Motorcycles accidents

Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in New York

Motorcycle accidents are 15 times more likely to result in a fatality than auto accidents. Of the 4,855 motorcycle accidents reported in 2011 in New York, none resulted in the death of the automobile driver or passenger, while 171 led to the death of the motorcycle driver and/or passenger.

A majority of the motorcycle accidents reported in New York resulted in injury. Also, a large portion of the accidents involved injury to more than just the driver, but also to passengers on the bikes. What causes this extreme disparity? To put it simply, motorcycles fail to offer both physical protection to their rider and the visibility of their surroundings because of their small size. For these reasons, motorcycle accidents can be some of the most devastating types of accidents to occur on the streets of New York.

The catastrophic injuries that can result from a motorcycle accident can leave you with mental, physical, and emotional distress, not to mention costly medical bills. If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, contact Greenberg & Stein, P.C. today to speak with a skilled New York City personal injury attorney.

The Importance of Hiring an Experienced NYC Personal Injury Attorney After a Motorcycle Accident

Fighting for the compensation you deserve on your own is not always easy. Navigating the legal processes can be hard for someone who is not an expert in law. Therefore, hiring an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can increase your chances of succeeding.

Right after an accident, one of the most important things you should do is to contact an attorney. You will feel a lot more comfortable and relieved if you know that your case is in the hand of an experienced motorcycle accident attorney.

When Do I Need a Lawyer for a Motorcycle Accident?

Here are some situations in which you will most likely want to have an attorney by your side:

Severe injuries or fatalities

It is undeniable that motorcycle riders are usually the ones who end up worsley injured in an accident. For this reason, many motorcycle accident victims end up with very serious injuries and in the most unfortunate cases, accidents can be fatal. The more serious the injuries are, the bigger the compensation should be. Assessing the worth of your case, calculating present and future medical expenses, and negotiating with the insurance companies are difficult tasks. Leaving those complicated tasks to an expert is the best thing you can do.

Fault Dispute

In cases in which the fault is not very clear, the other parties involved in the accident will argue that it was not their fault. The insurance company of the other driver may try to blame you completely or partially for the accident in an effort to not pay you. When this happens a motorcycle accident attorney can help you build a solid case with the evidence necessary to prove that the other party was at-fault for the accident.

Insurance Company Resistance

Insurance companies are just like any other business, they are designed to make money. That is why they will try to do everything they can to pay you as little as possible.

These companies have many different strategies to encourage people to accept very low settlement offers. Facing an insurance company on your own can be very tough. Well-seasoned attorneys know their tactics and they know how to fight them.

Uninsured or Underinsured Motorists

Things can get a little bit tricky when the person who caused the accident has no insurance policy or if their policy has not enough coverage to pay for all the damages you are entitled to. Fortunately, there are more options you can explore when this happens. Nonetheless, these options will vary depending on the specific circumstances of your accident. A motorcycle accident lawyer can review your case and evaluate what is the best course of action for you.

Wrongful Death

Wrongful death cases are usually more complicated than cases that only involve physical injuries. There are many more factors to take into account and the statute of limitations for these kinds of cases is usually shorter. Putting a price on someone’s life is impossible but you need to make sure you get the compensation that you are legally entitled to. The best way to do this is by working with a motorcycle accident attorney.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in NY

The majority of motorcycle accidents are caused by reckless or distracted driving, either on the part of the automobile driver or the motorcycle rider. Unsafe speeds, the failure to yield the right of way, and distracted drivers are the most common behaviors that lead to accidents involving motorcycles. Here are some other common causes of motorcycle accidents in New York:

• Rear-end collisions: This type of accident occurs when a vehicle hits a motorcycle from behind.

Rear-end collisions are often caused by distracted driving, tailgating, or sudden stops by the motorcycle.

• Left-turn accidents: Left-turn accidents happen when a vehicle turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle.

These accidents often happen at intersections and are caused by the driver’s failure to yield to the motorcycle.

• Lane splitting accidents: Lane splitting is when a motorcycle rides between two lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic.

This type of accident occurs when a driver changes lanes without checking for a motorcycle in the adjacent lane.

• Head-on collisions: A head-on collision occurs when a motorcycle collides with another vehicle coming from the opposite direction.

A head-on collision is often fatal and is caused by distracted driving, drunk driving, or crossing the centerline.

• T-bone accidents: A T-bone accident tends to happen when a vehicle collides with a motorcycle from the side, creating a “T” shape. This type of accident usually occurs at intersections and is caused by the driver’s failure to yield to the motorcycle.

Single-vehicle accidents: A single-vehicle accident is when a motorcycle crashes without any involvement from another vehicle. This usually happens due to speeding, loss of control, or road hazards.

• Hit-and-run accidents: Hit-and-run accidents occur when a driver hits a motorcycle and leaves the scene without stopping.

Drunk driving, distracted driving, or uninsured drivers are common causes of these incidents.

