New York City Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Why Choose Us As Your New York City Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

When we say we're here for you, we mean it. Our New York personal injury attorneys are here not only to represent you legally, but also to support you emotionally. We are more than just a law firm; when you choose us, you choose family. We've fought tenaciously for our clients over the past 50 years, retrieving millions in compensation and striving to be one of the best personal injury law firms in New York City and the Nation.

Dedicated Protection from Insurance Companies

Our motorcycle accident lawyers are experienced in handling catastrophic injury claims. No matter what type of motorcycle accident you're dealing with, we have the knowledge, passion, and resources to help. Our relentless dedication to fighting for our clients' rights has resulted in multimillion-dollar wins for many.

Trial-Proven Attorneys

Our commitment goes beyond quick settlements. As a team of skilled trial attorneys, we prepare every case as though it will go to court. The initial evaluations, consultation, legal motions, and exhaustive investigation are all handled by us, lifting the burden off your shoulders. We're not successful until you are – we don't get paid unless you do.

Enduring Commitment and Unmatched Resources

We're prepared to go the extra mile. Our firm collaborates with a network of experts and specialists for evidence-gathering and litigation support. We can assure you that we won't settle prematurely, working meticulously to ensure you receive what you're rightfully entitled to.

New York Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Riding a motorcycle can be dangerous. In the United States alone, approximately 5,000 motorcycle riders die in motorcycle crashes on the road every year. To put that in perspective, it's important to understand that motorcycles account for a mere 3 percent of registered vehicles in the United States and only 1 percent of miles traveled.

Despite this, motorcycle riders account for approximately 14 percent of all traffic fatalities in the country. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), motorcycle riders are six times more likely to be injured in motor vehicle accidents than car occupants and 29 times more likely to be killed in collisions.

New York City's motorcycle accident statistics are right in line with the rest of the country. Motorcycles are only 2 percent of registered cars on the road. However, according to the New York City Motorcycle Safety Study conducted by the New York City Department of Transportation, motorcyclists accounted for 14 percent of all New York City traffic fatalities.

Motorcycle Accident Risk is Increasing for Some Groups

The number of registered motorcycles in the United States is climbing. In 2006, there were just over 6.6 million registered motorcycles in the country. By 2015, that number had risen to over 8.6 million, an increase of over 28 percent. The number of motorcycles on the road has only continued to rise and has sadly been accompanied by an increase in fatal motorcycle accidents, especially among riders aged 40 and older.

While the death toll has risen for riders in this age group, it is important to note that the overall number of motorcycle serious injuries and fatalities has otherwise remained fairly stable.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in NYC

Frontal collisions account for nearly three-quarters of two-vehicle car accidents involving motorcycles. Most of these accidents occur when another vehicle blocks the path of the motorcycle before the rider has time to stop or avoid the other vehicle. More than 40 percent of fatal motorcycle accidents involve another vehicle.

Motorcycle riders are at a greater risk of severe injuries and death than drivers in other vehicles, simply because they are less protected from harm. Drivers must obey all traffic laws, remain alert and vigilant, ensure they leave adequate space between themselves and other vehicles, including motorcycles, and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances.

Head injury is the leading cause of death in motorcycle accidents and is required by law in New York State. Still, helmets cannot prevent all injuries, and many law-abiding riders still sustain serious head trauma due to negligent drivers.

If you or someone you love was involved in a motorcycle crash in New York, you should get in contact with a qualified motorcycle personal injury attorney for a free consultation to discuss your options.

Related article: New York City Truck Accident Attorney

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in New York City

Experiencing a motorcycle accident is a traumatic ordeal. While keeping your composure is essential, knowing the steps to take can help protect your rights and potentially boost your recovery. Here are the key steps to follow should you find yourself in a motorcycle accident in New York City.

Ensure Your Safety First

Your safety and the safety of others involved in the accident are paramount. If you're able to, move yourself and your motorcycle off the road to avoid creating a hazard for oncoming traffic.

Notify Authorities

Call 911 immediately for medical assistance, even if your injuries are minor. Many common motorcycle accident injuries, such as internal bleeding or head trauma, can develop symptoms later. Also, law enforcement officers can create an accident report, which can be essential in any future legal proceedings.

Document the Scene

If your injuries allow you to, collect details about the accident. Include the date, time, location, weather conditions, and any possible witnesses. Take as many pictures as possible of the scene, your motorcycle, and any injuries incurred. If you can, obtain information from the other parties involved, such as names, contact information, insurance details, and license plate numbers.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Beyond initial first aid, seek immediate medical attention after the accident. A full medical examination can rule out any internal injuries and provide documented proof of injuries related to the accident.

