Trusted New York City Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Our New York motorcycle accident lawyers understand the unique challenges that motorcyclists face on the road, and we're here to help.
The New York motorcycle accident attorneys at Raphaelson & Levine have decades of experience helping motorcycle riders throughout all five boroughs of New York City (the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island), Long Island, and the greater State of New York.
We've helped thousands of people get maximum compensation for their motorcycle injuries, including the cost of current their current and future medical treatment, property damages, and lost wages.
Our team will guide you through the personal injury claims process and will work tirelessly to ensure that all aspects of your accident claim are handled professionally, quickly, and effectively, leaving you free to concentrate on getting better while we handle everything else.
When it comes to motorcycle accidents, time is of the essence. Evidence can quickly disappear, and memories can fade.
If you or a loved one have suffered motorcycle accident injuries in a crash, it's important to speak with a New York motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible.
NEXT STEP: Call 212-268-3222 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Millions Won for motorcycle accident victims
You deserve better.
How our New York City motorcycle accident lawyers can help
The motorcycle accident attorneys at Raphaelson & Levine are committed to pursuing full compensation for your accident injuries. When you hire our law firm to represent yourself or a loved one who has been seriously injured, you can rest assured knowing we will:
- Work closely with you, your family, and your medical providers to document the full extent of your serious injuries
- Build a compelling case for damages based on the injuries sustained
- Bring wrongful death claims on behalf of family members who have lost loved ones in tragic motorcycle accidents
Our law firms’ personal injury attorneys have recovered significant compensation to pay for medical expenses, medical treatment, future economic loss, and other damages sustained in our clients’ motorcycle crashes.
We promise to strive to ensure you receive a similar outcome.
Backed by decades of experience, a winning track record, and a reputation as "the voice of the injured", our personal injury lawyers have helped thousands of local motorcycle accident victims recover over $800 Million in settlements and verdicts.
Our recent results include:
- $725,000 for a motorcyclist who suffered multiple fractures after hitting a pothole in a parking lot
- $100,000 for a motorcyclist T-boned by a speeding commercial truck at an intersection
- $100,000 for a motorcyclist struck by a vehicle attempting to pass from the left lane
- $97,500 for an uninsured motorcyclist who was hit by a car causing a fracture and broken bones
- $75,000 for a motorcyclist who lost control after driving over a manhole, resulting in a back and knee injury
- $25,000 for a motorcycle driver rear-ended by another vehicle
- $25,000 for a motorcyclist struck by a large SUV while waiting at a red light
Learn More: Recent Settlements & Verdicts
Common causes of motorcycle accidents in New York
New York City streets are congested, poorly designed, full of potholes, and badly maintained, which is problematic for motorcyclists.
Factor in other drivers’ negligence, creating a recipe for disaster. According to recent government statistics, motorcycle accidents in New York City are disproportionate compared with other crashes, putting bikers at high risk.
- Two percent of registered vehicles in NYC are motorcycles, yet New York City records indicate motorcyclists account for 14% of traffic fatalities
- Motorcycle crash rates in New York City are almost double the number of accidents across New York State
Motorcycle accident victims are at higher risk of injury compared to standard motor vehicle accidents because their body receives the full impact of hitting the road or other vehicles.
Additionally, being a lighter, two-wheeled vehicle rather than a heavier four-wheeled one means riders are more susceptible to being tipped off-balance.
Establishing liability in accidents involving injured motorcyclists
The other driver, witnesses, and police officers often incorrectly assume that a biker should be more responsible than other motorists involved in an accident.
Unfortunately, some reports indicate that motorcyclists speed, unsafely weave in traffic, or drive recklessly.
Sadly, it’s often not the biker but other motorists disobeying New York laws, which leads to crashes. In New York City, driver negligence is the top cause of motorcycle accidents.
Our experienced trial lawyers know how to focus the investigation on showing that the other vehicle’s driver was at fault.
Common types of driver negligence include:
- Distracted drivers. Distracted driving has been a long-term problem, but the introduction of mobile phones increased it significantly. About 3,000 people die every year in car crashes related to to a distracted driver.
- Speeding drivers. NYC drivers often ignore speed limits, and driving at high speeds often results in injury or death. Motorcyclists don’t have the same physical protections (e.g., car, truck) as other motorists, and their injuries are often the most severe.
- Driving under the influence. Drivers operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs put everyone’s lives in danger, and motorcyclists are often not visible to DUI drivers.
- Left-hand turns. Motorcyclists often get caught in the blind spot of other drivers, which can lead to serious accidents.
- Tailgating and aggressive driving. Impatient drivers who drive aggressively or tailgate motorcycles put bikers’ lives in danger because they’ll essentially be run over if the biker needs to stop suddenly.
- Running red lights and stop signs. Drivers running red lights and stop signs often don’t see motorcyclists in their path until it’s too late to respond.
- Changing lanes or sideswiping the bike. Drivers who don’t pay attention when changing lanes or swerve in their current lanes increase the risk of knocking a motorcyclist down.
- Pulling out or backing into traffic. Drivers abruptly backing up without taking the time to look and proceed carefully are more likely to run over a motorcyclist.
Negligent drivers in New York City can and should be held responsible for their actions.
