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Guide · After a specific accident · New Jersey

After a motorcycle crash in New Jersey: who pays your bills?

Updated By Spencer, editorEvery fact cites a source

Not PIP, the way it works for drivers. New Jersey's PIP law defines an automobile without motorcycles, and a motorcycle policy must carry PIP only for pedestrians it hurts. Check your health insurance and your own policies for medical coverage. A claim against an at-fault driver generally must be filed within 2 years. Checked October 11, 2026.

Sources: N.J.S.A. 39:6A-2(a); N.J.S.A. 17:28-1.3; N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2(a)

Why PIP works differently for riders

PIP is part of every standard New Jersey auto policy, and it covers people hurt in or by an automobile. The law's definition of an automobile doesn't include motorcycles.

A car driverTheir own PIP pays first

Whoever caused the crash, up to the policy's PIP limit.

A motorcycle riderNot through the PIP law

A motorcycle policy must carry PIP for pedestrians the motorcycle hurts. Check your health insurance and your own policies.

Source: N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4; N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4.3; N.J.S.A. 39:6A-5(g); N.J.S.A. 39:6A-2(a); N.J.S.A. 17:28-1.3

A claim against the driver at fault

  1. Your share of the faultIt cuts what you recover. Above 50%, you recover nothing.Source: N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.1; N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.2
  2. The deadlineAn injury lawsuit generally must be filed within 2 years.Source: N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2(a)
  3. A government vehicle or roadWritten notice of a claim against a public entity is due within 90 days.Source: N.J.S.A. 59:8-8; N.J.S.A. 59:8-9

When it's worth asking a lawyer

  1. You're not sure what covers your billsThe PIP law's definition of an automobile doesn't include motorcycles, so your coverage depends on the policies you have.Source: N.J.S.A. 39:6A-2(a); N.J.S.A. 17:28-1.3
  2. The driver blames youYour share of the fault cuts what you recover.Source: N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.1; N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.2
  3. A road defect or a public vehicle was involvedNotice is due within 90 days.Source: N.J.S.A. 59:8-8; N.J.S.A. 59:8-9

Sources

General information, not legal advice. We don't know the facts of your claim. A lawyer can review them, and most injury lawyers offer a free consultation.

What to do next

Questions people ask

Does PIP cover motorcycle accidents in New Jersey?

Not for the rider the way it covers drivers. New Jersey's PIP law defines an automobile without motorcycles. A motorcycle policy must carry PIP for pedestrians the motorcycle hurts.

Who pays a motorcyclist's medical bills in New Jersey?

It depends on the rider's own coverage, like health insurance or coverage on their policies. A claim against an at-fault driver can be filed, generally within 2 years.

How long do I have to sue after a motorcycle accident in New Jersey?

Generally 2 years. If a public entity is involved, written notice is due within 90 days.

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