Motorcycle Accidents
Manhattan Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Get Help After a Serious Motorcycle Accident in New York
Because motorcycles do not provide the same level of protection as cars or trucks, the majority of motorcycle riders typically suffer from multiple catastrophic injuries when an accident occurs.
Furthermore, because motorcycles are not equipped with seatbelts, airbags, protective steel frames, and other types of safety equipment commonly found in cars and trucks, many motorcycle accident victims sustain injuries so severe that they are often left permanently scarred, disfigured, or disabled.
When you are severely injured in a serious motorcycle accident, contact our Manhattan motorcycle accident lawyers at (646) 846-4776.
Seek Compensation for Your Suffering: Motorcycle Accident Damages
If you were involved in a motorcycle accident in New York and sustained an injury, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- your injuries
- pain
- suffering
- medical bills
- newfound financial hardship
However, in order to recover damages in a personal injury lawsuit, you must prove that the accident was directly caused by another person’s negligence.
How Motorcyclists Become Victims of Accidents
Motorcyclists often find themselves in vulnerable positions on the road. Despite adhering to traffic laws and wearing protective gear, they can still become victims due to factors beyond their control. Unlike car occupants, motorcyclists are exposed to direct impacts during collisions, which significantly increases the risk of severe injuries. The limited visibility of motorcycles to other drivers, coupled with the two-wheeled vehicle's inherent instability, often contributes to accidents. Furthermore, road hazards that might be minor inconveniences to cars, like potholes or wet pavement, can be treacherous for motorcyclists.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, many of which involve the negligence of other motorists or unsafe road conditions. Common causes include:
- Left-Turn Accidents: These occur when a vehicle makes a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle, often misjudging the motorcycle's speed or not seeing it at all.
- Lane Splitting: When motorcycles ride between rows of stopped or slow-moving cars, the close proximity to other vehicles and reduced space for maneuvering can lead to accidents.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving: Both motorcyclists and other vehicle drivers engaging in high speeds or reckless behavior increase the risk of collisions.
- Driving Under the Influence: Accidents involving impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs remain a significant problem, affecting motorcyclists and motorists alike.
- Road Hazards: Potholes, oil slicks, debris, and uneven road surfaces are more dangerous for motorcycles than for other vehicles.
- Sudden Stops: Rear-end accidents can be fatal for motorcyclists if a vehicle behind them fails to stop in time, often due to distracted driving or following too closely.
- Inexperienced Drivers: Inexperienced motorcyclists and other vehicle drivers lacking understanding of motorcycles' road behavior contribute to accidents.
- Vehicle Blind Spots: Motorcycles can easily fall into other vehicles' blind spots, especially large trucks and SUVs, leading to collisions during lane changes or merges.
Recognizing these causes can help motorcyclists stay alert and take preventive measures. However, when an accident occurs due to another's negligence, it's crucial to seek legal representation to fight for deserved compensation.
Experts in New York State Motorcycle Law
An experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Manhattan can help you recover the compensation you may deserve by evaluating your case, filing the appropriate paperwork, and representing you in settlement hearings or in court.
At Loscalzo & Loscalzo, we have nearly 50 years of experience representing motorcycle accident victims and understand what needs to be done to win your case.
Common forms of driver negligence include:
- DUI or DWI
- Speeding
- Racing
- Falling asleep at the wheel
- Failure to follow traffic laws, signs, and signals
- Running a red light
- Making illegal turns
- Failing to stop at a stop sign
If you are riding a motorcycle in New York, whether you are driving the motorcycle or just riding as a passenger, you must wear a helmet. It is a legal requirement to be able to ride in New York. You must also wear proper eye protection if your helmet doesn't have a face shield. The helmet you choose to wear must also meet federal requirements set by the DOT.
If you choose to not wear a helmet, you can be pulled over and be fined or imprisoned. You can be fined up to $100 and/or face up to 30 days in jail.
How Can Motorcycle Gear Help You?
Riding a motorcycle is an exhilarating experience, but it comes with inherent risks. Motorcyclists are more vulnerable on the road than those in enclosed vehicles. In the unfortunate event of an accident, the right motorcycle gear can make a significant difference in minimizing injuries and saving lives. This section delves into how wearing appropriate motorcycle gear can help protect riders during accidents.
