Leading Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Defend Injured Victims In Suffolk County, Nassau County, Queens County, and Throughout NY
If you have been injured in a Long Island motorcycle accident, you are probably wondering what to do next. You may feel overwhelmed with the mounting medical bills and wonder how you will survive financially. You are probably in pain as you cope with your serious injuries. One of the best things you can do is consult with a New York motorcycle accident lawyer. Injured motorcyclists often find it challenging to recover the compensation they deserve without the help of an experienced personal injury attorney.
Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries. Claims involving motorcycle accidents present various unique challenges. While motorcycles are a common means of transport on the streets of New York, the rules for insurance and liability concerning motorcycles differ from that of cars. According to New York’s No-Fault laws, a motorcycle is not considered a motor vehicle. This means that motorcycles are not covered by the No-Fault law. Motorcyclists involved in an accident are therefore not entitled to medical and lost wage benefits under the No-Fault law. They can, however, bring a claim against the parties that are responsible for the accident in which they were injured. It is therefore critical to have the guidance and support of an experienced New York motorcycle accident lawyer.
The attorneys at Harrison Law Group P.C. are highly experienced and skilled at defending the rights of victims of motorcycle accidents. We will evaluate your case and seek evidence to support your claim. With our team fighting in your corner, you can recover full compensation for your injuries and damages.
Types of Motorcycle Accidents that a New York Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help With
Motorcycle accidents happen every day in New York City on highways, side roads, and private property. Even when motorcyclists are wearing a helmet and proper safety equipment, the injuries caused by motorcycle accidents are often catastrophic. Motorcyclists are much more vulnerable than drivers and passengers in motor vehicles because they do not have any external protection in a collision.
People in passenger vehicles are surrounded by a steel frame, seat belt restraint systems, and airbags, while motorcyclists are exposed to more hazards on the open road. Even when a motorcyclist is driving safely and cautiously, an accident can occur due to no fault of the motorcyclist. Some of the most common types of motorcycle accidents involve the following:
Motorcyclists are at greater risk of being involved in an accident than other types of motorists. The attorneys at Harrison Law Group P.C. are experienced and skilled at fighting on behalf of victims of motorcycle accidents. We have represented injured persons and survivors of victims of motorcycle accidents involving the situations listed above and more. We understand how complex motorcycle accident claims can be. Reach out to us and book an appointment for a free consultation with an experienced New York motorcycle accident lawyer from our firm.
Motorcycle Accidents are Often More Severe than Other Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motorcycle riders are not only more vulnerable to accidents than other motorists, but also to suffering severe injuries as a result of the accidents in which they are involved. There are several reasons for this.
Motorcycle riders are exposed. When a collision occurs, there is nothing between their bodies and the other vehicle, pavement, or other objects. The impact is felt directly on the body of the motorcycle rider. There is nothing to cushion or absorb some of the force from the impact. Their injuries are therefore more likely to be severe.
Motorcycles don’t offer the same stability as other motor vehicles such as cars do. Motorcycles only have two wheels and a light body. They are therefore more susceptible to damage when they collide with heavier more stable vehicles.
Motorcycles do not have the same level of visibility that other vehicles have because of their size. Other vehicles are large, bulky, and easy to notice. Motorcycles are small. Other drivers may not notice motorcycles and therefore cut them off, fail to yield, or even open doors in their path.
Motorcycles are more susceptible to dangerous road conditions such as defects on a poorly maintained roadway. Defects such as potholes are more likely to result in accidents involving motorcycles than with other types of motor vehicles.
Motorcycles are not covered under the No-Fault law in New York. However, if you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you can file a claim for compensation from the at-fault party. This means that you will need to prove fault. This can make your claim even more complex. An experienced and skilled New York motorcycle accident lawyer from Harrison Law Group P.C. can guide you through the process of making a claim and negotiating for a settlement. Our law firm will fight to recover full compensation for your injuries.
Rear-End Motorcycle Collisions
Long Island drivers are more distracted than ever. One of the most common types of motorcycle accidents involves a rear-end collision. Suppose a rear-ending driver approaches an intersection but cannot see the traffic light because of the sun’s glare. He does not realize that the light has changed to red, causing him to accelerate into the back of a motorcyclist who is stopped at the traffic light. He runs over the motorcyclist, causing severe injuries.
Another example of a rear-end collision involves distracted driving. Suppose the passenger vehicle driver is in stop-and-go traffic on a freeway and receives a text message. He glances down at his phone for two seconds to check the text message. He looks up and sees a motorcyclist idling right in front of his car. He cannot prevent the collision that occurs next. These collisions can be categorized as rear-end motorcycle accidents, but the facts in any given case are unique and require an experienced lawyer to prove negligence.
Proving Negligence in a Long Island Motorcycle Accident
Victims of motorcycle accidents will need to prove that the driver who caused their injuries acted negligently. Drivers are negligent when they fail to use reasonable care under the circumstances. When it comes to proving negligence, your lawyer will need to be careful categorizing what type of accident has occurred.
For example, when a passenger driver rear-ends a motorcyclist, there is a presumption that the passenger driver was negligent. However, your lawyer will still need to thoroughly investigate the case and gather evidence demonstrating the driver’s negligence. At Harrison Law Group, Our lawyers have the resources, professional network, and experience to thoroughly investigate your motorcycle accident claim. We will take the following actions to gather evidence against the negligent driver:
Interview witnesses
Review the police report
Gather event data recorder information
Gather CCTV footage or video evidence from witnesses
Work with accident reconstruction specialists to determine fault
Examine photos of the accident
The Benefits of Consulting With a Long Island Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
In New York, motor vehicle accident victims only have a limited amount of time to bring a personal injury lawsuit against the defendant who caused their accident. Even the most clear-cut motorcycle accident case can present challenges and obstacles.
