Somerset Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Experienced Legal Help For Injured Riders & Families

Motorcycle crashes in and around Somerset often leave riders with severe injuries, long hospital stays, and sudden financial strain. If you or someone close to you was hurt on a bike, you may be facing medical bills, missed work, and insurance companies that do not see the full impact of what happened.

At Palmisano & Goodman, P.A., we help injured riders and families across central New Jersey understand their options and pursue compensation after serious motorcycle collisions. Since 1974, our firm has focused on significant injury and wrongful death cases, and we know how different a motorcycle crash can be from a typical car accident.

Our attorneys bring a trial-minded approach to every case, along with personal attention and honest advice. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, so you do not pay any attorney fees unless there is a recovery.

To schedule a free consultation, call (732) 709-4400 today.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

While road conditions and weather can play a role, the vast majority of motorcycle accidents in Somerset are caused by the negligence of other motorists. Because motorcycles have a smaller profile, drivers often claim they "didn't see" the rider until it was too late. Common causes include:

• Left-Hand Turns: This is the most frequent cause of motorcycle collisions. A driver turns left at an intersection, failing to see an oncoming motorcycle or misjudging its speed, striking the rider mid-turn.
• Blind Spot Accidents: Passenger vehicles often change lanes without checking thoroughly, side-swiping motorcyclists who are riding legally in their lane.
• Distracted Driving: With the rise of smartphone use, drivers on busy Somerset roads like Route 27 are more distracted than ever, leading to rear-end collisions and sudden lane departures.
• Dooring: In more urbanized sections of Somerset, a parked driver may open their car door into the path of an oncoming rider without looking.
• Road Hazards: Potholes, uneven pavement, and loose gravel—which might be a minor nuisance to a car—can be deadly for a motorcyclist.

New Jersey Motorcycle Laws

New Jersey has specific statutes that govern motorcycle operation and insurance claims. Understanding these is vital for any successful legal action.

First and foremost, New Jersey is a "no-fault" state for auto insurance, but there is a major catch for riders: Motorcycles are generally excluded from standard Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. This means that if you are injured, your own auto insurance policy likely won't cover your medical bills the same way it would if you were in a car. You must rely on your private health insurance or seek recovery from the at-fault party's insurance.

Additionally, New Jersey law requires:

• Helmet Usage: All riders and passengers must wear a USDOT-approved helmet.
• Goggles/Face Shields: Required unless the motorcycle is equipped with a wind screen.
• Daytime Headlights: All motorcycles manufactured after 1977 must display headlights at all times while in operation.

Where Do Motorcycle Crashes Often Occur in Somerset?

Somerset, NJ, and the surrounding Franklin Township area feature a mix of suburban streets and high-traffic corridors. Our team frequently sees accidents occurring on these local routes:

• Route 27 (Lincoln Highway): The heavy commercial traffic and frequent intersections make this a high-risk area for riders.
• Easton Avenue: As a major artery connecting Somerset to New Brunswick, the high volume of commuters often leads to aggressive driving and lane-change accidents.
• Route 514 (Amwell Road): The winding nature of some sections of this road can be dangerous if drivers are speeding or drifting over the center line.
• Interstate 287: High-speed collisions on I-287 often result in the most severe, permanent injuries for motorcyclists.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Unlike occupants of a car, motorcyclists have no steel cage, airbags, or seatbelts to protect them. Even with the best protective gear, the physical impact of a crash can be devastating. Common injuries we see include:

• Road Rash: This is far more than a "scrape." Severe road rash can involve multiple layers of skin being torn away, leading to permanent scarring, infection, and the need for skin grafts.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even with a helmet, the force of an impact can cause concussions or permanent cognitive impairment.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the neck or back can result in partial or full paralysis, changing a rider's life forever.
• Fractures and "Biker's Arm": When a rider is thrown, they instinctively put their arms out to break the fall. This often results in shattered wrists, elbows, and shoulders.

Compensation for Injured Motorcyclists

A successful claim handled by a Somerset motorcycle accident lawyer can help you recover "damages"—the legal term for financial compensation. These typically include:

Economic Damages

These are quantifiable financial losses such as:

• Hospital bills and ER visits
• Surgeries and specialized medical care
• Physical therapy and long-term rehabilitation
• Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
• Motorcycle repair or replacement costs

Non-Economic Damages

These cover the intangible impact on your life, including:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and PTSD
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent disfigurement or scarring

Motorcycle Accident Claim FAQs

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

New Jersey follows a "comparative negligence" rule. You can still recover compensation as long as you were not more than 50% responsible for the crash. However, your total award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but found 20% at fault, you would receive $80,000.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit in New Jersey?

Generally, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in New Jersey is two years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to sue.

Why shouldn't I just take the insurance company's first offer?

Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Their first offer is almost always a "lowball" amount that won't cover your long-term medical needs. A lawyer can help you calculate the true value of your claim, including future care.

Why Injured Riders Choose Our Firm

When a motorcycle crash turns life upside down, the lawyer you choose can affect how your case is developed and how insurers respond. Riders and families turn to us because we combine high-level trial credentials with the kind of direct, small firm attention people want when the stakes are high.

Two of our attorneys, Robert G. Goodman and Gregory G. Goodman, are certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as Civil Trial Attorneys. That distinction is held by only a small percentage of lawyers in the state, and it reflects significant trial experience in civil cases. In serious motorcycle injury claims where liability is disputed or damages are substantial, that type of trial background can be especially important.

Since 1974, our firm has secured hundreds of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for injured people and families, including more than 40 recoveries ranging from $1 million to $10 million in catastrophic injury and fatal accident cases. These results show that we regularly handle claims involving life-changing harm, which is often the reality after a major motorcycle collision.

We are a trial firm at our core. That means we prepare cases thoroughly and are willing to go to a jury when insurance companies or corporate defendants refuse to act fairly. At the same time, we remain a family firm that provides personal attorney handling rather than passing clients from person to person. Our goal is to give injured riders the courtroom strength they need and the personal attention they deserve.

We offer free consultations, so you can reach out as soon as you are ready.