New York City Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

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:

• Less protection – riders are exposed to the direct impact of the pavement
• Less stability – motorcycles are less stable than four-wheel vehicles
• Outdoor elements – riders and passengers on motorcycles are directly exposed to road hazards and weather conditions

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.

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.