Motorcycle accidents result in some of the most serious injuries; the attorneys at Roth & Roth have been representing victims of motorcycle injuries throughout the State of New York for over 25 years.
Motorcycles are fun to ride and a great way to travel. In the bustling New York City traffic, motorcycles are also a great way to save fuel and navigate through busy streets. The problem is that they can also be extremely dangerous. Motorcycle accidents usually cause severe injuries. A rider doesn't have the same protections as those driving cars or trucks. Instead, they will feel the full brunt of the accident and suffer catastrophic injuries as a result.
A serious motorcycle accident may have left you gravely injured and with costly medical bills. When that happens, you need to know who is responsible for the accident so they can be held legally accountable. After an investigation, you can use those facts to prove how the other party negligently caused the accident. This may entitle you to significant compensation like medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and much more.
An experienced New York City motorcycle accident lawyer has what it takes to pursue your claim and fight for compensation on your behalf. The skilled attorneys at Roth & Roth understand how to work with you to prove how the accident occurred. Let us get to work for you. We do not charge for our services unless we win you financial compensation in your lawsuit.
We know that when you need a motorcycle accident lawyer, you need answers quickly. Our legal team has been representing people injured or killed in New York for over 25 years. Our experience can make your claim move much faster. Contact us if you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in New York.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident: Filing a Personal Injury Claim
The claim starts with the filing of a complaint. This is a legal document that alleges the basic facts of the case. It does not go into excessive detail as many details may still be unknown. The same is true of a damages request. Most complaints seek damages above a certain value, not an exact value at this stage. An experienced motorcycle accident personal injury attorney understands all of this and how and when to properly file the case.
Unfortunately, motorcycles are not covered by no-fault insurance - you must use your health insurance to pay for treatment.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in New York
Potential causes for New York City motorcycle accidents include, but are not limited to:
- Distracted driving like texting, checking social media, etc.
- Drivers looking at their Waze or Google Maps
- Intoxicated driving (drunk driving or drugged driving)
- Exhausted driving or falling asleep behind the wheel
- Speeding, reckless driving, and inattention
- Damaged roadways or defective traffic control signals
These and countless other causes could be why you were injured in a motorcycle accident. Let a Manhattan motorcycle accident attorney investigate the case and determine the cause of your accident.
What injuries commonly occur in motorcycle accidents?
Motorcyclists are not protected by much-like as someone in a car would be. Even if they are wearing a helmet and safety gear, there is no surrounding frame or cab to protect them. A rear-end accident or other motor vehicle accident could result in substantial harm to a motorcyclist.
Injuries common in New York City motorcycle collisions include:
- Loss of limb or amputation
- Wrongful death
- Broken and fractured bones
- Penetrating injuries and internal damage
- Road rash and severe skin damage
- Burns
- Spinal cord injuries and possible paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
These and too many other forms of harm could be what you are dealing with after an accident. You do not have to deal with all of this alone. Our qualified team of motorcycle personal injury lawyers is ready to help you.
Can The City be responsible for a motorcycle accident?
New York City or Transit Authority may be responsible for the accident in several types of scenarios. These could include situations like:
- A bus driver who causes an accident
- Improperly milled roads with sewers left higher than the surrounding pavement
- Improper street maintenance and raised street hardware
- Defective traffic control devices
- Potholes
What types of compensation could I win in an NYC motorcycle accident personal injury case?
You could be owed many different types of compensation for your accident. These might include:
- Pain and suffering: You could be owed compensation for the pain you suffered from the accident. Pain and suffering damages often make up a substantial portion of a personal injury claim.
- Lost income or earning capacity: If you are unable to work because of a motorcycle accident, you could be owed compensation for lost income. You might win the salary and income you would have earned if you had never been injured. You could also win monetary damages for lost earning capacity if you have to take a job that pays less because of your harm.
- Medical bills: You might be owed compensation for future and past medical costs. You should not be stuck with these bills when the accident was not your fault. These damages can be costly and substantial because of the high cost of medical care.
- Rehabilitation costs: After a motorcycle injury, you could need major rehabilitation to get back to the way your life was before.
- Loss of companionship and support: Also called loss of consortium damages, this compensation reflects the lost support, help, spousal relations, and much more that is disrupted due to an accident.
These forms of compensation and potentially others might be available in your case. Our firm can help you determine what is available and pursue it in your case.
What is the statute of limitations for New York City motorcycle accidents?
A statute of limitations is the time limit you have to file your claim. Filing after that date will very likely mean that your case is dismissed by the trial court without hearing it at all. New York Civil Practice Law & Rules section 214 makes most injured people file their motorcycle accident claim within three years after it occurs. This three-year period usually starts on the date the accident took place. In cases involving municipalities, there is a 90-day deadline to file a notice of claim and 1 year and 90 days to file a lawsuit.
Do I have to go to trial for my motorcycle accident claim?
Not every case makes it all the way to trial. In fact, a great many motorcycle accident claims settle once the defendant realizes they are at fault for the accident. A settlement is an agreement between the parties for what compensation fairly compensates the injured person. Many parties choose settlement to avoid the costs and stress of a trial.
However, some defendants will never admit fault and the issue must go to trial. When this happens, you and your attorney prepare the case and prove your right to damages in court.
How long does a motorcycle accident lawsuit take?
Every case is different. Some cases are filed and settled quickly. Others take time to do discovery — the process that investigates the facts of the case. Some cases may be completed in a few months while complicated situations could take a couple of years.
There is no set timeline for resolving motorcycle accident claims. However, skilled attorneys know how to expedite the process wherever possible. We know how to seek a resolution that is both favorable and efficient to make sure our client's rights are always protected.
Do you work outside of New York City?
Yes. Although our law firm is based in Manhattan, we can, and do, handle cases throughout the entire State of New York.
Motorcycle accidents in and around New York City leave thousands injured or killed every year. These people and their families deserve compensation from the negligent party that caused the accident. You may be dealing with high costs, pain, and the frustration of fighting with the party that hurt you. Our attorneys know how to handle the legal system, the other party, and the whole situation to make your life easier.
At Roth & Roth, we take your welfare and rights to compensation very seriously. We are ready to fight big insurance companies, the City, the MTA, and many more to make sure you pursue the compensation available to you. We know how hard this time is for you, and we are ready to help with a free consultation.
Contact us today.