Experienced New York City Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
New York City Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Find out why we are some of the best New York City motorcycle accident lawyers
Were You in a Motorcycle Accident in New York City and Need Help?
Look no further than Goldberg & Loren, New York City’s leading motorcyclist lawyers. We have years of experience proving that motorcyclists are more vulnerable to vehicle accidents due to the lack of protection they have while riding.
We take pride in protecting the rights of motorcycle riders when faced with expensive medical bills, lost wages due to inability to work, or insurance companies denying your claim.
You can rest assured knowing that Goldberg & Loren will fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve after suffering an injury due to a motorcycle accident.
Contact Goldberg & Loren today for your free consultation.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
There are many different factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents, including:
- Distracted driving: One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in NYC is distracted drivers. Drivers who are texting, eating, or talking on a cellphone are not paying attention to the road, and can easily collide with a motorcycle.
- Lane splitting: Lane splitting, or when a motorcycle rides between lanes of traffic, can be dangerous in heavy traffic. Cars may not expect a motorcycle to be coming up between them and can turn or change lanes without noticing the biker.
- Speeding: Vehicles that speed on the road pose a significant risk to motorcyclists, who are already more vulnerable to accidents due to the lack of protection on their vehicles. When drivers of cars, trucks, or other vehicles speed, they have less time to react to changing road conditions or other drivers' actions, which can lead to collisions with motorcyclists.
In 2021, a speeding driver struck a motorcyclist who passed away from his injuries. The at-fault driver suffered critical injuries in a Brooklyn crash. [2]
- Weather conditions: Wet or icy roads can cause motorcycles to slip and slide, making them harder to control.
- Road hazards: Road hazards such as potholes, uneven pavement, and debris can be particularly dangerous for motorcycles, which have less stable handling than cars.
- Driver inexperience: Many motorcycle accidents in NYC involve new or inexperienced riders. Motorcyclists who lack experience may not know how to properly handle their bikes in certain situations and can easily lose control of them.
- Driver impairment: Drunk driving or driving under the influence are other common causes of motorcycle accidents in NYC. Drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol may have reduced reaction times, impaired judgment, and reduced coordination, all of which pose a risk to motorcycle riders.
- Failure to yield the right away: Drivers may also fail to yield the right of way to motorcyclists, which can lead to dangerous collisions. When drivers are not paying attention or simply do not see the motorcycle, they are more likely to make mistakes that can lead to accidents.
Common Injuries Caused by Motorcycle Accidents
Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a severe injury and is a potentially life-changing one. When a biker is involved in a crash, their head may strike the road causing damage to the brain. These injuries can range from mild concussions to severe, permanent disabilities.
Symptoms of TBI from a motorcycle accident can vary widely and may include:
- Balance problems
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Memory problems
- Mood swings and personality changes
- Nausea and vomiting
- Speech difficulties
In more severe cases, TBI can cause permanent disabilities that affect a person’s ability to work, care for themselves, or maintain relationships.
In many cases, treatment for TBI from a motorcycle accident may involve physical therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, and other forms of medical care.
Motorcyclists wear helmets to protect themselves from potential head injuries, although TBI’s or related fatalities may occur in spite of them. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that, from 2002 to 2017, more than 25,000 lives have been saved by wearing motorcycle helmets.
More recent estimates are not available. Motorcycle helmets are estimated to be 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle operators and 41% effective for motorcycle passengers. [1]
According to the National Occupant Protection Use Survey (NOPUS), use of Department of Transportation (DOT)-compliant helmets by all motorcyclists (riders and passengers) was 64.9% in 2021. Although helmet use has increased by 12.5% since 2002, using them has decreased 8.6% since 2018. Latest estimates show that helmet use has decreased from 69% in 2020 to 64.9% in 2021. [1]
Broken Bones
Some of the most common broken bones that occur in motorcycle accidents include:
- Arm and wrist fractures: When a rider falls off the bike, they may try to break their fall with their arms, leading to fractures in the bones of the forearm or wrist.
- Leg fractures: The legs are also at risk during a motorcycle accident, particularly if the rider is pinned between the bike and another vehicle or object.
- Collarbone fractures: The collarbone is often fractured in motorcycle accidents, particularly in collisions where the rider is thrown from the bike and lands on their side.
- Spinal fractures: In more severe motorcycle accidents, spinal fractures can occur, which can lead to long-term disabilities.
Depending on the severity of the injury, treatment for broken bones can range from simple cast or splint placement to surgery or long-term rehabilitation.
In some cases, the accident victim may be unable to work or perform daily activities while they recover, leading to lost wages and other financial setbacks.
If you’ve sustained broken bones in a motorcycle accident, Goldberg & Loren is here to help you navigate the complicated legal process. Our experienced team of attorneys has a proven track record of success in handling motorcycle accident cases, and we’re committed to advocating for your rights and fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Whether you’re dealing with an insurance company or filing a lawsuit against a negligent driver, we’ll be there to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you.
Road Rash
It occurs when a rider’s skin comes into contact with the road or other abrasive surfaces during a crash, causing friction and scraping off layers of skin.
Road rash injuries can range from minor scrapes and bruises to deep cuts and abrasions, which may require medical treatment to prevent infection and promote healing. Some of the potential complications of road rash injuries include:
- Infection: When the skin is scraped away, it leaves the underlying tissue exposed, which can make it more vulnerable to infection from bacteria or other contaminants.
- Scarring: Deeper road rash injuries can leave scars, which may be unsightly and can have lasting effects on a person's appearance.
