Motorcycle Accident Rochester NY lawyers

Motorcycle Accident Rochester NY lawyers

Riding a motorcycle through Rochester gives you a sense of freedom. It’s so easy to get lost in the beauty of the Finger Lakes Region and the shores of Lake Ontario. But, as you’re out enjoying a safe motorcycle ride, cars and trucks may not be as cautious on the road and can often be found speeding which can lead to motorcycle accidents.

At The Barnes Firm, our team of experienced attorneys often discover that Rochester motorcycle accidents are usually caused by another drivers’ negligence. Our team of motorcycle accident lawyers will explain your legal options and ensure that your rights are protected after a Rochester motorcycle accident. The attorneys at The Barnes Firm will fight hard for you to help you get the best result possible for your case. Call us today at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE case evaluation.

Do I Need a Rochester Motorcycle Accident Attorney?

Motorcycle accidents can often result in more severe injuries than car and truck accidents. Having an experienced Rochester motorcycle accident attorney at The Barnes Firm guide you through the challenging medical and legal documents you may receive after a motorcycle accident is crucial. Our motorcycle accident lawyers are available 24/7 to help answer any questions you have about your motorcycle accident claim.

What Causes Motorcycle Accidents in Rochester?

Most motorcycle accidents are preventable, especially when other drivers pay attention, use caution, and drive safely around motorcyclists. At The Barnes Firm, our team of trusted Rochester motorcycle accident attorneys have represented motorcycle accident cases with the following causes:

• Unsafe Lane Changes. Motorcycles can move through traffic quickly, and because of this, a side swipe can occur when a vehicle switches lanes unsafely and collides with a motorcycle.
• Excessive Speeding. Increased speed reduces a motorists’ reaction time which can lead to a motorcycle collision.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI). Driving under the influence can lead to drivers swerving between lanes, speeding, or stopping without warning. Motorcyclists are more at risk for being struck by a DUI driver due to a motorists impaired vision and a motorcyclists’ smaller profile.
• Left Turn Accidents. Left turn accidents occur when a motorist fails to properly estimate the speed of an oncoming motorcycle before making a left-hand turn.
• Distracted Driving. Motorcyclists can be hard to see on the road and when traffic is moving. That’s why it’s crucial to always keep your eyes on the road to avoid an accident.
• Tailgating. Driving too close to a motorcyclist can result in an accident if the motorcycle must make a sudden stop.

Motorcyclists are at a higher risk of being involved in an accident since they have a smaller frame structure, making it difficult for many drivers to see them on the road.

What Steps Do I Take After I’ve Been Involved in a Motorcycle Accident in Rochester?

Being in a motorcycle accident can be traumatic and leave you with many questions. Our trusted team of Rochester motorcycle accident lawyers at The Barnes Firm are ready and available to help answer your questions and evaluate your case any time of the day or night. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident there are steps you can, and should, take:

• Get to safety. Try to remove yourself from additional harm. If you can, move your motorcycle off the road to avoid further damage to you or your vehicle.
• Call 911. After getting to safety, call 911 to report the accident and request an ambulance or medical attention if needed.
• Collect information about the accident. Collect the other driver’s personal information and insurance details. Before leaving the scene, ask a first responder for a copy of the police report and take as many pictures as you can.
• Call our team of motorcycle accident attorneys at The Barnes Firm. Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys in Rochester are ready to take your call and answer any questions you may have about your Rochester motorcycle accident claim.

Common Injuries from a Rochester Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle accident injuries can be serious and it’s important to note that any part of the body can be injured in a crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle accident victims sustain the most fatal injuries when another driver hits them head-on. Some of the most common injuries sustained in a Rochester motorcycle accident can include any or all the following:

• Head injuries
• Spine injuries
• Broken bones
• Road rash
• Internal injuries
• Whiplash
• Motorcycle fatalities

After an accident, an insurance agent may argue that your motorcycle accident injuries are not as severe as you claim and try to undervalue your case to pay it off quickly. It is important to keep all medical bills related to doctors’ visits, surgery, physical therapy, and other accident- related medical expenses. Our team of highly skilled motorcycle accident lawyers at The Barnes Firm know New York State motorcycle accident law and will help you understand any medical letters or notices you may receive.

What Kind of Compensation Can I Receive for My Injuries?

Rochester motorcycle accidents can be complex. Every accident is different so the financial compensation you may receive will vary. After reviewing your case and the circumstances surrounding your accident, our trusted team of Rochester motorcycle accident attorneys can help secure compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Physical therapy
• In-home rehabilitation and therapy
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Property damages
• Lost future earnings
• Motorcycle repairs or replacements

How Long Do I have after a Motorcycle Accident to File a Claim in Rochester?

