A motorcycle crash can happen at any time, and motorcycle riders could be left with serious injuries. If you have been involved in a crash, ensure your motorcycle accident injuries are treated appropriately.
Then, contact our New York motorcycle accident attorneys for a free consultation. At Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we advocate for motorcycle accident victims. Now, we can fight for your rights as well.
Motorcycle crashes happen every day and can result in catastrophic injuries. You could file a lawsuit to cover your expenses if the collision was not your fault. Seek medical treatment for severe injuries first. Then, contact our New York motorcycle accident attorney to schedule a free consultation.
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DO I NEED A NEW YORK MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYER AFTER A CRASH?
Your entire life can be altered in seconds when hit while riding a motorcycle. Even relatively minor impacts can be a disaster, causing serious physical damage.
Without the airbags of a passenger vehicle to protect your body, it comes in direct contact with other vehicles, the roadway, or stationary items such as walls, curbs, lights, or other items, and the force of the collision can be catastrophic.
The worst of the injuries sustained include:
- A traumatic brain injury
- Loss of a limb
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Severe physical damage that leads to death
If you or your loved one have been in a motorcycle accident, call an experienced New York City motorcycle accident attorney. The sooner you do, the better your chances of recovering full and fair compensation.
At Davidoff Law, when we take on a motorcycle accident case, we take the actions necessary to investigate the accident, obtain and preserve all relevant evidence, and file a claim or lawsuit to pursue justice and full compensation.
Steps You Need To Take After a New York Motorcycle Accident
- Ensure safety. Move to a safe area off the road to prevent further injuries or accidents. If moving is impossible, try to signal to oncoming traffic to avoid additional collisions.
- Call 911. Immediately call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed. It's important to have police document the accident scene.
- Exchange information. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other drivers involved. Be sure also to note the license plate numbers of the vehicles involved.
- Document the scene. Take photographs of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, any visible injuries, and road conditions. These photos can be critical for your insurance claim and any legal action.
- Collect witness information. If there are witnesses, get their names and contact information. Witness statements can be invaluable in reconstructing the accident and establishing fault.
- Seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, it is important to get a medical evaluation. Some injuries, like internal injuries or concussions, may not show immediate symptoms.
- Consult a lawyer. Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer to discuss your rights and options. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the claims process and ensure you receive fair compensation.
Why Do Motorcycle Accidents Happen?
Motorcycle accidents can occur for various reasons, involving unique risks associated with motorcycle riding. Recognizing these common causes can help riders and drivers prevent accidents.
Speeding
Speeding is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents because it reduces the rider's ability to react to road hazards. High speeds increase the severity of accidents, making it difficult to control the motorcycle during emergency maneuvers.
Motorcyclists underestimate the distance needed to stop, especially at high speeds safely. Speeding on crowded New York streets is particularly dangerous due to the unpredictable nature of urban traffic.
Lane Splitting
Lane splitting occurs when a motorcycle drives between two lanes of stopped or slowly moving cars, usually in traffic jams. The proximity to other vehicles and reduced space to maneuver make lane splitting a common cause of accidents.
While it saves time, it is risky and illegal in New York. Still, lane splitting contributes to many motorcycle accidents each year, both in New York and throughout the rest of the country.
Sudden Stops
Rear-end collisions can result from sudden stops. Motorcycles stopping abruptly at traffic lights or in congested traffic can be rear-ended by larger vehicles that fail to stop in time.
These accidents are often severe because motorcycles lack the protective barrier that cars provide. Riders are encouraged to maintain a safe following distance and monitor traffic conditions to avoid sudden stops.
Inexperienced Riders
Inexperienced riders are more likely to be involved in accidents due to their lack of handling skills and road awareness. Many accidents happen because new riders don't know how to react to road hazards or emergencies.
Motorcycle training and safety courses are important for all new riders. These programs teach essential riding skills that substantially reduce the risk of accidents.
Poor Road Conditions
Motorcycles are particularly vulnerable to accidents caused by poor road conditions, such as potholes, wet or icy surfaces, and uneven roads. Even small road imperfections can cause a motorcycle to crash.
Riders should be especially cautious in poor weather and on poorly maintained roads. Awareness and appropriate speed can help manage the risks associated with bad road conditions.
LIABILITY IN MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
Motorcycle accidents can happen anywhere, but in New York City, they are often the result of negligent driving behavior by others sharing the congested streets and thoroughfares.
The law allows motorcyclists to collect damages from drivers whose negligent driving conduct resulted in motorcycle accidents. It also allows for a claim to be filed against a city agency if a poorly maintained roadway with massive potholes, lack of signage, or faulty lights has led to the collision.
