Freedom is an ideal Americans hold dear, and no vehicle embodies it more clearly than the motorcycle.
America’s love affair with the motorcycle began with the Indian Motorcycle Company in the early 1900s, continued through both World Wars, and still carries on to this day.
However, one portion of American business seems not to share this affection, and that is the insurance industry.
Insurance companies routinely stand in the way of injured motorcyclists, in many cases, preventing them from obtaining the compensation they need to move on after an accident.
This is not a view shared by the Law Offices of Theodore A. Naima. We believe that your injuries have nothing to do with what vehicle you’re driving.
And the law is on our side—your rights are not affected by the type of vehicle you choose to drive.
We represent people, not vehicles.
For more than 25 years, our New York motorcycle lawyer has represented motorcycle riders and passengers with the same dedication and commitment we provide to all our clients, as it should be.
- Motorcycle accident victims in New York may recover compensation through a personal injury lawsuit, including damages for medical bills, lost income, future treatment costs, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.
- Driver negligence is one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents, including distracted driving, impaired driving, and aggressive or reckless behavior toward riders.
- Motorcyclists have the same legal rights as any other driver on the road, and insurance companies cannot deny fair compensation simply because of the type of vehicle involved.
- Aggressive driving toward motorcyclists can go beyond negligence, especially when drivers intentionally cut off riders, force unsafe lane changes, or attempt to run them off the road.
- Working with an experienced Long Island motorcycle accident lawyer can strengthen your claim, helping you gather evidence, establish liability, and pursue maximum financial compensation.
Recovering Financial Compensation after a Long Island Motorcycle Accident
In New York, motorcycle accident victims may be entitled to financial compensation for their injuries through a personal injury lawsuit.
Compensation available through a personal injury lawsuit includes economic damages, such as medical bills, lost earnings, and the cost of future medical treatment, as well as non-economic damages, including any pain and suffering and emotional trauma you suffered as a result of the collision.
However, before you can recover financial damages, you must establish that the other driver was legally negligent.
Some of the most common types of driver negligence that lead to motorcycle accidents include the following.
Distracted Driving
Drivers of cars and trucks often have a harder time spotting motorcyclists, especially when they are not paying close enough attention to the road.
If a driver is distracted because they are using their cell phone, talking to a passenger, daydreaming, or fumbling around with their GPS, they may be legally responsible for your injuries.
Impaired Driving
Drunk and drugged driving has been a problem for decades, despite the efforts of countless non-profits as well as the state and federal governments.
Motorcyclists are not necessarily at a greater risk of getting hit by a drunk driver, however, the consequences of a DUI accident are often much more severe.
Aggressive Driving
For whatever reason, many drivers seem to have a bone to pick with motorcyclists.
Thus, it is not uncommon for a driver who feels they got cut off or wronged in some other way to put a motorcyclist in danger intentionally.
For example, a driver might cut off a rider, change lanes without signaling, or even try to run them off the road.
This conduct goes beyond mere negligence, and drivers who engage in this dangerous behavior must be held accountable.
Working with an experienced Long Island motorcycle accident attorney will not only ensure that your claim receives the attention it deserves, but it will also make the process much easier for you to focus on your recovery.
The information provided on this page speaks in general terms. Of course, there are often exceptions that apply in certain situations.
For a complete list of all exceptions, please consult the Consolidated Laws of New York.
We are also happy to answer any questions you have about your injuries or your ability to pursue a claim against the responsible party.
Contact a Long Island Motorcycle Accident Attorney at the Law Offices of Theodore A. Naima for a No Obligation Case Review Today
If you suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident, reach out to an experienced lawyer to discuss your rights.
At the Law Offices of Theodore A. Naima, our motorcycle accident lawyer proudly represents accident victims in all types of motorcycle accident lawsuits.
Ted Naima has more than 25 years of litigation experience representing accident victims.
He knows what it takes to successfully bring a claim on behalf of an injured motorcyclist and how to maximize the compensation they receive.
To learn more, call the Law Offices of Theodore A. Naima directly at (516) 280-7311 for your free-no obligation consultation and confidential case evaluation.
Motorcycle Accident Attorney Long Island NY – Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do after a motorcycle accident in Long Island, NY?
After a motorcycle accident, your safety and medical treatment should come first. Seek immediate medical attention, document the scene if possible, gather witness information, and report the accident. Motorcycle crashes often result in serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and road rash.
It is also important to avoid discussing fault with insurance companies before understanding the full extent of your injuries and damages.
Who is usually at fault in a motorcycle accident?
Many motorcycle accidents occur because drivers fail to see motorcyclists or fail to yield the right of way. Common causes include distracted driving, unsafe lane changes, speeding, left-turn collisions, and blind spot accidents.
Insurance companies often attempt to unfairly blame motorcyclists, which is why evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, photographs, and medical records are critical in proving liability.
What compensation can I recover after a motorcycle accident?
Motorcycle accident victims may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses and future treatment
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
The value of a motorcycle accident claim often depends on the severity of the injuries and the long-term impact on the victim’s life.
Why are motorcycle accident injuries often more serious?
Motorcyclists have far less physical protection than drivers in passenger vehicles, making them more vulnerable during collisions. Even relatively low-speed crashes can result in catastrophic injuries such as brain trauma, spinal cord injuries, fractures, severe road rash, and internal injuries.
Long-term recovery can involve surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
How do insurance companies handle motorcycle accident claims?
Insurance companies frequently try to minimize motorcycle accident claims by disputing injuries, shifting blame, or offering low settlements early in the process. Adjusters may argue that riders were speeding or driving recklessly even when the evidence shows otherwise.
Having strong documentation and legal representation can help protect your claim and improve your chances of recovering full compensation.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the motorcycle crash?
In many motorcycle accident cases, fault may be disputed between multiple parties. Even if you are accused of contributing to the accident, you may still be able to recover compensation depending on the circumstances of the crash and the evidence available.
Insurance companies commonly use comparative fault arguments to reduce payouts, which is why accident reconstruction, witness testimony, and medical evidence are important.
What evidence is important in a motorcycle accident claim?
Strong motorcycle accident claims are supported by evidence such as:
- Police accident reports
- Medical records and treatment history
- Photographs of the accident scene and injuries
- Witness statements
- Helmet and protective gear evidence
- Vehicle damage documentation
- Traffic or surveillance camera footage
Preserving evidence early can significantly strengthen your case.
How long does a motorcycle accident case usually take?
Every motorcycle accident case is different. Some claims resolve through settlement negotiations, while others require litigation and extensive investigation. The timeline often depends on the severity of injuries, medical treatment duration, disputed liability issues, and insurance company cooperation.
Cases involving catastrophic injuries typically require detailed medical evaluations and future damage assessments.
What if a loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident?
Fatal motorcycle accidents can leave families facing emotional trauma, financial hardship, and unexpected expenses. Surviving family members may be able to pursue compensation related to funeral expenses, lost financial support, medical costs, and the emotional impact of the loss.
These cases often involve complex investigations and aggressive insurance defense tactics.
Why should I hire a Long Island motorcycle accident attorney?
Motorcycle accident cases often involve severe injuries, disputed fault, and insurance companies focused on minimizing payouts. A Long Island motorcycle accident attorney can help investigate the crash, gather evidence, communicate with insurance adjusters, calculate damages, and pursue maximum compensation.
Having experienced legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.