Get A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer On Your Side
In one recent summer weekend, eight motorcyclists were killed across New Jersey, demonstrating what state authorities warn is a troubling upward trend in the number of motorcycle deaths. For each of those deaths, several more motorcyclists were seriously injured, sometimes critically.
If a motorcycle accident injures you or someone you love, an experienced New Jersey motorcycle accident lawyer with Shebell & Shebell can help you recover full and fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages or income, pain and suffering, and more.
Motorcycle Accident Guide
- Do I Have a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
- Who May You Hold Liable in a Motorcycle Accident Case?
- Motorcycle Accident Injuries Are Usually More Severe
- What Compensation is Available to Motorcycle Accident Survivors?
- Is There a Deadline for Filing a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in New Jersey?
- Shebell & Shebell’s Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Start Fighting for You Today
Why Choose Shebell & Shebell for Your New Jersey Motorcycle Accident Case?
At Shebell & Shebell, we’re not just New Jersey motorcycle accident attorneys—we’re riders ourselves. Our principals, Ray and Tom Shebell, have been motorcycle enthusiasts for many years.
Ray Shebell has been riding a Harley for more than four decades and has toured the country on two wheels. Tom Shebell has been riding motorcycles since he was eight years old and still rides every day he can.
As riders, Ray and Tom appreciate the beauty and enjoyment of riding a bike but also know the dangers that riders face on New Jersey roads and highways. Contrary to popular perceptions, most motorcyclists ride with caution and respect for other motorists and are knowledgeable in collision avoidance techniques.
However, other motorists don’t always treat motorcyclists with the same respect they hold for drivers of larger vehicles. One wrong move by a negligent driver can be an instant death sentence for a motorcyclist.
At Shebell & Shebell, we have a deep understanding and appreciation for the challenges riders face, especially if they have been seriously injured in a motorcycle crash.
In addition to gaining an advocate who truly understands your perspective as a rider, Shebell & Shebell’s New Jersey personal injury lawyers provide:
- A History of Success: Since 1927, Shebell & Shebell has been fighting for the rights of injured individuals in New Jersey. Our long-standing history of successful cases and satisfied clients speaks volumes about our commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for those we represent.
- Client-Centered Approach: Every case is as unique as the individual behind it. Our client-centered approach means we take the time to listen to your story, understand your specific needs, and tailor our legal strategy to achieve your personal goals. You’re not just a case number – you’re a valued member of the Shebell & Shebell family.
- Skilled Trial Lawyers: Our motorcycle attorneys at Shebell & Shebell are seasoned trial lawyers with a strong record in the courtroom. Our willingness and ability to take cases to trial often result in higher settlement offers from insurance adjusters, as insurance companies know we’re prepared to fight for our clients before a judge or jury if necessary.
- No Recovery, No Fee: We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no upfront costs and owe us nothing for our services unless we win your case. This arrangement ensures our interests are aligned with yours, and it allows you to seek justice without financial risk.
Do I Have a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Determining whether you have a valid motorcycle accident claim begins with establishing the other party’s negligence by proving four key elements:
- Duty of care: The other party (usually another driver) owed you and everyone else on the road a duty to drive responsibly.
- Breach of duty: That party failed to uphold this duty through their actions or inactions.
- Causation: This failure directly caused your accident and resulting injuries.
- Damages: You suffered actual losses (physical, emotional, or financial) as a result.
New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, as long as your share of fault doesn’t exceed 50%.
Your New Jersey motorcycle accident attorney will fight any attempts to shift undue blame onto you for the accident.
Who May You Hold Liable in a Motorcycle Accident Case?
Multiple parties may share responsibility.
Potentially liable parties in New Jersey motorcycle accidents include:
- Other drivers: Car or truck drivers who fail to see motorcyclists or respect their right of way are often held liable.
- Government entities: If poor road design or maintenance contributed to your accident, local or state governments might be held responsible.
- Motorcycle or parts manufacturers: If a defective motorcycle or part causes an accident, you can hold the manufacturer liable under product liability laws.
- Commercial trucking companies: If your accident involved a tractor-trailer or other commercial vehicle, the company employing the driver might share liability.
- Motorcycle repair shop: If a defective repair caused or contributed to your accident, you can hold the repair shop liable.
At Shebell & Shebell, we conduct thorough investigations to identify all potentially liable parties, ensuring you have the best chance at full compensation.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries Are Usually More Severe
Motorcycle riders aren’t protected like other motorists. Due to the rider’s exposed position and lack of protective barriers, motorcycle accidents often result in more severe injuries than car accidents.
Some common injuries we see in our New Jersey motorcycle accident cases include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Even with a helmet, the force of impact can cause severe brain trauma.
- Spinal cord injuries: These can lead to partial or complete paralysis.
- Road rash: Severe skin abrasions that can lead to infections and permanent scarring
- Fractures and broken bones: Particularly common in the arms, legs, and ribs
- Internal injuries: Including organ damage and internal bleeding
- Amputations: In severe cases, limbs may be lost during the accident or require surgical amputation afterward.
The severity of these injuries often leads to higher medical bills, longer recovery times, and more significant impacts on the victim’s quality of life. This is why motorcycle accident victims in New Jersey need experienced legal representation.
What Compensation is Available to Motorcycle Accident Survivors?
New Jersey law allows motorcycle accident victims to seek various forms of compensation, known as damages. These fall into two main categories:
Economic Damages (Special Damages)
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Property damage (including motorcycle repairs or replacement)
- Rehabilitation costs
- Home modification expenses for permanent disabilities
Non-Economic Damages (General Damages):
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium (impact on personal relationships)
In cases of wrongful death resulting from a motorcycle accident, family members may recover additional compensation, including:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship and guidance
Our New Jersey motorcycle accident lawyers thoroughly assess your situation to cover all applicable damages.
Is There a Deadline for Filing a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in New Jersey?
Yes, in most cases, New Jersey’s statute of limitations for filing motorcycle accident lawsuits is two years from the accident date. However, some exceptions may affect the timeline of your case.
Shebell & Shebell’s Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Start Fighting for You Today
Every personal injury lawyer at Shebell & Shebell knows that a motorcycle accident is more than a legal case—it’s often a pivotal, life-altering event. We know the thrill of the open road, and we also know the challenges riders face, both on the asphalt and in the courtroom.
When you’re injured, you need more than just a lawyer; you need an advocate who speaks your language and fights with the same passion you bring to your rides.
From Monmouth County to Cape May, we’ve helped countless riders reclaim their lives after accidents. Don’t let insurance companies or negligent drivers rob you of your future on two wheels.
Call Shebell & Shebell today at (732) 663-1122 for a free consultation. Let’s discuss your case and get you back on the road—both literally and legally.
Shebell & Shebell, LLC – Shrewsbury Office
Address: 600 Broad St Suite 100
Shrewsbury, NJ 07702
Phone: 732-663-1122