• Road hazard accidents: Road hazard accidents happen when a motorcycle hits a hazard on the road, such as potholes, debris, or loose gravel.

Poor road maintenance or construction can lead to road hazards.

• Speeding and reckless driving accidents: These accidents occur when a driver operates a vehicle at high speeds or engages in dangerous driving behaviors.

This type of accident is often caused by road rage, driving under the influence, or trying to show off.

• Alcohol or drug-related accidents: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a very dangerous practice. Alcohol and other substances affect a driver’s reflexes and judgment.

What Are My Rights After a Motorcycle Accident in NY?

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in New York (NY), you have certain rights that you should be aware of. Here are some of the key rights that you have after a motorcycle accident in NY:

1. Right to Seek Medical Attention:

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you have the right to seek medical attention immediately. It is important to get medical help as soon as possible, even if you do not feel like you are seriously injured. Some injuries may not show symptoms until hours or even days later.

2. Right to File a Claim:

After a motorcycle accident, you have the right to file a claim with your insurance company or the other driver’s insurance company to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.

3. Right to Hire an Attorney:

You have the right to hire an attorney to represent you and help you navigate the legal process. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options and can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.

4. Right to Receive Compensation:

If the other driver was at fault for the accident, you have the right to receive compensation for your injuries and damages. This compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the accident.

5. Right to a Fair Investigation:

You have the right to a fair investigation of the accident. This means that the police should investigate the accident thoroughly and impartially, and insurance companies should conduct a fair and impartial investigation as well.

How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in NY?

There are several exceptions to this time restriction, it is important to remember that. There can be a narrower window for submitting a claim, for instance, if the accident involves a government organization or agency. Additionally, the statute of limitations for bringing a wrongful death case may change if the accident resulted in the death of the victim.

How to Choose the Right Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident and are looking for a lawyer to help you pursue compensation for your injuries, it is important to find someone with experience and expertise in handling motorcycle accident cases.

Look for an attorney who has a proven track record of successfully representing clients in motorcycle accident cases in NY, and who understands the unique challenges and legal issues that are often involved in these cases.

You should also seek out an attorney who is responsive, communicative, and who you feel comfortable working with.

Be sure to ask about their fees and billing practices, and make sure you understand how they will be paid for their services.

Finally, consider seeking recommendations from friends or family members who have worked with personal injury attorneys in the past, or consult with a reputable legal referral service to help you find an attorney who meets your needs.

How Soon After My Motorcycle Accident Should I Consult an Attorney?

Generally speaking, it is wise to get legal counsel as soon as possible. This is due to the fact that making a personal injury claim frequently involves meeting strict timelines and regulatory criteria.

Additionally, the early involvement of an attorney can help ensure that important evidence is preserved, witness statements are collected, and your legal rights are protected from the start.

The longer you wait to consult with an attorney, the more difficult it may be to gather the necessary evidence and build a strong case.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Attorney?

Many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you receive compensation for your injuries. If your case is successful, the attorney’s fee is typically a percentage of the total amount recovered, usually 33%.

If you do not receive any compensation for your injuries, then you will not owe the attorney any fees. However, you may be responsible for certain expenses related to your case, such as court fees, expert witness fees, and other costs.

It’s important to discuss these expenses with your attorney upfront to understand what you will be responsible for paying.

What Types of Compensation Can I Recover in a Motorcycle Accident?

After a motorcycle accident you may receive compensation to the following damages:

• Lost Wages: Lost wages refer to compensation for the income the injured party could have earned but could not due to the accident.
• Medical Expenses: This includes the costs of present and future medical treatment and care required as a result of the accident.
• Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering damages aim to compensate the injured party for physical and emotional pain caused by the accident.
• Property Damage: You can be reimbursed for the costs of repairing or replacing the motorcycle or any other property damaged in the accident.
• Loss of Consortium: Loss of consortium refers to compensation for the impact of the injuries on the injured party’s relationship with their spouse or partner.
• Wrongful Death: Wrongful death damages aim to compensate the family members of a deceased victim for the loss of their loved one.
• Punitive Damages: Punitive damages may be awarded in cases where the at-fault party’s actions were particularly egregious or reckless, as a means of punishing the defendant and deterring similar behavior in the future.

Contact A Motorcycle Accident Attorney

While there is a crossover between general automobile accidents and motorcycle accidents, there are differences, as well.

A skilled and experienced attorney that has a history with motorcycle accidents can fight on your behalf to secure compensation for medical bills, doctor visits, surgeries, and other damages related to the accident.

Ultimately, speaking to a law firm that has experience representing victims of motorcycle accidents can make all the difference in your pursuit of justice.

Be sure to contact Greenberg & Stein, the best motorcycle accident attorney in NY, as quickly as possible. Greenberg & Stein is committed to protecting and representing bikers injured in motorcycle accidents.

We will discuss the details of your case, fight for fair compensation, and represent you against insurance companies. Call us at 888-716-4088.