New York City Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Fighting for the Rights of Injured Bikers Throughout New York

If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident in New York City or anywhere in the state, turn to The Paris Law Group, PC. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, future losses, and more. With nearly 25 years of experience spent trying cases on behalf of the severely injured, our New York motorcycle accident attorney and founding partner, Jason Paris, has what it takes to advocate for you. Motorcyclists often face unique challenges in personal injury claims because of biases and misconceptions about rider behavior. Our team understands these challenges and uses targeted strategies to counter insurer tactics that aim to minimize payouts based on these stereotypes.

Call (888) 365-4940 today for your free consultation or contact us online. Se habla español.

How Can a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in NYC Help Your Claim?

Recovering compensation after a motorcycle crash can be difficult. Even when another driver is clearly at fault, insurance companies may use the stigma that motorcyclists are reckless as an excuse to undervalue your claim. With guidance from an experienced attorney, you can protect your rights to seek maximum compensation for your injuries and other damages. Our attorneys analyze accident scenes, consult with accident reconstruction experts, and compile witness testimonies to build strong claims. We also stay up to date on legal precedents that affect motorcycle accident claims in New York, ensuring our strategies remain both innovative and based on solid legal principles.

A motorcycle accident attorney from The Paris Law Group, PC can help you by:

• Investigating the cause of your accident
• Collecting evidence to prove that the other driver was liable
• Negotiating with the at-fault insurance company to secure a favorable settlement
• Taking your case to trial if a favorable settlement can’t be reached

You do not have to handle your motorcycle accident claim alone. Place your claim in the hands of our dedicated team and gain peace of mind as you recover from your injuries. We understand the impact a motorcycle accident can have on your life, which is why we prioritize a compassionate, client-centered approach throughout the legal process.

Understanding the Dangers of Motorcycle Accidents in New York

While any motor vehicle accident can have serious consequences, those involving motorcycles tend to result in higher catastrophic injury and fatality rates. Motorcyclists have little protection—without windows, doors, seatbelts, airbags, and other safety features found in most passenger cars, riders face a high risk of being thrown from their bikes in a collision. As a result, motorcyclists are more likely to be severely injured or killed in a crash. Road surface conditions, weather, and driver visibility also play major roles in the risks of motorcycle travel. Our firm highlights these vulnerabilities in negotiations and courtroom proceedings to help secure just compensation.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle accidents often cause a broad spectrum of injuries, many of which require immediate and long-term care. Common injuries include broken bones in the legs, arms, or wrists, as well as road rash from skin scraping against pavement. Even motorcycle helmets cannot prevent all traumatic brain injuries, and spinal injuries can result in loss of movement or sensation. Internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, are dangerous and may not be immediately noticeable. Collisions on high-traffic routes like the Queensboro Bridge or in busy Midtown intersections frequently cause more severe trauma due to higher speeds and congestion. Comprehensive medical evaluations and careful legal planning can help motorcyclists recover damages for these life-changing injuries.

Compensation & Damages After a Motorcycle Accident

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in New York, you may be eligible to pursue compensation for your medical care, rehabilitation, and related expenses. Damages can also include lost income, reduced ability to work, and costs tied to ongoing therapy. Non-economic damages may be available for pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. Courts may also assess how an accident impacted your role in family or community activities. In some cases, punitive damages are awarded to penalize egregious conduct. City-specific factors, like emergency response time or heavy traffic, can influence claims and settlement outcomes. An attorney who understands these New York dynamics offers critical guidance to maximize your recovery and present your losses clearly to insurance companies and the court.

New York Motorcycle Laws

Anyone operating or riding a motorcycle in New York must know and follow all state motorcycle laws and safety guidelines. This not only safeguards you and others but can also strengthen your legal claim, because failing to comply with regulations may affect your ability to seek compensation. Our team is well-versed in New York motorcycle laws and can explain how these rules apply to your case.

Here are some New York motorcycle laws you should know:

• Licensing: Anyone operating a motorcycle in New York must have a Class M or MJ Operator’s License or a Learner’s Permit. Depending on the license or permit, you may need to pass a written test at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), a supervised road test, or both.
• Helmets: All motorcycle operators and passengers in New York must wear a helmet that meets U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) safety standards, regardless of age or speed.
• Eye Protection: Motorcycle operators and riders must use approved eye protection that meets the American National Standard Institute’s standards.
• Lane Sharing: Two motorcyclists can ride side-by-side in a single lane, but no more than two may ride abreast in any lane.
• Lane-Splitting: Lane-splitting—riding between lanes of traffic—is strictly prohibited in New York.
• Headlights: Motorcycle operators must use daytime headlights, and headlight modulators are permitted.
• Passengers: To carry a passenger, the motorcycle must have a lawful passenger seat and footrests, and passengers must follow helmet laws.
• Handlebars: Handlebars cannot require the operator to keep hands above shoulder height while riding.

Every motorcycle in New York must also have a headlight, taillight, stop lamp, license plate lamp, red rear reflector, brakes, turn signals, horn or warning device, at least one rearview mirror, and a muffler. Keeping your motorcycle fully equipped strengthens both your safety and compliance, and demonstrates to insurers or a court that you acted responsibly in the event of an accident.

Contact our New York motorcycle accident lawyer today at (888) 365-4940 to learn how we can help make you whole again.

Avoiding Common Mistakes After a Motorcycle Accident in New York

After a motorcycle accident, it’s easy to make decisions that can harm your chances for fair compensation. One mistake is skipping immediate medical care. Not visiting a doctor allows injuries to worsen and makes it harder to connect them to the accident. Medical records are vital evidence that can strengthen or weaken your negotiations.

Another common mistake is speaking with insurance adjusters immediately after your accident. Many accident victims reduce their compensation by giving statements directly to the insurer without legal support. Insurance companies often ask questions designed to minimize your payout. Letting a lawyer or legal team manage these communications helps safeguard your interests. Avoid accepting a quick settlement, as early offers may not reflect your future medical costs and losses.

In New York, strict timelines apply for reporting accidents and submitting insurance claims. If you fail to notify your insurer promptly, they may deny coverage or delay payments. We encourage keeping organized records of all accident-related documents and correspondence, as this thorough documentation can help if your claim faces challenges. Track all deadlines carefully and respond quickly to requests from your attorney or insurance carrier.

Using Witnesses to Strengthen Your Motorcycle Crash Claim

Witnesses can play a pivotal role in motorcycle accident claims by providing unbiased accounts that bolster your version of events. Their testimonies can confirm details about driving conditions, the behavior of other drivers, and the accident itself. Having reliable witnesses can be a decisive factor in cases where liability is disputed.

Make sure to collect the contact information of any potential witnesses at the scene. Witnesses who are willing to provide written or recorded statements can greatly strengthen your position. Our team works with investigators to locate and interview witnesses to establish a comprehensive and accurate record of the incident. This thorough approach can prove invaluable, especially in complex claims where evidence from eyewitnesses supports the narrative that the motorcyclist was not at fault.