If you’ve been injured or a loved one was killed while riding, you may even be blamed, even if another party was at fault. When this happens, you may need to get a motorcycle accident lawyer to file a claim and prove liability.
Motorcycle crash claims differ from other types of vehicle accident claims, and you need strong representation if you want to get the full value of your compensation. Our motorcycle accident attorneys in Suffolk County will get to know you, listen to your concerns, and fight for your rights in New York. At Trantolo & Trantolo, we are committed to promoting motorcycle safety. Contact us online to learn more about how we can help you.
Why Hire Our Suffolk County Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Trantolo & Trantolo?
At Trantolo & Trantolo, our Suffolk County motorcycle accident attorneys believe that justice applies equally to everyone, and that’s why we’ve been fighting insurance companies for more than 85 years. We will do whatever it takes to see justice served on your behalf.
Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Suffolk County are dedicated to helping those who have been injured in motorcycle accidents and their loved ones. We offer free case reviews and give honest opinions about your legal options.
We know your bills and expenses will be high after a motorcycle wreck. That’s why we take cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you only pay our fees and costs if your case is successfully resolved.
Our goal is to get you fair compensation after a motorcycle accident. Contact us for caring, expert legal help. You can read our motorcycle accident client testimonials to learn more about what to expect when you work with us.
Compensation Your Suffolk County Motorcycle Accident Lawyer May Be Able to Recover
In a motorcycle accident claim, your injuries impact your settlement amount. You may get money for economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages have receipts, like medical bills and lost wages, while non-economic damages account for physical and emotional pain. These damages often include:
- Lost wages from missing work after the crash. Accidents can cause sudden money problems.
- Medical bills that pile up from ongoing treatment. Severe injuries mean high costs.
- Pain and suffering from physical and emotional trauma. This pain deserves compensation.
- Property damage if the bike is totaled. Repairs or replacement can be expensive.
Your New York motorcycle accident lawyers can explain your losses to the at-fault party’s insurance company, or to a judge or jury if your case goes to trial.
How Much Are Most Motorcycle Accident Settlements?
There is no average motorcycle accident settlement amount, because every claim is unique. The circumstances of your accident will determine how much your claim is worth, including how much your medical bills are, how much salary you’ve missed, and other factors.
These are some more results Trantolo & Trantolo has achieved for our clients who were injured in motorcycle collisions:
How much will you get in your motorcycle accident claim in Suffolk County? The only way to get an accurate estimate is to reach out to an attorney at Trantolo & Trantolo who can examine your evidence.
How a Suffolk County Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You with Your Case
A Suffolk County motorcycle accident lawyer plays a crucial role in protecting the rights of bikers who have been injured in accidents. Here are some key ways in which they can help you with your claim:
- Thorough investigation: A skilled Suffolk County motorcycle accident lawyer at our firm will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the accident, gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage to build a strong case on your behalf.
- Advocating for biker rights: Motorcycle accident lawyers understand the unique challenges and prejudices that bikers face. They will work to counter any bias against you and ensure that you are treated fairly throughout the legal process.
- Providing support and guidance: Motorcycle accidents can be traumatic experiences, and injured bikers may face a long road to recovery. A Trantolo & Trantolo compassionate motorcycle accident lawyer in Suffolk will provide you with support and guidance throughout the legal process, ensuring that your needs are met.
- Representing bikers in court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, a motorcycle accident lawyer in Suffolk from our firm will be prepared to take the case to trial. They will present a compelling case on your behalf, arguing for your right to full and fair compensation before a judge and jury.
By protecting bikers’ rights and fighting for their interests, a Suffolk County motorcycle accident lawyer at Trantolo & Trantolo can help injured bikers secure the compensation they need to rebuild their lives and move forward after a devastating accident.
How Does Negligence Lead to Motorcycle Accidents in Suffolk County?
Negligence is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents in Suffolk County, NY. Negligence occurs when a person fails to exercise reasonable care and caution, resulting in harm or injury to others. In the context of motorcycle accidents, negligence can take many forms. When it comes to motorcycle accidents, these often involve:
- Distracted driving: When other motorists are distracted by their cell phones, GPS devices, or other activities while driving, they may fail to notice motorcyclists, leading to collisions. Distracted driving is a form of negligence that puts motorcyclists at significant risk.
