Long Island Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Man riding motorcycle
Motorcycle accident

Motorcycle Injury Attorney

Motorcycle accidents are not the same as other types of motor vehicle accidents. The risks involved with operating a motorcycle, causes of motorcycle accidents, injuries sustained, and liability issues all place motorcycle accidents into a unique category.

Motorcycle Accidents

The Deadliest of All Motor Vehicle Accidents

In 2013, there were over 5,000 motorcycle accidents throughout New York, resulting in 164 fatalities per the New York DMV. There are a number of factors that add to the risk of operating a motorcycle safely, including but not limited to:

  • Limited visibility to other motor vehicle drivers
  • Road hazards such as debris
  • Potholes, rocks, mud, and sand;
  • Decreased stability

According to a 2009 report by the Department of Transportation (DOT), fatalities caused by motorcycle accidents are approximately 40 times higher than fatalities caused by car accidents.

Personal Motorcycle Accident Form

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How Negligence Is Proven in a Long Island Motorcycle Accident

To seek compensation after being involved in a motorcycle accident, you must be able to prove one of two things: that the other driver intentionally hit you, or that they acted negligently. Road rage and aggressive driving are common, and although most drivers wouldn't run over a motorcyclist purposely, they may intentionally cut off or brake check (shortstop) motorcyclists, causing them to lose control and suffer severe injuries.

For most accidents, the root of the cause is negligence. Though "being negligent" is a common phrase, it has a legal definition. When a person acts in a way that a reasonable person wouldn't, and their actions are the cause of injury to another person, they are said to be negligent. There are four general elements of negligence in a motorcycle accident case, and they all must be proven in order to have a successful lawsuit.

01Duty of Care

Drivers and others on the road have a duty of care to follow all safety and traffic laws and regulations on the road. It's important for both drivers and motorcyclists alike to know Long Island's traffic laws. For instance, it's illegal for motorcyclists to split lanes. Drivers are forbidden from holding their phones at all while driving. Some of these laws are specific to New York and even Nassau or Suffolk County, but of course, there are traffic laws that are common across the country, such as stopping at red lights.

02Breach of Duty of Care

If a driver fails to uphold their duty of care, they are said to have breached it. In some cases, vehicle manufacturers can be said to have breached their duty of care if there is a malfunction. However, for anyone to be said to have breached their duty of care, the incident must have been foreseeable. For instance, if a tree falls suddenly on the road, and a car hits a motorcyclist while they're swerving to avoid the tree, they might not be held liable.

03Causation

Third, the actions of the negligent person must be proven as the direct cause of your injury. This is often provable with supporting medical records from your treating medical providers. For instance, if the driver hits your motorcycle, and you are injured in the wreck, their actions could be said to have caused the injuries. However, if there is an accident on the other side of the road, and you take your eyes off the road causing you to strike another vehicle or object, it will be nearly impossible to hold someone else accountable.

04Damages

Finally, you must be able to be compensated monetarily. This typically requires extensive evidence of your injuries and other losses. Personal injury, unpaid medical bills, lost wages, and property damage can fall under this category.

FAQ

Regardless of the vehicles involved, accidents on the road can change someone's life forever. Not only do you face medical bills and property damage costs, but you may also face physical or mental trauma that can take years to overcome. Despite some similar costs and damages the type of vehicle you're operating during an accident may affect your personal injury claim. Although there are many similarities, there are some differences you should be aware of when comparing motorcycle accidents vs. car accidents.

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Riding a motorcycle comes with many risks. Whether riding in the city, suburbs, or rural areas, motorcycle accidents are more common than an accident in a four-wheeled passenger vehicle. Additionally, because riders have less protection from impact than those in passenger vehicles, an injured motorcyclist may have more extensive medical bills, property damage, and other costs associated with an accident. If you're a motorcycle rider who is injured in an accident, you may be curious about the damages available to recover in a lawsuit for injured riders.

