NYC Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

At the Law Offices of Ira M. Perlman, P.C. & Robert D. Rosen, P.C., we are committed to supporting and defending the rights of motorcycle accident victims in New York City. Our experienced NYC motorcycle accident lawyers understand the unique challenges motorcyclists face on NYC’s busy streets and are dedicated to helping you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. Contact us today for immediate assistance.

What Constitutes an NYC Motorcycle Accident?

A motorcycle accident in New York City is defined as any incident involving a motorcycle that results in injury, damage, or both, to the riders or others involved. These accidents can vary widely in severity and circumstances but typically involve the following scenarios:

Types of Motorcycle Accidents

• Collisions with Vehicles: The most common type involves motorcycles colliding with cars, trucks, buses, or other motor vehicles. These can occur due to a variety of factors, such as failure to yield, distracted driving, or improper lane changes by either party.
• Single-Vehicle Accidents: Accidents where the motorcycle crashes without involving another vehicle. Causes can include skidding, losing control due to road conditions, or mechanical failures.
• Pedestrian Involvement: Accidents that occur when a motorcycle hits a pedestrian or vice versa.
• Fixed Object Collisions: Occur when a motorcycle collides with a non-vehicle object like a lamppost, guardrail, or building.

How a NYC Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help

At the Law Offices of Ira M. Perlman, P.C. & Robert D. Rosen, P.C., we understand the devastating impact a motorcycle accident can have on your life. Our dedicated team is committed to providing the support and legal experience necessary to navigate the aftermath of such incidents. Here’s how our NYC motorcycle accident lawyers can assist you:

Experience in Motorcycle Accident Law

Our lawyers possess deep knowledge of New York motorcycle laws and regulations. We understand the unique challenges and prejudices motorcyclists often face and use this experience to advocate effectively for your rights and interests.

Thorough Investigation of Your Accident

We conduct comprehensive investigations to determine the cause of your accident and identify all liable parties. This includes gathering evidence such as traffic camera footage, police reports, witness statements, and expert testimonies regarding road conditions and vehicle dynamics.

Skilled Negotiation with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, especially in motorcycle accidents where injuries can be severe. Our experienced attorneys have a proven track record of negotiating with insurers to ensure you receive the full compensation you are entitled to.

Litigation Experience

If a fair settlement cannot be achieved through negotiations, our skilled litigators are prepared to take your case to trial. We are committed to fighting vigorously in court to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.

Maximizing Your Compensation

We work tirelessly to ensure that you receive compensation for all your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Our goal is to secure a financial recovery that covers both your current and future needs.

Personalized Legal Strategy

We understand that every motorcycle accident case is unique. Our attorneys provide personalized legal strategies tailored to the specific details of your case and your personal circumstances, ensuring that your legal representation is as effective as possible.

Emotional Support and Guidance

Navigating the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be emotionally taxing. Our team offers not just legal support, but also emotional guidance to help you through this challenging time, addressing any concerns and ensuring you feel confident every step of the way.

Who Is Liable for My Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

Determining liability in a motorcycle accident involves understanding who was at fault for the incident. This can be complex, as multiple parties might be involved or share responsibility. Here are the most common parties that could be liable for motorcycle accident injuries:

Other Motorists

Other drivers are often liable due to negligent behaviors such as distracted driving, failure to yield right of way, driving under the influence, or other violations of traffic laws. If another driver’s actions directly caused the accident that resulted in your injuries, they could be held responsible.

The Motorcycle Manufacturer

If a defect in the motorcycle itself caused your accident, the manufacturer might be liable. This could include defects in design, manufacturing or failure to warn about certain aspects of the motorcycle’s operation. Product liability claims can be pursued if a defect made the motorcycle inherently unsafe.

Parts Manufacturers

Similarly, if a specific part of the motorcycle, such as the brakes or tires, was defective and led to the accident, the manufacturer could be liable under product liability laws.

Government Entities

A government entity might be liable if poor road conditions contributed to your accident. This can include situations where roads were improperly maintained, faulty traffic signals, or the road design was inherently dangerous. Due to stringent notice requirements and immunity provisions, claims against government entities can be more challenging.

Maintenance or Service Providers

If you had work done on your motorcycle and an improper repair or maintenance failure led to an accident, the service provider might be responsible. This would be under the premise that their negligence in maintaining your motorcycle caused it to be unsafe.

The Motorcycle Owner

If you were not the motorcycle owner and the owner failed to maintain the bike properly or knew of an existing problem that led to an accident, the owner could be held liable.

Legal Assistance

Identifying and proving liability in motorcycle accidents requires a detailed investigation and often the expertise of accident reconstruction specialists. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can be invaluable in this process. They will:

• Gather and analyze evidence from the scene, including surveillance footage, vehicle data, and police reports.
• Consult with experts to understand the mechanics of the accident.
• Handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies and other involved parties.

Given the complexities of such cases, especially when dealing with severe injuries and significant damages, having skilled legal representation is crucial. A car accident lawyer will ensure that all potential sources of liability are explored and that your rights are vigorously defended throughout the legal process.

Common Injuries From Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-threatening. The lack of structural protection compared to cars leaves motorcyclists especially vulnerable in collisions. Here are some of the common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents, including the potential for fatalities:

Head and Brain Injuries

• Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Even with a helmet, riders can suffer significant brain injuries from the impact.
• Skull Fractures: The force of impact can cause severe head injuries including fractures of the skull.

