Were you recently injured in a motorcycle accident? Whether you were sideswiped or someone rear-ended your bike, our New York motorcycle accident lawyers will work tirelessly to ensure you’re compensated for your pain and suffering.
Field Law Group is an experienced, premier personal injury law firm dedicated to giving each of our clients the personal care and attention they deserve.
What Does a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Do?
Our motorcycle accident lawyers can help you take the next step if you’ve been injured by another driver’s negligence. While every case is different, here’s what you can typically expect from hiring Field Law Group after a motorcycle accident:
Building Your Case
The first step in building your case is gathering evidence. Our attorneys will interview witnesses, hire accident construction services, and consult medical experts to support your claim. The goal is to show how the accident happened, who’s to blame, and why you should be compensated. Then, we’ll file a claim on your behalf.
Negotiate a Fair Settlement
When you file a claim, your insurance may respond with an offer. However, most insurance companies want to pay you off with some small, inconsequential sum of money that doesn’t cover your damages. Our attorneys will protect your rights, and we’ll make sure any evidence is protected. We also aren’t afraid to take things to trial if needed.
Settlement vs. Trial
Personal injury claims typically have two outcomes: receive a settlement or take your case to trial. Settlements happen when both parties agree on how much to pay the injured motorcyclist. If you don’t reach an agreement, the case will go to trial.
While many personal injury cases settle, our firm approaches every case intending to take it to court, if necessary. If we’re not successful, you won’t pay us anything. Working with our lawyers costs nothing; we’ll cover expenses on your case from beginning to end. If you settle or win, we’ll only receive a percentage of your compensation.
What Does a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Do?
Our motorcycle accident lawyers can help you take the next step if you’ve been injured by another driver’s negligence. While every case is different, here’s what you can typically expect from hiring Field Law Group after a motorcycle accident:
Building Your Case
The first step in building your case is gathering evidence. Our attorneys will interview witnesses, hire accident construction services, and consult medical experts to support your claim. The goal is to show how the accident happened, who’s to blame, and why you should be compensated. Then, we’ll file a claim on your behalf.
Negotiate a Fair Settlement
When you file a claim, your insurance may respond with an offer. However, most insurance companies want to pay you off with some small, inconsequential sum of money that doesn’t cover your damages. Our attorneys will protect your rights, and we’ll make sure any evidence is protected. We also aren’t afraid to take things to trial if needed.
Settlement vs. Trial
Personal injury claims typically have two outcomes: receive a settlement or take your case to trial. Settlements happen when both parties agree on how much to pay the injured motorcyclist. If you don’t reach an agreement, the case will go to trial.
While many personal injury cases settle, our firm approaches every case intending to take it to court, if necessary. If we’re not successful, you won’t pay us anything. Working with our lawyers costs nothing; we’ll cover expenses on your case from beginning to end. If you settle or win, we’ll only receive a percentage of your compensation.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Contrary to popular misconception, most NYC motorcycle crashes are caused by other motorist’s negligent actions rather than rider error. Some of the leading causes include
- Distracted driving
- Unsafe lane changes
- Speeding and aggressive driving
- Traffic violations
- Unsafe turns, especially left-hand turns
- Road hazards and defects
New York Motorcycle Laws
In New York, there are specific laws and regulations that govern how motorcycles should be operated. All riders must have a valid Class M or MJ Motorcycle Operator’s License or Motorcycle Learner’s Permit and follow these requirements
- Use a Department of Transportation (DOT)-approved helmet
- Wear eye protection that meets ANSI standards
- Use headlights during the daytime
- Have a passenger seat and footrests if carrying a passenger.
Motorcyclists are also subject to the same traffic laws as other motorists, including speed limits, right-of-way rules, and signal usage. Not following these regulations can compromise ride safety and affect the strength of your personal injury claim.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
The first thing you should do is seek immediate medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor, as adrenaline can mask their severity. Additionally
- Take photos of the accident, vehicle damage, and your injuries.
- Get contact information from any eyewitnesses.
- Avoid making statements to the other driver’s insurance company.
- Consult with our motorcycle accident lawyers as soon as possible.
Motorcycle Accident FAQs
Does No-Fault Insurance Apply to Motorcyclists?
No, New York’s mandatory no-fault insurance laws don’t cover motorcycle accidents. As a rider, you aren’t eligible for coverage under your auto policy. To recover damages, you must pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver.
Additionally, motorcyclists and their passengers are exempt from New York’s “serious injury” threshold; if you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, you can sue the other driver without proving you sustained a serious injury.
Motorcycle Accident FAQs
Does No-Fault Insurance Apply to Motorcyclists?
No, New York’s mandatory no-fault insurance laws don’t cover motorcycle accidents. As a rider, you aren’t eligible for coverage under your auto policy. To recover damages, you must pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver.
Additionally, motorcyclists and their passengers are exempt from New York’s “serious injury” threshold; if you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, you can sue the other driver without proving you sustained a serious injury.
What Is the Statute of Limitations on a Motorcycle Accident in New York?
According to the New York statute of limitations, you have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim. If you’re filing a wrongful death claim, it’s two years from the date of the deceased’s death.
What Are Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
Motorcyclists lack the physical protection of passenger vehicles, making them vulnerable to severe injuries in collisions. Common injuries in NYC motorcycle crashes include
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Amputations
- Severe burns and “road rash”
- Broken bones and internal organ damage
- Degloving injuries
These types of injuries often need extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
What Damages Can I Collect for a Motorcycle Accident?
Motorcycle accident victims may be entitled to recover the following types of damages
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
The specific damages depend on the severity and long-term impact of your injuries.
Can I Get Compensation if I Share Fault in an Accident?
The short answer is yes. New York follows the rule of comparative negligence, which means the injured party can receive compensation even if they’re partly at fault for the accident. For example, if a jury finds you 20% at fault for an accident, the other driver would only have to pay 80% of your damages.
Contact Our New York Personal Injury Lawyers Today!
For years, we’ve provided New York City personal injury litigation services for motorcycle injuries, car accidents, and much more.
Whether you live in upstate New York, Manhattan, Staten Island, Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, or the Bronx, if you’ve suffered injuries from a negligent driver, we encourage you to call 212-739-7278 or contact us today to schedule a FREE consultation.
Contact Our New York Personal Injury Lawyers Today!
For years, we’ve provided New York City personal injury litigation services for motorcycle injuries, car accidents, and much more.
Whether you live in upstate New York, Manhattan, Staten Island, Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, or the Bronx, if you’ve suffered injuries from a negligent driver, we encourage you to call 212-739-7278 or contact us today to schedule a FREE consultation.
MILLIONS RECOVERED FOR OUR CLIENTS!
Field Law Group, P.C.
17 State Street, 40th Floor
New York, New York 10004
This website contains attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome, see Disclaimer.
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Field Law Group, P.C.
17 State Street, 40th Floor
New York, New York 10004
This website contains attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome, see Disclaimer.
Designed by PostcardMania
Field Law Group, P.C.
17 State Street, 40th Floor
New York, New York 10004
This website contains attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome, see Disclaimer.
Designed by PostcardMania