- Failure to yield: Motorists who fail to yield the right of way to motorcyclists, particularly at intersections or when making turns, can cause serious accidents. This negligent behavior often stems from a lack of awareness or a failure to properly check for motorcyclists before proceeding.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s reaction time and can make it more difficult to avoid collisions with motorcyclists. When motorists negligently exceed the posted speed limit or drive too fast for conditions, they put motorcyclists at risk.
- Lane changes and merging: When drivers change lanes or merge without properly checking their blind spots or signaling, they can easily collide with motorcyclists. This negligent behavior is particularly dangerous for motorcyclists, who are less visible than larger vehicles.
- Tailgating: Following a motorcycle too closely, or tailgating, is a form of negligence that can lead to rear-end collisions. Motorcyclists may need to brake suddenly to avoid hazards in the road, and if a trailing vehicle is too close, a collision may be unavoidable.
- Impaired driving: Motorists who operate their vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications can exhibit negligent behavior that endangers motorcyclists. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and a reduced ability to control their vehicles.
- Road hazards: Government entities responsible for designing, constructing, and maintaining roads have a duty to ensure that the roadways are safe for all users, including motorcyclists. Negligence in road maintenance, such as failing to repair potholes, remove debris, or provide proper signage, can lead to motorcycle accidents.
By holding negligent parties accountable for their actions, motorcycle accident claims can help injured riders recover the compensation they need to move forward and also promote safer roadways for all users in Suffolk County. Contact us for your free consultation!
Who May Be Held Liable in a Suffolk County Motorcycle Accident Claim?
In a Suffolk County motorcycle accident claim, various parties may be held liable depending on the specific circumstances of the accident. Determining liability is crucial for securing compensation for the injured motorcyclist’s damages. Some of the parties who may be held liable include:
- Other motorists: Drivers of cars, trucks, or other vehicles who engage in negligent behaviors, such as distracted driving, speeding, or failing to yield the right of way, can be held liable for resulting motorcycle accidents.
- Pedestrians: In some cases, pedestrians who act negligently, such as jaywalking or stepping into the path of a motorcycle, can be held liable for the accident and resulting injuries.
- Motorcycle manufacturers: If a motorcycle accident is caused by a defect in the design, manufacturing, or labeling of the motorcycle or its parts, the manufacturer may be held liable under product liability laws.
- Government entities: Municipal, county, or state government entities responsible for designing, constructing, and maintaining roads may be held liable if their negligence in these duties leads to a motorcycle accident. Examples include failing to repair potholes, remove debris, or provide proper signage.
- Bars or restaurants: Under New York’s dram shop laws, establishments that serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated patrons who then cause a motorcycle accident may be held liable for the resulting damages.
- Employers: If a motorcycle accident is caused by another motorist who was acting within the scope of their employment at the time of the collision, the employer may be held vicariously liable for the employee’s negligence.
- Multiple parties: In some cases, multiple parties may share liability for a motorcycle accident. For example, if a distracted driver collides with a motorcyclist and causes them to crash on a poorly maintained road, both the driver and the government entity responsible for road maintenance may be held liable.
To determine liability in a Suffolk County motorcycle accident claim, it’s essential to conduct a thorough investigation and gather evidence from various sources, such as police reports, witness statements, accident scene photos, and expert testimony. A motorcycle accident lawyer in Suffolk County can help identify all potentially liable parties.
How Does Shared Liability Affect Motorcycle Accident Claims in Suffolk, NY?
Fault isn’t always clear in motorcycle accidents. For example, a motorcyclist could ride through an intersection with a green light while going 15 m.p.h. above the speed limit. At the same time, a driver could run a red light in the same intersection because they were texting. In a case like this, both drivers would share some degree of fault and liability in the wreck.
What happens in a scenario like this? Can an injured rider claim compensation if they shared any fault in a crash in New York? In Suffolk, NY, motorcycle accident claims are subject to the state’s pure comparative negligence rule, which means that shared liability can significantly impact the outcome of a case.
