®Lodi Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Injured in Jersey? Peter's Got Your Back!
At The Law Offices of Peter N. Davis & Associates, LLC, our Lodi motorcycle accident lawyer helps injured riders and their families recover money after a crash that someone else caused.
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A motorcycle crash can change your life in seconds. You may be facing surgery, time off work, and a bike that is no longer safe to ride.
Riders in New Jersey also face a problem most drivers never think about. Motorcycles do not get PIP coverage, so your medical bills can pile up fast while the at-fault driver’s insurer looks for reasons to pay less.
If you wait, evidence fades, witnesses forget, and legal deadlines get closer. We step in early so you can focus on healing while we build your claim.
As a Lodi personal injury lawyer with an office at 72 Essex Street, we have recovered over $1 billion in over 37 years of practice. Past results for our clients include:
- $800,000: Auto Accident.
- $700,000: Auto Accident.
Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome in your case.
Call (973) 279-7246 or request your free case review today.
What makes a strong Lodi motorcycle accident claim
Most motorcycle crash claims in New Jersey are based on negligence. To bring a claim, our team works to prove four elements:
- Duty of care: Every driver in New Jersey must drive with reasonable care toward others on the road. That includes watching for motorcycles, which are smaller and harder to see.
- Breach of duty: A driver breaks that duty by doing something careless, such as turning left in front of you or changing lanes without checking. Speeding, texting, and drunk driving are also common examples.
- Causation: We must show the driver’s careless act caused the crash and your injuries. Medical records and crash evidence help link the two.
- Damages: You must have real losses, such as medical bills, lost pay, or pain and suffering. Without damages, there is nothing to recover.
New Jersey’s comparative negligence law, N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.1, lets you recover as long as you were not more at fault than the party you are suing. Your award is reduced by your own share of fault, so insurers often try to shift blame onto the rider.
Compensation available to injured riders
The money you can pursue depends on your injuries and how the crash affected your life. Under New Jersey law, damages can include:
- Economic damages: These cover costs you can add up, such as hospital bills, surgery, physical therapy, and lost wages. They also include future care, lost earning ability, and the cost to repair or replace your motorcycle and gear.
- Non-economic damages: These cover pain, suffering, scarring, and the loss of the activities you enjoyed. For many riders, this includes losing the ability to ride again.
- Punitive damages: These may apply when a driver acted with actual malice or wanton and willful disregard, such as some drunk driving cases. N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.14 generally caps them at five times compensatory damages or $350,000, whichever is greater, with some exceptions.
- Wrongful death damages: When a rider dies, New Jersey limits wrongful death damages to the family’s financial losses, such as lost income and household services. A related survival claim may cover what the rider went through before passing.
What affects the value of a motorcycle crash claim
No lawyer can promise a specific amount. The table below shows general value ranges by injury type, not promises or predictions.
| Injury category | Common examples | General value range |
|---|---|---|
| Minor injuries that fully heal | Mild road rash, bruises, sprains | Lower |
| Moderate injuries | Broken wrist or ankle, deep road rash needing skin grafts | Moderate to higher |
| Serious or permanent injuries | Spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injury, amputation, degloving | Higher |
| Fatal injuries | Wrongful death claims brought by the family or estate | Often the highest |
Your actual value depends on the insurance available, your medical care, your lost income, and how fault is shared. We review all of these during your free case review.
When more than one party caused your motorcycle crash
Many motorcycle crashes involve more than one careless party. Depending on the facts, we may pursue a claim against:
- Car and SUV drivers
- Truck drivers and their trucking companies
- Bus drivers and transit operators
- Rideshare and delivery drivers
- Employers whose workers caused a crash while on the job
- Property owners or contractors who left debris or equipment on the road
- Manufacturers of defective motorcycle parts, such as brakes or tires
- Government agencies responsible for dangerous road conditions
Claims against a town, county, or state agency follow special rules under the New Jersey Tort Claims Act. We cover the strict notice deadline for those claims in the deadline section below.
