NYC Motorcycle Accident Lawyers: Seeking Justice for Injured Riders
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash in NYC, taking immediate action is crucial to protect your rights. At Veridian Legal, our skilled motorcycle accident lawyers are ready to help. We understand the unique challenges riders face and are committed to securing maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
The Dangers Motorcycle Riders Face in NYC
Motorcycles offer a thrilling way to navigate New York City, but they also come with inherent risks. Riders are incredibly vulnerable on the road, with little protection in a collision. Some of the common dangers motorcyclists face in NYC include:
Distracted Drivers: Distracted drivers who are talking on phones, texting, or simply not paying attention often fail to see motorcyclists.
Unsafe Lane Changes: Drivers merging or changing lanes without checking blind spots pose a serious threat.
Left Turns: Drivers making left turns in front of oncoming motorcycles are a frequent cause of accidents.
Road Hazards: Potholes, debris, uneven pavement, and slippery surfaces can be particularly dangerous for motorcycles.
Speeding and Reckless Driving: Excessive speed and aggressive driving behaviors put motorcyclists at increased risk.
Dooring: Car doors opening suddenly into the path of a motorcycle can cause devastating accidents.
Why You Need a Dedicated Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycle accident cases can be complex. Insurance companies often try to downplay the severity of motorcycle injuries or blame the rider for the accident. Our dedicated motorcycle accident lawyers at Veridian Legal will:
Thoroughly investigate the accident: We'll gather evidence, including police reports, witness statements, photos, and video footage, to determine the cause of the accident and establish liability.
Consult with experts: We'll work with accident reconstruction specialists and medical experts to build a strong case on your behalf.
Negotiate with insurance companies: We'll handle all communication with insurance adjusters and fight for a fair settlement that covers your damages.
Litigate your case: If necessary, we'll take your case to court and fight aggressively to protect your rights.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents often result in devastating injuries, leaving victims with long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial burdens. These injuries can range from relatively minor to catastrophic, requiring extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries we see include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs):
TBIs are among the most serious injuries a motorcyclist can sustain. These injuries can range from mild concussions, causing temporary confusion and headaches, to severe contusions, skull fractures, and diffuse axonal injury, leading to permanent cognitive impairments, emotional changes, and physical disabilities. The impact of a TBI can be life-altering, affecting everything from memory and concentration to personality and motor skills.
Spinal cord injuries:
The spinal cord is a delicate bundle of nerves that transmits signals between the brain and the rest of the body. Damage to the spinal cord can result in varying degrees of paralysis, including paraplegia (paralysis of the lower body) and quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs). Spinal cord injuries often lead to loss of sensation, loss of bowel and bladder control, respiratory problems, and other significant challenges. These injuries require extensive rehabilitation and long-term care, often involving physical therapy, occupational therapy, assistive devices, and home modifications.
Broken bones:
Fractures are common in motorcycle accidents, affecting areas like the arms, hip, legs, ribs, and collarbone. These fractures can be closed (skin intact), open (bone protruding), comminuted (bone shattered), greenstick (partial break), or stress fractures. Treatment varies depending on the severity and type of fracture, often involving casting, splinting, surgery, and rehabilitation. Broken bones can cause significant pain, limit mobility, and lead to complications like malunion (improper healing), nonunion (failure to heal), infection, and nerve damage.
Road Rash:
Road rash is a painful and disfiguring injury caused by sliding across the pavement. These injuries can range from minor scrapes and abrasions to deep wounds requiring skin grafts. Road rash is not only physically painful but can also lead to significant scarring, infection, and nerve damage.
