Long Island Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

The injuries suffered in a motorcycle wreck are bound to be serious and require expensive medical care. A Long Island motorcycle accident lawyer can help you obtain the compensation that your recovery requires from the at-fault party.

Along with an adventurous spirit, motorcyclists must have heightened driving skills. Operating such a small vehicle among larger cars with better-protected drivers means that motorcyclists must at all times be aware of their surroundings by being hyper-vigilant and defensive. Unfortunately, many other motorists do not treat bikers as though they have a right to be on the road.

Drivers of larger vehicles often do not account for the rights of motorcyclists on the highway. This inattention and negligence can result in collisions, which can have a significant, lasting impact on the motorcyclists involved.

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle wreck caused by someone else, it’s important to have a legal representative who will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. A Long Island motorcycle accident lawyer with Siler & Ingber, LLP can be an invaluable partner in this time.

Who’s at Fault for Your Crash?

After an accident, motorcyclists often face negative stereotypes from insurance professionals and opposing attorneys. There is a popular narrative attending the motorcyclist that he or she is a reckless rebel with no regard for rules or the safety of other drivers. It’s an unfortunate possibility, but an insurance company is likely to exploit you in an attempt to reduce your settlement amount.

Your Long Island motorcycle accident lawyer will understand how insurance companies deploy this popular stereotype, and we know how to stand up to it. An attorney from our office will fight to make sure the party responsible for your accident is held accountable.

Every Potential Cause Must Be Considered

Many scenarios exist in which another driver or third party may have been responsible for your accident, including the following:

• Driver Following Too Closely – Following too closely is always an unsafe driving behavior. It becomes more dangerous when the car engaging in the tailgating outweighs the motorcycle by a significant measure, and the motorcyclist lacks the protections of a car.
• Driver Drunk or Distracted – Drunk driving is a seriously reckless behavior, and distracted driving can be just as dangerous. A distracted driver is any driver whose attention is not on the road, whether it’s instead focused on cell phone use, eating, applying makeup, or anything else.
• Driver Made an Improper Lane Change – Hundreds of accidents occur every year simply because the driver of another vehicle did not see a biker when turning left or changing lanes. Unfortunately, drivers often overlook motorcycles on the road.
• Dangerous Road Conditions – Because motorcyclists lack the protections provided by a four-wheel, enclosed vehicle, they are more susceptible to being affected by hazards on the road. Furthermore, their two-wheel design makes them susceptible to flipping or losing control when hitting potholes or uneven lanes.

Your Long Island motorcycle accident lawyer will work to represent you fairly in court and bust the “reckless motorcyclist” stereotype so that you can get the full settlement you deserve.

New York Laws Affecting Your Crash Claim

While New York is a no-fault state for car insurance, the no-fault rule does not apply to motorcyclists. The serious injury threshold in motor vehicle insurance that makes it difficult for motorists to collect damages after an accident does not hold for bikers. If another driver caused your motorcycle wreck, you are entitled to file a personal injury claim for even minor injuries sustained.

Negligence is still an important consideration, however. New York follows laws of comparative negligence. This means that if you are found to have contributed to your accident, your settlement amount will be reduced by the percentage of negligence you are found culpable for. A Long Island motorcycle accident lawyer from our office can work to make sure that your level of fault is the least amount possible.

Finally, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit after a motorcycle crash in New York is three years; this statute holds for any potential personal injury case. It’s important not to wait too long after your accident, as any case brought after the statute has expired will almost certainly be thrown out of court.

What’s My Motorcycle Injury Claim Worth?

The negative effects of a motorcycle accident can last long after the shock of the initial collision has worn off. Physical difficulties can leave you sidelined for weeks, months, or even for the rest of your life. Medical bills can pile up seemingly overnight. Emotional trauma can leave you dealing with the aftershocks of the accident until it feels like you’ll never know “normal” again.

Your Long Island motorcycle accident lawyer will understand how up-ending a motorcycle crash can be and how chaotic your life can feel after the event. We will work to get you a settlement that represents all the many hardships you may now be facing after your collision. These may include any of the following damages that apply to your case:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and earning potential
• Motorcycle repairs or replacement
• Emotional or physical therapy
• Diminished quality of life
• Pain and suffering
• Cost of prosthetics or mobility equipment

After an accident, it’s important to know what you’re up against. Even the most careful motorcyclist is likely to be a target of the insurance companies’ biases against bikers.

Contacting Siler & Ingber, LLP can be an important first step to take after the calamity caused by a crash. You’ll rest easier knowing that we will fight to make sure you’re represented fairly and work hard to get you every penny you’re owed.

Long Island Motorcycle Accident FAQ

The process of seeking compensation is likely to create a number of questions that you need answers to. Your Long Island motorcycle accident lawyer will be there to provide you with the necessary information. To that end, we’ve answered a few questions below.

If I wasn’t wearing a helmet in the motorcycle wreck, will I still be able to get compensated?

YES! If someone else was responsible for causing the motorcycle wreck, you’ll likely still be able to file a claim against them. However, not wearing a helmet can make you partially responsible and reduce your financial award, especially if brain, head, or facial injuries were involved.

What do I do if I was a motorcycle passenger and the driver caused the crash?

While it’s likely that the motorcyclist you were riding with was a friend or even a relative, you can still seek compensation through a personal injury claim. Working with an attorney can be even more important in these circumstances, as we can help diffuse any emotions involved by acting as a go-between.

Am I at fault if I was lane-splitting when the wreck occurred?

Lane-splitting is illegal in New York, so it’s very likely that you’ll be at least partially responsible. However, the other driver might still bear a large portion of the responsibility, thereby entitling you to compensation, so it’s certainly worth exploring your options.

Do i need a bike accident attorney?

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident from a collision with a car, due to the negligence of another, you will need to hire a personal injury attorney experienced in representing injured victims in bike accident litigation.  In New York there are certain bicycle laws for road sharing and New York cyclists have rights.  It is important to discuss your case with a bike accident attorney to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

What damages can a bike accident attorney recover?

If the cause of your accident is determined to be the liability of another party, you may recover compensation for damages based on injuries and expenses you incurred due to their negligence.  To determine the damages when filing your bike accident claim, your personal injury attorney will assess your:

• medical costs
• loss of wages
• pain and suffering
• physical property damage
• punitive damages

Connect with a Long Island Motorcycle Wreck Attorney

If someone else caused your motorcycle crash, you shouldn’t bear the financial burden of your recovery. Siler & Ingber, LLP will prevent the insurance company from unfairly blaming you for the wreck and be an invaluable advocate in your corner, fighting for the compensation you deserve.

Schedule a free consultation with a Long Island motorcycle accident lawyer today by calling 1-516-294-2666, or simply use the online contact form on this page to get in touch with us.