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According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) motorcyclists account for only five percent of drivers. However, motorcyclists are twenty-seven percent more likely to be involved in a fatal accident when compared to drivers in passenger vehicles. Also, the injuries sustained because of a motorcycle accident are typically significantly more severe. Therefore, it is important to know what steps to take if you are involved in a motorcycle accident.

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Motorcyclists face far more dangers on the road than other drivers. A motorcycle offers no protection for riders, making injuries common, especially from negligent drivers. Motorcyclists cannot avoid all potential risks on the road, but purchasing quality motorcycle safety gear can go a long way toward preventing severe or even fatal injuries. The TonaLaw team has compiled a motorcycle safety gear list to help you stay safe on the road.

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Although motorcycles make up only 3% of all registered vehicles in the US, they account for at least 14% of all traffic fatalities. This number doesn't include accidents that result in non-fatal injuries or accidents that weren't reported to the police. If you're a motorcycle rider or are interested in motorcycling, you may wonder what percent of motorcycle accidents result in injury or death.

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Motorcycle accidents have become an increasingly prevalent and pressing issue on our roadways in recent years. These incidents can result in devastating consequences, primarily for motorcyclists, as they lack the protective enclosures that cars provide. To address this growing concern, it is imperative to delve deeper into the various types of motorcycle accidents and understand the frequent collisions involving cars and motorcycles, not just for the safety of riders but for the well-being of all individuals who share the road.

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Motorcycle accidents can be devastating, leading to severe injuries, significant property damage, and a range of legal issues. When you or a loved one is involved in a motorcycle accident, it's essential to understand the role of a motorcycle accident lawyer and when you might need their services. In this article, we will discuss the responsibilities of a motorcycle accident lawyer and provide insights into when it's crucial to seek their assistance.

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Motorcycle accidents, particularly those involving cars T-boning motorcycles, can be devastating and complex legal matters. New York's vibrant streets and busy roadways can pose significant risks to motorcyclists. If you or a loved one have been involved in such an accident, it's essential to understand the legal steps to take in the aftermath.

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As a motorcyclist in New York, it's crucial to understand the laws and regulations that govern your riding experience. One topic that has raised questions and concerns among motorcycle riders is the legality of lane splitting. Lane splitting, the practice of a motorcyclist riding between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic, is a controversial issue in many states. In New York, the current legal stance on lane splitting is clear: it is illegal.

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You Have a Right to Compensation

Our compassionate team of long island motorcycle accidnet attorneys understands the financial needs of our clients following a motorcycle accident. We are here to help you recover from your injury and your losses and will aggressively seek the maximum compensation for your injuries. Our attorneys at TonaLaw believe all victims have the right to obtain full compensation for their injuries.

Below is a list of frequently reported injuries our clients have suffered during motorcycle accidents:

  • Lacerations
  • Broken bones
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Back and neck disc injuries
  • Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
  • Wrongful death
  • Paralyzation
  • PTSD

Our Suffolk County, New York-based law firm will fight for you and your loved ones! Our firm has a reputation for uncompromising ethics throughout Long Island, New York City, and New York State. We utilize our extensive legal experience and litigation acumen to represent personal injury clients aggressively, always seeking all remedies available to our clients under the law.

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The TonaLaw Advantage

At TonaLaw, we are a client first practice. Our attorneys and support staff utilize our extensive legal experience and litigation acumen to represent personal injury clients aggressively, always seeking all remedies available to our clients under the law.

Resources for New York Motorcyclists:

  • Alliance MC
  • ABATE New York
  • Yonkers Motorcycle Club
  • Iron Order Motorcycle Club
  • Empire City Motorcycle Club
  • Sirens Motorcycle Club of New York City
  • New Breed Motorcycle Club
  • New York City Fire Riders
  • Redrum Motorcycle Club
Motorcycle

TonaLaw is a no-fee Long Island Personal Motorcycle Accident Law Firm - We get paid when we win your case!

At TonaLaw, we are a client first practice. Our attorneys and support staff utilize our extensive legal experience and litigation acumen to represent personal injury clients aggressively, always seeking all remedies available to our clients under the law.

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