Disclaimer: *Steve and Rich Barnes have obtained millions in recoveries for their clients and have supervised over $2.5 Billion Dollars in settlements.
Written by The Barnes Firm, reviewed by Richard Barnes
Rich Barnes
President
When warmer weather arrives in Buffalo each spring, the number of motorcyclists on the road increases and drivers of trucks and cars have to share the road with motorcycles. Unfortunately, even with drivers and motorcyclists being extra careful and extra cautious on the road, motorcycle accidents happen and often result in severe, long-lasting injuries and can be fatal.
At The Barnes Firm, our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys have been helping motorcycle accident victims in Buffalo and the Western New York Community for decades. We understand New York motorcycle law and how to navigate it to help you get the best result possible. Call us today at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE case evaluation.
Richard Barnes: “As President of The Barnes Firm, I have dedicated my career to achieving justice in hundreds of cases for the victims of injuries caused through the fault of others. Additionally, I have been honored to have been elected Best Lawyer and a Super Lawyer”
Years of Experience: 30+ years
LinkedIn Profile: Richard Barnes
When it comes to motorcycle accidents, insurance companies will often lowball victims to pay out fast. Our experienced team of motorcycle accident attorneys at The Barnes Firm know the road to recovery after a motorcycle accident can be long and stressful. Anyone injured in a motorcycle accident is entitled to recover damages for their physical, emotional, and financial losses. All motorcycle crashes are different and the compensation you may receive depends on the facts of the case. After a motorcycle accident, do not put your faith in an insurance company. The motorcycle accident lawyers at The Barnes Firm will evaluate your case for FREE and will investigate every aspect of your accident to help you get the best result possible for your case.
In New York State, over 4,000 people are injured in motorcycle accidents each year. Motorcyclists are more likely to be injured than other drivers because motorcycles offer less protection than other vehicles. Riders are exposed to the direct impact of the pavement or the other vehicle in a motorcycle accident. Motorcyclists are also directly affected by weather conditions, like rain. Rain, whether light sprinkles or heavy downpours, can cause hazardous road conditions, making it hard to see at slow or fast speeds. Wet roadways can also cause pavement to become slick, making it more difficult for motorcycle tires to have traction with the road. Other road hazards, like potholes or flying pebbles and rocks, can also cause motorcyclists to slow down unexpectedly or quickly, not allowing for an adequate amount of reaction time for other cars or trucks traveling the same road. In addition, motorcycles only have two wheels, making them less stable than a four-wheel vehicle.
Almost all motorcycle accidents in Buffalo and Western New York occur from May through September. Even when motorcyclists drive safely and practice caution, accidents can still happen. The trusted team of motorcycle attorneys at The Barnes Firm have found that the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
Distracted Driving. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents in the United States. Taking your eyes off the road, even for a second, can lead to a severe motorcycle accident.
Left Turn Accidents. Drivers making left-hand turns in front of motorcycles are another common cause of motorcycle accidents. Drivers of vehicles often fail to properly evaluate the speed and distance of an oncoming motorcyclist before making a left-hand turn, causing an accident. Left-hand turn accidents can also occur when drivers fail to properly follow traffic signals or signs.
Switching Lanes. Drivers change lanes frequently, especially when going high speeds on a highway. Those who merge without warning or fail to properly check their blind spot risk hitting a motorcyclist.
Speeding. A speeding car or truck needs more stopping distance, especially when behind a motorcycle. Increased speed can also lead to more serious injuries for the motorcyclist.
Driving Under the Influence. Driving under the influence is dangerous to everyone on the road, but especially motorcyclists. Motorcyclists have a higher chance of being hit by an intoxicated driver due to smaller profile than other vehicles. Driving under the influence is illegal in every state.
Tailgating. Tailgating is extremely dangerous, especially when it’s being done behind a motorcycle. The impatience of other drivers often leads to rear-end motorcycle accidents. Rear-end accidents commonly happen at red lights or stop signs, railroad gates, or in traffic when traffic comes to an abrupt or sudden stop.
Many motorcyclists don’t know what to do after being involved in an accident. The motorcycle accident attorneys at The Barnes Firm are here to answer any questions you have after a motorcycle accident. If you’ve been involved in or witnessed a Buffalo motorcycle accident:
1. Get to Safety. The most important step after a motorcycle accident is to get out of harm’s way and away from traffic. If you can, move your motorcycle off the road to avoid further collisions
2. Call 911. Call 911 to report the accident after getting to safety. If you need an ambulance, request one.
3. Collect Information About the Accident. Take photos and exchange information with the other driver from the accident scene, including personal and insurance information. If possible, request a copy of the police report before you leave the scene.
4. Call an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney at The Barnes Firm. Our Buffalo motorcycle accident lawyers are available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have regarding your case.
Our trusted team of motorcycle accident lawyers in Buffalo will work diligently to help you get the best result possible. Not sure you have a case? Call (800) 800-0000 today for a FREE case evaluation. It could be the best call you make.
