Motorcyclists ride alongside drivers who do not always watch for them, and a single mistake can lead to a devastating crash. Traffic regulations apply to riders and drivers alike and often determine who is at fault after a wreck. Paramus motorcycle traffic laws set clear expectations for how riders must operate and can influence the outcome of an injury claim.
If you suffered harm because a driver struck your motorcycle, the details of these laws can significantly affect your case. A motorcycle accident lawyer from our firm can explain how the rules apply to your situation and protect you from unfair blame.
Traffic Rules Motorcyclists Must Follow
New Jersey law treats a motorcycle as a full vehicle and gives riders the same rights and duties as car drivers. Motorcyclists must hold the proper license endorsement and obey all traffic signals, speed limits, and lane markings. The following rules apply specifically to motorcycle riders:
- Keep the headlight on at all times while riding
- Stay within a single marked lane rather than ride between lanes
- Ride no more than two abreast in the same lane
- Use turn signals and hand signals as required by state law
- Wear an approved helmet and required eye protection
- Carry passengers only when the motorcycle has proper seats and footrests
These laws exist to keep riders visible and make their movements predictable to drivers. A Paramus motorcyclist who follows these traffic rules is in a stronger position if a crash leads to an injury claim.
Does the State Permit Motorcycle Lane Splitting?
State law does not permit riding between two lanes of traffic, also known as lane splitting. Under New Jersey Statutes Annotated § 39:4-88, a vehicle must stay as nearly as possible within a single lane and may not leave that lane until it is safe to do so. Because a motorcycle is considered a vehicle, a Paramus rider who weaves between lanes can receive a citation for an unsafe lane change or careless driving under this traffic statute.
Some close formations, including two motorcyclists riding side by side in one lane, are lawful. While lane splitting is prohibited, a motorcyclist who was riding in this manner when a crash occurred may still recover compensation, even though an insurer will likely raise the violation. Our attorneys can address that argument directly and focus on the driver’s role in causing your collision.
How Can a Traffic Violation Affect Your Claim?
Whether committed by you or the driver, a traffic violation can have a major impact on your claim, but is unlikely to determine the outcome on its own. If you received a minor citation, New Jersey’s comparative negligence rule still allows you to recover because it evaluates each person’s share of responsibility rather than ending the case over one mistake. Your award is reduced only by your percentage of fault, meaning a small violation does not eliminate your right to compensation.
A violation by the driver can be favorable to your claim, especially when you have experienced legal counsel on your side. Our Paramus lawyers can gather the police report, camera footage, and witness accounts to show that the driver who struck your motorcycle disobeyed traffic regulations. Their violations may include failing to yield, changing lanes without looking, or crowding you out of your lane. We can counter the insurer’s attempts to shift blame onto you and help you pursue the compensation you deserve while you focus on recovering.
Call Our Paramus Attorneys To Discuss Motorcycle Traffic Laws
If you sustained injuries in a motorcycle collision, a careful review may show that the driver who hit you violated traffic laws. Seeking legal guidance early can improve your chances of obtaining a fair result.
Our attorneys at Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC can explain how Paramus motorcycle traffic laws apply to your claim. We offer big-firm resources while providing the personalized attention of a smaller practice. Contact us today for a free consultation.