To hold those accountable, Raphaelson & Levine frequently utilizes the services of accident reconstruction specialists and top industry professionals to gather evidence that will help build a strong liability case.
We are not afraid to invest in any personal injury cases we represent.
Understanding New York’s motorcycle laws
New York is specific when it comes to motorcycle laws. Drivers who fail to follow motorcycle safety regulations are penalized.
- Riders must carry either a Class M or Class MJ (junior operator) license. To qualify, drivers must pass both a written and road test.
- Motorcyclists must wear a motorcycle helmet approved by the U.S. DOT and wear appropriate eye protection.
- All motorcycles must be registered with New York State and be renewed annually on April 30.
- All motorcycles must be inspected every 12 months by a state-certified technician.
Additionally, motorcycle drivers must carry adequate liability insurance.
NYS law requires them to carry $25,000 for bodily injury per person, per accident, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $10,000 per accident for property damage coverage.
Statute of limitations for New York motorcycle accidents: Time is limited
You have three years from the date of your motorcycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York.
A statute of limitations is a law that sets a time limit on how long you have to file a lawsuit. After the time limit expires, you can no longer file a lawsuit. The statute of limitations may vary depending on the type of case.
Even if an exception applies, it‘s important for your personal injury lawyer to get to work as quickly as possible after the crash.
How does motorcycle crash insurance work in New York State?
New York State is a “no-fault” insurance state, meaning a driver’s own insurance company must first pay for any medical bills or physical therapy, lost wages, and other costs connected with an automobile accident, regardless of who is at fault.
Motorcycle drivers are treated differently because they are excluded from no-fault under Article 5102 (f) of NYS Insurance Law.
This means riders must obtain private insurance because NYS no-fault insurance laws do not provide motorcyclists the same benefits as other drivers. However, due to the severe injuries bikers often suffer after an accident, their “serious injury threshold” is lower than for other drivers.
Riders can file a motorcycle accident claim more easily and even sue negligent drivers for minor injuries.
Motorcycle crashes often cause serious injuries
The motorcycle crash statistics in New York State show that injuries resulting from a motorcycle accident are often much more severe than car accidents due to the rider being exposed.
Injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash can be severe or fatal because a rider usually bears the brunt of any impact in crashes.
Following an incident, there will often be road rash or similar type of injury that may occur when coming into contact with the pavement; in some cases, riders can even become thrown off their bike and, at worst, come into contact with another vehicle after crashing.
As smaller-sized vehicles, motorcycles and their occupants sustain greater damage.
The most common injuries are road rash, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries (and other head injuries), spinal cord injuries, degloving (severe lacerations that require surgery), arm injuries, and leg injuries.
Riders may recover from some types of harm, but tragically, many motorcycle accident injuries are permanent and life-altering.
Even those who recover may experience frequent pain and suffering as they receive medical care for their injuries.
Get a free consultation with a motorcycle accident attorney nearby at Raphaelson & Levine
Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident in New York? You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, and our team can help.
We understand that this is a difficult time for you and your family. You may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Let us help you get through this tough time.
We will fight for the compensation motorcycle accident victims deserve so that you can focus on healing.
Raphaelson & Levine is proud to serve as the “Voice of the Injured” for New Yorkers for all types of accident claims, including motorcycle accident cases.
If you, or a loved one, have been injured on a motorcycle as a driver or passenger, the car accident lawyers at Raphaelson & Levine are here to support you and ensure you receive proper justice.
Our motorcycle accident lawyers have extensive experience and work tirelessly with the industry’s best accident reconstruction experts to maximize your compensation. We also support the family members left behind after a tragic motorcycle accident.
Our legal team knows how to overcome biases against bikers and skillfully demonstrate the impact of their serious injuries to secure compensation for the victim to pay for injuries and losses.
To learn more about how we can build a strong motorcycle accident case, call our Manhattan office at 212-268-3222 or contact us online for a free case evaluation with an experienced NYC motorcycle accident lawyer at our firm.
You will not owe attorneys’ fees until we recover compensation for your family.
Get a free consultation with a motorcycle accident attorney nearby at Raphaelson & Levine
Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident in New York? You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, and our team can help.
We understand that this is a difficult time for you and your family. You may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Let us help you get through this tough time.
We will fight for the compensation motorcycle accident victims deserve so that you can focus on healing.
Raphaelson & Levine is proud to serve as the “Voice of the Injured” for New Yorkers for all types of accident claims, including motorcycle accident cases.
If you, or a loved one, have been injured on a motorcycle as a driver or passenger, the car accident lawyers at Raphaelson & Levine are here to support you and ensure you receive proper justice.
Our motorcycle accident lawyers have extensive experience and work tirelessly with the industry’s best accident reconstruction experts to maximize your compensation. We also support the family members left behind after a tragic motorcycle accident.
Our legal team knows how to overcome biases against bikers and skillfully demonstrate the impact of their serious injuries to secure compensation for the victim to pay for injuries and losses.
To learn more about how we can build a strong motorcycle accident case, call our Manhattan office at 212-268-3222 or contact us online for a free case evaluation with an experienced NYC motorcycle accident lawyer at our firm.
You will not owe attorneys’ fees until we recover compensation for your family.
