Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Mineola, NY
Any motor vehicle accident can result in serious injuries or death, but motorcyclists are at an increased risk of injury and death because they lack the safety features afforded by passenger vehicles. If you or a loved one were injured because of someone else’s negligence, you could be entitled to significant motorcycle accident compensation. However, your ability to obtain this compensation may depend on the skills of the motorcycle accident lawyer you retain.
Motorcycle accidents often lead to serious injuries, leaving accident victims and their families consumed with tending to the victim’s recovery. A skilled Mineola motorcycle accident lawyer from Finz & Finz, P.C. can investigate the crash, gather and secure necessary evidence, prepare and file a lawsuit, retain accident-reconstruction and medical experts, litigate your case, and negotiate with the insurance company. You can trust that you and your family are in good hands with our highly experienced and skilled legal team. Contact our Mineola personal injury lawyer today for a free consultation where we can review your case and explain your legal options.
New York Motorcycle Accident Laws
New York is a no-fault state for motorcycle accident claims, which means that motorcycle accident victims turn to their own insurance provider for coverage, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. Motorcycle accident victims can also, sue the at-fault party if they suffer a serious injury.
New York’s no-fault laws do not apply to motorcyclists. Motorcyclists must follow special rules. If they are injured in an accident, they can file a claim against the at-fault party even if they did not suffer a serious injury. If you want help to file your motorcycle accident claim, contact a Mineola motorcycle accident attorney today.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Most motorcycle accidents are due to driver error. Many motorcycle accident claims are lawsuits due to the following:
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy driving
- Drunk and drugged driving
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Following too closely
- Inadequate vehicle maintenance
- Inexperience
- Reckless driving
- Running red lights
- Running stop signs
- Speeding
- Unsafe lane changes
- Unsafe or illegal turns
There are times when other parties may be at fault for motorcycle accidents. For example, motorcycles are much lower to the ground and harder to maintain balance, and accordingly some accidents may be caused by poor road conditions, low lighting, defective roads, or debris left on the roadway. In these situations, a knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorney can determine whether you may be able to file a motorcycle accident claim against the party responsible for designing or maintaining the roadway.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Because motorcyclists lack the protection of a steel frame, seat belt, and other safety features, motorcyclists face a much higher chance of being seriously injured or killed in the event of a crash, even at low speeds.
Some of the most common injuries motorcycle accident victims suffer include the following:
- Amputation
- Burns
- Crush injuries
- Facial injuries
- Fractures
- Hearing loss
- Herniated discs
- Internal bleeding
- Nerve damage
- Organ damage
- Paralysis
- Road rash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Vision loss
- Whiplash
If you suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident, reach out to our skilled motorcycle injury lawyers for help. You could be owed substantial financial compensation.
Possible Compensation After a New York Motorcycle Accident
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you could be entitled to financial compensation for the following:
- Current, past, and future medical expenses, including hospitalization costs, emergency treatment, ambulance charges, follow-up appointments, pain medication, physical therapy, and purchases of medical or mobility equipment
- Long-term care to help with activities of daily living if you suffer permanent disabilities because of the accident
- Loss of income for your short-term wage loss as you recover from your injuries
- Loss of long-term earning capacity if you suffer permanent disabilities because of the accident
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Physical pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life caused by a physical disability, visible scarring, or disfigurement
- Repair or replacement costs for your damaged bike
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, call us today to find out if you are entitled to compensation.
Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accident Claims in New York
The statute of limitations sets a deadline for when you must file a lawsuit to recover financial compensation from the responsible party after a motorcycle accident. In general, you must file a motorcycle accident lawsuit within three years of the crash date. If you file your lawsuit after this three-year window, the court will dismiss your case as being time-barred, and you will lose your chance to recover compensation through the courts.
However, there are some important exceptions to this three-year time limit. For example, if you are struck by a garbage truck, police car, or other municipal vehicle, you must file a notice of claim within 90 days of the accident. In addition, a claim for defective road design or maintenance against a governmental entity typically requires the claim to be filed within 90 days of the accident. Further, in wrongful death cases, a lawsuit must be filed within two years of the date of death. There are also a few circumstances when you may have more time to file your claim, depending on the facts and circumstances of your case. A motorcycle accident injury attorney from Finz & Finz, P.C. can review the details of your case and explain the deadlines that apply.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident in Mineola, NY, there are some steps you can take to protect your health and legal rights, including:
- Seek immediate medical attention. Request an ambulance when you call to report the accident.
- Get the other driver’s contact, driver’s license, and insurance information so you can later make a claim.
- Ask any witnesses for their names and contact information.
- Document the scene of the accident by taking photos and videos. Try to capture the damage to your bike, the damage to the other vehicle, skid marks, traffic control devices, and road signs.
- Keep all accident-related documentation, including repair bills, medical records, photos, income records that show you missed work, and communications from insurance companies.
- Contact a lawyer. An experienced motorcycle injury lawyer can help you navigate the claims process and take steps to protect your legal rights.
Talk to a Knowledgeable Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Mineola, NY Today
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, the motorcycle injury lawyers at Finz & Finz, P.C. are here to help. Our family-run law firm has provided top-tier legal services to accident victims for 40 years. Our three generations of motorcycle accident injury attorneys know how to get results and will fight tirelessly to protect your rights. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case review with a knowledgeable lawyer in Mineola.