At The Ward Law Group, we understand the thrill of the ride and the risks involved. Serving Long Island, our law firm specializes in representing motorcyclists injured due to others' negligence. Our experienced team of attorneys is passionate about fighting for the rights and compensation of motorcycle accident victims.
Why Choose The Ward Law Group?
Expertise and Experience: Our attorneys have extensive experience in motorcycle accident law and are deeply familiar with New York's traffic and insurance regulations. We have a proven track record of securing favorable client settlements and verdicts.
Personalized Attention: We believe each case is unique. We listen to your story, understand the details of your accident, and craft a personalized legal strategy tailored to your specific needs and goals.
No Fee Unless We Win: We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don't pay us anything unless we win your case. We are invested in your success and are committed to securing the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and losses.
24/7 Availability: Accidents don't wait for business hours, and neither do we. Our team is available around the clock to answer your questions and provide the support you need whenever needed.
The context for motorcyclists on Long Island
But what is the situation like for motorists in a city on Long Island? Are there tracks favoring motorcyclists, or are we discussing dangerous road conditions? Long Island presents a mixed environment for motorcyclists, with favorable and challenging aspects.
The following are some aspects to take into account if you are going to get on board a motorcycle and want to avoid motorcycle accident injuries:
- Scenic Rides: Long Island offers motorcyclists picturesque rides along its coastal roads, providing stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Long Island Sound.
- Traffic Congestion: Despite scenic routes, traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can be a significant challenge for motorcyclists, leading to delays and increased risk.
- Limited Dedicated Motorcycle Lanes: Long Island has limited dedicated motorcycle lanes or roads, so motorcyclists often share lanes with other vehicles.
- Varied Road Conditions: Motorcyclists encounter varied road conditions, from well-maintained highways to potholes and uneven surfaces on certain roads.
- Weather Variability: Long Island experiences diverse weather conditions throughout the year, from sunny summers to snowy winters, impacting the riding season.
- Motorcycle Enthusiast Community: Long Island has a thriving motorcycle enthusiast community, with numerous clubs and events for riders to connect and enjoy their passion.
- Safety Concerns: Safety is a significant concern for motorcyclists on Long Island, with the potential for accidents due to traffic, distracted drivers, and road hazards.
- Helmet Laws: New York State requires all motorcyclists to wear helmets, which contributes to rider safety, but riders should remain cautious regardless of helmet use.
As we can see, the decision to use a motorcycle as a means of transportation on Long Island will be subject to a series of pros and cons. The ideal will always be to reduce the risks to the maximum and try to follow all the security measures recommended by the authorities and experts.
A motorcycle accident attorney from The Ward Law will help you understand the complexity of motorcycle accidents and be your best ally in seeking the compensation that corresponds to you if you have been involved in any of these events.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
First, let's talk about the causes. How can we think of solutions if we do not address the root of the events: the causes? We must go to the origin of things to understand their ramifications. Motorcycle accidents are no exception, as they are linked to events or small incidents that lead to a larger incident, such as a collision, death, or serious injury.
- Speeding: Riding at excessive speeds reduces a motorcyclist's reaction time and makes it challenging to navigate curves or unexpected obstacles.
- Distracted Riding: Just as distracted driving concerns car drivers, distracted riding, such as using a phone or adjusting controls while riding, can lead to accidents.
- Impaired Riding: Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs a motorcyclist's coordination, judgment, and ability to react to traffic conditions.
- Lane Splitting: Illegally or unsafely riding between slow-moving or stopped traffic lanes can result in collisions with other vehicles.
- Inexperienced Riders: Novice riders may lack the skills and confidence to handle their motorcycles safely, leading to accidents.
- Failure to Use Protective Gear: Not wearing helmets, gloves, jackets, and other protective gear increases the risk of injury in the event of an accident.
- Unsafe Passing: Attempting to pass other vehicles without sufficient space or visibility can lead to collisions.
- Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: Disobeying traffic signals and signs is a common cause of motorcycle accidents at intersections.
- Riding Without Proper Endorsement: Riding without the required motorcycle endorsement or learner's permit is illegal and risky.
- Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, gravel, and debris on the road can be hazardous for motorcyclists, causing loss of control and accidents.
- Left-Turning Vehicles: Collisions often occur when other vehicles make left turns in front of oncoming motorcycles, misjudging their speed or failing to yield.
- Rear-End Collisions: Motorcycles can be difficult for drivers to spot, leading to rear-end collisions when drivers don't see a slowing or stopped motorcycle ahead.
- Sudden Stops: Motorcyclists who make sudden stops, especially without proper signaling, can be rear-ended by following vehicles.
- Tire Blowouts: Sudden tire blowouts on a motorcycle can lead to loss of control and accidents, particularly at high speeds.
- Weather Conditions: Adverse weather, such as rain, snow, or ice, can make road surfaces slippery and reduce visibility, increasing the risk of motorcycle accidents.
compensation for Motorcycle accidents on Long Island
The topic of compensation is one of our readers' favorites. We understand that because many victims of this type of event see in compensation the possibility of feeling that justice repairs part of the damage caused.
Compensation may be subject to many factors. They can detail the speed with which your lawyer initiated the process, respected deadlines, such as the police report and witness testimonies, and local regulations, and how this can favor certain types of motorcycle accident victims under certain circumstances.
Some of the compensations for your injuries that could be possible with our help are the following:
● Medical Expenses: Injured motorcyclists may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, including hospitalization, specific medical treatment, surgeries, doctor visits, and rehabilitation, under New York's No-Fault Insurance Law.
● Lost Wages: Injured riders can seek compensation for lost wages and future earning capacity if an accident results in time off work, as stipulated in New York State's no-fault system.
● Pain and Suffering: Compensation may include damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and suffering, with limits defined under New York law.
● Property Damage: Motorcycle repair or replacement costs, including damaged riding gear and accessories, can be recovered through the at-fault driver's property damage liability coverage.
● Wrongful Death: If a motorcycle accident results in a fatality, surviving family members may seek compensation for wrongful death, including funeral expenses and loss of financial support.
● Loss of Consortium: Spouses or dependents may be compensated for losing companionship, care, and support due to a motorcycle accident.
● Permanent Disability: Compensation can be sought for permanent injuries or disabilities, including amputations or paralysis, as per New York's personal injury laws.
● Diminished Quality of Life: Injured motorcycle riders may receive compensation for the diminished quality of life caused by long-term disabilities or disfigurement. A personal injury claim could be needed to begin with the whole process.
● Rehabilitation Costs: Necessary rehabilitation services, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and adaptive equipment, can be covered under compensation claims.
● Punitive Damages: In certain personal injury cases of extreme negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to deter similar behavior and punish the at-fault party.
Contact a Long Island Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Beginning a motorcycle accident claim could be your first step to finding justice. Allow our experts to share the best advice for your case with you.
Don't waste more valuable time. Contact our offices at 855-DOLOR-55 for a free case evaluation. Our legal team is ready to discover the best strategy for your case.
Contact The Ward Law Group and speak with a specialized professional to help you.