When a motorcycle crash takes place, even at low speeds, motorcycle riders can suffer serious injuries. You should always see a doctor as soon as possible. Then, contact Davidoff Law, where our Bronx motorcycle accident lawyers fight for motorcycle accident victims daily.
At Davidoff Law, our Bronx motorcycle accident attorney understands you want to focus on your medical recovery. But, as those bills mount, how will you make ends meet?
A personal injury claim could help you recover compensation if the accident wasn't your fault. Learn more about motorcycle crashes below. Then, contact us for a free consultation to discuss your Bronx motorcycle accident case.
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WE FIGHT WHEN OUR CLIENTS CAN'T
Taking care of our clients is our top priority here at Davidoff Law. If you've been in a serious motorcycle accident while riding through the Bronx or a neighboring borough, then our law firm wants to know about it.
You could be owed significant compensation from the person who hit you, and we are the team you can trust to fight for it. When you take care of yourself and try to recover, we will swing away at the opposition to get you as much compensation as possible.
COMMON CAUSES OF MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
We can investigate your motorcycle accident to determine its cause and why that puts the liability on the other party. The goal is to get your liability as low as possible, down to 0%.
As a claimant with 0% liability, you can demand 100% of your damages from the defendant, such as your medical bills, lost wages, motorcycle repairs, pain, and suffering.
We can work with accident reconstruction experts and mechanics for complicated motorcycle accident cases. Their insight from their respective fields might help uncover new evidence that works in your favor and clearly shows the cause of your wreck.
Most motorcycle accidents occur when there are drivers who:
- Break the speed limit
- Follow too closely
- Turn left in front of a motorcyclist
- Change lanes without checking blind spots
Road damage can cause motorcycle accidents, too, like a pothole that bucks a rider off their vehicle. If that happens, the defendant could be a municipal department of transportation, which complicates the lawsuit.
Typically, suing a government entity is difficult due to different liability rules and regulations, not to mention a shortened statute of limitations to begin the claim. Below, we will go into more detail about the causes of motorcycle accidents.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Cars Making Left Turns
Motorcycles are smaller and can be harder for drivers to see. They can collide when a car turns left and doesn't see an oncoming motorcycle. This is a common cause of fatal motorcycle accidents.
Lane Splitting
When motorcycles drive between two lanes of cars, it's called lane splitting. It can be dangerous because the space is narrow and cars don't expect it. This can lead to accidents, especially if drivers or motorcyclists aren't careful.
Road Hazards
Potholes, slippery surfaces, and debris are more dangerous for motorcycles than cars. A small obstacle can cause a motorcycle crash. Riders need to be very careful and watch the road closely.
Speeding and Alcohol Use
Just like with cars, speeding and drinking while riding a motorcycle increase the risk of accidents. Motorcycles are already less stable than cars, and these behaviors make riding much more dangerous. Riders should avoid these risks to stay safe. Drunk driving is still a major issue.
Inexperienced Riders
Riding a motorcycle requires skill and practice. Inexperienced riders might need to learn how to handle their bike in tricky situations, leading to accidents. Taking a motorcycle safety course is a good idea for all riders.
COMMON MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT INJURIES
Motorcyclists are often severely injured in a crash because they have barely any protection. A helmet and padded jacket can only do so much, after all.
Motorcycle accident victims may also experience long-term memory loss, cognitive difficulties, and emotional dysregulation as a direct result of serious head injuries. In some cases, motorcycle accident injuries may be fatal.
Suppose you were catastrophically injured in a motorcycle accident. We want to know about it so our Bronx motorcycle accident lawyer can help you fight for all the compensation that you need to recover.
Injuries often suffered by motorcyclists include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Pelvic Injuries
- Road rash
- Broken bones
- And others
We will go into more detail about many of these below.
Serious Injuries Suffered in a Motorcycle Accident
- Road rash: When motorcyclists are thrown from their bikes, they can slide across the pavement, causing severe skin abrasions or road rash, which may require skin grafting.
- Lower extremity injuries: Legs and feet are particularly vulnerable in motorcycle accidents, leading to fractures, sprains, and, in severe cases, amputation.
- Head injuries: Even with a helmet, motorcyclists can suffer catastrophic injuries that range from concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries.
- Spinal injuries: The impact of a motorcycle accident can cause damage to the spinal cord, potentially resulting in temporary or permanent paralysis.
- Thoracic injuries: Injuries to the chest area can be life-threatening, involving broken ribs, lung punctures, or heart damage.
- Biker's arm: When a motorcyclist naturally reacts by putting an arm out to break a fall, it can result in nerve damage to the arm, known as biker's arm.
