New Jersey Personal Injury Blog

Motorcyclist Killed in New Jersey Accident on Fortescue Road

A 44-year-old Cedarville man was killed in a motorcycle accident in Downe Township on Fortescue Road, the News of Cumberland County reports. The motorcyclist lost control and veered off of the right side of the road. The motorcycle caught fire after colliding with a utility pole. Police are investigating what may have led to the fatal New Jersey motorcycle crash.

The family of someone killed in a New Jersey motorcycle accident should preserve the vehicle unaltered so that a thorough investigation may be conducted. An accident reconstruction expert can examine a motorcycle and the scene of an accident to determine the factors that may have led to a crash.

Families of deceased accident victims may be able to assert claims for compensation for in a wrongful death lawsuit. Experienced New Jersey wrongful death attorneys can assist the family of a crash victim by making claims for unpaid medical bills, funeral expenses, future lost income and benefits, and, the future lost services, guidance, counseling, advice, companionship and assistance of the decedent.

If you have lost a loved one in a New Jersey auto accident that was caused by the negligence of another, or, as the result of a defective product or hazardous road condition, contact the experienced New Jersey accident lawyers at Blume Goldfaden by calling 973-635-5400 for a no-cost consultation of your potential accident claim.

New Jersey Man Suffers Head Injuries in Motorcycle Accident

The Jersey Journal reported that a 32-year-old man from Elizabeth, New Jersey, suffered head injuries after the motorcycle he was riding collided with two vehicles on a ramp leading to the Pulaski Skyway in Jersey City. The injured motorcyclist was transported to a local hospital and was reported to be in stable condition. The driver of one of the cars was issued a summons for driving an unregistered vehicle with a suspended license.

New Jersey motorcycle accidents can cause serious harm as drivers and riders of motorcycles are less protected than riders in motor vehicles. Head and internal injuries and fractures are some of the most common types of injuries suffered by motorcycle riders. Those injured in motorcycle accidents also often incur significant expenses related to the costs of medical care, and, loss of wages due to disability.

If you have been injured in a New Jersey motorcycle accident caused by the negligence of another driver you may be compensated for your injuries and other damages. Contact the skilled New Jersey motorcycle accident attorneys of Blume Goldfaden to find out how we can help you secure fair and reasonable compensation for your losses. Call us at 973-635-5400 to schedule your no-cost consultation to discuss your potential claim.

Route 130 Fatal Accident Involving Two Motorcycles and Camper Trailer

A 36 year old motorcyclist has been killed and another critically injured after being involved in an accident with a camper trailer on Route 130. An nj.com article reports that the power of the collision caused the trailer to catch fire after its propane tanks ruptured. The two motorcyclists reportedly crashed into the camping trailer as it attempted to navigate a left turn into the southbound lanes of Route 130.

According to the article, the camper was being towed by a pickup truck and the driver was not injured in the fiery crash. The motorcyclist who survived the accident has been listed in critical, but stable, condition after enduring an amputated leg. Mercer County officials were at the scene of the collision for many hours trying to establish how the accident occurred.

As this accident demonstrates, it only takes a few seconds for a serious injury and fatal motorcycle crash to occur. Although investigators are still determining the exact cause of this accident, the cause of motorcycle accidents in New Jersey may be contributed by factors other than motorcycle operator negligence, such as inattention of a car or truck driver, as well a unsafe road conditions.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes that on average, more than 85% of motorcycle riders killed in two-vehicle crashes involved passenger vehicles and 98% of the fatalities were motorcycle riders with only 2% of the fatalities being passenger vehicle occupants. Due to the inherent risks associated with driving a motorcycle, which does not have the shielding protection that passenger cars, campers, and trucks offer, motorcyclists are at a greater risk of injury when other motorists fail to see them or cause accidents due to negligence operation of their vehicles.

At Blume Goldfaden, our New Jersey motorcycle accident attorneys understand the physical, financial, and emotional consequences that an injured motorcyclist faces after being in a serious crash. Likewise, family members who lose a loved one in a motorcycle collision must not only cope with their sudden loss and grief, but also face several challenges as well, such as the future loss of the loved one’s income, guidance, counseling, services, advice and companionship. To learn more about your legal rights and potential personal injury or wrongful death claim, call us at 973-635-5400 for a no-cost consultation.

Fatal New Jersey Motorcycle Accident

A 56 year old motorcyclist died after he was struck by a driver who made a left turn in front of him. According to a news report in the Hunterdon County Democrat, the man was operating his motorcycle when a 38 year old woman made a left turn in front of him into a driveway. The man was thrown from his bike and sustained a fatal head injury. He was transported to an area hospital where he died a few days later.

According to a 2006 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report about 75 percent of motorcycle accidents involved collisions with other vehicles, most often a passenger vehicle. Two-thirds of multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents involved a failure to yield the right-of-way to a motorcycle. The failure of motorists to observe motorcycles in traffic is one of the main causes of these accidents. In a majority of vehicle versus motorcycle collisions, the driver of the other vehicle failed to see the motorcycle until it was too late.

Personal injury and wrongful death claims can be filed when another person’s negligence causes death, or non-fatal physical, emotional and economic harm to the accident victims. Injured motorcyclists can seek compensation related to unpaid medical expenses, lost wages, disability and physical pain and suffering. Families of deceased accident victims may also be able to pursue a claim for wrongful death, including claims for loss of future income and the value of the lost advice, guidance, counseling, companionship, support and services which would have been provided by the deceased throughout his/her life.