Consult a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Injured motorcycle riders should seek the guidance of an experienced motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney can safeguard your rights, help you navigate insurance claims, and, if necessary, fight for your rightful compensation in court.

Following these steps can help secure your immediate safety, those around you, and your legal rights.

Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Injuries

You may be entitled to compensation if you were injured in a motorcycle accident in NY and another individual was at fault. There are also instances when you may be entitled to damages even if you were partially at fault.

Injuries that bikers experience from motorcycle accidents can range from road rash and broken bones to traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord catastrophic injuries that may require lifelong medical care.

Additionally, if you have a loved one who received serious or fatal injuries, you may be able to pursue legal action on their behalf. As such, you must obtain experienced legal advice on how to proceed in your injury case. We will fight to make sure you are not stuck with medical bills that pile up over time and that you can be compensated for your motorcycle injuries as soon as possible.

A New York motorcycle accident lawyer can review your case and provide you with further information about liability issues and damages relating to your accident.

While no two cases are exactly alike, the following are some of the more common types of damages awarded in motorcycle accident cases in the State of New York:

• Reimbursement for medical bills
• Compensation for projected future medical expenses
• Past and projected lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage (such as the cost of repairs to or replacement of your motorcycle)
• Lost wages

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accidents in New York?

In New York, the statute of limitations for a motorcycle accident is generally three years from the date of the incident. Failure to file a personal injury lawsuit within that time means the court will likely not allow the case to go forward. There are very limited exceptions to this rule, however, and injury victims should always consult an attorney to determine their eligibility for filing a civil lawsuit.

Unfortunately, many motorcycle accident victims succumb to their injuries. In New York, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death suit is typically two years from the date of death. Immediate family members, such as the surviving spouse and children, may file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Exceptions to the Statute of Limitation for Motorcycle Accident Claims

There are some exceptions to the three-year statute of limitations. If the accident victim was a minor at the time of the collision, the three-year timeframe does not start until they reach the age of 18.

The same holds true for a person deemed of unsound mind when the motorcycle accident occurred. If the person is later declared of sound mind to understand his or her rights to file a claim, the three-year period begins at that time.

Under New York law, there are a couple of other possible exceptions. These include when the person responsible for causing your injuries leaves the state for at least four months after the accident.

Or if the person responsible for your injuries lives in New York but is residing here under a false name. In these circumstances, there is a possibility that the three-year period may be extended. However, specific criteria must be met for these exceptions to apply.

It is best not to make any assumptions when it comes to where your case stands in relation to the statute of limitations.  Speak with a qualified lawyer as soon as possible to get a professional take on the matter and to review all of your legal options moving forward.

Notice of Claim / NYC Motorcycle Accident

If the motorcycle accident took place on property owned by a government entity and the government agency or entity was responsible for the crash, or the crash involved a government vehicle, a different standard applies. Under these circumstances, a lawyer can file a Notice of Claim for you. The Notice of Claim requires filing within 90 days of the accident. The plaintiff then has 90 days plus one year to file a lawsuit against the city or town and their agencies.

This document details:

• Nature of the claim
• Time and place of the accident
• Injuries and damages sustained

However, certain government entities have their own statute of limitations. For example, the Port Authority manages all New York and New Jersey crossings. Speak to an experienced attorney to understand how your claim might be impacted by these legalities and formulate a case accordingly.

Talk to a New York Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Have you been injured or lost a loved one due to a motorcycle accident in New York City? If so, contact an experienced New York motorcycle accident lawyer. In these cases, you need assistance from someone familiar with the process of pursuing compensation for injury or wrongful death.

Allen L. Rothenberg, Esq., New York City Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Our personal injury lawyers have experience handling injured motorcyclist cases across the entire NY area, with clients coming from Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, Westchester, Nassau County, and Long Island. Let our legal team handle the details of dealing with insurance companies and adjusters while you focus on getting the medical treatment you need to recover from your serious injury.

To schedule a consultation, contact our team of New York motorcycle accident lawyers by calling (800) 624-8888 or completing a free case evaluation form. During the initial free consultation, a New York motorcycle accident lawyer at The Rothenberg Law Firm LLP will review your case and determine whether we can recover compensation for you.

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we'll never charge you legal fees unless we succeed in first getting you compensation.