In Rochester, as with all of New York State, you must file your personal injury claim within the statute of limitations, which is three years from the date on which the motorcycle accident occurred or when the injury was discovered. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident and have questions, call our team of motorcycle accident attorneys at The Barnes Firm. We will assist you with any questions you may have about filing a motorcycle accident claim and the New York State statute of limitations as it relates to your motorcycle injury.

Who’s Held Responsible for a Rochester, NY Motorcycle Accident?

Motorcyclists have a bad reputation on the road, and road users assume the rider will operate recklessly and cause most motorcycle collisions. On the contrary, car drivers are primarily at fault for motorcycle accidents.

Vehicle drivers often fail to see a motorcycle rider when they turn or change lanes, causing a collision.

An insurance investigator or police can determine the fault by establishing the negligent party leading to the accident. The negligent driver has a legal responsibility to cater for accident-related damages— whether a motorcycle rider or a car driver.

If you’ve sustained an injury in a motorcycle accident, you may have grounds to obtain compensation from the liable party or their insurance provider.

How to Determine Fault in a Motorcycle Accident

Most motorcycle accidents happen in the blink of an eye, making identifying the person who caused the accident challenging. A motorcycle accident attorney can establish the at-fault party by collecting different pieces of evidence, including:

• Police report
• Images of the damaged motorcycle and the accident scene
• Eye witness statement
• Traffic or security video
• Medical records and image scans of your injuries

The Negligent Party Failed to Uphold Duty of Care

Traffic regulations require all road users to operate prudently and with care. When one road user acts negligently, they usually breach their duty of care.

Causes of breach of care include:

• Distracted driving
• Drunk driving
• Reckless driving
• Speeding
• Tailgating
• Improper lane turns or changes
• Failure to stop at a stop signal

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Although motorcycles make up 0.6% of all vehicle miles in the United States, motorcycle accidents contributed 14% of all traffic fatalities in 2021. Fatalities among motorcycle riders increased 8% from 2020 to 2021.

In 2020, 82,686 motorcycle riders sustained injuries. A total of 6,084 motorcycle riders died in crashes, the highest number recorded since 2019.

A helmet is a crucial life saving feature since head injuries are common in fatally injured motorcyclists. Helmets are 37% effective in preventing motorcycle deaths and 67% effective in preventing brain injuries.

How Much Do Motorcycle Accidents Cost?

In addition to property damage, victims of motorcycle accidents sustain bodily injuries. During recovery, they endure hefty medical bills and decreased productivity, among other costs.

You can obtain compensation from the liable party or their insurance provider if you’ve sustained an injury.

Here are examples of damages you can obtain to cater to accident-related costs:

• Medical Expenses: If you sustain an injury in a motorcycle accident, you’ll incur medical bills during treatment. Since treating an injury is expensive, medical expenses comprise a significant share of the settlement award. Medical costs you can recover from a motorcycle accident claim include hospitalization, surgery, medication, diagnostic tests, and emergency room charges.
• Lost Income: You may not be able to work as usual after sustaining an injury. If the injury is severe, you may have to take leave, miss work, or quit work entirely and have your paycheck discontinued. You should receive compensation for the financial losses you incurred due to missed work or being forced to work at a reduced capacity.
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses: You may also claim other expenses you incurred related to the injury. Examples of out-of-pocket costs include unique medication supplies, long-term nursing care, assistance with daily living, and travel expenses to medical appointments.
• Non-economic Damages: You may also claim non-economic damages for the intangible costs of a motorcycle accident. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium.

As a Motorcyclist in Rochester, NY, What Are My Rights?

• Right to Use the Road Safely: Motorcyclists enjoy the same rights and protection as any other motorist. Vehicle drivers must respect the space they usually extend to trucks, cars, and vans.
• Right to Seek Compensation from Liable Parties: If a negligent driver or another party causes an accident, motorcyclists have the right to file claims and seek compensation like any other injured motorist.
• Right to Legal Representation: If you’re involved in a motorcycle crash, you have a legal right to representation. An experienced motorcycle attorney can help investigate the crash, negotiate with insurance providers, and argue your case in court in your quest for a fair settlement offer.

Along with rights, a motorcyclist has specific responsibilities, including obeying traffic rules, maintaining lane discipline, and avoiding reckless driving.

Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accident Cases in New York

If you sustain an injury in a motorcycle accident, the statute of limitations allows you 3 years to file a personal injury lawsuit. If an injured person fails to file a personal injury lawsuit within three years, they may not receive compensation for their injuries and damages.

Contact a Skilled Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Rochester Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Rochester, call the team of motorcycle accident attorneys that Rochester trusts, The Barnes Firm. With more than 100 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys have the resources to help you get the best result possible for your case.

Call The Barnes Firm today at (800) 800-0000 to speak to one of our trusted motorcycle accident attorneys in Rochester – it could be the best call you make.