Hypothetical scenario: A rider heads north on Main Street when a driver makes a left turn into a shopping center without yielding. The driver says, “I never saw the bike,” but a store camera shows the motorcycle had its headlight on and was traveling at a normal speed.
In a case like that, the video could help prove the driver failed to yield. Many of these crashes follow the same patterns we see as a Lodi car accident lawyer, but riders face extra bias from insurers.
Reach our Lodi motorcycle accident lawyer around the clock
We answer calls 24/7, so you can reach us when it suits you. Here is how to get in touch:
- Telephone: Call us at (973) 279-7246, day or night.
- Online: Send us the details of your crash through our contact page.
- In person: Visit our office at 72 Essex Street, Suite 2, Lodi, NJ 07644.
Your first case review is free, so call (973) 279-7246 to schedule your free consultation today.
You can see more of our case results on our results page.
Peter N. Davis
Founder & Personal Injury Attorney
Peter N. Davis founded The Law Offices of Peter N. Davis & Associates, LLC and has spent over 37 years representing injured people across New Jersey. Before starting his firm, he worked in insurance defense, giving him firsthand insight into how insurers evaluate and fight claims. He is licensed in New Jersey, New York, and Colorado and earned his J.D. from Golden Gate University School of Law.
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What Our Clients Are Saying About Us!
Real Clients and Real Reviews
I had a very positive experience with the Law Offices of Peter N. Davis & Associates. Nick Barrone handled my case, and I couldn’t be happier with the level of service I received. After my auto accident in Jersey City, NJ, I was dealing with ongoing back and neck pain and wasn’t sure what to expect from the legal process. Nick was professional, attentive, and always made sure I understood each step along the way. He took the time to answer my questions and genuinely cared about my situation. I felt supported throughout the entire process, which made a stressful situation much easier to handle. The firm worked diligently on my behalf and kept me informed the whole time. I truly appreciate their dedication and effort in helping me through this difficult experience. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of a reliable and compassionate attorney.
I highly recommend Peter Davis & Associates. In particular, Mr. David Ventoso, Esq. did an excellent job helping and assisting me. Mr. Ventoso was knowledgeable, professional and responsive.
All the staff members at the firm took the time to explain every detail and step of the process; they answered all my questions and were always kind. Special thanks to Ms. Carolyn for doing an amazing job.
If you're looking for an attorney in NJ who is trustworthy and really cares, Peter Davis & Associates is an excellent choice.
I highly recommend the Law Offices of Peter N. Davis.
After I was rear-ended in a car accident and suffered injuries to my neck and back, they provided outstanding representation during a very difficult time in my life.
My attorney, Robert Russotti, and my case manager, Muminah Ramadan, were professional, compassionate, and attentive throughout the entire process. They helped me obtain the medical treatment I needed and were always available to answer my questions and address any concerns I had. Their diligence, communication, and dedication gave me peace of mind while I focused on my recovery.
I am truly grateful for the support and guidance they provided during my hardship. I would not hesitate to recommend the Law Offices of Peter N. Davis to my family and friends.
Thank you so much for your help.
I want to especially thank David Ventoso for always informing me what was going on with my case. He kept up with all my questions and answered every time I called him.
Awesome staff also
Thank you again
Angela Selby
I had a great experience working with David Ventoso at the Law Offices of Peter N. Davis after my motor vehicle accident. I suffered injuries to my knee and lower back, and Mr. Ventoso along with Carolyn guided me through the entire process from start to finish.
They were always responsive to my questions and concerns, kept me informed, and made everything as stress-free as possible. They also referred me to receive the medical treatment I needed, which made a huge difference during my recovery.
Thanks to their hard work and dedication, I was very pleased with my compensation. I highly recommend this law firm to any friends or family in need of a personal injury attorney.