If you would like to obtain more information about your legal rights and options, contact the experienced New Jersey motorcycle accident lawyers of Blume Goldfaden. Call us at 973-635-5400 for a no-cost consultation.

Mayor of Lancaster Injured in New Jersey Motorcycle Accident

The mayor of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was injured while riding a motorcycle in New Jersey. WGAL.com reports that a box truck ran through a stop sign and hit the rider while he was on his BMW motorcycle. The mayor was wearing a helmet and other protective gear. However, he suffered a fractured collarbone, several fractured ribs and lung contusions.

Box trucks are oversized cargo trucks that do not require a motorist to have a commercial driver’s license. They are usually operated by individuals who are transporting goods, and, the general public can also rent them (typically through companies such as Ryder, Penske and U-haul, etc.). As a result of the limited license requirements, people with little or no experience sometimes operate these vehicles. An inexperienced truck driver may not understand truck handling, how long it takes to stop a box truck, or where all the “blind spots” are located.

Additionally, motorcycle accidents commonly lead to serious injuries, even at low impact speeds. Without the protection of an enclosed vehicle around them, motorcycle riders are vulnerable to the contact made with vehicles and the roadway. In fact, according to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), between 1975 and 1999, 38,000 motorcycle riders were killed in accidents.

Common causes of motorcycle accidents include impaired drivers under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, impaired vision, the failure of drivers of other vehicles to make proper observations of traffic, and, hazardous roadways (including road debris, potholes and road repairs).

NHTSA statistic also indicate that head injuries are one of the most common causes of motorcyclist death; and, that the lack of helmet use was also a common factor among a majority of riders who died in these accidents.

Negligent drivers who cause injuries, as well as municipalities, private property owners, and others responsible for the design and maintenance of roadways can potentially be held responsible for an accident resulting in injury.

If you have been injured in a New Jersey motorcycle accident, contact the experienced NJ personal injury attorneys at Blume Goldfaden by calling 973-635-5400 for a no-cost consultation and evaluation of your potential personal injury claim.

Andover Motorcyclist Critically Injured in New Jersey Crash

A 29-year-old man from Andover Township is in critical condition after his motorcycle was struck by a car. The New Jersey Herald reports that a 73-year-old man from Blairstown made a left turn in front of the motorcycle. The car was heading northbound on an access road near Hampton Plaza in Hampton, New Jersey. The rider suffered critical injuries. The motorcycle accident is currently under investigation.

According to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a majority of motorcycle accidents occur at intersections. Under New Jersey law, a driver making a left hand turn must yield to oncoming traffic, including at an intersection. Additionally, NHTSA reports that the incidence of motorcycle accidents have been steadily increasing with 5,290 motorcycle accident fatalities in the United States in 2008, which reflects a 2 percent increase over the number of motorcyclists killed in 2007. Similarly, in 2008, 96,000 people in the United States were injured as a result of motorcycle collisions.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a New Jersey motorcycle crash as a result of a negligent or reckless driver, contact the New Jersey motorcycle accident attorneys at Blume Goldfaden. Our personal injury lawyers are experienced in protecting the rights of motorcycle accident victims. Call us at 973-635-5400 for a no-cost review of your potential claim and to find out how we can help.

Ocean Grove Rider Dies in Motorcycle Accident

A recent motorcycle accident in Tinton Falls took the life of a 36 year old Ocean Grove man. According to an app.com article, after losing control of his motorcycle, the man collided with a cement divider along Route 33. The accident is still being investigated, and officials are examining whether another vehicle contributed to the motorcyclist losing control. Other causes of this tragic accident may also include dangerous road conditions (such as the existence of debris or uneven/poorly maintained road surfaces), or, a defective motorcycle part.

Although any motorist that loses control of a vehicle faces the potential of suffering injury, motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to some of the most catastrophic injuries. Data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed that in 2007, in relation to each vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists were approximately 35 times more likely to die in a traffic collision than occupants of passenger vehicles.

Litigation involving motorcycle accidents in New Jersey can be extremely complex. Blume Goldfaden’s attorneys have the years of experience and knowledge to pursue our clients’ claims and protect their rights. If you or a loved one were involved in a motorcycle accident which you believe was due to the fault of another, call Blume Goldfaden today at 973-635-5400 for a no cost consultation.

Source Article: http://www.app.com/article/20090918/NEWS/90918064/1001/rss

Motorcycle Seal Defect Could Result in Engine Failure

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently reported that BMW has recalled certain motorcycles that were manufactured between August 2006 and January 2008. The product defect in question involves a seal of the fuel pump control housing unit, which could fail, allowing water to enter the control unit housing, increasing humidity within the vehicle’s mechanical systems. The increased humidity could eventually corrode the fuel pump, causing it to fail. Without fuel being able to properly reach the engine, the engine could abruptly stop, causing the motorcycle to suddenly stall while being operated. If such an engine failure were to occur, the operator of a motorcycle would be placed at high risk for losing control of the vehicle, and, being involved in a serious accident.

Motorcycles are complex sophisticated machines. All parts and systems need to be working properly and at optimum levels in order to ensure rider safety. If not, something as simple as seal failure can affect other engine parts and render the machine dangerous to operate. Motorcyclists that experience any failure during operation should know that motorcycle manufacturers, designers and distributors could be held liable for their products’ defects.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident contact an experienced product liability attorney at Blume Goldfaden. Our skilled motorcycle accident attorneys will evaluate the circumstances of your accident to determine whether you have a viable claim for damages. Call us today at 973-635-5400 for more information and a no cost consultation.

Source:http://nhthqnwws112.odi.nhtsa.dot.gov RCLMTY-082009-1234.pdf