New York Motorcycle Accidents Lawyer

According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles' (DMV) annual crash data reports, there were a total of 4,436 motorcycle crashes in New York City in 2020, which is the latest year for which data is available. Of those crashes, 3,858 resulted in injury and 34 resulted in fatalities. Being involved in a motorcycle accident can cause devastating, life altering injuries. Riding a motorcycle poses additional risks compared to riding in a car because the same protections do not on exist that are available in an enclosed in motor vehicle. Furthermore, motorcyclists are more prone to accidents from road conditions and inclement weather. Injuries sustained from these accidents are usually serious and can include head injuries), spinal injuries, the loss of limbs, and bone fractures. Depending on the severity of the injury, a victim of a motorcycle accident may face permanent disabilities, face the loss of a job, and face enormous medical expenses. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact an experienced New York motorcycle accidents lawyer at Stephen Bilkis & Associates as you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

What Are the Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?

There are many reasons that motorcycle accidents occur. Some of the most common include:

• Driver error: This includes mistakes made by the motorcyclist or other drivers on the road, such as speeding, failing to yield the right of way, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Lane splitting: This is when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of traffic, which can be dangerous if other drivers aren't aware of the motorcycle's presence or if the motorcyclist isn't riding defensively.
• Poor road conditions: Hazards like potholes, debris, or uneven pavement can cause a motorcyclist to lose control of their bike. If the road conditions contributed to a motorcycle accident, the liable party may be whoever was responsible for maintain the road including a government entity such as the City of New York.
• Left-turn accidents: A left turn motorcycle accident occurs when a motorcyclist is hit by a vehicle making a left turn. This type of accident is one of the most common types of motorcycle accidents and can happen at intersections, driveways, or other locations where vehicles are turning left. In most cases, the motorcyclist has the right of way, and the driver of the vehicle making the left turn has a duty to yield to the motorcyclist. However, due to various factors such as driver error, distracted driving, or misjudgment, the driver of the turning vehicle may fail to yield, leading to a collision with the motorcyclist. Left turn motorcycle accidents can result in severe injuries and even fatalities for the motorcyclist.
• Distracted driving: This includes any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road, such as using a cellphone, eating, or adjusting the radio, leading to a collision.
• Inexperienced riders: Motorcyclists who are new to riding or haven't received proper training may be more prone to accidents due to a lack of experience or skills.

It's important for motorcyclists to be aware of these common causes and take steps to minimize their risk of being involved in an accident, such as practicing defensive riding, wearing proper safety gear, and avoiding riding in inclement weather or during peak traffic hours.

Where Do Most Motorcycle Accidents Occur in New York?

Motorcycle accidents can occur anywhere in New York, but certain areas and situations may be more prone to accidents. Here are some common locations and scenarios where motorcycle accidents are more likely to occur:

• Intersections: Intersections are a common location for motorcycle accidents, as cars turning left may not see or yield to an oncoming motorcycle.
• Highways and freeways: Motorcycles traveling at high speeds on highways and freeways can be vulnerable to accidents caused by sudden stops, merging traffic, or debris on the road.
• Urban areas: The heavy traffic and congestion of urban areas can make it difficult for motorcyclists to navigate and increase the risk of accidents.
• Rural areas: Rural roads may be less crowded, but they can have uneven surfaces, blind turns, and wildlife crossings that can increase the risk of accidents.
• Weekend nights: Alcohol consumption and higher traffic volumes on weekend nights can make riding more dangerous, increasing the risk of accidents.

It's important for motorcyclists to be aware of these potential risks and take steps to minimize their exposure to dangerous situations, such as wearing proper safety gear, riding defensively, and obeying traffic laws.

Why Are motorcycle accident injuries so serious?

Motorcycle accidents often lead to serious injuries because motorcycles offer little protection to riders compared to cars or other vehicles. In a collision, the motorcyclist is often thrown from the bike, leaving them exposed to the impact of the crash. Additionally, motorcycles are less stable than cars and can be more difficult to control, which can increase the risk of an accident. The lack of protective features, such as airbags or seat belts, further increases the risk of serious injury. As a result, even relatively minor accidents can lead to severe injuries such as:

• Head injuries: Head injuries are a common and potentially serious consequence of motorcycle accidents. Even if the rider is wearing a helmet, they can still sustain a traumatic brain injury if their head strikes the pavement or another object.
• Road rash: Road rash occurs when the skin is scraped off during a motorcycle accident. This can range from minor scrapes to more severe injuries that require skin grafts.
• Fractures: Fractures or broken bones are common in motorcycle accidents, particularly in the arms, legs, and hands.
• Spinal cord injuries: Motorcycle accidents can cause spinal cord injuries that can result in paralysis, loss of sensation, or other long-term disabilities.
• Internal injuries: Internal injuries, such as damage to the spleen, liver, or kidneys, can occur if the rider is hit by another vehicle or thrown from their bike.
• Emotional trauma: Motorcycle accidents can be emotionally traumatic, resulting in conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In the event of an accident, seeking medical attention and consulting with an experienced New York motorcycle accident lawyer can help protect their legal rights and ensure they receive the compensation they deserve.

How Much Compensation Will I Receive for my Motorcycle Accident?

The amount of compensation you can expect to receive if you were injured while riding a motorcycle in New York can vary widely depending on a number of factors, such as the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical treatment, and the impact the accident has had on your life. Here are the types of economic damages that you may be able to receive:

Medical Expenses: These damages cover the costs of medical treatment, including hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and medication.

Lost Income: These damages compensate for the income you lost as a result of the accident, including wages, bonuses, commissions, and other forms of income. If your injuries prevent you from returning to work or earning the same amount of income in the future, you may also be able to recover damages for future lost income.

Property Damage: These damages cover the cost of repairing or replacing your motorcycle or other personal property that was damaged in the accident.

Other Expenses: These damages may include other out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident, such as the cost of transportation to and from medical appointments, modifications to your home or vehicle to accommodate a disability resulting from the accident, or any other expenses incurred as a result of the accident.

Here are the types of non-economic damages that you may be able to receive:

Pain and Suffering: This includes physical pain and discomfort resulting from the accident, as well as emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and other forms of mental suffering.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If the accident has affected your ability to enjoy activities that you once enjoyed, such as hobbies, sports, or social activities, you may be able to recover damages for loss of enjoyment of life.

Disfigurement: If you have suffered scarring or other types of disfigurement as a result of the accident, you may be able to recover damages to compensate for the impact on your appearance and emotional well-being.

Loss of Consortium: If the accident has impacted your relationship with your spouse or partner, they may be able to recover damages for loss of consortium, which compensates for the loss of companionship, support, and intimacy.

Calculating non-economic damages is more subjective and can be difficult to determine. The amount of non-economic damages that you may be entitled to receive will depend on a number of factors, including the severity of your injuries and the impact the accident has had on your life. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney in New York can help you evaluate the extent of your non-economic damages and pursue full compensation.

It's important to note that New York follows a "pure comparative negligence" rule, which means that even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages, but your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you.

Contact Stephen Bilkis & Associates

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in New York, it is crucial to seek the services of an experienced motorcycle accident attorney serving New York who can navigate the complex legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve. With their knowledge of New York laws and regulations, Stephen Bilkis & Associates can help you understand your legal rights and ensure that you receive a fair settlement. They can also provide valuable guidance and support throughout your recovery process. The consequences of a motorcycle accident can be severe, but with the right legal representation, you can have peace of mind knowing that you have a knowledgeable and dedicated advocate on your side. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We serve accident victims and their families in the following locations: Westchester County, Suffolk County, Staten Island, Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, Nassau County, and Queens.

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