How our Lodi motorcycle accident attorney fights for riders
We handle the legal work so you can focus on getting better. Our Lodi motorcycle accident attorney can help with:
- Medical bills: We help you sort out which coverage pays first, since riders do not have PIP. We also deal with health insurance liens so more of your settlement stays with you.
- Lost wages: We document the pay you lost while you recovered. If you cannot return to the same job, we pursue lost earning capacity too.
- Property damage: We seek payment for your motorcycle, helmet, riding gear, and other damaged property. Custom parts and upgrades should be counted, not ignored.
- Emotional recovery: Many riders deal with anxiety or fear of riding after a crash. We make sure these losses are part of your claim.
- Future care: Serious injuries can need care for years. We work with your doctors to estimate future costs before you settle.
- Dealing with insurers: We handle every call and letter from the insurance company. That keeps you from saying something that could hurt your claim.
Next steps once you're home from the hospital
Once you are home and thinking about next steps, these actions can protect your claim:
- Get in touch with our Lodi motorcycle accident lawyer: Early help lets us save evidence, such as video, before it is erased. Waiting weeks to call a lawyer is one of the most common mistakes riders make.
- Get proper medical care: Follow every treatment plan and keep all appointments. Gaps in care give the insurer a reason to say you were not really hurt.
- Stay off social media: Insurers look at your posts for photos or comments they can use against you. Avoid posting about the crash, your injuries, or your activities until your case ends.
- Don’t accept the first offer: Early offers often come before you know the full cost of your injuries. Once you sign a release, you usually cannot ask for more.
- Watch your words with the insurer: Do not guess about speed, fault, or how you feel. Simple phrases like “I’m fine” can be twisted to lower your claim.
- Keep your records together: Save medical bills, pay stubs, repair estimates, and letters from insurers in one place. Missing paperwork can delay your case or reduce what you recover.
How insurers treat motorcycle riders unfairly
Based on our experience with riders, insurers often treat motorcycle claims with extra suspicion. It is much harder to push back on your own, but we know these tactics and how to respond:
- Blaming the rider: Adjusters may claim you were speeding or weaving, even with no proof. They do this to use comparative negligence to cut your payout.
- Quick, lowball offers: A fast check can look tempting when bills are due. These offers rarely cover long-term care or lost earnings.
- Early recorded statements: Adjusters may call within days and ask to record your account. Your words can later be used to dispute your injuries or fault.
- Delay tactics: Some insurers slow down the claim, hoping you get frustrated and settle for less. We keep pressure on and track every deadline.
- Social media checks: Insurers may review your profiles for photos that seem to show you active. A single picture taken out of context can hurt your claim.
- Disputing your treatment: They may argue your surgery or therapy was not needed. We work with your doctors to support the care you received.
Hit by an uninsured driver on your motorcycle?
Uninsured drivers are a real problem in New Jersey, and they can make it harder to get paid. Your own motorcycle policy may help fill the gap.
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage can pay when the at-fault driver has no insurance or flees the scene. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage can pay the difference when the driver’s limits are too low to cover your losses.
In limited situations, New Jersey’s Unsatisfied Claim and Judgment Fund may be a last option for people with no other coverage. We can also look for other sources, such as a second at-fault party, an employer, or MedPay on your own policy.
Hypothetical scenario: A rider is rear-ended at a red light near Route 46, and the driver has no insurance. After a review of the rider’s policy, the rider may be able to bring a UM claim against their own insurer for medical bills, lost pay, and pain and suffering.
Act fast, since UM and UIM claims have their own notice rules under your policy. Speaking with a lawyer early helps protect the value of your claim.
Additional reading: an uninsured driver hit my car in New Jersey: what should I do?
The statute of limitations for motorcycle crash claims
In New Jersey, you generally have two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit under N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2. Wrongful death claims also generally must be filed within two years of the death.
If a public entity may be at fault, such as for a poorly maintained road, you must file a notice of claim within 90 days under N.J.S.A. 59:8-8. Missing that notice can end your claim before it starts.
