Motorcycle Accidents
New York City Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Seeking the Compensation That Injured Riders Deserve
Riding a motorcycle is an enjoyable hobby for most, but it can be deemed inherently dangerous. If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, you could be facing a painful recovery, substantial time missed from work, and other losses.
The good news is that you may have the right to take legal action to recover compensation. This process starts with hiring an experienced law firm that understands what is at stake and how to fight for the justice that you deserve. Connect today with the New York City attorneys of Gabriel Law.
Free Case Evaluation
Tell us what happened. We’ll review your case and explain your options at no cost, with no obligation.
On This Page
Your Guide to Motorcycle Accident Claims
- Why Choose Gabriel Law?
- New York City Motorcycle Accidents Are Different
- Why Do New York City Motorcycle Accidents Happen?
- How to Prove Liability in a New York City Motorcycle Accident Case
- Damages Available in a New York City Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
- Steps You Should Take After Being in a Motorcycle Accident
- Do You Have a New York City Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me?
- Motorcycle Accident Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose Gabriel Law?
At Gabriel Law, we recognize that an accident is likely one of the worst experiences you will ever have. When we advocate for you, we deliver the quality of legal service that we would want for ourselves.
That means bringing all of this, and more, to bear in your case:
Read our past case results to learn more about how Gabriel Law serves the legal needs of accident victims. Although past results do not guarantee future outcomes, they do speak to the level of commitment we offer all of our clients.
- Conducting our own investigation to better understand why and how your motorcycle accident happened
- Obtaining the evidence necessary to build a strong personal injury case against the at-fault party or parties
- Determining the full value of all of your past, present and future damages
- Retaining expert witnesses, such as an accident reconstructionist, who can help prove your case
- Handling all communications with the at-fault parties and their insurance companies so you can focus on your recovery
- Negotiating effectively with the at-fault parties and insurers, including in mediation, to try to seek an out-of-court resolution
- Trying your case in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached
New York City Motorcycle Accidents Are Different
It is important to choose the right law firm to represent you because motorcycle accidents are unique. Due to the lack of protective steel frames, airbags and other safety features, victims tend to experience catastrophic injuries even with helmets and safety gear.
Catastrophic injuries are not only serious; they have significant and potentially permanent effects on victims. A motorcycle accident victim may require months or even years of follow-up medical appointments, surgeries and physical rehabilitation. They may not be able to work the same job as before, if they can work at all. Chronic pain could last the rest of their life.
An attorney who doesn’t appreciate the seriousness of these injuries may not seek the full amount of your damages. Once your case either settles or goes to a verdict, you won’t be able to ask for more compensation if your injuries turn out to be worse than you anticipated. Gabriel Law knows this, which is why we fight for maximum compensation for our clients.
Why Do New York City Motorcycle Accidents Happen?
Data from 2024 reported approximately 4,700 motorcycle accidents in New York State and 189 motorcyclist fatalities. To make the best case for monetary compensation, a victim must be prepared to explain in detail how the accident occurred and how it indicates negligence. These are some of the most common causes of New York City motorcycle accidents:
Difficult to see
Many accidents are due to the relative difficulty of spotting motorcyclists among other vehicles. This inability to see motorcyclists can lead to a crash.
Failure to yield
When a driver exits a driveway, side street or parking lot onto the main road, they should yield to traffic that is already present. If they fail to do so, they can get into a collision with a motorcycle.
Speeding
Driving too fast makes it more difficult to slow down in time and avoid a crash. Speeding can mean driving over the posted speed limit, or it can mean driving too fast for weather and traffic conditions.
Distracted driving
Since it’s already more difficult to see motorcycles among other vehicles, distractions such as texting while driving or using a GPS can increase the risk of a serious accident.
Driving under the influence
Likewise, driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs (including prescription medications) causes blurry vision and delayed reaction time.
Lane splitting
New York generally prohibits the practice of driving a motorcycle between lanes of traffic. In an accident like this, the victim could bear some liability for breaking the law.
Unsafe lane changes
All drivers should use turn signals, check their mirrors and blind spots and only change lanes when it’s safe to do so. Compared to larger vehicles, it’s easier to accidentally strike a smaller motorcycle while switching lanes.
Tailgating
Following a motorcyclist too closely is dangerous and illegal. The motorcyclist may abruptly stop, not allowing enough time for the driver behind to stop.
Opening vehicle doors
This is commonly known as “dooring,” and it occurs when an occupant of a parked vehicle opens a door directly into the path of an oncoming motorcycle. This risk is especially prevalent in New York City, which has a great deal of parallel parking.
Road hazards
These include potholes, debris, loose gravel and poorly maintained roads. Cases like these could point to negligence on the part of the government.
Inexperienced riders
Having a motorcycle license doesn’t automatically mean a rider is sufficiently experienced, especially in the chaotic traffic environment of New York City. Every motorcyclist has a duty to learn how to safely operate their motorcycle.
