Written by The Barnes Firm, reviewed by Richard Barnes
Rich Barnes
President
The busy streets of New York City see nearly 4.4 million vehicles every day. Motorcycles account for only 2% of registered vehicles in New York City, but 14% of traffic fatalities, nearly twice the fatality rate in New York State.
With over 100 years of combined experience, our trusted motorcycle accident lawyers at The Barnes Firm are dedicated to helping victims of motorcycle accidents in New York City get the best result possible for their motorcycle accident claim. Call us today at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE case evaluation.
The period after a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming and stressful for the victim and their loved ones. The road to recovery can be long depending on severity of injuries, and insurance companies will often lowball victims to pay out fast. Our team of trusted motorcycle accident attorneys at The Barnes Firm are committed to helping motorcycle accident victims get proper compensation for their physical, emotional, and financial losses. We will evaluate your motorcycle accident and the circumstances surrounding it and work hard to help you get the best result possible for your case.
In NYC, motorcycle accidents involving more than one vehicle are typically caused by another driver, not the motorcyclist. Motorcyclists are more likely to be severely injured in an accident due to:
At The Barnes Firm, our experienced NYC motorcycle accident attorneys have successfully handled motorcycle accident cases in New York City that involved one or more of the following:
Distracted Driving. Distracted driving puts drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and anyone else on the road in danger. Because motorcycles have smaller profiles than other vehicles, distracted drivers are more likely to cause a motorcycle accident when they are not paying full attention to the road and their surroundings.
U-turn & Left Turns. Drivers of vehicles making U-turns and left turns often fail to properly estimate the distance of an oncoming motorcyclist, resulting in a collision.
Unsafe Lane Changes. Failure to properly change lanes accounts for over 3,000 motor vehicle fatalities each year. Motorcyclists are more at risk for being hit by a driver failing to properly change lanes as they have a smaller profile. If a driver fails to check their blind spot, there is a higher risk they will miss seeing an oncoming motorcycle.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI). In New York State, more than 30% of fatal crashes are alcohol related. Motorcyclists have a higher chance of being hit by a swerving drunk driver or someone under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs because of their smaller profile on the road.
Tailgating. Driving too close to the rear of a motorcycle is a major cause of New York City motorcycle accidents. Motorcyclists are more likely to be injured in rear-end accidents due to a lack of protective structure. What may be considered a small “tap” can cause severe injuries to a motorcyclist.
Aggressive Driving. Traffic in New York City can be heavy, especially in the warmer months when construction is rampant across the city and the outer boroughs. Having to sit in traffic can lead to aggressive driving and road rage. Road rage can lead to motorists ignoring the rules of the road, and motorcyclists, leading to motorcycle accidents.
Drivers should be cautious and slow down to avoid putting others at risk to avoid accidents. At The Barnes Firm, our experienced NYC motorcycle accident lawyers are equipped to handle any motorcycle accident case, regardless of cause.
Most motorcycle crashes in New York City occur on local roads, not highways. Since motorcyclist’s have less protection from other vehicles, they are more likely to make direct contact with another vehicle or the ground in the event of a crash, and are more likely to sustain severe or fatal injuries. Motorcycle accident injuries are often long-lasting and life changing. At The Barnes Firm, our New York City motorcycle accident attorneys have successfully handled cases involving the following accident injuries:
In New York State, all motorcycle riders and passengers are required to wear a helmet. Even with proper protective gear, motorcycle accident victims can be left with severe injuries that require lifelong treatment. After a motorcycle accident, your focus should be on getting medical treatment and recovering from the injuries you sustained. At The Barnes Firm, our experienced New York City motorcycle accident lawyers will work hard for you from the initial phone call through to the final settlement. You can be assured that we will:
Insurance claims adjusters will sometimes use tactics to reduce or deny your claim. The team of New York City motorcycle accident attorneys at The Barnes Firm will work to navigate your claim and help you get the best result possible after a motorcycle accident.
The aftermath of a motorcycle crash can be confusing and overwhelming. The first thing you should do is get to safety. Remove yourself from the roadway and away from traffic. Once you are safe, call 911. You will want to keep your protective equipment, such as your helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads, on until paramedics arrive. Your body will have a lot of adrenaline going through its system after a motorcycle crash which can prevent you from feeling pain, initially.
While you wait for the ambulance and police to arrive, photograph the accident scene if it is safe to do so and if you are able. Pictures will help prove the extent of damages and your injuries. Make sure to speak with the other driver and any witnesses, as well. Witnesses may have seen the accident happen and can provide details about who was liable. Before leaving the scene, make sure to request a copy of the police report, as they are extremely important in motorcycle accident claims.
After taking these steps, call an experienced attorney at The Barnes Firm. Our New York City motorcycle accident attorneys are available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have after a motorcycle accident. We can also assist you in filing a motorcycle accident claim.
In New York City, you must file your personal injury claim within three years of your motorcycle accident or injury discovery. If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, our trusted team of NYC motorcycle attorneys will review your case for FREE.
The compensation you might receive following a motorcycle accident depends on many factors. After thoroughly reviewing your case, our team of New York City motorcycle accident lawyers may be able to secure financial compensation for the following losses:
Never accept an offer from an insurance company without first speaking to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney at The Barnes Firm. Our team of NYC motorcycle accident attorneys can help you identify and calculate your damages after a motorcycle accident caused by another person to help you get the best result possible.
If you, or a loved one, were injured in a motorcycle accident in New York City, contact our team of motorcycle accident attorneys at The Barnes Firm today for a FREE case evaluation. Our team of motorcycle accident attorneys are available 24/7 to go over your legal options, develop a plan, and help you get the best result possible.
Call (800) 800-0000 today – 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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