The Most Common Causes of a Motorcycle Crash in New Jersey

Motorcycles offer a sense of freedom that cars just can’t match: the open road, the wind on your face, and that unmistakable rush of adrenaline. But that freedom can come with serious risks. Every year, hundreds of riders across the state experience a motorcycle crash that leaves them with painful injuries, expensive medical bills, and long recovery times.

Hurt in a motorcycle accident in New Jersey? Knowing what caused your crash can help you understand your legal options.

Statistics on Motorcycle Accidents

Traffic fatalities involving motorcycles continue to rise across the U.S., and New Jersey sees its share of fatalities each year.

According to NHTSA data, motorcycle riders face a much higher risk of fatal crashes than other motorists.

• Per 100 vehicle miles traveled, motorcyclist deaths occur 28 times more often than those in passenger vehicles.
• 6,335 motorcyclists died in traffic crashes in 2023, representing 15% of all traffic fatalities in the United States.

The majority of motorcycle operators involved in crashes say they never saw the danger coming, often because other drivers failed to notice them — a stark reminder of how vulnerable riders are on the road.

Below, we’ll look at the most common causes of motorcycle crashes in New Jersey and how a New Jersey motorcycle accident law firm can help protect your rights.

1. Distracted Drivers

One of the leading causes of any traffic collision, especially motorcycle crashes, is distracted driving. Drivers who text, eat, or adjust their GPS settings while behind the wheel can easily overlook a motorcycle. Because bikes are smaller and less visible, even a quick glance away from the road can lead to a serious accident.

If you were hit by a distracted driver, a skilled New Jersey personal injury lawyer can help gather the phone records, witness statements, and crash reports needed to prove negligence.

2. Speeding and Aggressive Driving

When a car speeds, it reduces the driver’s ability to react in time, and the results can be devastating for riders. Motorcyclists don’t have the same protection that drivers in enclosed vehicles do. A high-speed impact often leaves a motorcyclist with broken bones, spinal injuries, or traumatic brain injuries.

Aggressive behaviors, such as tailgating or unsafe lane changes, also increase the risk of a motorcycle crash. These drivers often claim they “didn’t see” the rider until it was too late. A dedicated motorcycle accident attorney in New Jersey knows how to challenge those claims and pursue full compensation for victims who were hit through no fault of their own.

3. Left-Turn Accidents

Left-turn accidents happen when a car turning left crosses into a motorcycle’s path. These collisions are common at intersections, where drivers misjudge a rider’s speed or fail to yield the right of way. Unfortunately, this type of crash can throw a motorcyclist off their bike and cause catastrophic injuries.

If a driver’s carelessness caused your left-turn accident, your attorney can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. At The Law Offices of Peter N. Davis & Associates, we’ve represented countless motorcycle riders who were seriously injured because another driver failed to pay attention.

4. Poor Road Conditions

Motorcycles are more vulnerable to potholes, loose gravel, and uneven pavement than cars or trucks. Even a small patch of debris can cause a motorcyclist to lose balance and crash. When local or state authorities fail to maintain safe roadways, they can sometimes be held responsible for the resulting accidents.

A New Jersey motorcycle accident law firm can investigate whether poor road maintenance or improper signage contributed to your crash and determine if a government agency or contractor may be liable. Sometimes, crash data can help reveal whether specific stretches of roadway have a pattern of fatalities or serious injuries that officials ignored.

5. Driving Under the Influence

Sadly, drunk and drug-impaired drivers remain a major cause of serious motorcycle crashes in New Jersey. Alcohol and drugs slow reaction time and impair judgment — a deadly combination for riders who have no barrier between themselves and the road.

When intoxicated drivers hit motorcyclists, the results can be tragic. Many have died from injuries that could have been prevented if drivers had made responsible choices. If you’ve been injured by an impaired driver, you have the right to hold them accountable through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. A knowledgeable attorney can also help you seek punitive damages in extreme cases to further penalize reckless behavior.

6. Dooring Accidents

In busy city areas like Newark or Paterson, many motorcycle crashes happen when a driver or passenger opens a car door without checking for oncoming traffic. This sudden obstruction can cause a motorcyclist to collide with the door or swerve into another lane, leading to serious injuries.

If a dooring accident caused your injuries, a motorcycle accident attorney in New Jersey can help prove that the vehicle occupant failed to take reasonable precautions before opening their door. Always ride defensively in urban areas to avoid dooring hazards.

7. Lack of Visibility at Night

Motorcycles are already harder to see than other vehicles, and nighttime conditions make visibility worse. Drivers who fail to use headlights properly, or who aren’t paying close attention, are more likely to collide with a rider. Wearing reflective gear, sturdy boots, protective gloves, and a secure helmet can reduce the risk, but even the most careful riders can’t control what others do on the road.

If poor visibility contributed to your crash, your lawyer can use accident reconstruction experts and witness testimony to establish fault and strengthen your claim.

What To Do After a Motorcycle Crash in New Jersey

The steps you take immediately after a motorcycle crash can make a huge difference in your case:

1. Call 911 – Report the accident and seek medical help right away.
2. Gather Evidence – Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and the vehicles involved.
3. Seek Medical Treatment – Even minor injuries can become serious if left untreated.
4. Avoid Speaking to Insurers Alone – Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts.
5. Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer – Whether you were hit by a distracted driver or injured because of unsafe roads, remember that you’re not alone. A lawyer can handle communications, negotiate settlements, and fight for your best interests.

How a New Jersey Motorcycle Accident Law Firm Can Help

When you work with The Law Offices of Peter N. Davis & Associates, you’re not just hiring a law firm. You’re gaining a team that genuinely cares about helping you rebuild your life. We’ve spent more than 35 years standing up to insurance companies and have recovered over $400 million for injured clients across New Jersey.

Our team of experienced motorcycle accident attorneys in New Jersey will handle every detail of your case while you focus on healing. We’ll investigate the cause of your crash, gather evidence, and negotiate for maximum compensation on your behalf.

Need an attorney you can rely on? You can always share your concerns with us — we’re here to listen and help. Contact​​ us today at (973) 279-7246(973) 279-7246 or complete our online form to request your FREE case review. Our goal is to protect your rights and seek justice for you.

Copyright © 2025. The Law Offices of Peter N. Davis & Associates, LLC. All rights reserved.

The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

The Law Offices of Peter N. Davis & Associates, LLC
72 Essex Street, Suite 2,
Lodi, New Jersey 07644
(973) 279-7246(973) 279-7246
https://peterdavislaw.com/