New York City Motorcycle Accident Attorney

NYC Motorcycle Accident Statistics and Risks

Despite motorcycles making up only 2% of registered vehicles in New York City, riders account for 14% of traffic fatalities. This stark disparity highlights the severe risks motorcyclists face on NYC streets. 

Recent data shows that motorcycle crashes in the city result in fatality rates nearly double the New York State average, with most accidents occurring during afternoon and evening hours, particularly in summer months.

The vulnerability of motorcyclists becomes even more apparent when examining crash patterns. Over 56% of motorcycle fatalities involve riders under 35 years old, and nearly all victims are male riders. 

While most crashes occur on city streets rather than highways, the distribution of accidents spans all five boroughs, creating no clear "hotspots" but rather a citywide safety concern.

Contributing Factors to Motorcycle Accidents

Several factors contribute to motorcycle crashes in NYC:

Types of Motorcycle Accidents in NYC

New York City's streets present unique challenges for motorcyclists, especially in high-traffic areas like the Belt Parkway and Queens Boulevard. With over 6,000 miles of streets packed with cars, trucks, pedestrians, and cyclists, riders face heightened risks at every turn. 

The city's dynamic traffic patterns and constant construction create an environment where motorcycle accidents frequently occur for several key reasons:

• Left-turn collisions: Vehicles turning left at intersections often misjudge motorcycle speed or fail to see riders entirely.
• Lane change accidents: Drivers switching lanes without proper checks strike motorcyclists in their blind spots.
• Rear-end impacts: Sudden stops in heavy traffic lead to devastating collisions when cars fail to maintain safe following distances.
• Dooring incidents: Parked vehicle occupants opening doors without checking for approaching motorcycles cause accidents.
• Road hazard crashes: Construction debris, metal plates, and uneven pavement cause riders to lose control.

Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to limited protection for riders. Even with proper safety gear, the force of impact in NYC traffic can cause devastating trauma. 

Motorcycle Accident Injuries We Address

Our experience representing injured motorcyclists has shown that these injuries often require extensive medical care and long-term rehabilitation.

• Traumatic brain injuries: Even with helmets, riders suffer concussions and more severe brain trauma requiring lifetime care.
• Spinal cord damage: High-impact collisions frequently cause paralysis or chronic pain from vertebrae damage.
• Road rash: Severe skin abrasions from sliding across pavement often require multiple surgeries.
• Bone fractures: Complex breaks, especially in legs and arms, may need surgical repair and extensive physical therapy.
• Internal injuries: Organ damage and internal bleeding require immediate emergency intervention.

Motorcycle Laws and Regulations in New York City

New York maintains strict regulations to ensure rider and public safety. Recent updates to these laws have strengthened safety requirements and clarified responsibilities for both riders and other motorists sharing the road.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

The moments following a motorcycle crash are critical for your health and legal rights. Taking the right steps can protect both your physical recovery and your ability to secure fair compensation.

Financial Impact of Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle accidents create significant financial burdens. Total expenses often reach hundreds of thousands of dollars, and insurance coverage limits frequently fall short. Here's what you may face:

Medical Treatment Costs:

• Emergency care: Ambulance transport, emergency room treatment, specialist consultations, and diagnostic imaging.
• Surgical procedures: Initial and follow-up surgeries for fractures, internal injuries, and tissue damage.
• Rehabilitation: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy programs.
• Long-term care: Ongoing medical appointments, medication, and medical equipment.
• Mental health support: Counseling and therapy for trauma recovery.

Additional Financial Impacts:

• Lost income: Missed work during recovery and reduced future earning capacity.
• Property damage: Motorcycle repairs or replacement, protective gear, and personal items.
• Home modifications: Changes needed to accommodate injuries, like wheelchair ramps or bathroom renovations.
• Transportation costs: Transportation to medical appointments and other locations.
• Daily living assistance: Help with household tasks, childcare, and personal care during recovery.

You should not have to pay for expenses you incurred as a result of an accident that was not your fault. Obtaining damages with the assistance of an attorney can alleviate the financial burden you face.

Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim

Seeking compensation through an insurance claim or lawsuit requires showing that another party caused your accident through careless actions or failure to follow traffic laws. 

Our attorneys at Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, LLP gather evidence like police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage to build strong cases.

What Is the Statute of Limitations in NY?

In New York State, motorcycle accident victims generally have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, this timeline can vary based on specific circumstances. If the accident involves a government vehicle or agency, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days.

Certain factors may extend or shorten these time limits. Our attorneys ensure all legal actions meet required deadlines while building the strongest possible case.

Why Work with a Motorcycle Accident Attorney?

Handling a motorcycle accident case alone puts you at risk of missing important deadlines and accepting less compensation than you deserve. Insurance companies often try to minimize motorcycle accident claims or blame riders unfairly. An attorney:

• Investigates thoroughly to find all responsible parties
• Documents the full extent of your injuries and financial losses
• Handles insurance company communications to protect your rights
• Meets legal filing deadlines that could impact your case
• Counters unfair bias against motorcycle riders

How Our NYC Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help Your Case

When you choose Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, LLP after a motorcycle crash, you get a legal team focused on maximizing your recovery. 

• Thorough investigation: We gather evidence before it disappears, from skid marks to surveillance footage showing how the crash occurred.
• Specialized consultations: We collaborate with accident reconstruction professionals to establish exactly how negligent driving caused your injuries.
• Insurance negotiations: We manage all communication with insurance companies, blocking attempts to reduce your rightful compensation.
• Trial-ready advocacy: While most cases settle, we prepare every claim for court to ensure maximum leverage in negotiations.

We are available 24/7 to handle every detail of your claim while you focus on healing.