There is nothing like the freedom of riding a motorcycle, but along with this freedom comes the burden of sharing the road with careless drivers. In fact, 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 lawyer to file a claim and prove liability.
Motorcycle accident 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. By filing a motorcycle accident claim, you are helping us promote safety by holding negligent parties who harm motorcycle riders accountable. Contact us online to learn more about how we can help you.
Motorcycle Accidents Cause Serious Injuries to New York Riders
According to the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC), research has shown that fatal motorcycle accidents in New York are on the rise, with 198 fatal accidents, representing 18% of all vehicle wreck fatalities in the state that year.
Motorcycle accidents can cause major harm, especially to riders, who don’t have the protection of a vehicle and can be thrown off the bike or worse. Beyond scrapes, strains, and broken bones, motorcyclists can get spinal cord injuries (SCI) and traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which can lead to lifelong disabilities.
If you or a loved one are a rider who has sustained serious injuries, you may be unable to work or need lifetime care just to live. Motorcycle crashes carry risks of catastrophic harm. It’s important to make sure your compensation can cover your injury-related costs now and in the future.
A personal injury attorney in Suffolk County can pursue fair compensation if you suffered major injuries.
Getting Compensation for a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Suffolk County
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:
- $3,500,000 settlement: Our client crashed after riding over a bad roadway and was seriously injured. .
- $3,000,000 settlement: A left-turning truck hit and killed a motorcyclist who was going straight.
- $1,900,000 settlement: A truck turned left into our client’s motorcycle, injuring her badly.
- $1,700,000 settlement: A car turned left and hit a motorcycle, seriously injuring the passenger and killing the driver.
- $1,200,000 settlement: An improper left turn ejected and seriously injured a motorcycle passenger.
- $1,000,000 settlement: A negligent driver hit a client’s motorcycle, causing life-changing injuries.
- $600,000 settlement: A client was ejected after a car turned left into his motorcycle, causing brain trauma.
- $550,000 settlement: A client was hit by a car that was exiting a driveway, causing them to suffer serious leg fractures.
- $550,000 settlement: An oncoming car turned left, colliding with and killing a motorcyclist.
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 Shared Liability Affects 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.
How Negligence Leads 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 to learn more about how you can hold the negligent parties accountable in your accident.
There Is a Deadline to File Your New York Motorcycle Injury Claim
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.
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.
How Our Suffolk County Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help?
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 getting 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.
Types of Motorcycle Accident Claims Our Lawyers Represent
We represent claims in the many common types of motorcycle accidents that are caused by another party’s negligence. These are some of the most common types of motorcycle accident claims we see that never would have happened if a driver wasn’t careless:
- Driver of another vehicle fails to see the motorcycle and turns in front of it
- Driver of another vehicle rear-ends the motorcycle
- Driver of another vehicle changes lanes into the motorcycle’s path
- Slippery road conditions cause the motorcycle to skid or tip over
- Rider takes a turn too sharply, losing control
- Rider speeding, especially around curves
- Rider impairment from alcohol or drugs
- Defective motorcycle parts like tires or brakes
- Poor road conditions like potholes or debris
- Bad weather such as rain or wind affecting traction
- Rider inexperience or lack of training
- Rider distraction or inattention
Many motorcycle crashes involve multiple factors that are caused by negligence. Your injury lawyer will use evidence to prove fault in a motorcycle accident.
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.
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. The team at Trantolo & Trantolo is available 24/7 to help you set up your 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 options that are available.
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. Let Our Family, Help Your Family.