Some exceptions can change these deadlines, so do not rely on them alone. Contact our Lodi motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as you can.
Crash scene evidence that supports your motorcycle claim
Strong evidence helps prove fault and the full extent of your injuries. Here is what we work to collect:
- Police report: The crash report lists the drivers, witnesses, and the officer’s notes. If the Lodi Police Department responded, reports are available from its records division.
- Medical records: Records from the emergency room, such as Hackensack University Medical Center, and your follow-up care show the link between the crash and your injuries. They also document how your recovery is going.
- Photos and video: Pictures of the scene, your bike, and your injuries help show what happened. Business, traffic, and dashcam video can be erased within days, so we move fast.
- Witness statements: People who saw the crash can confirm the driver’s mistake. Their memories fade quickly, so early contact matters.
- Proof of driver negligence: Phone records, toxicology results, or traffic tickets can show the driver was careless. We request this evidence through formal channels.
- Vehicle data: Some cars store data about speed and braking before a crash. This can disprove claims that you were speeding.
- Repair estimates: Estimates and photos of your motorcycle show the force of the impact. They also support your property damage claim.
- Proof of lost income: Pay stubs, tax returns, and a letter from your employer show what you lost. Self-employed riders may need invoices or business records.
Gathering all of this while you are in pain is hard. Let us take that burden off your shoulders so you can focus on recovery while our law firm does the hard work.
No upfront cost to hire our team
We handle motorcycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no fee unless we recover money for you.
New Jersey Court Rule 1:21-7 caps contingency fees, including 33 1/3% on the first $750,000 recovered. You pay nothing up front, and you can get experienced help no matter your finances.
How riders’ medical bills get paid while you wait
This is one of the biggest worries for riders. Under N.J.S.A. 39:6A-2, motorcycles are not “automobiles” for PIP purposes, so riders generally cannot use auto PIP to pay medical bills.
Instead, your bills are usually paid in one of these ways:
- Health insurance: Your health plan often pays first while the case moves forward. The plan may then seek repayment from your settlement through a lien, which we work to reduce.
- MedPay: If you bought optional medical payments coverage on your motorcycle policy, it can pay some bills no matter who was at fault. Limits are often modest, so it may not cover everything.
- Payment from the settlement: Some providers may agree to wait for payment until your case ends. Those bills are then paid from your recovery.
Additional reading: does health insurance cover motorcycle accident injuries in Lodi, New Jersey?
Step by step: how we handle your motorcycle case
Here is how we handle your motorcycle accident claim from the first call to the final check:
- Free case review: We listen to what happened and explain your options. There is no cost and no obligation.
- Investigation: We gather the police report, video, witness statements, and photos. We may also work with crash reconstruction experts.
- Insurance review: We identify every policy that may apply, including the driver’s liability coverage and your UM or UIM coverage. This helps us find every source of payment.
- Medical documentation: We track your treatment and gather records and bills as you recover. This shows the full cost of your injuries.
- Calculating damages: We add up your medical costs, lost pay, and future needs. We also account for your pain, suffering, and lost quality of life.
- Demand letter: We send the insurer a detailed demand with evidence that supports your claim. This starts formal settlement talks.
- Negotiation: We push back on lowball offers and blame-shifting. Many cases settle at this stage.
- Filing a lawsuit: If the insurer will not pay a fair amount, we file suit before the deadline. In Bergen County, cases are usually heard at the Bergen County Justice Center in Hackensack.
- Discovery: Both sides exchange documents and take sworn testimony. This is where we often uncover more proof of the driver’s fault.
- Mediation or arbitration: Many New Jersey cases go to a neutral third party to try to settle. This can resolve your case without a trial.
- Trial: If needed, we present your case to a jury. We prepare every case as if it may go to trial.
- Resolution: Once your case resolves, we pay valid liens and bills from the recovery. You then receive your share.