- Nerve damage: In some cases, road rash injuries can damage nerves, leading to long-term pain or other neurological symptoms.
Spinal Cord Injury
In motorcycle accidents, spinal cord injuries can occur when a rider’s back or neck is forced to bend, twist, or compress unnaturally during an impact. Some of the common causes of spinal cord injuries in motorcycle accidents include:
- High-speed impacts: When a motorcycle collides with another vehicle or object at high speeds, the force of the impact can cause severe spinal cord damage.
- Falls: Motorcyclists who are thrown from their bikes in a collision may land awkwardly on their backs or necks, leading to spinal cord injuries.
- Twisting impacts: In some accidents, the force of the impact may cause a rider's spine to twist unnaturally, leading to spinal cord damage.
The severity of spinal cord injuries can vary widely, depending on the location and extent of the damage. Some of the symptoms of a spinal cord injury from a motorcycle accident may include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Loss of sensation
- Numbness or tingling in the extremities
- Paralysis
There is no cure for spinal cord injuries, and treatment often involves a long-term rehabilitation program aimed at maximizing function and independence.
This can be an expensive and time-consuming process, and many people with spinal cord injuries face significant financial and emotional challenges in the wake of a motorcycle accident.
Minor Injuries
Aside from serious and potentially life-threatening injuries that can result from a motorcycle accident in New York City, many accidents also result in minor injuries to the riders involved. These injuries can range from bruises and scrapes to small broken bones or minor head injuries.
Some of the most common minor injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents include:
- Road rash: As mentioned earlier, road rash can range from minor scrapes to deep cuts and abrasions, depending on the force of impact and the amount of contact with the road surface.
- Bruises and contusions: Motorcyclists may sustain bruises or contusions from impacts with the ground, other vehicles, or other objects during an accident.
- Minor fractures: Small bones in the fingers, toes, or hands may break during an accident, leading to pain and discomfort.
Even if a motorcyclist is involved in an accident and only suffers minor injuries, it is still wise to consult with an experienced lawyer. Goldberg & Loren will help you protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Related Information
Catastrophic Injuries
Motorcycle accidents are a frequent cause of catastrophic injuries in NYC. Collisions at high speeds, with other vehicles, or with fixed objects such as buildings or guardrails can cause significant harm to the riders involved. Some of the most common catastrophic injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Amputation
- Internal injuries
- Severe burns
- Eye injuries
People affected by these injuries often require long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and other forms of support, which can be expensive and time-consuming. Many catastrophic injuries result in permanent disabilities, which can prevent a person from performing even basic daily activities.
Individuals may face a number of challenges in the aftermath of the accident, such as difficulty paying for medical expenses, lost wages from time taken off work, and emotional trauma.
Catastrophic injuries can affect not only the victim but also their family members, particularly if the victim is no longer able to work or provide for their loved ones. Goldberg & Loren can help the accident victim and their family members obtain compensation for financial and emotional support.
By working with Goldberg & Loren’s motorcycle accident attorneys, you can receive the support you need to move forward after a devastating accident.
Liability and Compensation After a Motorcycle Accident
Identifying the Negligent Party
Identifying the negligent party in a motorcycle accident can be a complex process, but it is crucial in order to establish liability and seek compensation for injuries and other losses.
To determine who was at fault in a motorcycle accident, one should consider a few factors such as:
- Police Reports: Goldberg & Loren will obtain the police report from the accident scene. The police report will not only verify the cause of the accident but may also identify the negligent party.
- Witness Statements: If there were any eyewitnesses to the accident, Goldberg & Loren will collect their statements which may be invaluable in determining who was at fault.
- State Laws: Every driver is expected to follow traffic laws when they are on the road. If one driver violated a traffic regulation, for instance, by running a red light, they would likely be found at fault for the resulting accident.
- Insurance Company investigation: Most insurers carry out an investigation into accidents that involve their policyholders. In many cases, their investigation can often identify the negligent party so that compensation can be awarded.
What Is Pure Comparative Fault?
In New York, the state’s comparative negligence laws use the legal concept of “pure comparative fault.” This means that even if the motorcyclist is partly at fault for an accident, they can still recover some amount of damages for their injuries and other losses, in proportion to their level of responsibility for the accident.
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, seek advice from our NYC personal injury attorneys at Goldberg & Loren will help you understand your rights, establish liability, and pursue maximum compensation. Through a thorough investigation of the accident and effective negotiation with insurance companies or court action, your lawyer can help to establish the responsible party and hold them accountable for the damage caused.
Recovering Fair Compensation for Your Losses
You need a personal injury lawyer who understands the unique challenges of motorcycle accidents in NYC. Goldberg & Loren have years of experience and a proven track record of success in handling cases just like yours.
Don’t let the insurance companies bully you into settling for less than you deserve. You deserve financial compensation for your physical injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Let Goldberg & Loren fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.
Contact Goldberg & Loren today for a free consultation and take the first step towards getting the justice you deserve.
Sources:
[1] Motorcycle Helmets – Injury Facts. (n.d.). Injury Facts. https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/occupant-protection/motorcycle-helmets/
[2] Duggan, K. (2021, October 18). Speeding driver kills motorcyclist in Brooklyn crash | amNewYork. amNewYork. https://www.amny.com/new-york/brooklyn/driver-kills-motorcyclist-in-brooklyn-crash/
Goldberg & Loren Personal Injury Attorneys
5 Columbus Cir Suite 1501
New York, NY 10019
(646) 835-0311
Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident in New York City? We may be able to help you recover compensation for your injuries.
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