good deal of compensation following an accident, particularly if it was clearly someone else’s fault. Some types of compensation to discuss with your attorney include:

• Medical Expenses: If you’re hurt in any way, you can seek compensation to have those bills paid for. You shouldn’t be on the hook for expensive medical bills if you did nothing wrong. This may also include Future Medical Expenses.

• Lost Wages: To go to those doctor appointments, you may need to take time off work. A legal claim allows you to get that money back.

• Property Damage: As a passenger, it might not have been your bike damaged in a crash. But if you had anything on your person that sustained damage in the crash, you may be able to get compensated for that.

• Pain and Suffering: Motorcycle crashes are scary. They can really upend your life, and there may be costs you can’t even fathom yet, such as therapy bills if you have trouble getting on a motorcycle again. Pain and suffering costs compensate you for anything extra.

The exact amount of compensation a motorcycle passenger in a crash can expect comes down to a litany of factors. First and foremost, it’s crucial to submit an insurance claim to see if the other party will cover everything. If they can’t or won’t, then it’s good to look into legal action.

Legal Protections for Motorcycle Passengers

Before getting into legal protections motorcycle passengers have in New Jersey, it’s important for riders to always protect themselves. This includes wearing a DOT-approved helmet. Eye protection is also recommended to reduce the impact of any collisions. 

In New Jersey, motorcycle passengers can carry their own liability insurance in case they’re involved in a collision. Passengers can also file claims against whichever party holds the most liability. This includes the operator of the motorcycle the passenger was on. And if all else fails, a passenger can absolutely file a lawsuit against the offending party. 

If you’re a passenger involved in a motorcycle accident, call Rosengard Law Group at 856-284-6446 right away. We’ll look at your case, and even if it doesn’t end up going to court, it’s always good to have another opinion.