The extent and nature of the accident will determine injuries in a motorcycle accident. However, since motorcyclist’s have less protection, riders are more likely to sustain severe or fatal injuries. According to the NHTSA, a motorcyclist is 26 times more likely to die in a traffic collision and five times more likely to be injured in a traffic collision. At The Barnes Firm, our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys have found some of the most common injuries are:
Traumatic brain injury or brain damage. New York State law requires all motorcyclists to wear a helmet. However, even with a helmet, head injuries can still happen. Head injuries can result in brain swelling, bruising and damage.
Spinal cord injuries. Spinal injuries are very common in motorcycle accidents because there is no protection to the bikers’ back. Spinal cord injuries can result in loss of motor function, paralysis, and other lifelong consequences.
Internal organ injuries. Internal bleeding and organ damage can be the result of a motorcycle accident
Lower extremity injuries. Lower extremity injuries are the most common injuries in a motorcycle accident. This refers to any injury below the waist. A lower extremity injury can prevent a victim from walking.
Broken bones & fractures. Broken or fractured bones can happen when a motorcyclist is hit by another vehicle or when a motorcyclist is ejected in a crash.
Road rash. Road rash happens when a motorcyclist’s skin slides across the road. Road rash can lead to scarring and disfigurement.
Motorcycle fatalities. Unfortunately, fatalities often occur as the result of a motorcycle accident. If you or a loved one has been killed in a motorcycle accident, The Barnes Firm is here to help. We will work herd to bring your family the compensation and justice you deserve.
The treatment that accident victims need can range from a little treatment to lifelong treatment. No matter how minor or severe your injury is, our experienced Buffalo motorcycle accident lawyers are here to help. We understand that even with protective gear, motorcycle riders and passengers can experience catastrophic injuries in an accident. The Barnes Firm is here to help you receive maximum compensation for your injuries.
In New York State, you must file your personal injury claim within three years of your accident or injury discovery. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Buffalo, our trusted team of motorcycle attorneys can assist in answering any questions you may have about filing a motorcycle claim.
All motorcycle crashes are different, and the compensation you receive will depend on the facts of your case. Our Buffalo motorcycle accident attorneys have the knowledge and experience to recover more than just medical expenses for your case. After thoroughly investigating the incident and circumstances leading up to it, your attorney may be able to obtain financial compensation for the following losses:
At The Barnes Firm, our team of attorneys will work hard to make sure you are compensated for all your damages. Before talking to an insurance claims adjuster, speak with our Buffalo motorcycle accident attorneys. Our experienced attorneys can help you identify and calculate your damages and fight to help you get the best result possible for your case.
At The Barnes Firm, our team of trusted motorcycle accident lawyers have over 100 years of combined experience helping clients injured in motorcycle accidents get the best result possible. Our Buffalo motorcycle accident attorneys understand first-hand how quickly a motorcycle accident can happen and how unexpected the injuries can be.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Buffalo motorcycle accident, contact our team of experienced motorcycle accident lawyers at The Barnes Firm. From the first conversation through to the final settlement, the trusted team of attorneys at The Barnes Firm will work hard for you every step of the way.
Call (800) 800-0000 today for a FREE case evaluation – it could be the best call you make.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, slip and fall, construction accident, or have suffered another type of personal injury contact our team today.
Free Case Evaluation or call us: (800) 800-0000Most people have never needed a lawyer when they find themselves injured and in need of legal advice. We hear the following questions from many of our clients. We hope the answers help clarify your options and considerations.
Car drivers are the parties most at fault for causing motorcycle accidents. It is often due to poor driving skills. Other times, they have a complete disregard for motorcycles. To determine fault, you may need an investigation to gather the following:
This evidence will be essential for determining who is at fault, such as:
The key is to determine a breach of duty. Once you do, then the fault is easier to assess.
Motorcycle accidents happen for many reasons. The most common causes of New York motorcycle accidents are:
In New York, 2% of registered vehicles are motorcycles. However, they account for 14% of all fatalities. Nearly 100% of deaths are male drivers, 56% being riders under 35. Passenger vehicles make up 92% of all registered vehicles. In 2020, 76% of the 54,272 fatal accidents involved cars.
Most accidents occur on city streets. One of the most dangerous areas is the Hudson Valley, found in Newburgh. In a recent year, 3,827 motorcyclists suffered injuries in collisions. Several New York counties are highly susceptible to motorcycle accidents, including:
These counties accounted for 53% of all motorcycle crashes statewide. Most accidents happen during twilight or nighttime hours and during the summer. Regardless of the circumstance of the crash, you must speak to a New York motorcycle accident lawyer.
Riders are 27 times more likely to die in accidents than other motorists. While most people assume that motorcyclists are reckless and, therefore, the cause of these collisions, that is not the case. The truth is that another driver’s actions cause most motorcycle crashes. It is estimated that about 25% of collisions are the rider’s fault.
Yes, you can recover compensation for pain and suffering. These damages are available when a person suffers a severe injury. Insurance companies must look at the severity and permanency of your injuries. Emotional injuries and mental anguish are intangible losses. That makes it harder to calculate.
Motorcycle collision lawsuit lengths will vary depending on the evidence and case facts. When these cases involve multiple parties, it will take longer to resolve. When the case involves a single defendant, it can take less time. Some cases can be resolved within a few weeks, and others several months. In extreme cases, it can take a year or more.
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