Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Monmouth County
Motorcycling offers freedom on the open road, but in Monmouth County, it also comes with real risks. Our winding coastal routes and busy county roads can be unforgiving when drivers fail to see or respect motorcyclists. Even experienced riders can face life-changing injuries when other motorists are careless.
Let’s explore the most common causes of motorcycle accidents and how an experienced injury attorney can help if you’ve been injured.
Driver Inattention and Failure to Yield
One of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents in Monmouth County is driver inattention. Motorcycles are smaller and easier to miss in a driver’s blind spot, especially when that driver is distracted by a phone, GPS, or even an in-vehicle conversation.
Intersections are hazardous. New Jersey law requires drivers to yield when turning left in front of an oncoming motorcycle; yet, many collisions occur because this rule is often ignored. At The Cassidy Law Firm, we’ve seen countless cases where a driver claimed they “didn’t see” the rider until it was too late.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Changing lanes without properly checking mirrors or blind spots can have devastating consequences for motorcyclists. Highway stretches like Route 18 and the Garden State Parkway through Monmouth County see heavy traffic, and riders often get caught in the path of a vehicle merging unexpectedly.
Failure to signal is another factor — both illegal under New Jersey law and a serious hazard for anyone on two wheels.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Speeding reduces reaction time for everyone on the road. For motorcyclists, the margin for error is even smaller. High-speed crashes often result in catastrophic injuries due to the limited protection a motorcycle provides.
Aggressive driving — such as tailgating, weaving between lanes, or trying to “beat” a light — increases the likelihood of these accidents. When a speeding driver hits a motorcyclist, the outcome can be deadly.
Impaired Driving
Despite public awareness campaigns and strict DUI laws in New Jersey, impaired driving remains a significant cause of motorcycle accidents in Monmouth County. Alcohol and drugs slow reaction times and impair judgment, making it harder for drivers to judge a motorcycle’s speed and distance.
An impaired driver who misjudges a turn, fails to stop in time, or drifts into another lane can leave a rider with life-altering injuries.
Hazardous Road Conditions
Motorcycles are more sensitive to road hazards than larger vehicles. Potholes, loose gravel, uneven pavement, and slick surfaces from rain or oil spills can all cause a rider to lose control.
In Monmouth County, ongoing road construction and seasonal weather changes can create dangerous conditions. In some cases, government entities responsible for road maintenance may share liability if poor upkeep contributed to the crash.
Vehicle Door Openings (Dooring Accidents)
While more common in urban areas, “dooring” — when a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of a motorcycle — can happen in busy Monmouth County towns. These incidents leave riders with almost no time to react, often resulting in a direct impact or forcing them to swerve into traffic.
Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents
Because motorcycles offer minimal protection, even a minor collision can cause serious harm. Common injuries include:
Traumatic brain injuries (even with a helmet)
Fractures and broken bones
Road rash and severe abrasions
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Internal organ damage
These injuries often require extensive medical care, long-term rehabilitation, and in many cases, permanent lifestyle changes.
How The Cassidy Law Firm Can Help
When another’s negligence causes a motorcycle accident in Monmouth County, you have the right to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. The Cassidy Law Firm has decades of experience handling serious injury claims for riders and their families. We understand New Jersey traffic laws, know how to investigate accident scenes, and work tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Monmouth County, contact us today. We will review your case, explain your options, and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.