An insurance insider now fighting for Lodi riders
Founding attorney Peter N. Davis worked in insurance defense before he founded our firm. That experience shows us how insurers think and how they try to limit what they pay.
Peter is licensed in New Jersey, New York, and Colorado, and he is an NFLPA Certified Contract Advisor. Over more than 37 years, our firm has served over 18,000 clients and recovered over $1 billion.
We are proud to be part of the Bergen County community. We partner with Seton Hall Athletics, the Brooklyn Cyclones, the New Jersey Devils and the Prudential Center, support Bucket City Basketball in Garfield, and run the Rise Above Scholarship for students.
For riders hurt anywhere in the state, our New Jersey motorcycle accident lawyer team offers the same personal attention. In Lodi, you can meet with us close to home on Essex Street.
General information on motorcycle accidents in Lodi
Lodi sits at the crossroads of busy Bergen County roads, including Route 17, Route 46, Main Street, and Essex Street. Bergen County’s Local Safety Action Plan lists NJ-17 through Lodi, Hackensack, and Hasbrouck Heights as a state road location of safety concern.
Students commuting to Felician University and workers heading to nearby highways add to local traffic. Here is what every rider in Lodi should know.
New Jersey motorcycle laws
New Jersey requires motorcycle operators and passengers to wear an approved helmet under N.J.S.A. 39:3-76.7. Riders must also wear approved goggles or a face shield unless the bike has a windscreen.
Not wearing a helmet does not stop you from bringing a claim. However, insurers often raise a “helmet defense,” using comparative negligence under N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.1 to argue that your head injuries would have been less severe.
That argument usually only affects injuries linked to the missing helmet, not a broken leg or other injuries. We prepare for this defense early with medical evidence.
Additional reading: how does the NJ helmet law affect your motorcycle injury claim?
Lane splitting, or riding between lanes of traffic, is not legal in New Jersey. The state’s motorcycle manual tells riders that vehicles and motorcycles each need a full lane, and you need a motorcycle license or endorsement to ride.
Additional reading: is lane splitting legal in NJ?
New Jersey insurance requirements
Insurance for riders works differently than it does for car owners. Here are the main points:
- Fault-based claims: Because riders are outside the PIP system, your injury claim is brought against the at-fault driver or other responsible party. Comparative negligence applies, so you can recover if you were not more at fault than the other side.
- No PIP for motorcycles: Auto PIP generally does not cover riders injured on a motorcycle. Your health insurance or optional MedPay usually pays medical bills first.
- Liability insurance: New Jersey requires insurance to register and ride a motorcycle. This coverage pays others if you cause a crash.
- UM and UIM coverage: These coverages protect you when the at-fault driver has no insurance or too little. Check your policy limits, since they can decide how much you can recover.
- MedPay: This optional coverage helps with medical bills regardless of fault. Many riders choose higher limits because they do not have PIP.
Causes of motorcycle accidents
Riders face far greater risk than people in cars. NHTSA’s motorcycle traffic safety facts report 90 motorcyclist deaths in New Jersey in 2023, and a national death rate per mile almost 28 times higher than for passenger car occupants.
Common causes we see include:
- Left-turn crashes: Drivers turning left often misjudge a motorcycle’s speed or fail to see it. These crashes are common at busy intersections along Main Street.
- Unsafe lane changes: Drivers who skip their mirrors and blind spot checks can push a rider off the road. This is a frequent risk on multi-lane roads like Route 17.
- Distracted driving: Texting and phone use take a driver’s eyes off the road. A rider can be missed in just a second or two.
- Speeding and aggressive driving: Speeding cuts a driver’s time to react and raises the force of impact. Tailgating is especially dangerous for riders who must brake suddenly.
- Drunk or impaired driving: Alcohol and drugs slow reaction time and judgment. Impaired drivers may also face punitive damages.
- Dooring: A parked driver who opens a door without looking can strike a passing rider. This can happen on streets with parked cars, like Essex Street.
