Long Island Personal Injury Lawyer / Long Island Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Long Island Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle accidents are particularly devastating, often resulting in severe injuries or death due to the lack of protection motorcyclists have when involved in collisions with larger, heavier vehicles. Unfortunately, motorcycle accident victims and their families face many challenges and hurdles in getting compensation to deal with the harm they have suffered. Motorcyclists do not benefit from no-fault insurance in New York, forcing them to file claims or lawsuits and prove the other driver’s fault. At the same time, motorcycle accident plaintiffs must deal with the inherent bias against motorcycles in the mind of the public, who might view riders as risk-takers compared to other drivers. This is often not the case, but it takes skilled legal representation to overcome biases and prejudices like these.

The Long Island motorcycle accident team at Jacobson Law are the lawyers other lawyers call when they have a motorcycle accident case that is headed for trial. Our experienced litigators routinely try personal injury cases in court, and we prepare every case from the start as if it will be going to court. Our intensive preparation and attention to detail puts us in the best position to maximize the financial recovery for our client, whether negotiating a settlement or taking the case to a jury. With offices in Bohemia and Carle Place, we take motorcycle accident cases all along Long Island. Our firm maintains an additional office in Manhattan as well and accepts cases throughout New York City. Contact Long Island motorcycle accident lawyers at Jacobson Law for skilled, effective representation after a motorcycle accident in New York.

No-Fault Insurance and Motorcycle Riders in New York

In New York, the no-fault insurance system is designed to cover medical expenses, lost earnings, and other economic losses for drivers and passengers involved in motor vehicle accidents, regardless of who caused the crash. However, motorcyclists are excluded from this system. If you are injured in a crash while riding your machine, you do not have the benefit of filing a claim with your insurance provider to cover your immediate medical costs, time missed from work, and related expenses.

Instead, motorcyclists must pursue compensation by filing a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance company or initiating a personal injury lawsuit. To succeed in a claim or lawsuit, the injured motorcyclist must prove that the other driver was negligent and that their negligence caused the accident. This process is infinitely more complex and involved than filing a no-fault claim, making it critical to have experienced legal representation to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Vulnerability of Motorcyclists on the Road

Motorcyclists are far more vulnerable to injury in an accident than drivers of cars, trucks, or SUVs. Motorcycles offer no physical barrier between the rider and the road, which means that in a collision, the motorcyclist is likely to come into direct contact with the other vehicle, the pavement, or other objects. Even when wearing helmets and protective gear, motorcyclists face a significant risk of suffering serious or life-threatening injuries in a crash.

Some of the most common and severe injuries that motorcyclists experience in accidents include:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Even with a helmet, riders are at risk for brain injuries that can lead to long-term cognitive and physical impairments. Data from the New York Department of Health showed traumatic brain injury in 10% of ER visits, 25% of hospitalizations, and 41% of deaths in motorcycle accidents over the two-year period studied.
Spinal cord injuries: These injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, severely impacting the victim’s quality of life.
Fractures and broken bones: Collisions often lead to broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, and ribs, which can require surgery and lengthy recovery periods.
Road rash: When a rider is thrown from the motorcycle and skids across the pavement, they can suffer a friction wound known as road rash, a painful and potentially severe skin injury.
Internal injuries: The force of a collision can cause damage to internal organs, leading to life-threatening complications.

Given the seriousness of these injuries, motorcyclists often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and significant time away from work. The Department of Health puts the average cost of a motorcycle accident hospitalization over $70,000, not to mention all the other economic and non-economic losses incurred. Pursuing compensation through a personal injury claim is essential to cover these costs and the long-term impact on the victim’s life.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents Involving Negligent Drivers

Motorcycle accidents are often caused by the negligence of other drivers on the road. Drivers of cars and trucks may fail to notice motorcyclists or fail to yield the right of way, resulting in serious collisions. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents caused by negligent drivers include:

Failure to check blind spots: Motorcycles are smaller and more difficult to see than larger vehicles. Drivers may not check their blind spots thoroughly before changing lanes or merging, leading to dangerous side-impact collisions with motorcyclists.
Left-turn accidents: One of the most common types of motorcycle accidents occurs when a car makes a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle. The driver may misjudge the speed of the motorcycle or fail to see it altogether.
Distracted driving: Texting, talking on the phone, eating, or engaging in other distractions can take a driver’s attention off the road, leading to accidents. A momentary distraction can have catastrophic consequences for a motorcyclist.
Following too closely: Drivers who tailgate motorcycles put riders at risk of rear-end collisions, especially in sudden stops or slow traffic. The impact from behind can cause motorcyclists to lose control or be thrown from their bikes.
Speeding and reckless driving: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react in time to avoid a collision with a motorcyclist. Reckless driving behaviors like weaving in and out of traffic or aggressive driving increase the likelihood of an accident.
Driving under the influence: Drunk or impaired drivers have slower reaction times and diminished judgment, which can lead to deadly motorcycle accidents.

Filing a Personal Injury Claim After a Motorcycle Accident

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent driver in New York, you have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries. A successful personal injury claim can cover your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the accident. To maximize your chances of obtaining a fair settlement or verdict, it is crucial to work with an experienced personal injury attorney who understands the complexities of motorcycle accident cases.

At Jacobson Law, our Long Island motorcycle accident attorneys have a proven record of representing motor vehicle accident victims and securing the compensation they deserve. We understand the unique challenges motorcyclists face in pursuing compensation and are committed to helping you through every step of the legal process. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Long Island or throughout New York City, contact us today at 631-661-2030 for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options. There is no fee unless we win your case.