یو بینک ہوم لون - گورنمنٹ مارک اپ سبسڈی اسکیم

New York City's fatal crash rate for motorcyclists is nearly double that of motorcyclists in the rest of New York State and significantly higher than the national rate. Although motorcycle collisions in NYC are less common than automobile accidents, they are far more likely to result in deadly injuries due to the limited physical protection for motorcyclists. Fortunately, many experienced motorcycle accident attorneys in NYC are available to help victims secure the compensation they deserve.

Best Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in New York City

• Pat James Crispi
• Shana De Caro
• Bruce J. Gitlin
• Judith Livingston
• Scott Occhiogrosso
• Jason L. Paris
• Eric Richman
• Harry Rothenberg
• Matthew Sakkas
• David Scher

Filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit in New York

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, it's essential to find a lawyer who can help you navigate the complexities of dealing with other involved parties, insurance companies, and their lawyers. An attorney experienced with motorcycle accidents understands the necessary steps to secure the compensation you're entitled to, including medical bills, property damage, emotional distress, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

New York statute of limitations

A statute of limitations is the period within which you must file a lawsuit before your action is barred. In New York, you have three years from the date of a motorcycle accident to file a personal injury case. For instance, if you were injured on January 1, 2023, you have until January 1, 2026, to file your lawsuit. If you attempt to file after January 1, 2026, your claim will be barred, and you will forfeit your chance to sue.

The three-year statute of limitations for motorcycle accidents applies to personal injury, property damage, and emotional distress claims.

This statute exists because, over time, it becomes increasingly difficult for all parties involved to remember details and collect evidence related to the accident.

New York laws for motorcyclists

Motorcycle License: You must have a motorcycle operator’s license or a motorcycle junior operator’s license.

Registration: Unlike most other motor vehicles, motorcycles are registered for one year instead of two, and all motorcycle registrations expire on April 30.

Inspection: Motorcycles must be inspected at least once every 12 months at a station licensed by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to perform motorcycle safety inspections.

Insurance: Motorcycles are not covered by the New York Insurance Law (or “no-fault law”), meaning motorcyclists may face more challenges in obtaining compensation for their medical bills. However, unlike most drivers, motorcyclists do not need to demonstrate a “serious injury” to file a lawsuit.

Helmets and Passengers: All motorcyclists and their passengers must wear approved motorcycle helmets and eye protection, even if the motorcycle has a windshield. Passengers must sit facing forward with one leg on each side of the motorcycle and each foot on a foot peg, unless seated in a properly attached sidecar.

Headlights: The motorcycle’s headlight and rear light must be on at all times when operating on the road.

Lane requirements: Motorcyclists can use a full lane and ride side by side in a single lane but cannot ride beside another vehicle in the same lane.

Equipment: Motorcycles must have a headlight, taillight, license plate lamp, brakes, and a horn or similar warning device.

Identifying fault for a motorcycle crash in New York

Motorcycle accidents can happen for various reasons, such as distracted driving, traffic law violations, or hazardous road conditions like potholes or ice. Under New York law, government entities can be held liable for failing to fix potholes or post proper road signs, while manufacturers of defective motorcycle parts could be liable for injuries caused by those defects.

Motor vehicle drivers are most frequently at fault for motorcycle accidents because they often fail to see motorcycles. New York is one of 13 states that recognize the rule of “pure” comparative fault, which assigns fault percentages to parties involved in a motorcycle accident. In this system, an injured party can recover a percentage of monetary compensation regardless of the fault attributed to them.

For example, if a jury finds a motorcyclist 60% at fault and the injured car driver 40% at fault, the car driver can receive 60% of their total damages. The compensation is reduced based on the injured party's degree of fault.

How can an attorney help you?

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident due to another party’s negligence, find an experienced attorney who can act quickly, as the statute of limitations on motorcycle accident claims in New York is three years from the accident date.

Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to injury than people in enclosed vehicles. While motorcycle riders account for only 3% of crashes, they represent 14% of traffic-related deaths, according to the National Safety Council.

Motorcycle crashes can cause severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and limb loss, leading to extensive medical treatment, surgery, physical therapy, and loss of work. Motorcycle accident attorneys do the investigative work needed to help you get the maximum compensation for your losses by gathering relevant documents and hiring expert witnesses.

How to find the best motorcycle accident lawyer in New York, NY

To find the best motorcycle accident lawyer for your case, consider the following:

Experience: At your consultation, ask the attorney about their experience with motorcycle accident cases and the verdicts or settlements they have won.

Communication: Ask about their preferred method of communication and how quickly they respond to calls, emails, or texts.

Fees: Most motorcycle accident attorneys work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win a settlement or judgment. Typically, they receive 33% of the compensation.

Past Cases: Inquire about the compensation received in other motorcycle accident cases the attorney has handled.

Methodology

Forbes Advisor used various factors to identify the Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in NYC for 2024. The mathematical model considers and weighs information to calculate a specific rating, narrowing the field to top choices based on:

• Legal experience
• Special licenses & certifications
• Ethics and bar disciplinary measures
• Legal thought leadership
• Education & employment background
• Scholarly lectures & writings
• Awards & honors

Forbes Advisor collects public data from sources like state bar associations, court records, and published internet sources. This list should serve as a reference and starting point in your search for the right lawyer.

Rapport

One crucial factor that can't be quantified is the rapport you establish with your attorney. Personality plays a significant role when teaming up with an attorney, especially during potentially challenging legal situations.