- Helmets: The helmet is perhaps the most critical piece of motorcycle gear. It offers protection for your head and brain, which are among the most vulnerable areas during a crash. Helmets are designed to absorb and dissipate the force of impact, reducing the risk of head injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). They also protect against road debris, wind, and weather, which can be distracting and potentially dangerous while riding.
- Jackets: Motorcycle jackets are designed with abrasion-resistant materials and built-in armor to protect your shoulders, elbows, and spine. In the event of a fall or collision, a good motorcycle jacket can prevent road rash, fractures, and internal injuries. Additionally, many jackets are equipped with reflective materials, enhancing your visibility to other drivers, which is crucial for accident prevention.
- Pants: Riding pants are typically reinforced with padding and abrasion-resistant materials, protecting your legs, hips, and knees. In a slide or fall, wearing the right pants can prevent severe road burns, fractures, and other injuries to the lower body.
- Gloves: Hands often instinctively reach out to break a fall during an accident. Wearing motorcycle gloves can protect your hands from severe abrasions and fractures. Additionally, gloves provide better grip and control of the handlebars, increasing your ability to maneuver and avoid accidents in the first place.
- Boots: Your feet and ankles are vulnerable to injury during a motorcycle accident. Motorcycle-specific boots are designed to provide stability, impact protection, and abrasion resistance. They reduce the risk of broken bones and severe foot injuries in the event of a collision.
Who Is Liable for Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
In the wake of a motorcycle accident, several parties may be held liable for a motorcyclist's injuries. Primarily, other drivers on the road who may have acted negligently or violated traffic laws are often found at fault. This includes drivers who were speeding, driving under the influence, or engaging in reckless driving behaviors that led to the accident.
Additionally, municipal agencies or contractors responsible for road maintenance could also be liable if the accident was caused by hazardous road conditions, such as potholes, poor road design, or inadequate signage. In some cases, manufacturers of motorcycles or protective gear might be held accountable if a defect in their product contributed to the severity of the injuries. Determining liability is a complex process that requires thorough investigation and often the expertise of a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.
We can help you take legal action whether you are filing a claim against a negligent driver, government, or motorcycle manufacturer. The government has a responsibility to ensure that all roadways are safe and free of hazards, such as potholes and obstructed streets, and that all road signs and traffic signals are working properly.
The Importance of Prompt Legal Representation After a Motorcycle Accident
Following a motorcycle accident in Manhattan, time is of the essence in securing legal representation. Immediate action is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, a Manhattan motorcycle accident attorney can take quick steps to preserve vital evidence essential for building a strong case. This includes capturing the accident scene before changes occur, securing surveillance footage that may be overwritten, and safeguarding vehicle damage evidence before repairs are made.
Additionally, witness memories tend to fade over time. An attorney can swiftly collect witness statements while the details of the accident are still fresh in their minds, increasing the accuracy and reliability of these accounts. This timely gathering of testimonies can be instrumental in establishing the facts of the case and the liability of the other party involved.
Most importantly, legal claims in New York are subject to strict deadlines known as statutes of limitations. Failing to file a lawsuit within these time frames can result in the permanent loss of your right to seek compensation for your injuries and losses. A Manhattan motorcycle accident attorney will ensure that all necessary documents and claims are filed promptly, helping clients meet critical deadlines and maintaining their eligibility for compensation.
Reach Out to a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer You Can Trust
At Loscalzo & Loscalzo, P.C., our Manhattan motorcycle accident attorneys are dedicated to helping clients throughout New York take legal action after an accident. You do not deserve to suffer for the rest of your life because of another person’s negligence. Let us help you obtain justice by filing a personal injury, and negotiating for a settlement to cover your present and future expenses.
We know that no amount of money can bring back the quality of life you had before your accident, but we strongly believe that you are owed justice and deserve to be compensated.
Our compassionate, experienced, and dedicated motorcycle accident lawyers in Manhattan are ready and able to assist you with all of your legal needs. If you have been injured, please contact our office at (646) 846-4776 for a free consultation.
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