Defects
A defect in the motorcycle or in another vehicle involved in the crash could also be responsible. The vehicle's manufacturer, the manufacturer of a specific part, or a mechanic/repair shop may be at fault.
How to Prove Liability in a New York City Motorcycle Accident Case
Winning monetary damages in a motorcycle accident case requires proving the four elements of a New York City personal injury claim. They are:
- Duty of care: This duty essentially means that every motorist who uses public roads has a duty to drive safely, obey traffic laws and avoid conduct that can foreseeably cause injury to others.
- Breach: A breach of the duty of care is anything amounting to legal negligence, like the examples listed above. It may also include driving aggressively.
- Causation: The breach has to actually cause an accident, meaning it is a substantial factor in causing an accident and the victim’s subsequent injuries.
- Damages: Lastly, the motorcycle accident victim needs to prove the nature and amount of damages. These are usually, but not exclusively, intended to compensate the victim for various losses.
Damages Available in a New York City Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
Filing a lawsuit is primarily intended to restore the victim as close as possible to the position they were in prior to the accident. This is usually accomplished by seeking and winning compensatory damages, which include:
- Medical bills such as hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, rehabilitation, adaptive medical equipment, prescription medications and more
- Future medical expenses that the victim is likely to have due to their ongoing injuries
- Lost wages to compensate the victim for time missed from work during recovery and accident-related matters
- Loss of future earning capacity if the victim cannot return to their previous line of work and therefore loses out on income, bonuses, promotions, and benefits
- Non-economic damages: This broad category includes more intangible and subjective losses such as pain and suffering and emotional distress
- Property damage and out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident
Steps You Should Take After Being in a Motorcycle Accident
What you do immediately after a motorcycle crash could affect your long-term health and your legal rights. Gabriel Law recommends the following steps:
Call 911
Report the accident right away to emergency services. When police respond, they will create an accident report. We can show you how to get a copy of this if you are unable to at the scene.
Exchange required information
Remain at the scene and exchange information with the other drivers, including your insurance information and license plate number. If a driver flees the scene, try to obtain details about their vehicle and report them to the police.
Get medical attention
Whether by ambulance or visiting your primary care physician, immediately see a doctor regardless of how minor the accident seems. Unreasonable delays in taking this step could harm your health and your right to compensation.
Report the accident to the New York DMV
A driver involved in an accident resulting in death, bodily injury or property damage of more than $1,000 must report the crash to the DMV within 10 days. This is separate from the police accident report. Use Form MV-104 and ask an attorney for assistance.
Document the accident
Take pictures and record videos of the accident scene and of your injuries. Record the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses. Write down details about the accident before you forget them.
Limit what you say
When dealing with insurance and other drivers, don’t apologize, speculate as to who caused the accident, or say things like “I’m fine.” Only report objective facts like the location of the accident.
Speak to a knowledgeable attorney
Once you have taken care of the above matters, reach out to us. We can explain everything you need to know about claiming compensation.
Locations
Do You Have a New York City Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me?
Gabriel Law has offices throughout New York City, including Manhattan. We are located at 340 W 57th St #2L, New York, NY 10019 (by appointment), in the Hell’s Kitchen/Columbus Circle area. We are only a few blocks away from the southwest entrance to Central Park. Other nearby landmarks include Carnegie Hall and Hearst Tower.
Numerous transportation options are available to you. There are multiple subway stations within a short walk of our office. Several MTA bus lines provide convenient service to the area, and commuter rail is a good choice as well. There are public parking garages within a few blocks if you are visiting us by car.
Our other NYC locations include:
Call Gabriel Law if you need assistance.
- 2653 Coney Island Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11223
- 39-10 Main St #200, Queens, NY 11452
- 1136 Castle Hill Ave, Bronx, NY 10462
- 2 Lincoln Ave., Suite 400, Rockville Centre, NY 11570
Long Island — Main Office
2 Lincoln Ave., Suite 400, Rockville Centre, NY 11570
In Rockville Centre, Nassau County — serving all of Long Island.
Manhattan
340 W 57th St #2L
New York, NY 10019
Brooklyn
2653 Coney Island Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11223
Queens
39-10 Main St #200
Queens, NY 11354
The Bronx
1136 Castle Hill Ave
Bronx, NY 10462
Can’t make it in? Phone and video consultations are available. When you’re ready to talk, we’re ready to listen.
Motorcycle Accident Frequently Asked Questions
Although New York law requires motorcyclists to wear helmets, not wearing one doesn’t mean you are automatically denied compensation. However, if not wearing a helmet makes your head injuries worse, the at-fault party may try to use this against you.
Contact Us
Contact Our New York City Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
You may only have a limited amount of time to file a claim, so don’t delay consulting an attorney after your motorcycle accident. Gabriel Law can explain your options and help you get started. Contact Gabriel Law today to learn more.