- Road hazards: Potholes, gravel, and uneven pavement are far more dangerous on two wheels. A public entity or contractor may share fault for these conditions.
Additional reading: how dangerous is motorcycle riding in Jersey City, New Jersey?
Injuries riders suffer most often
Riders have little protection in a crash, so injuries are often severe. New Jersey State Police data shows 42 traffic deaths in Bergen County in 2024.
The injuries we most often see include:
- Road rash: Sliding across pavement can strip away layers of skin. Deep road rash may need skin grafts and can lead to infection or scarring.
- Degloving: This happens when skin and tissue are torn away from muscle or bone. It often requires several surgeries.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spine can cause lasting pain, weakness, or loss of feeling. These injuries often need lifelong care.
- Head and neck injuries: Traumatic brain injuries and neck injuries can happen even with a helmet. Symptoms such as memory problems may not show up right away.
- Arm injuries: Riders often put out their arms to break a fall. This can cause broken wrists, shoulder injuries, and nerve damage.
- Leg injuries: Legs are exposed in side impacts and can be pinned under the bike. Knee, ankle, and foot injuries are common.
- Broken bones: Fractures to the collarbone, ribs, pelvis, and legs are common in motorcycle crashes. Some need surgery with plates or screws.
- Amputation: Severe crush injuries can lead to the loss of a limb. Amputation changes how you work and live every day.
- Paralysis: Serious spinal cord damage can cause partial or full paralysis. These claims must account for home changes, equipment, and long-term care.
- Fatalities: Too many motorcycle crashes end in death. Families may bring a wrongful death claim for their financial losses.
No Fee Unless You Win
Learn more about our firm or read about our case wins and community work in our press releases.
No fee unless you win
Learn more about our firm or read about our case wins and community work in our press releases.
Talk with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Lodi, NJ at no cost
You do not have to face the insurance company alone. Our motorcycle accident attorneys in Lodi, NJ are ready to review your case and explain your options at no cost.
Call (973) 279-7246 or contact us online to schedule your free case review.
No Fee Unless You Win
Call us 24/7 at (973) 310-6678 or contact us online for your free case review.
No fee unless you win
Call us 24/7 at (973) 310-6678 or contact us online for your free case review.
Lodi Office
Ask a Question,
Describe Your Situation,
Request A Free Case Review
Fill out the form below or feel free to call us at (973) 279-7246(973) 279-7246
Required Fields*
Your Information Is Safe With Us
We respect your privacy. The information you provide will be used to answer your question or to schedule an appointment if requested.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I was a passenger on someone else's motorcycle in Lodi?
Passengers can often bring a claim, either against another driver who caused the crash or against the motorcycle operator if their riding was careless. We review every policy that may apply, including the operator’s liability coverage, to find all the insurance available to cover your injuries and losses.
Can I get my motorcycle repaired before my injury claim settles?
Yes, in most cases, because the property damage claim for your motorcycle is usually handled separately from your injury claim and can often be resolved first. Get repair estimates and photos before any work begins, and do not sign a release that might also cover your injuries without legal advice.
What should I do with my damaged helmet and riding gear?
Keep your damaged helmet, jacket, gloves, and boots, and do not repair, clean, or throw them away, since they can show how hard you hit and where you made contact. Store them somewhere safe, take clear photos, and let us decide whether an expert should inspect them later.
Can I still bring a claim if I didn't have a motorcycle license?
Riding without the proper license or endorsement may lead to a ticket, but it does not automatically block your injury claim, because what usually matters is whether your riding caused or added to the crash. Insurers may still raise the issue, so speak with us before giving any statement.
How long will my Lodi motorcycle accident case take?
Some claims settle within months once treatment ends and costs are clear, while cases with serious injuries, disputed fault, or a lawsuit can take a year or longer. Settling too early can leave out future medical costs, so we wait until we know the true value of your claim.