Driving a motorcycle through the congested streets of New York City can be an efficient means of travel. However, accidents involving these small vehicles are often catastrophic. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident caused by another party, you should consider reaching out to a qualified personal injury lawyer.
A New York City motorcycle accident lawyer could help you file a lawsuit and seek compensation for your injuries. Many people assume all motorcyclists are reckless, which can make it hard for you to succeed in a personal injury case. Our firm could help you stand up for your rights in court.
Common Causes of Motorbike Accidents
While there are many issues that could lead to a motorcycle accident, negligence is a factor in most injury cases. Some of the most common causes of motorbike crashes include:
- Failure to check blind spots
- Failure to yield
- Large potholes and other poor road conditions
- Defective auto parts
- Tailgating
- Aggressive driving
No matter the cause of the accident, motorcycle wrecks often result in severe injuries. This is due to the size of the vehicle and the lack of protection it provides. If negligence played a role in your motorcycle accident, a skilled lawyer in New York City could help you examine the details of the incident and determine whether you have a valid case.
Do No-Fault Insurance Laws Apply to Motorcyclists in New York City?
In order to drive a motorcycle in this area, you must have liability insurance that covers $25,000 for bodily injury per person per accident, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $10,000 for property damage per accident. It is important to note that the no-fault insurance laws that govern car accident cases do not apply to motorcycle injury claims.
In a car accident, insurance companies must pay medical expenses and lost wages resulting from the car crash regardless of who is at fault. However, the state views motorcycles as “inherently dangerous,” which is why riders must carry liability insurance.
Motorcyclists are also not bound by the state’s “serious injury” threshold. Injured drivers may only take a claim to court when their injuries are considered severe. However, a motorcyclist may sue another driver, even if their injuries are relatively minor. A seasoned motorbike collision attorney versed in New York City statutes could help you understand these insurance laws.
Assessing Liability in Motorcycle Collisions
Various individuals or entities could be responsible for a motorbike accident in New York City. Most often, the liability falls with the other driver. However, if a motorcycle accident occurs due to dangerous potholes or failure to post vital road signs, government entities may be held liable.
A manufacturer could even be held accountable for a defective part that caused the motorcycle wreck. A knowledgeable lawyer could investigate your motorbike collision and help you identify all the liable parties.
Statute of Limitations for Motorbike Injury Claims
The time limit to file a lawsuit for a motorcycle accident is three years from the date of the accident, as outlined in N.Y. CVP § 214. If you fail to file your claim within this three-year window, your claim will be dismissed, and you will lose the right to obtain compensation. A diligent attorney could keep track of all important deadlines in your motorbike accident case.
How a New York City Motorcycle Accident Attorney Could Help
Motorcyclists are entitled to the same rights as all other drivers on the road, despite public perception that motorcyclists are risky. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, a compassionate attorney from our firm could help you recover the compensation you need. Contacta a New York City motorcycle accident lawyer today to schedule your initial consultation.