New York Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Representing Bikers Injured in Crashes

Motorcyclists in New York City are at a disadvantage when they share the road with other vehicles. Motorcycles are smaller, lighter, and less crashworthy than passenger vehicles. They are also less visible to other drivers and more susceptible to road hazards and inclement weather. When a motorcyclist is involved in a collision with a car, truck, or another type of vehicle, the consequences can be catastrophic.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you need an attorney who understands the unique challenges you are facing. At Irwin Law, PLLC, our motorcycle accident attorney in New York City has extensive experience handling these types of claims. We know what it takes to build a strong case, and we are not afraid to take on big insurance companies and their legal teams.

Call (212) 203-4529 or contact us online to request a free initial consultation with our motorcycle accident lawyer in New York City.

How Do Motorcycle Accidents Happen?

Motorcycle accidents can happen in many different ways. In some cases, they are the result of pure, unavoidable accidents. In many cases, however, motorcycle accidents are the result of someone else’s negligence. When this is the case, injured motorcyclists can seek financial compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Car accidents: When a car strikes a motorcycle, the motorcyclist is likely to be thrown off their bike and onto the ground. This can cause serious head injuries, traumatic brain injuries, road rash, broken bones, and more.
• Truck accidents: Motorcyclists are at risk of being involved in truck accidents, especially when they are in a truck’s blind spot. The size, weight, and height of a truck can easily cause a motorcycle to go out of control and crash.
• Poor road conditions: Potholes, uneven pavement, and other types of road damage can cause a motorcyclist to lose control of their bike and crash. In some cases, the city or another municipality may be liable for the motorcyclist’s injuries.
• Inclement weather: Rain, snow, and ice can make the roads slick and increase the risk of a motorcycle accident. When a motorcyclist is involved in an accident in bad weather, they may be able to seek compensation if another party’s negligence caused or contributed to the crash.
• Defective motorcycle parts: When a motorcycle is not manufactured properly or a part is defective, it can cause the bike to crash. In these cases, the motorcyclist may be able to file a claim against the manufacturer or another party.
• Reckless driving: When a driver speeds, tailgates, changes lanes without signaling, or otherwise drives erratically, they are putting others on the road at risk. If a motorcyclist is involved in an accident with a reckless driver, they may be able to file a claim against that driver’s insurance company.
• Drunk driving: Drunk drivers are a danger to everyone on the road, including motorcyclists. If a motorcyclist is hit by a drunk driver, they can seek compensation from that driver’s insurance company.

These are just a few examples of how motorcycle accidents can happen. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident and you believe someone else is at fault, we encourage you to reach out to our New York City motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. We can review the details of your case and help you determine the most appropriate way to proceed.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcyclists are at a higher risk of injury than occupants of passenger vehicles due to a lack of protection. Even when a motorcyclist is wearing a helmet and other protective gear, they can still suffer life-changing injuries if they are involved in a crash.

Some of the most common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Concussions
• Spinal cord injuries
• Neck injuries
• Back injuries
• Paralysis
• Amputations
• Burns
• Road rash

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle accidents can be overwhelming, and you may not know what to do in the moments, days, and weeks following a crash. Taking the right steps can help protect your health, your safety, and your right to recover compensation for your injuries and other damages.

After a motorcycle accident, it is important to:

• Call 911: If you are able to do so, call 911 immediately after a motorcycle accident. The dispatcher will send an ambulance to the scene to transport you to the hospital and a police officer to the scene to write an accident report.
• Accept medical attention: Even if you do not feel injured, it is important to let the paramedics examine you after a motorcycle accident. Some injuries do not cause symptoms right away, and the adrenaline from the crash can mask pain and other symptoms.
• Document the scene: If you are able to do so, take pictures of the scene of the accident. This can include pictures of the damage to the vehicles involved, any skid marks on the road, the weather conditions, and any traffic signs or signals in the area.
• Exchange information: Before leaving the scene of the accident, be sure to exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. If there were any witnesses to the crash, ask them for their contact information as well.
• Get medical attention: It is important to see a doctor as soon as possible after a motorcycle accident. Even if you do not think you are seriously injured, you may have suffered internal injuries or other injuries that do not cause immediate symptoms.
• Follow your doctor’s orders: Be sure to follow your doctor’s orders and attend all follow-up appointments after a motorcycle accident. If you fail to do so, the insurance company may argue that you are not as injured as you claim to be.
• Do not give a recorded statement: The insurance company will likely ask you to give a recorded statement after a motorcycle accident. Do not do this without first speaking to an attorney.
• Call a lawyer: The sooner you call a lawyer after a motorcycle accident, the better. Your lawyer can handle all communication with the insurance company on your behalf and help you avoid critical mistakes that could jeopardize your claim.

How Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help

Motorcycle accident claims are notoriously complex. It can be difficult to determine who is at fault for the accident, whether the motorcyclist is partially at fault, and how much the claim is worth. At Irwin Law, PLLC, we understand the unique challenges these cases present, and we know how to overcome them.

When you choose us to handle your motorcycle accident claim, we will:

• Conduct a thorough investigation: We will immediately begin investigating the details of your case, including the cause of the accident and the extent of your injuries. This may involve visiting the scene of the accident, reviewing the police report, examining your medical records, and more.
• Identify all liable parties: We will determine who is liable for your injuries and other damages. Depending on the circumstances, more than one party may be responsible for the accident.
• Obtain evidence: We will gather all available evidence to support your claim, including the police report, video footage of the accident, and eyewitness testimony.
• Work with experts: We work with a network of experts who can help us investigate motorcycle accidents, including accident reconstructionists and medical professionals.
• Handle all communication with the insurance company: We will handle all communication with the insurance company on your behalf, including settlement negotiations. Our goal is to obtain the maximum compensation you are owed, and we will not hesitate to take your case to court if the insurance company refuses to make a fair settlement offer.

How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. The statute of limitations to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York is generally three years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this time frame, you will be permanently barred from recovering compensation for your injuries and other damages.

There are exceptions to this rule, however. If the accident resulted in the death of a loved one, you have only two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit. If the accident was caused by a municipality, such as the city of New York, you have even less time to file a claim. In some cases, you may have as little as 90 days to file a notice of claim. If you do not file a notice of claim within this time frame, you may be barred from filing a claim altogether.

For these reasons, it is important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a motorcycle accident. At Irwin Law, PLLC, we can help you understand the time limits that apply to your case and ensure they are met.

Recovering Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle accident injuries can be life-changing. They can require extensive medical treatment, including surgery, hospitalization, and rehabilitation. They can also cause you to miss time from work and other activities. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to recover compensation from:

• Your own insurance company
• The at-fault party’s insurance company
• Your own health insurance company
• Your own employer’s workers’ compensation insurer
• A third party, such as the manufacturer of a defective part
• A municipality

In New York, all drivers are required to carry no-fault insurance. This means that, regardless of who is at fault for the accident, you can seek compensation for your medical expenses and other economic losses from your own insurance company. If you have been seriously injured, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party’s insurance company to recover additional compensation.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, our attorney can help you understand your rights and options. We will work closely with you to determine the best way to proceed and fight for the maximum compensation you are owed.

What Is the Average Settlement for a Motorcycle Accident?

Every motorcycle accident is different, and the settlement you receive will depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of your injuries and the strength of your case. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is important to speak to an attorney who can help you understand the potential value of your claim.

At Irwin Law, PLLC, we understand the financial difficulties you are facing, and we are committed to helping you recover the compensation you are owed. When you choose us to handle your case, we will fight tirelessly to help you obtain the maximum compensation available.

Why Choose Us?

Motorcycle accident claims can be complex. To obtain the compensation you are owed, you need an attorney who understands the unique challenges these cases present. At Irwin Law, PLLC, we have extensive experience handling motorcycle accident claims, and we know what it takes to build a strong case.

Our New York City motorcycle accident lawyer is a skilled negotiator and litigator. We will not hesitate to take your case to court if the insurance company refuses to make a fair settlement offer. We are passionate about helping injured motorcyclists obtain the compensation they are entitled to under the law, and we will fight tirelessly on your behalf.

Request a Free Initial Consultation Today

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, or if you have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, we are here for you. Our New York City motorcycle accident attorney will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you obtain the compensation you are owed. We know how devastating these accidents can be, and we are committed to helping you recover the damages you deserve.

Call (212) 203-4529 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation with our motorcycle accident lawyer in New York City.