Road Rash

This injury occurs when a rider’s skin scrapes across the road surface, removing layers of skin and potentially leading to serious infections if not properly treated.

Lower Extremity Injuries

• Fractures: The legs and feet are particularly vulnerable in motorcycle crashes, leading to broken bones and compound fractures.
• Knee and Ankle Injuries: Ligament damage and joint injuries are common, especially if the motorcycle falls on the rider’s leg.

Upper Extremity Injuries

• Fractures and Dislocations: Arms, shoulders, and wrists can suffer from fractures and dislocations due to the rider extending their arms during a fall to absorb the impact.
• Nerve Damage: The impact or pressure from the accident can lead to nerve damage in the arms and hands.

Spinal Cord Injuries

• Paralysis: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, either temporarily or permanently.
• Herniated Discs: The force exerted on the spine during a crash can cause discs to herniate, leading to severe pain and mobility issues.

Internal Injuries

• Internal Bleeding: Blunt trauma can cause bleeding of internal organs, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
• Organ Damage: The kidneys, liver, lungs, and spleen are susceptible to damage from the impact.

Facial Injuries

Riders without full-face helmets are at a high risk of sustaining broken bones in the face or severe dental injuries.

Fatalities

Due to the high vulnerability of motorcyclists, fatalities are sadly not uncommon. Fatal injuries usually result from severe head trauma, spinal injuries, or multiple traumatic injuries leading to critical organ failure.

Importance of Protective Gear

Wearing appropriate protective gear, such as helmets, protective clothing, gloves, and boots, is crucial for reducing the severity of injuries. Helmets, in particular, are vital as they significantly decrease the risk of fatal head injuries.

Legal and Medical Assistance

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine initially, as some injuries may not present symptoms right away. Additionally, consulting with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and potential compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Compensation You Be Entitled To Following a Motorcycle Accident

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation depending on the circumstances of your accident and the extent of your injuries. Here are the key types of compensation that you may be eligible to receive:

Medical Expenses

• Immediate Medical Costs: This covers all hospital bills, emergency room visits, surgeries, medication, medical tests, and any immediate medical treatments following the accident.
• Ongoing and Future Medical Care: Includes rehabilitation, physical therapy, follow-up surgeries, and any long-term healthcare needs due to accident-related injuries.

Lost Wages and Earning Capacity

• Current Lost Wages: Compensation for the income you lost while recovering and unable to work.
• Loss of Future Earnings: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous employment or diminish your ability to earn income in the future, you may be compensated for the reduction in earning capacity.

Pain and Suffering

Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the accident, including ongoing discomfort, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and other psychological impacts.

Property Damage

Reimbursement for the damage to your motorcycle and any other personal property affected by the accident.

Rehabilitation Costs

Costs associated with physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other forms of rehabilitation needed to assist your recovery and return to normal life.

Disfigurement and Permanent Disability

If the accident results in scarring, disfigurement, or permanent disabilities, compensation may include costs for cosmetic surgeries, adaptive devices, and compensation for the impact of these changes on your quality of life.

Wrongful Death

In the event of a fatality, the family of the deceased may seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, loss of future income, and other damages related to the loss of their loved one.

Punitive Damages

In cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly reckless or egregious, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.

Ready to Claim What You Deserve? Contact Us Today

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, you shouldn’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. The Law Offices of Ira M. Perlman, P.C. & Robert D. Rosen, P.C. are here to help you secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries, lost wages, and more. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case. Our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers are dedicated to fighting for your rights and ensuring you receive the maximum compensation available. Don’t wait—reach out now to start your journey toward recovery and financial security.

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NYC Motorcycle Accident Lawyer FAQs

Navigating the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be complex and overwhelming. Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about motorcycle accidents in New York City and how an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help with your personal injury claim:

1. What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident in NYC?

• Ensure your safety and seek medical attention, even if you feel fine. Injuries may not be immediately apparent.
• Report the accident to the police to ensure there’s an official record.
• Gather information from any other parties involved and witnesses, including names, contact details, and insurance information.
• Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your motorcycle.
• Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.

2. How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in New York?

New York generally imposes a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits, including motorcycle accidents. However, this timeline can vary based on specific circumstances, so consulting a car accident attorney promptly is crucial.

3. Who can be held liable for a motorcycle accident?

• Other drivers, if their negligence caused the accident.
• The motorcycle or parts manufacturers, if a defect contributed to the accident.
• Government entities, if poor road conditions were a factor.
• Service providers, if improper maintenance played a role.

4. What types of compensation can I recover?

Medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and more. In cases of severe or permanent injuries, additional compensation for long-term care and loss of future earnings may be available.

5. Do I really need a NYC personal injury lawyer if the insurance company has made an offer?

Yes, insurance companies often offer settlements quickly to minimize payout amounts. A personal injury attorney can assess whether the offer adequately covers all of your expenses and losses. If not, they can negotiate or litigate to seek a more appropriate settlement.

6. What if I was partly at fault for the motorcycle accident?

New York follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages even if you are partially at fault, but your percentage of fault will reduce your compensation.

7. How can a NYC injury lawyer help if the case goes to court?

A personal injury lawyer will handle all aspects of preparing your case for trial, including gathering evidence, consulting experts, and presenting your case to maximize the likelihood of a favorable verdict.

8. What should I look for in a motorcycle accident lawyer?

Experience in motorcycle accident law, a track record of securing substantial settlements or verdicts, and a car accident lawyer who communicates clearly and prioritizes your best interests.