Did you know that several of the Northern New Jersey motorcycle accident lawyers at Buttafuoco & Associates are experienced motorcycle riders? Our founder, Daniel P. Buttafouco started as a teenager with off-road motorbikes, and since then has owned many motorcycles. We understand what it means to ride motorcycles, and we know how dangerous motorcycle accidents can be. If you find yourself in an accident, Buttafuoco & Associates can provide you with knowledgeable legal representation with a personal touch.
Common Motorcycle Accidents
According New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety, over 50% of motorcycle accidents involving two vehicles occur at intersections. It should also be noted that the most frequent reasons for these accidents are not because the motorcyclist is at fault. About 66% of the time, it’s the fault of other motorists who fail to see the motorcyclist. The low profile of the motorcycle makes it more likely that other drivers fail to see the vehicle. When we combine this with glare, poor visibility from weather, an obstructed view, or the driver simply not paying enough attention, it can create a dangerous situation.
At Buttafuoco & Associates we know that even a cautious and experienced rider can get into an accident, and more importantly, we understand what matters legally when it comes to recovering compensation from the other driver. This has led to our track record of success in these types of cases.
Motorcycle Licensing and the Law
For the most part, laws pertaining to operating a motorcycle are identical to other vehicles on the road. Everyone has to stop at stop signs! However, depending on where you live, it’s likely that there are additional regulations for motorcycles. For example, there is often additional driver education. In addition, operating a motorcycle requires specialized licensing and an additional road test. Sometimes motorcyclists might not realize this or chose not to go through the process of obtaining a motorcycle license. However, whether you have a motorcycle license or not, this fact is not admissible in court.
In other words, if you don’t have a motorcycle license, it does not affect your case in most jurisdictions. There is a common misconception that lacking a motorcycle license will sink your case, but that’s just not true. This additional licensing is certainly helpful to keep yourself and others safe while operating a motorcycle, but an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Northern New Jersey knows that it has no legal bearing on a lawsuit. What’s more important is how the accident happened.
Motorcycle Safety Equipment
Wearing a helmet isn’t just a prudent safety decision: it’s the law in the state of New Jersey. Also, a helmet is not the only piece of safety equipment required in many states. Depending on your jurisdiction, additional required safety equipment can include protective eyewear, turn signals, protective clothing, or specialized footwear, to name a few. Furthermore, safety equipmentnot only keeps you safe in an accident, but it matters legally when it comes to who’s determined to be at fault. If eyewear is worn improperly, for instance, it can even cause an accident.
So, if you or a loved one needs a motorcycle accident lawyer serving Northern New Jersey, don’t hesitate to reach out to Buttafuoco & Associates.
Call today at 1-800-NOW-HURT.
