Motorcycles are a simple and exciting method of transportation, not to mention fairly cost-effective as well. However, riders face numerous risks on the roads, including negligent drivers, poor road conditions, and mechanical defects.
If you’ve been injured in a recent motorcycle accident, the Islip personal injury lawyers from Levine And Wiss can be your advocate. We have extensive experience with motorcycle accident claims and understand the unique challenges riders may face when pursuing financial compensation.
We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for injury clients from all walks of life. Send us a message today to speak to a motorcycle accident lawyer in Islip about your claim.
Motorcycle Accidents Have High Injury and Fatality Rates
Despite making up a tiny percentage of vehicles on the road, motorcycles are involved in a disproportionate share of injury-causing and fatal traffic accidents. The reason for this increased rate is that motorcycle riders lack the protection that passenger vehicles have. There are no seatbelts or airbags, and riders are exposed to the full blunt force of vehicle impacts.
As such, motorcycle crashes routinely cause grave injuries, including the following:
- Road rash and abrasions
- Broken bones and fractures
- Bruising and internal injuries
- Head injuries and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Chemical or thermal burns
- Face, eye, and mouth injuries
- Amputations and crushing injuries
According to data from the National Safety Council, motorcycles account for over 15% off road fatalities. One of the biggest factors affecting motorcycle fatality rates is helmet use.
Do New York’s No-Fault Auto Insurance Rules Apply to Motorcycles?
Normally, when you get into a car accident in New York, you first file a claim with your own auto policy’s no-fault personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. However, motorcycles are explicitly excluded from this no-fault insurance system.
Instead, your option is to file a traditional at-fault liability claim against the responsible party. To file a claim, you must prove that the at-fault party was negligent when they caused the accident. Common examples of negligent driving behavior include the following:
- Texting and driving
- Speeding
- Ignoring road signs
- Running red lights
- Changing lanes without signaling
- Making left turns
- Following too closely
- Failing to yield appropriately
The upshot of making an at-fault claim is that you can recover a greater range of damages than no-fault insurance alone would allow, such as pain and suffering.
Islip Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me
(888) 468-4878Compensation You Can Recover After a Motorcycle Accident
Your losses after a crash might be great, but a motorcycle accident lawyer in Islip can help you pursue financial compensation. Compensable losses may include the following:
- Emergency medical bills and necessary future medical expenses (e.g., rehabilitation, prescriptions, and medical devices).
- Lost work income and other types of employment compensation (e.g., tips, bonuses, commissions, PTO, etc.)
- Reductions in your lifetime earning capacity due to permanent disability
- Cost of replacement services (e.g., transportation, housekeeping, etc.)
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and mental anguish
- Discomfort and inconvenience from scarring and disfigurement
Click to contact our Personal Injury Lawyers in Islip today
Unique Challenges in Motorcycle Accident Claims
Motorcycle accident victims face numerous difficulties compared to other types of personal injury claims. Our experienced lawyers can rise to the challenge and meet these difficulties competently.
Extensive Injuries
Motorcycle crashes are known to cause extreme injuries that require extensive and expensive medical treatment. It can be difficult to fully account for all the immediate and long–term financial impact that motorcycle injuries can have. This impact extends to more than medical bills and can impact your lifetime earning potential.
High-Value Claims
Similarly, motorcycle accident claims can easily surpass a million dollars after accounting for all your losses. Because these claims typically involve large sums of money, they will receive heightened scrutiny from insurance companies, and disputes are more likely.
Bias Against Motorcycles
Many people have biases against motorcycle riders and perceive them as risk takers and automatically at fault for accidents. These biases are necessary to overcome to achieve a fair decision, especially if the case goes all the way to a jury trial in court.
Time Limit for Filing a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Islip
According to New York’s personal injury statute of limitations, NY CPLR § 214, you typically have three years from the injury date to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit. Once the three years pass, you won’t be able to recover compensation through legal channels anymore. If you try to file a lawsuit, it’ll get rejected, no matter how severe your injuries.
Three years is a long time, but you shouldn’t wait until the last minute to get started. Delays make it harder to gather evidence and increase the chance of claim denials. Starting early will give you the best chance of success and reduce the risk of complications.
Levine And Wiss: Islip Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Motorcycle riders may face a long road to recovery and extended legal battles, but the team at Levine And Wiss is here to assist. Our personal injury lawyers will use every resource and available strategy to pursue the most favorable possible outcome for your case. Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer in Islip to discuss your case with a team member.