Your Complete Guide to Hiring a New York City Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in NYC

New York City is one of the most dangerous places in the country to ride a motorcycle. Between heavy traffic, impatient drivers, and constantly changing road conditions, it’s no surprise that motorcycle crashes happen frequently.

Understanding the most common causes can help riders stay alert and can also be crucial in proving fault during a motorcycle accident claim.

01. Distracted Driving

Many motor vehicle accidents in the city occur because drivers are texting, using GPS, or simply not paying attention. For motorcyclists, even a brief moment of driver distraction can result in a collision.

02. Unsafe Lane Changes

Without proper signaling or checking blind spots, cars and trucks can easily sideswipe a motorcycle. These types of motorcycle accident cases often involve proving that the driver failed to see or yield to the rider.

03. Speeding and Aggressive Driving

High speeds reduce reaction time. In New York, speeding dramatically increases the risk of serious injury.

04. Poor Road Conditions

Potholes, debris, and uneven pavement may be a nuisance for cars, but for motorcycles, they can cause immediate loss of control.

05. Drunk or Impaired Driving

Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and reaction time, making the roads more dangerous for everyone.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

When a motorcycle crash happens, the rider’s body is far more exposed than in an auto accident. Even with proper safety gear, the impact can result in severe, sometimes life-changing, motorcycle accident injuries.

• Road Rash: Sliding across pavement can scrape away skin and underlying tissue, leading to painful wounds that may require skin grafts. Severe road rash can also cause permanent scarring.
• ‍Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Even with a helmet, head trauma can occur in high-impact motorcycle accident cases. A TBI can affect memory, speech, and motor skills, sometimes permanently.
• ‍Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine can result in partial or complete paralysis.
• ‍Fractures and Broken Bones: Fractures on arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis are common when riders are thrown from their bikes.
• ‍Internal Injuries: Damage to organs and internal bleeding can be life-threatening and may not be immediately obvious after a crash.

Your Legal Rights After a Motorcycle Crash

After a serious motorcycle accident in NYC, you must know your legal rights. In most cases, if your injuries were caused by another driver’s negligence, you have the right to file a personal injury claim against the responsible party.

New York’s “no-fault” insurance laws do not automatically cover motorcycle accident victims. This means you’ll need to pursue damages directly from the at-fault driver’s insurance company or through a lawsuit to recover costs for medical treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

If you’ve been injured, the law also allows you to seek damages for future medical needs, rehabilitation costs, and loss of earning capacity. However, you must act quickly as New York imposes strict deadlines for filing motorcycle accident claims.

How a New York City Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help

It can be hard to navigate a motorcycle accident claim while recovering from your injuries. An experienced attorney understands the law and knows how to handle the insurance company tactics.

Here’s how a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer in New York helps:

• They will gather police reports, witness statements, medical records, and accident scene photos to build a strong case.
• They’ll deal directly with insurers and opposing attorneys, so you can focus on your recovery instead of stressful calls and paperwork.
• They will accurately calculate the damages, ensuring your personal injury claim reflects the impact of your injuries.
• While most motorcycle accident cases settle out of court, a lawyer will push for maximum compensation and won’t accept lowball offers.
• If negotiations fail, your attorney will be ready to take your case to trial, advocating for your rights every step of the way.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

After a serious crash, motorcycle accident victims may face large medical bills, months of lost income, and long-term physical or emotional challenges.

A well-prepared motorcycle accident claim can help recover compensation for these losses.

Economic Damages – These cover the measurable financial costs of your accident:

• Medical bills for hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment
• Lost wages from time away from work during recovery
• Reduced earning capacity if injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job
• Costs of home modifications or mobility equipment

Non-Economic Damages – These address the less tangible impacts of a crash:

• Pain and suffering from physical injuries like road rash, fractures, or traumatic brain injury
• Emotional distress, including anxiety or depression, after a motor vehicle accident

Punitive Damages – In rare cases of extreme negligence (such as drunk driving), courts may award extra damages to punish the at-fault party.

A good motorcycle accident attorney in New York will calculate the full scope of damages to ensure your personal injury claim reflects the true extent of your losses.

For further readings

Not Wearing a Helmet? Here's How a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in New York Can Still Help

The Passenger’s Rights: How a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in New York Protects Riders Who Weren’t Driving