The sooner you speak with an experienced motorcycle lawyer, the better chance you will have of recovering all the compensation you need. Delaying the investigation into your case could result in losing critical evidence that could help you and impair your ability to win your case. We recommend contacting one of our motorcycle accident lawyers as soon as possible after your accident.
Motorcycle Insurance Policies Do Not Include PIP
In New York state, motorcycle insurance policies do not include mandatory Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. Automobile insurance policies for passenger vehicles, trucks, and commercial vehicles must include at least $10,000 of PIP protection. When you are involved in a motor vehicle accident that does not involve a motorcycle, you can file a claim to be compensated for your medical bills and part of your time off work and mediately through PIP coverage. Filing a PIP claim is not an option for motorcyclists, however, making it more difficult to recover compensation quickly after an accident
We Aggressively Negotiate With Insurance Companies
The last thing on your mind after being seriously injured is negotiating with the insurance company. Unfortunately, insurance companies are for-profit companies, and they will take nearly any means necessary to avoid paying fair compensation to victims. We recommend speaking to one of our motorcycle accident lawyers before providing a recorded statement to the insurance company. Victims of motorcycle accidents may unintentionally admit fault in their statement, damaging their chances of recovering compensation.
It is also important to discuss your case with a lawyer before signing a settlement agreement with the insurance company. In nearly every case, insurance companies will offer a low settlement amount upfront, hoping that the victim will be desperate enough to accept the agreement. It may seem like a tempting option to accept the insurance agreement so you can pay your bills. However, working with a lawyer can help you in the long run because your lawyer can negotiate a much better settlement agreement in most cases.
At Harrison Law Group, our motorcycle accident lawyers have extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies on behalf of our clients. We will fight hard to obtain the compensation you deserve for your physical injuries, property damage, and the pain and suffering caused by your injuries. Do not sign a settlement release without discussing your case with a lawyer because you will lose the ability to bring a personal injury lawsuit or negotiate with the insurance company.
Contact Harrison Law Group P.C. for Free Consultation with an Experienced New York Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in New York, you can file a claim for compensation for your injuries. Contact Harrison Law Group P.C. and book an appointment for a free consultation with an experienced New York motorcycle accident lawyer from our law firm. We will fight to recover full compensation for your injuries and damages. Call us today to discuss your case and discover your options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accident Claims In New York
Can I recover compensation if I am partly to blame for a motorcycle accident in New York?
Yes. You don’t lose your right to recover compensation if you are partly to blame for a motorcycle accident in which you were injured. New York applies contributory negligence laws. This means that your compensation will be reduced to reflect the proportion of your fault in the accident. For example, if you were thought to be 30 percent responsible for the accident and were to recover $100,000 for damages, you will only be awarded $70,000 as compensation.
It is important to seek the assistance of an experienced New York motorcycle accident lawyer to protect your rights to compensation. Insurance companies will resort to all manner of tactics to reduce the amount of money paid out to you. One way they do this is by trying to shift the blame for the accident onto the victims. An attorney will fight to ensure you receive maximum compensation for your injuries and damages.
Who can be held responsible for a motorcycle accident?
Motorcycle accidents are often caused by driver error. The at-fault driver can be held liable for the accident. Other parties that can be held financially liable for a motorcycle accident include:
—Bus drivers —Government agencies —Property owners for the obstruction of roads —Manufacturers for defective motorcycle parts —Truck drivers —The NY transportation authorities
There are instances when more than one party may be held liable for a motorcycle accident. Dealing with different parties and multiple insurance agencies can complicate your motorcycle claim. An experienced attorney will help you navigate the complexities of your case and ensure your rights are protected.
Thank you to all of the staff for your diligence and patience for the past 3 years helping me with my case! It was unfortunate that i needed their services, however this firm has been amazing. At every event, whether it was an important doctors appointment or post surgical, they checked in, kept very careful notes on everything and assured me they would be checking in again. My hats off to Barry, a lawyer with a huge amount of compassion, understanding and commitment. Speaking with him sometimes made all the difference during a difficult time. Thank you all very much!
Julie H.
Great law firm. Did a fantastic job
Yasmin A.
Brett and Kristi are the best. Very professional. Any questions at any time weekdays or even weekends they always responded right away. When you become a client they treat you as if you are a family member of theirs. Brett will fight to get you the money you deserve from your lawsuit. I’m very happy with Harrison Law Group!! I highly recommend them.
Sofiarose G.
The Harrison Law Group handled my case with professionalism and utmost care. Anytime I had a question or concern they were quick to get me a response and kept me informed every step of the way with status on my case. I would recommend them to anyone seeking legal advice.
Nicholas F.
They helped me through a car accident and always called to see how I was feeling and they were very compassionate and understanding with my situation. They are a very professional group and I highly recommend them.
Laura J.
Brett Harrison and his staff are really Great! I would highly recommend them to anyone! They showed compassion and understanding! Brett and his staff always took the time to explain anything I may not have understood! All the staff were friendly and returned my calls in a timely fashion! Should I need a lawyer again (which I hope I don’t) I would return to Brett Harrison!
Christine P.
Great firm. There was a lot of contact from the team there; they kept me informed of each step and checked in on a regular basis. they were also quick to address my questions. I got great results and I would definitely recommend them.
Zachary M.
Brett, thank you so much for your hard work and got me what I deserved to have. Maria, thank you so much for your quick response whenever I needed you for any information. You, all are the best!!!
Meerah C.
He’s my personal lawyer for a case and they do everything the right way and get you all money and medical devices you need highly recommend!!
