Motorcycle riding is more popular than ever. There are over 750,000 licensed motorcyclists in New York, with the number growing yearly. Riding a motorcycle in NYC can save money on staggering gas prices and give riders more flexibility in navigating the infamous NYC traffic jams. Motorbikes are also more agile than cars, and parking is easier and cheaper.
However, sharing the road with large trucks and cars can be dangerous. Other vehicles often don't see motorcyclists or fail to correctly judge an oncoming bike's speed and distance. When a motorcyclist is struck by a car, truck, or another vehicle, the consequences can be catastrophic.
Speak to a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in NYC
The Ward Law Group offers legal representation for victims of motorcycle crashes in NYC. Our New York City motorcycle accident lawyers have extensive experience in motor vehicle accidents, including motorcycle injury accidents.
If you're the victim of a motorcycle accident, contact us today for your free, no-obligation
personal injury case evaluation. You have the right to seek compensation.
How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in NYC?
On average, around 6,000 motorcycle wrecks result in injury or death every year in NYC. Additionally, New York City's fatal crash rate for motorcyclists is almost twice for motorcyclists outside the five boroughs. If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident, working with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer is in your best interest to get total compensation for your injuries.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents are often severe because bikes don't provide the same protection as other vehicles in a wreck. Accidents can range from minor cuts, scrapes, and bruises to severe or life-threatening injuries. Due to the lack of protection, collisions can be hazardous for riders and often cause serious injuries.
Some of the most common motorbike accident injuries in NYC include:
- Head Injuries: Head and brain injuries can still happen, even if you wear a helmet. Head injuries are severe and potentially life-threatening. Motorcyclists can suffer traumatic brain damage, skull fractures, or other head injuries.
- Broken Bones: Fractured and broken bones are also common in motorcycle accidents. The crash's impact can cause bones to break, especially the arms, legs, ribs, collarbone, hands, and feet.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord damage can have long-term or life-long consequences. Spinal cord injuries can cause partial or complete paralysis, chronic pain, or death.
- Road Rash: Road rash can be severe and painful, requiring extensive medical attention. Bikers with more extreme road rash cases may suffer from cuts and surface nerve damage.
- Internal Injuries: Accident victims may also suffer damage to the organs or other internal structures, which can be life-threatening. Internal bleeding is one of the most severe types of internal injuries a rider suffers.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: The soft tissues in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments can be easily damaged in a motorcycle accident. Some soft tissue injuries require long-term medical treatment, like physical therapy or surgery.
You have the legal right to be compensated for your injuries caused by another party's negligence. No matter what type of injuries you have suffered, contact a motorcycle accident lawyer in NYC as soon as possible.
What Should You Do After an NYC Motorcycle Accident?
Unfortunately, bikers get into accidents every day. If you've been involved in a crash in NYC and sustained injuries, there are several steps you should take.
1. Seek medical attention if you or anyone involved in the accident is injured. Call 911 or seek
medical attention immediately. Even if you don't have immediate injuries, always see a doctor following an accident.
Note: Did you know several mobile apps can automatically notify your emergency contacts or emergency services in the event of a motorcycle accident? Some of the most popular apps include:
2. Contact the police and report the accident. The authorities will create a report that includes details of your accident, which can be helpful for insurance claims and legal proceedings. Your insurance company will likely need a copy of the police report.
3. If possible, gather information from the other driver(s) involved in the accident. Ask for their name, contact information, driver's license number, and insurance details. Also, take photos of the scene and any damage to your motorcycle and other vehicles.
4. Speak to a New York City motorcycle accident attorney. It's always best to consult a skilled personal injury attorney to determine your legal options and protect your rights.
After an accident, DON'T do the following:
- Admit fault
- Discuss the accident with the other driver(s)
- Agree to a settlement without your attorney present
Types of Motorcycle Accident Compensation
Different types of compensation are available to victims of motorcycle accidents. If you were in a motorcycle accident in NYC, you might be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries, damages, and losses.
Below are some common types of motorcycle accident compensation available in NY. Remember, the types of payment you can claim depend on your case's unique circumstances.
Medical Expenses:
Your medical expenses include past or future medical treatment resulting from the accident.
Expected medical costs you may have because of a motorcycle accident include:
- Hospital bills
- Surgery fees
- Doctor visits
- Prescription medications
- Future treatment
- Physical therapy
- Travel to and from appointments
- Long-term care
Lost Wages:
If you missed work because of your damages, you can claim compensation for the wages you would have earned during that time. Therefore, it's important to note how much work you missed after your accident and include bonuses, raises, or other income you would have otherwise received in your claim.
What happens if you can't work anymore after a motorcycle accident? If your accident left you with injuries preventing you from working, you deserve compensation. For example, you may have to switch to a different type of job or work at the same place but in a different position. Workplace changes are known as loss of earning capacity.
Property Damage:
If your bike or other property, like a phone, laptop, or tablet, was damaged in the accident, you could claim compensation to cover the cost of repairs or replacement. Keep records and receipts of quotes or invoices you receive as proof of your repair costs.
Pain & Suffering:
Non-economic damages can be just as challenging (if not more) to cope with following a motorcycle accident.
Some common non-economic damages include:
- Physical or emotional pain
- Mental distress
- Emotional anguish
- Fear or anxiety
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If you're suffering from non-economic damages, a motorcycle accident lawyer can help you calculate the value of pain and suffering.
What Are the Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in NYC?
There are several causes of motorcycle accidents in NYC, but the most common causes are a result of human error. Negligence on behalf of the other motorists can result in a disastrous injury for the motorcyclist.
Typical accident causes include:
- Distracted Driving: There are plenty of distractions on the road. For example, drivers may be texting and driving, chatting on the phone or to another passenger, using a navigation system, or eating and drinking behind the wheel. Distracted drivers can quickly fail to notice a motorcycle on the road.
- Drunk Driving: Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol is another common cause of motorcycle accidents in NYC. Getting struck by a drunk driver can cause significant harm and damage to a motorcyclist.
- Aggressive Driving: Aggressive driving can include traffic offenses like speeding, tailgating, cutting off another driver, and making unsafe lane changes that harm another individual.
- Road Hazards: NYC streets are prone to potholes and debris that can cause a motorcycle to lose control and crash. Slippery roadways are also a common road hazard in the city.
- Lane Splitting: Other vehicles may not expect a motorcycle to pass them in traffic while changing lanes, causing them to hit the bike accidentally.
Determining Fault for a Motorcycle Accident
Car drivers are usually at fault in motorcycle accidents. However, responsibility for a motorcycle accident is not always clear-cut. In some cases, several parties may share some level of accountability. If you were involved in a motorcycle accident in NYC, contact a personal injury attorney in NY to help you navigate the legal process.
Crashes can happen in a blink of an eye. If you need clarification on who is at fault, a motorcycle accident attorney will investigate your case. Your lawyer will collect evidence, including traffic citations, photographs of the crash scene, medical records, security footage, the police report, and eyewitness testimony to prove the other party's role in causing the crash.
Contact a NYC Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
A lawyer will help you protect your legal rights and ensure you receive fair compensation for damages or injuries. The Ward Law Group specializes in helping accident victims win the compensation they deserve.
Click for your free case evaluation. We look forward to serving you!