Guide to New York Motorcycle Accident Claims

Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes in New York

Motorcycle accidents can happen due to many reasons, but in New York City, certain causes are especially common. In order to build a stronger case and support your motorcycle accident claim if you've been injured, you must first understand what causes these crashes.

One of the leading causes of motorcycle crashes is driver negligence. Many accidents occur when a car makes an unsafe lane change or turns without checking for motorcycles. These situations are especially dangerous for riders, who have far less protection than drivers in closed vehicles. What might be a minor car accident for one person could mean life-altering injuries for a motorcyclist.

Other causes include road hazards like potholes, construction debris, or poorly marked lanes, which are common issues on New York’s busy streets. Weather conditions and reduced visibility during the colder months also play a role.

In some cases, defective parts or poorly maintained motorcycles may lead to an accident. Regardless of the cause, the consequences often include severe motorcycle accident injuries, from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in NYC

If you’ve been caught in a motorcycle accident in New York City, the actions you take immediately afterward can impact your health, safety, and any future personal injury claim.

Stay calm and follow these steps:

01) Get to Safety and Call 911

Your first priority is to move out of harm’s way and call emergency services. Request medical assistance even if your injuries seem minor. Many serious motorcycle accident injuries, such as internal bleeding or concussions, may not show symptoms right away.

02) Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if you feel okay, visit a doctor as soon as possible. Your medical records will be essential when pursuing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

03) Document the Scene

Take photographs of the accident scene, your motorcycle, other vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. Get contact information from witnesses, and be sure to exchange insurance details with the other party involved in the motor vehicle accident.

04) Do Not Admit Fault or Talk to Insurance Companies Alone

Insurance companies may contact you quickly, hoping to settle before you speak to an attorney. Avoid giving statements or accepting any offers before consulting a qualified York motorcycle accident lawyer.

05) Contact a New York Motorcycle Accident Attorney

You need legal guidance after a serious crash. A trusted motorcycle accident attorney will help protect your rights, gather crucial evidence, and handle communications with insurance companies.

Understanding Motorcycle Accident Claims

Filing a motorcycle accident claim in New York might be the last thing on your mind when you're dealing with injuries, financial stress, and persistent calls from insurance companies. However, it is crucial to understand how the claims process works in order to get the compensation you deserve.

Motorcycle crashes often result in more serious injuries unlike a car accident. Riders lack the protection of seat belts, airbags, or a vehicle frame, which makes them more vulnerable. Because of this, motorcycle accident cases tend to involve higher medical costs, extended recovery times, and more complicated legal issues.

A motorcycle accident claim usually begins with an investigation of the incident. This includes collecting police reports, medical records, witness statements, and photos from the scene. Your motorcycle accident attorney will use this evidence to establish who was at fault and the extent of your damages.

The claim will cover losses such as:

• Medical bills for treatment and rehabilitation
• Lost wages from time missed at work
• Future medical expenses and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life

While New York is a no-fault state for motor vehicle accidents, motorcycles are treated differently. Motorcyclists are not covered under the no-fault system, which means injured riders must file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party to recover damages.

Experienced personal injury attorneys understand the challenges of motorcycle injury cases. They will advocate on your behalf and ensure that you're not pressured into accepting an unfair settlement.

How a New York Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help

After a serious motorcycle crash, you may be facing painful injuries, rising medical bills, and time away from work. A trusted New York motorcycle accident attorney can make a difference in the outcome of your case by handling legal burdens while you focus on healing.

01) They Investigate the Accident Thoroughly

Experienced motorcycle accident attorneys begin by gathering all available evidence. This can be police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage. This helps build a strong case to prove fault and demonstrate the extent of your motorcycle accident injuries.

02) They Deal with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are known to minimize payouts or deny legitimate claims altogether. A skilled attorney understands the tactics insurers use and will negotiate aggressively on your behalf. This ensures you receive fair compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, and other losses.

03) They Calculate the Full Value of Your Claim

An attorney will evaluate both your current and future damages, including long-term treatment for motorcycle injuries or emotional trauma. They’ll account for all losses like immediate medical bills and reduced earning capacity and pursue a full and fair settlement.

04) They Represent You in Court if Necessary

While many motorcycle accident cases are settled out of court, some require litigation. If your case goes to trial, your personal injury attorney will represent you with confidence and experience.

Choosing the Right Motorcycle Accident Attorney in New York

Remember that not all personal injury lawyers have the experience or dedication needed to handle complex motorcycle accident cases, so it's important to select the right motorcycle accident attorney to handle your case.

Here are a few qualities to look for:

• Experience with such cases and a proven track record of favorable outcomes
• Clear communication, so you're always informed about your case.
• Strong negotiation skills to deal with difficult insurers
• A willingness to take your case to trial if needed

You should also feel confident that your attorney genuinely cares about your recovery and your future. After all, they’ll be fighting for compensation that can help cover your medical bills,

replace lost wages, and support your healing process after a serious motorcycle injury.

If you’re looking for a top-rated motorcycle accident attorney, call Gabriel Law NYC Personal Injury Attorneys at (212) 497-2421 (available 24/7). Contact us today for a free consultation, or email us at suren@gabriellegal.com.

Conclusion

Suffering a motorcycle injury in a busy place like New York City can turn your life upside down. But you don’t have to face this alone. An experienced New York motorcycle accident attorney can help you take control of your situation by handling your motorcycle accident claim, protecting your rights, and ensuring you get the compensation you need to move forward.

The sooner you take legal action, the stronger your case will be, especially when evidence and witness accounts are still fresh. So, don’t wait until the bills pile up or an insurance adjuster pressures you into a low settlement. The road to recovery may be long, but you can have peace of mind knowing that its legal aspects will be taken care of.

For further reading

Why Choosing the Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in NYC Matters

Injured in NYC? You Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer on Your Side