Internal Injuries:
Motorcycle accidents can cause blunt force trauma, leading to damage to internal organs such as the spleen, liver, kidneys, and lungs. Internal bleeding and organ damage are life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. These injuries can lead to serious complications, including organ failure and even death.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in NYC
Taking these steps will help preserve your right to seek compensation for your injuries and losses:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if you feel okay after a motorcycle accident, it's vital to seek medical attention immediately. Internal injuries, concussions, and other serious conditions may not be immediately apparent. Seeing a doctor right away not only protects your health but also creates crucial medical records that will be essential for your legal claim. Don't delay – your health and legal rights depend on it.
Call 911 (or the Police): Report the accident to the police immediately. Ensure that a police report is filed, as this document will be a key piece of evidence in your case. Obtain the name and badge number of the responding officer and ask how to get a copy of the report.
Document the Scene (If Possible and Safe): If it is safe to do so, document the accident scene as thoroughly as possible. Take photos and videos of:
The position of the vehicles
Any visible damage to the vehicles
Road conditions (e.g., potholes, debris)
Traffic signals and signage
Your injuries
Gather Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved. Get contact information from any witnesses to the accident. Take note of any cameras nearby which may have recorded the accident.
Preserve Evidence: Do not discard or repair your helmet, riding gear, or damaged motorcycle. These items may be crucial evidence in your case. Store them safely.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Before Speaking to Insurance Adjusters: Do not give any statements to insurance adjusters before consulting with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. Insurance companies may try to minimize your claim, and anything you say could be used against you. An attorney can protect your rights and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
Damages in a Motorcycle Accident Case
There are many damages you can pursue in a NYC motorcycle accident:
Medical Expenses (Past and Future): This includes all costs associated with your medical treatment, including:
Doctor visits
Hospital stays
Surgery
Physical therapy
Rehabilitation
Medications
Medical equipment
Future medical care (it's important to consider long-term needs)
Lost Wages (Past and Future): This covers income you've lost due to your injuries and any future income you are projected to lose if you are unable to return to work or must take a lower-paying job.
Loss of Earning Capacity: This is distinct from lost wages. If your injuries prevent you from performing the same type of work you did before the accident, you may be able to recover compensation for the difference in your earning potential over your lifetime.
Pain and Suffering: This is compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, and diminished quality of life caused by your injuries. It's often a significant component of a motorcycle accident claim.
Property Damage: This includes the cost of repairing or replacing your motorcycle, helmet, riding gear, and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
Other Damages: Depending on the circumstances, you may also be able to recover compensation for:
Loss of consortium (impact on your relationship with your spouse)
Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in hobbies and activities)
Disfigurement or scarring
New York Motorcycle Laws
Several laws apply in New York motorcycle accidents:
Helmet Law (N.Y. Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 381): New York requires all motorcyclists and passengers to wear DOT-approved helmets. This law is in place to protect riders from serious head injuries and death. Failure to wear a helmet can result in fines and may also be used against you in a personal injury claim.
Lane Splitting (Illegal in New York): Lane splitting (riding between lanes of traffic) is illegal in New York. This practice is extremely dangerous and significantly increases the risk of accidents. Riders who are lane splitting can be held liable for accidents they cause.
Motorcycle License: You must have a valid motorcycle license (Class M) to operate a motorcycle in New York. Operating a motorcycle without a license is a traffic violation and can have serious legal consequences.
Motorcycle Safety Gear
Wearing proper safety gear is crucial for motorcyclists to reduce the risk of serious injuries in an accident. Essential safety gear includes:
Helmet: A DOT-approved helmet is your most important piece of safety gear. It can significantly reduce the risk of head injuries and death in a crash. Look for helmets with a full-face shield for added protection.
Jacket: A motorcycle jacket made of leather or other durable material (e.g., textile with armor) provides crucial protection against road rash, abrasions, and impact injuries. Look for jackets with built-in armor in the shoulders, elbows, and back.
Gloves: Gloves protect your hands from road rash, broken bones, and other injuries. They also improve your grip on the handlebars. Choose gloves made of leather or other durable materials.
Boots: Sturdy boots that cover your ankles provide essential support and protection for your feet and ankles. Look for boots with non-slip soles.
