NYC Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Motorcycles are a popular method of transportation in New York City, and the number of licensed motorcyclists continues to grow each year. As fun and convenient as this can be, it also poses a significant risk for riders.

Motorcyclists are overrepresented in crash-related fatalities. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has shown that even though motorcycles only account for 3.5% of registered vehicles, bikers represent 15% of accident deaths.

Even when accidents are not fatal for motorcyclists, the potential for catastrophic injuries is greater. If you have been injured in a New York City motorcycle accident, contact the Mark E. Seitelman Law Offices. Our dedicated accident attorneys have extensive experience handling all aspects of injury claims and cases, from negotiating with insurance companies to litigating lawsuits in the courtroom.

Legal Representation for Victims of Motorcycle Crashes in NYC

Having legal representation after a motorcycle accident is not required, but it is highly recommended. Unrepresented accident victims will face many unfamiliar processes and be expected to complete numerous requirements, which can be overwhelming in the aftermath of a severe vehicle accident. We encourage you to reach out to schedule a free consultation with our motorcycle accident lawyers. After meeting with us and discussing your case, you will be able to make an informed decision about the best way to move forward with your injury claim.

Why Are Motorcyclists Prone to Severe Injury in Collisions?

Motorcycles have less protection than most other vehicles, leaving riders and passengers exposed in a collision without the vehicle frame to soften the impact. Motorcyclists are not protected by the safety features that cars and trucks have, like seat belts and airbags. In addition, the following also contribute to motorcycles’ propensity for severe crashes:

• Two wheels make them less stable.
• The vehicle and driver are lighter, so even a small impact can cause significant damage.
• Motorcycles are smaller and difficult to see on the roads.

In addition, hazardous road conditions affect motorcycles more than other types of vehicles. New York City’s streets are littered with potential risks, such as potholes and debris.

There is a common misconception that bikers cause most motorcycle accidents with speeding and reckless driving. The truth is that most motorcyclists are responsible, safe riders. When bikers are involved in accidents, they deserve skilled legal representation to help them get compensation for their injuries. The New York City motorcycle attorneys at the Mark E. Seitelman Law Offices have extensive experience advocating for injured bikers, and we will work tirelessly to give you the best chance at a positive outcome in your accident claim.

What Are Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

Too many factors impact the outcome of a motorcycle accident to accurately predict how a crash will affect a biker. However, there are some common injuries that plague motorcyclists involved in crashes, and they include:

• Road rash – possibly the most synonymous with motorcycle accidents, road rash occurs when the rough surface of the road scrapes skin. Infections are common with this type of injury, and the severity can vary widely depending on how deep the scrape goes.
• Degloving – degloving is a potentially life-threatening injury in which a large part of the skin and underlying tissue is detached from the body. It is likened to removing a glove from a hand, which is where the name comes from.
• Head injuries – helmets are required for all motorcyclists in New York, but head injuries can still occur. The potential consequences of a head injury range from mild symptoms to death.
• Limb injuries – damage to the legs and arms are common in motorcycle accidents. Fractures, cuts, nerve damage, and amputation can occur when bikers are thrown from their motorcycles, crushed, or struck by other vehicles.
• Spinal cord injuries – spine damage can lead to lifelong or fatal consequences. The location of the injury dictates the extent and severity, but symptoms include chronic pain and paralysis.

What About Treatment, Recovery, and Costs?

The type of treatment and details of your recovery period will depend on your injuries, but the increased risk of serious injury after a New York City motorcycle accident means significant medical care is often necessary. Surgeries, follow-up appointments, physical therapy, lab tests, and long-term care lead to extensive medical bills for many injured bikers. In addition to this, there is missed work, lost wages, and property damage that comes with accidents, and the costs can climb quickly.

After a motorcycle crash, your physical and emotional recovery should be your priority. Working with an experienced accident attorney lets you focus on your health rather than your insurance claim or legal case. A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer will be familiar with the state laws and local legal procedures required to effectively navigate your case. At the Mark E. Seitelman Law Offices, we have the experience you need when fighting for compensation for accident-related injuries.

Motorcycle Crashes and Insurance in New York

New York’s liability and negligence laws for car accidents follow a no-fault system, which means that a driver’s own insurance is responsible for covering the costs of their damages regardless of who was at fault for the accidents. However, the state’s no-fault law excludes motorcycles, so this insurance rule does not apply to bikers.

Most motorists must reach a serious injury threshold before they can seek damages in a lawsuit. If you are injured in an accident as a motorcyclist, you do not have to meet the serious injury threshold that is required of other motorists in order to seek compensation beyond your own insurer’s coverage. Insurance is still required for all motorcycles in New York, but the way claims are handled after an accident differs from the process followed by other drivers.

New York Motorcycle Laws

New York’s motorcycle helmet law went into effect in 1967, making ours the first state in the country to enact a law requiring anyone operating or riding a motorcycle to wear a helmet. Other relevant laws that relate to bikers in New York City include:

• Helmets must include appropriate eye protection
• Motorcycles must be inspected every 12 months
• Motorcyclists must have a Class M or Class MJ license

Contact an Experienced NYC Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

The motorcycle accident attorneys at the Mark E. Seitelman Law Offices have helped countless clients successfully navigate their injury claims. When you need a dedicated, trusted advocate to handle your motorcycle accident claim, contact us and schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.