Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in New York

Located in Rosedale, servicing New York City and the counties of Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester.

Navigating the streets of New York as a motorcyclist can be extremely dangerous, especially considering how densely populated the city is and how much traffic there is on a daily basis. Though motorcycle accidents aren’t as common as auto accidents in the state, they still occur and are more likely to result in serious injuries for motorcyclists, who lack the physical protection that car occupants have. New York motorcyclists are 37 times more likely to die in accidents than people riding in passenger cars. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to seek financial compensation. Many motorcycle accidents are caused by driver negligence, which can permit you to file a personal injury claim. The legal team at Alex Yadgarov & Associates has years of experience helping the injured recover – allow our motorcycle accident attorneys in New York to help you navigate the complexities of your case and the legal system today.

Common Motorcycle Accident Causes

There are countless factors that can contribute to a motorcycle accident, some of which typically also contribute to all auto accidents. However, our team of motorcycle accident lawyers in New York has worked on countless cases to know that there are a few common causes of motorcycle accidents that can result in catastrophic injuries and fatalities.

Common causes include:

• Speeding: A leading cause of all accidents, speeding reduces driver response time and decreases the likelihood of a driver seeing and responding to road obstacles or motorcyclists in time to avoid a collision. Additionally, the higher the speed, the more forceful the impact and the more serious the injuries.
• Unsafe lane changes: Drivers run the risk of colliding with a motorcyclist when they fail to signal or check their blind spots to ensure it’s safe to merge or change lanes. Motorcyclists are often obscured in driver blind spots, which is why many cars collide with them or cut them off while merging.
• Car doors: Drivers who pull over to the side of the road are expected to make sure it’s safe before they open their doors and exit their vehicles. Unfortunately, sometimes this isn’t the case, and drivers will open their doors into the path of oncoming motorcyclists, resulting in serious injuries.
• Driving under the influence: Drunk driving is dangerous for drivers and everyone on the road around them, including motorcyclists. Impaired driving reduces driver response times, blurs their vision, and can cause them to be distracted and fail to see road hazards or other vehicles changing lanes around them. Drivers who cause accidents while under the influence can face both civil and criminal liability.
• Motorcycle defects: Manufacturers of motorcycle parts can be held responsible for damages if a faulty or broken part contributed to the accident and caused injuries as a result.
• Reckless driving: Many accidents are caused by reckless driving, which can include negligent actions like running red lights, failing to check blind spots, and tailgating motorcyclists, which can result in riders being rear-ended on their motorcycles.

Injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents

Motorcycle accident injuries can be devastating and even fatal. Due to there being no exterior protection for riders such as a frame, and the fact that motorcycles are not very stable vehicles, victims of motorcycle injuries can sustain very mild scratches to very serious brain and spine injuries. Some common motorcycle injuries include:

• Concussions
• Broken limbs
• Back and spinal cord injuries
• Organ damage
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Catastrophic injuries
• Burn injuries
• Amputations
• Paralysis

It doesn’t matter whether you suffered a mild or serious injury during a car accident or motorcycle accident, if you have been a victim of an accident then our team of motorcycle accident attorneys in New York will work towards getting you the best possible compensation for your losses.

Motorcycle Laws in New York

New York has outlined laws for motorcyclists to follow in an effort to protect them from injuries, though it’s important to know that even the most law-abiding and safe motorcyclists can’t control other drivers and prevent their negligent actions.

Some common New York motorcycle laws include:

• Required protective gear: All motorcyclists and passengers must follow the motorcycle helmet law in New York. Helmets must be approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Additionally, eye protection is required to conform to the American National Standard Institute safety standards.
• Lawful riding procedures: Motorcyclists must use headlights in the daytime in New York, and when sharing lanes with other motorcyclists the limit is only two motorcycles per lane. Lane splitting, which occurs when motorcycles pass cars between lanes during slowed traffic, is illegal in New York.
• Insurance requirements: There are motorcycle insurance requirements in New York. According to state law, all motorcyclists must carry insurance to help you cover the costs of injury and property damage suffered by those in an accident that you case. New York’s no-fault law doesn’t protect motorcyclists, meaning that riders aren’t entitled to no-fault benefits. Insurance policies must include minimum limits like $25,000 for bodily injury per person and $10,000 for property damage.

When you call our firm, our motorcycle accident attorneys in New York can assess your accident and determine who can be held liable for damages. Often vehicle drivers are responsible for negligence, though there are unique cases in which motorcycle manufacturers can be found responsible for defective parts. You can rely on us to give you the personalized care you deserve during a trying time.

Types of compensation that can be claimed in a motorcycle accident in New York

If you have been the victim of a motorcycle accident due to someone else’ negligence, then you may be entitled to claim compensation. Depending on the severity of your injuries and damages, there are different types of compensation you can claim.

• Medical Expenses - Whether you have sustained minor or serious injuries, you will be able to claim against all the medical bills you have incurred for medical treatment. This may also include compensation for future medical care, such as in the case of traumatic injuries or paralysis.
• Property Damage - If you have suffered damages to your motorcycle and other personal property in an accident, you may be able to claim compensation for these losses and damages.
• Lost Income/Wages - If the injuries you sustained in a motorcycle accident prevent you from returning to work, either permanently or for a temporary period of time, you may be able to claim compensation for lost wages.
• Loss of Consortium - If the motorcycle accident has resulted in a diminishing of your quality of life, which in turn leads to the inability to maintain a healthy relationship with your spouse or family, you may be able to claim compensation.
• Pain and Suffering - Severe and traumatic injuries may cause a lot of pain and suffering, and if you have suffered such injuries due to a motorcycle accident, you may be able to claim compensation for the same.
• Wrongful Death - If you have lost a loved one as a result of a motorcycle accident, then our attorneys can help you make a wrongful death claim.

If you have suffered loss and injury due to an accident, speak to our qualified and empathic attorneys who will work diligently to get you the compensation you are entitled to.

Our motorcycle accident attorneys will help you by:

• Carrying out an unbiased investigation into the accident to determine the cause.
• Identifying who is liable for the accident.
• Gathering the required evidence, including witnesses and expert opinions.
• Carrying out a valuation to see how much your case is worth.
• Negotiating with insurance companies to ensure that you get the maximum possible compensation.
• File a lawsuit to get you the best possible results if the settlement offered is unsatisfactory.

What happens if you are blamed for the motorcycle crash?

In some instances it may be that you have been found to be partially or fully liable for the motorcycle crash. If it is found that you are also liable in some part for the accident, then don’t be alarmed. Being found partially liable for an accident does not mean that you are not entitled to compensation. According to the State of New York’s Comparative Negligence laws, you will also be entitled to compensation for damages and losses, although it may not be the total amount you expect to claim.

Our experienced attorneys will work towards minimizing your liability and fault in the accident so that you are able to claim the maximum possible compensation.