Following or failing to follow traffic rules can be a key element of a motorcycle accident case. If you were injured in an accident while following Woodbridge motorcycle traffic laws, it will be easier for your attorney to argue that you were not responsible for your injuries. Violating traffic laws can make getting compensation in a motorcycle accident lawsuit more difficult. However, if another driver was at fault, your dedicated motorcycle accident attorney could still make the best possible arguments for you to get as much as possible.
What Traffic Laws Do Woodbridge Motorcyclists Need to Follow?
In addition to standard traffic laws such as speed limits, the state enforces several motorcycle-specific regulations, including in Woodbridge. Riders must wear helmets and hold a motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s licenses. Lane splitting—riding between two lanes of slow or stopped traffic—remains controversial and varies by state. New Jersey law does not explicitly address it, but guidance suggests the state views it as unsafe. The state driver’s manual advises motorcyclists not to share lanes with other vehicles and specifically instructs them to avoid riding between lanes of stopped traffic. New Jersey Revised Statutes § 39:4-82, failure to keep right, is written to prohibit drivers from staying in the left lane when they are not passing. However, police can also use this law to cite motorcyclists who split or share lanes.
How Do Motorcycle Traffic Laws Affect Accident Lawsuits?
When an injured person files a lawsuit, they need to prove that the person they are suing was negligent. This means they:
- Had a duty to act a certain way
- Failed to do this
- Caused an injury because of the failure
Motorcyclists in Woodbridge have a duty to follow traffic laws to protect themselves and others on the road. Violating these laws often serves as strong evidence of negligence. For example, if a motorcyclist follows all applicable laws and a driver runs a red light and causes a collision, the driver would likely be found negligent and held liable for the crash. Conversely, if the driver operates with caution and the motorcyclist collides with the vehicle while lane splitting, the motorcyclist would likely bear responsibility for the resulting damages. Because many people perceive motorcyclists as reckless, lane splitting may reinforce that perception and complicate efforts to recover compensation, even when it does not directly cause the accident.
Many accidents are less straightforward, with both parties sharing some responsibility. For example, if a car is speeding and a motorcyclist changes lanes suddenly, both could be liable. If both parties are partially responsible, the injured person can still receive compensation from an insurance claim or lawsuit as long as the other person has a greater level of responsibility. However, the amount of compensation would be reduced based on the percentage of responsibility.
Discuss Your Motorcycle Accident Case With a Woodbridge Lawyer Now
Motorcycle accidents can cause serious, life-changing injuries. If you were involved in an accident that someone else caused, you may be able to sue for your medical bills and other expenses. Woodbridge motorcycle traffic laws can affect whether or not the other party is considered legally responsible. An attorney could help negotiate for the best possible award or settlement. Schedule a free consultation with Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC to review your case today.