Government entities, such as the Metropolitan Transit Authority, may be liable. The at-fault parties can and should be held accountable. A capable and successful New York City personal injury attorney could evaluate your case and identify every possible liable party to help pursue the compensation you deserve.
DAMAGES YOU MIGHT RECOVER
In some accident cases, more than one person or agency may be held liable. When filing a claim, your attorney must take steps to build a case against each responsible entity and negotiate the terms of a settlement, including insurance companies.
The damages sought by your attorney must cover the cost of the losses associated with the accident. Called compensatory damages, the money awarded to the injured falls under two categories. The first is economic damages, which include:
- Ambulatory care
- All medical bills
- Hospitalizations
- Lost wages or earning ability
- Medications and medical equipment
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation
- Therapies
- Surgeries
Non-economic damages are more difficult to value but commonly called "pain and suffering." These damages include:
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement
- The challenges of living with chronic pain
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium (affection and sexual relations)
Some victims of motorcycle accidents need only short-term treatment, and others end up requiring a lifetime of care. The costs of treatment and lost wages create a terrible situation.
The trickle-down effect of depression and anxiety can further burden the injured person, who may feel trapped with nowhere to turn. You must get help from a proficient attorney to help you pursue a claim to recover the damages that inevitably come after a motorcycle wreck.
Why Motorcycle Crashes Lead To More Severe Injuries
Motorcycle crashes often result in more severe injuries than car accidents because motorcycles provide less protection to riders.
Without the encasing of a vehicle, motorcyclists are directly exposed to the force of impact and road surfaces, increasing the likelihood of severe injuries and fatalities. Additionally, motorcycles are less stable than four-wheeled vehicles, which can lead to more dangerous falls and collisions.
Motorcyclists also face greater risks due to the lack of visibility to other drivers. Motorcycles are smaller and can easily be hidden in a vehicle's blind spots or masked by objects or conditions on the road.
The absence of safety features like airbags and seat belts, which are standard in cars, further contributes to the severity of injuries. Therefore, wearing protective gear, such as helmets and appropriate clothing, is important for reducing the severity of injuries in an accident.
Common Injuries Suffered in Motorcycle Accidents
- Head injuries. Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, are common in motorcycle accidents. Wearing a helmet greatly reduces the risk of these injuries.
- Road rash. Road rash occurs when skin slides across the pavement, leading to severe abrasions. This injury can range from mild to requiring extensive skin grafts.
- Broken bones. Motorcyclists often suffer broken bones, particularly in the legs, arms, and ribs, from the impact of vehicles or the road. Protective gear can help reduce the severity of these injuries.
- Spinal injuries. Spinal injuries can result from the force of an accident, leading to paralysis or other serious conditions. These injuries can have lifelong consequences.
- Internal injuries. Internal injuries, such as internal bleeding or organ damage, are serious outcomes of motorcycle accidents. These injuries require immediate medical attention.
- Neck injuries. Neck injuries can occur from the rapid back-and-forth motion of the head in an accident. Like head injuries, they can be mitigated by wearing a helmet.
- Psychological trauma. Many motorcyclists experience psychological impacts such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression after an accident. Professional help can be essential for recovery.
WHY CALL US
The attorneys at Davidoff Law have the expertise and decades of experience caring for our client's needs. We will go to bat for you after you have been in an accident; whether it is negotiations or mediation, we have your back. We will guide you through the legal process of pursuing a personal injury claim with compassion and a steady hand. We will take your case to a jury for resolution if necessary.
Don't let a motorcycle accident claim destroy your future. Davidoff Law could help you achieve relief, justice, and the financial support you need for recovery.
FAQs
How long will my claim take to resolve?
The time it takes to resolve a motorcycle accident claim can vary greatly. Some claims are settled in a few months, while others could take years if they go to trial.
Do I need to take my case to trial?
You might not need to take your case to trial if an acceptable settlement offer is made. However, if negotiations do not result in fair compensation, going to trial might be necessary.
How do I know if I'm getting a fair settlement offer?
To determine whether a settlement offer is fair, consult a knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer. They can assess the value of your claim based on your injuries, expenses, and other damages.
Contact Our New York Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Motorcycle crash victims need to focus on their medical recovery. Let us handle your motorcycle accident claims.
At Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers, our NYC motorcycle accident attorneys have handled all types of personal injury claims from motor vehicle accidents. Let our New York motorcycle accident lawyers fight for your rights as well.
Lean on our experience in motorcycle accident cases. Once you see a doctor, contact us for a free case consultation to discuss your motorcycle accident lawsuit. We would be honored to fight for you.