Under this rule, if the car’s driver was found to be 70% at-fault for the motorcycle collision and the biker 30% at-fault, the motorcycle rider could get compensation for their damages, minus their percentage of fault. Because your percentage of fault directly impacts your compensation, it’s a good idea to have a Suffolk motorcycle accident lawyer protect your rights.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Suffolk County?
What you do after a motorcycle accident can significantly affect any future legal claim. Follow these steps to protect yourself and your rights after a motorcycle wreck:
- Call 911 if anyone is seriously injured.
- Get medical treatment to create a medical record – here is a list of Suffolk County hospitals.
- Call the police to file a report of the accident – you can get a copy of your report here.
- Document your injuries, the vehicles, and the scene with photos and videos.
- Exchange contact info with the other driver and any eyewitnesses.
- Write down key details, including the weather, time of day, and road conditions.
Always prioritize your health first. But when you’re up for it, contact a motorcycle accident lawyer. Reaching out to a motorcycle accident attorney in Suffolk County can protect the value of your claim by letting us handle communications with insurance companies.
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There Is a Deadline to File a Motorcycle Injury Claim in Suffolk County
There is a deadline called the statute of limitations to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit. According to New York § 214, for personal injury claims, the deadline in most cases is three years, though there are some exceptions. Missing this deadline can ruin your case and take away your one chance to be compensated for your losses.
Never assume when the deadline is, as the rules in New York motorcycle injury claims are complex. Certain factors may affect the deadline. A motorcycle accident lawyer in Suffolk County can identify the right deadline for your case.
Talk to a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Suffolk County for Free
A Suffolk County motorcycle accident lawyer can fight to protect your rights in New York if you’ve been injured while riding. Call us for a free consultation. You don’t have to commit to filing a legal claim to meet with us. During our first meeting, we will discuss your case and the available options.
Don’t take on a big insurance company on your own while you need to stay focused on your health. Our goal is to get you the compensation you need to recover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Motorcycle accidents often leave riders with more questions than answers about insurance, compensation, and their rights under New York law. Our Suffolk County motorcycle accident attorneys at Trantolo & Trantolo have represented injured bikers across Long Island for decades, so we know the concerns riders face after a serious crash. Below, we’ve answered a few of the questions clients often ask after being hurt in a motorcycle accident.
How long will it take to settle a motorcycle accident case in Suffolk County?
The timeline depends on several factors, including the extent of your injuries, the number of liable parties, and how cooperative the insurance company is. Some claims settle in a few months, while others take a year or longer, especially if your case goes to trial. Your Suffolk County motorcycle accident lawyer will push for a fair resolution as quickly as possible without compromising the value of your claim.
What happens if the insurance company says I “assumed the risk” by riding a motorcycle in Suffolk?
This is a standard insurance tactic used to minimize payouts. While motorcycles do carry inherent risks, New York law still holds negligent drivers fully responsible for causing crashes. You did not “assume the risk” of someone else’s reckless behavior. Our motorcycle accident attorneys in Suffolk know how to counter bias against motorcyclists and prove that another driver’s negligence, not your decision to ride, caused your injuries.
How do motorcycle accident lawyers calculate the value of pain and suffering in Suffolk County?
Pain and suffering damages are non-economic, meaning there’s no receipt or bill that proves their value. Attorneys often use medical documentation, expert testimony, and your own personal account to measure how the crash has affected your life. Factors like the severity of your injuries, recovery time, emotional trauma, and loss of mobility all contribute. Your Suffolk County motorcycle accident attorney will ensure these invisible damages are fully reflected in your settlement.
Should I talk to the insurance adjuster after my motorcycle crash in Suffolk County?
It’s best to let your attorney handle all communications. Insurance adjusters often record calls and use your statements against you later. Even casual comments can be twisted to suggest you were at fault or that your injuries aren’t serious. When you hire Trantolo & Trantolo, your legal team deals with the insurance company directly, protecting your rights and preventing mistakes that could reduce your payout.