Insurance Considerations for Motorcyclists
There are different types of insurance that can help in a motorcycle accident:
Liability Coverage: This is the most basic type of motorcycle insurance and is required by law in New York. It covers bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others in an accident. However, it does not cover your own injuries or damages. It's crucial to have adequate liability coverage to protect your assets in case you are found at fault in an accident.
Collision Coverage: This covers damage to your own motorcycle in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. If your motorcycle is damaged or totaled in a crash, collision coverage can help pay for repairs or replacement.
Comprehensive Coverage: This covers damage to your motorcycle from events other than collisions, such as theft, vandalism, fire, or natural disasters. It's important to have comprehensive coverage to protect your investment in your motorcycle.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): This is essential coverage for motorcyclists. It protects you if you are hit by a driver who doesn't have insurance or doesn't have enough insurance to cover your damages. Unfortunately, many drivers on the road are underinsured or have no insurance at all. UIM coverage can help fill the gap and ensure you receive the compensation you need.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP): PIP is a no-fault coverage that pays for your medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who is at fault in the accident. It's important to have adequate PIP coverage to protect yourself financially after an accident.
Optional Coverages: You may also want to consider additional coverage options, such as:
Medical Payments Coverage: This helps pay for medical expenses for you and your passenger, regardless of fault.
Roadside Assistance: This can provide help if your motorcycle breaks down or you have a flat tire.
Remember: It's important to review your motorcycle insurance policy regularly and make sure you have the right coverage for your needs. Our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers can help you understand your insurance policy and advise you on the best options for your situation.
FAQs About Motorcycle Accidents in NYC (Expand and Add Detail)
Q: What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
A: New York follows a comparative negligence rule. This means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover compensation, but your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Our lawyers will fight to minimize your liability and maximize your recovery.
Q: What if I didn't see the other vehicle before the accident?
A: Many motorcycle accidents happen because drivers fail to see motorcyclists. This is often due to driver inattention or blind spots. Even if you didn't see the other vehicle, the other driver may still be held liable if they were negligent in some way (e.g., failing to yield the right of way, making an unsafe lane change).
Q: What if the insurance company denies my claim?
A: Insurance companies often try to deny or minimize claims, even if they are legitimate. If your claim is denied, don't give up. Our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers will fight for your rights and explore all legal options, including filing a lawsuit if necessary.
Q: How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in New York?
A: In New York, the statute of limitations for motorcycle accident cases is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, there may be exceptions, so it's crucial to contact an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your rights.
Statistics on Motorcycle Accidents in New York
Motorcycle Fatalities: According to the Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research (ITSMR), there were 154 motorcycle fatalities in New York State in 2020.
Motorcycle Crashes: The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) reports that there were 10,466 motorcycle crashes in New York State in 2021.
Factors Contributing to Motorcycle Accidents: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that common factors contributing to motorcycle accidents include speeding, alcohol impairment, and failure to yield the right-of-way.
Why ChooseVeridian Legal for Your Motorcycle Accident Case
Highlight what makes your firm the best choice for injured motorcyclists. Focus on the specific benefits you offer:
Experience and Expertise: Our attorneys have extensive experience handling motorcycle accident cases in New York City. We have a deep understanding of New York's no-fault laws, serious injury threshold, and the unique challenges faced by motorcyclists.
Proven Track Record: We have a successful history of obtaining favorable settlements and verdicts for our clients who have been injured in motorcycle accidents.
Client-Focused Approach: We prioritize your needs and goals, providing personalized attention and compassionate support throughout the legal process. We'll keep you informed every step of the way and fight tirelessly to protect your rights.
Free Consultation: We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and answer your questions. Contact us today to learn how we can help you.
Contact Our Experienced NYC Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident in New York City, don't hesitate to contact our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers at Veridian Legal. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and help you understand your legal options. We're dedicated to fighting for the maximum compensation you deserve