In a city where traffic moves fast and drivers barely check their mirrors, Newark motorcyclists face risks at every turn. A quick ride from the Ironbound to Branch Brook Park can turn serious when a driver drifts into another lane, misjudges speed, or fails to check a blind spot.
Riders deserve better. Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C. has spent over 30 years standing up for those injured on Newark’s streets. We know that the last thing you need after a crash is more stress. You need answers and action. That’s where a Newark motorcycle accident lawyer can help.
Where Do Motorcycle Crashes Happen in Newark?
Riding through Newark isn’t the same as driving a car. Motorcycles move differently, react faster, and require drivers to stay alert. Certain areas of Newark pose greater risks to riders than others, such as:
- Raymond Boulevard near Penn Station. Rideshare drop-offs, buses, and pedestrians create chaos at every turn.
- Route 22 near Hillside. Fast-moving traffic and sudden lane shifts can leave riders with little room to react.
- McCarter Highway (Route 21). Heavy trucks and aggressive drivers make this a high-risk corridor for collisions.
- Springfield Avenue. Cars are known to dart between side streets in this area, often without slowing down or looking for motorcycles.
- Turnpike on-ramps near Newark Liberty International Airport. Vehicles merge at high speeds here, often failing to yield.
Every rider has a story about a close call, but some aren’t fortunate enough to walk away from those moments. In many crashes, the driver at fault claims, “I didn’t see the motorcycle.” But the issue isn’t about visibility—it’s about paying attention.
What Are the Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Newark?
A motorcycle doesn’t take up much space on the road but demands as much awareness as any other vehicle. The problem? Too many drivers don’t notice until it’s too late. A car door swings open, a truck drifts too close, or a driver glances at a phone—these choices can turn an ordinary ride into a collision.
For motorcyclists, Newark roads are full of hazards that larger vehicles barely register. These include:
- Left turns at intersections. A driver assumes they have enough space to turn or miscalculates the speed of an approaching motorcycle.
- Blind spot collisions. A motorcycle disappears in a driver’s side mirror, leading to sudden lane changes into a rider’s path.
- Rear-end impacts. When a vehicle follows too closely, you have less time to safely come to a stop. Even at lower speeds, a rear-end collision can send a motorcyclist off balance.
- Speeding. The faster a vehicle moves, the less time there is to react to nearby motorcycles.
- Impaired driving. Alcohol and drugs reduce awareness, making it even easier for a driver to miss a motorcyclist.
Even when a motorcyclist anticipates sudden moves from drivers, they can’t prevent every crash. If you’re hurt on the road, a Newark motorcycle crash lawyer can help examine every factor, from driver mistakes to road conditions, to determine what led to the collision.
What Injuries Are Common in Newark Motorcycle Crashes?
A motorcycle doesn’t have airbags or a steel frame to absorb the impact of a crash. When riders go down, the injuries can be serious. Some of the most common include:
- Head and brain injuries. Even with a helmet, riders can suffer concussions or long-term trauma that affects memory and coordination.
- Spinal cord damage. A back injury can lead to ongoing pain, loss of movement, or paralysis.
- Broken bones. Wrists, arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones take the brunt of a crash.
- Road rash. Sliding across pavement can cause abrasions beyond the skin, sometimes requiring surgery.
- Internal injuries. Organ damage and internal bleeding may not be visible at first but can be life-threatening.
- Facial fractures and dental damage. The impact of a crash can break jaws, noses, and teeth.
- Soft tissue damage. Torn ligaments, sprains, and dislocations often require surgery or ongoing treatment.
- Amputations. Some crashes cause permanent loss of limbs.
- Psychological trauma. Anxiety, PTSD, and depression can follow a serious motorcycle accident.
Unlike injuries from car accidents, motorcycle accident injuries are not typically covered by New Jersey’s no-fault insurance system. However, you may still have options to recover compensation for medical expenses and other losses through the at-fault driver’s insurance or a personal injury claim.
How Can You Get Compensation After a Motorcycle Crash in Newark?
Riders injured in motorcycle accidents often face painful, long-term consequences that go beyond just physical harm. Under New Jersey’s liability laws, if the other driver is at fault for the crash, they could be financially responsible for the cost of the damage you suffered. Recovering damages isn’t just about what you’ve lost—it’s about securing the resources you need to heal.
Here are some of the potential damages you could recover after a collision that wasn’t your fault:
- Medical costs. You can recover compensation for medical expenses, including immediate emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and future medical needs.
- Lost wages. If you miss time from work due to your injuries, compensation can help replace the income you lost during your recovery period.
- Property damage. If your motorcycle or personal property was damaged, you may be entitled to compensation for repairs or replacement costs.
- Pain and suffering. Compensation could be available for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident, including any ongoing pain or trauma.
- Reduced quality of life. If your injuries limit your ability to participate in daily activities, enjoy hobbies, or maintain personal relationships, you can seek compensation for the impact on your life.
Be aware: New Jersey’s comparative negligence law can come into play when determining compensation. Courts may reduce your compensation if they determine you share partial responsibility for the crash. If you hold some fault, it’s all the more crucial to have support from a Newark motorcycle accident attorney. A Newark motorcycle wreck lawyer can guide you through the legal process of seeking compensation and help protect your rights under New Jersey’s comparative negligence laws. An experienced attorney can gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and build a strong case to maximize your recovery.
Need a Newark Motorcycle Injury Attorney? Call Today
Don’t wait too long to get the help you need. New Jersey has a statute of limitations for filing personal injury claims. Missing the deadline means losing the opportunity to recover damages, so it’s important to seek help from a Newark motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible to avoid missing this critical time window.
When you are injured in a motorcycle crash, you need a skilled attorney who understands the road ahead. With over three decades spent advocating for the rights of motorcyclists injured by negligent drivers, Glugeth & Pierguidi has the experience and strategic insights to help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C. today to discuss your case. We’ll help ensure your rights are protected.