- Pelvic injuries: The impact of a vehicle or the road can lead to fractures or dislocations of the pelvic bones, requiring surgery and physical therapy.
What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident
- Prioritize safety: First, check yourself for injuries and call 911 if needed. Then, move to a safe location away from traffic.
- Alert authorities: Contact the police so they can come to the scene and create an accident report. This is an essential step for any future claims.
- Exchange information: Exchange insurance and contact information with any other parties involved. Stay calm and composed during the interaction.
- Document the scene: Use your phone to take pictures of the accident scene, your motorcycle's damage, and any injuries you sustained.
- Notify your insurer: Call your insurance company to report the accident immediately. Be ready to provide details of the incident.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, it's wise to get checked by a healthcare professional. Some injuries might not be immediately apparent.
- Consult a motorcycle accident lawyer: Consider getting legal advice from a lawyer specializing in motorcycle accidents. They can guide you on how to proceed with insurance and potential compensation.
IS IT WORTH HIRING A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY?
Taking your case to an insurance company can be intimidating, especially if you have never had an injury claim. While you don't need to hire a personal injury attorney, you should.
Our motorcycle accident attorneys are familiar with the relevant laws and statutes for motorcycle crashes in New York. You can trust our knowledgeable and dedicated legal team to support you in filing a strong claim and advocating for the right settlement for your case.
With an attorney leading the way on your case, you don't have to worry about:
- Complexities of liability law
- How to investigate a crash
- Negotiating with an insurance company
- Courtroom/litigation procedures
The truth is that an injury claim has many steps and phases. A misstep at any point could be seriously harmful to your case. If you let a lawyer manage it, you don't have to worry about making a mistake because their experience becomes yours.
The Value of Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
- Injury severity and recovery time: The severity of injuries from a motorcycle accident and the expected recovery time are critical factors in determining your claim's value. More severe injuries that lead to long-term or permanent disability significantly increase the claim's value due to the extensive care required. The longer the recovery period, the higher the compensation you may be entitled to for lost income and ongoing medical expenses.
- Quality of life changes: A key factor is how the accident and resulting injuries have altered your quality of life. Your claim's value may increase if you cannot participate in activities you once enjoyed or face daily challenges due to your injuries. Compensation includes loss of companionship, emotional distress, and overall life enjoyment.
- Loss of earnings and earning capacity: Immediate loss of income due to time off work and the potential impact on your future earning capacity influence the claim's value.
If you cannot return to your previous job or work, the claim should reflect this significant financial loss. Consideration is given to both current and future lost wages. - Medical costs and future care: Immediate and future medical expenses are fully considered in the claim's value. This includes emergency treatment, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and any long-term care or equipment you may need. A comprehensive claim covers every aspect of your medical and rehabilitative costs.
- Fault and contributory negligence: Establishing fault is vital, as it directly affects the value of your claim. You will likely receive higher compensation if the other party is found entirely at fault.
However, if you are found to be partly at fault, the total compensation can be reduced based on your percentage of fault in the accident.
Motorcycle Accident FAQs
How do helmet laws affect a motorcycle accident claim?
Wearing a helmet can significantly impact your claim, especially in states with strict helmet laws. Not wearing a helmet can reduce the compensation you're entitled to due to comparative negligence.
Are road defects a valid reason for filing a motorcycle accident claim?
If a road defect contributed to your motorcycle accident, you might file a claim against the government entity responsible for road maintenance. Proving negligence in such cases requires strong evidence and legal expertise.
Can I file a claim for a motorcycle accident if I wasn't wearing protective gear?x
You can still file a claim, but not wearing protective gear might affect your compensation. The defense might argue that your injuries were more severe due to the lack of protective gear.
What's the first step I should take after a motorcycle accident?
The first step is to ensure your safety and health by seeking immediate medical attention, even if you think your injuries are minor. Then, consult with a motorcycle accident attorney to discuss your legal options.
How do I deal with insurance companies after a motorcycle accident?
It's important to consult with an attorney before dealing with insurance companies. An experienced lawyer can handle communications with insurers to ensure your rights are protected and you receive fair compensation.
CALL OUR FIRM FOR ALL THE HELP YOU NEED
Our Bronx motorcycle accident attorneys are standing by to help you if you need us after a wreck. You deserve the most compensation possible, and that's what we want to secure.
Even when the opposition is a national insurance company, we have the experience and talents often needed to challenge them and find a path to success. Contact our law firm for help with Bronx motorcycle accidents. We are proud to offer a free consultation.
