Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? A New York Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help

In a city built on speed, two wheels can mean freedom, or a fast track to disaster. Motorcycle crashes in New York aren’t just more dangerous than car accidents; they’re more complex, more costly, and more likely to leave lasting scars. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash, you don’t just need medical help; you need someone who can fight to get your life back.

At Morgan & Morgan, our motorcycle accident attorneys have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of these collisions. We’re not afraid to take on negligent drivers, insurance companies, or corporate vehicle fleets. And we don’t settle for lowball offers, especially when your future is on the line.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in NYC

New York City traffic is a daily obstacle course. Narrow lanes, impatient drivers, potholes, and unpredictable pedestrians are all part of the ride. But when a crash happens, it’s often because someone else didn’t take your safety seriously.

Common cases involving motorcycle accidents:

• Drivers turning left without checking for bikes
• Sudden lane changes and failure to yield
• Tailgating or aggressive driving near motorcyclists
• Distracted or drunk driving
• Speeding through intersections or red lights
• Road hazards like uneven pavement, gashes, or debris
• Defective motorcycle parts, such as faulty brakes or tires

Some of the worst accidents happen because drivers simply don’t see motorcycles until it’s too late. But “I didn’t see them” doesn’t excuse negligence. It proves it.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in New York

The minutes and hours after a crash can be overwhelming. But if you’re able, taking the right steps can help protect your health and your legal rights.

• Call 911 immediately to report the crash and request medical help.
• Seek medical attention, even if you feel “okay.” Some injuries (like internal bleeding or TBI) can take hours or days to appear.
• Gather evidence: Photos of the scene, damage to vehicles, visible injuries, and road conditions can all help your claim.
• Get contact info: Names, insurance details, and witness contact information are critical.
• Do not admit fault at the scene, even if you’re shaken or confused.
• Contact a motorcycle accident attorney before speaking to insurance companies.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Motorcycle Accident?

If your accident involved more than a scraped knee, the answer is yes. Motorcycle accidents often result in severe, long-term injuries, and insurance companies are trained to minimize payouts. A lawyer levels the playing field by:

• Investigating the accident with experts and crash reconstruction teams
• Reviewing traffic camera footage, medical records, and phone records
• Consulting doctors and financial experts to estimate future costs
• Calculating pain and suffering, not just hospital bills
• Handling all communication with insurers so you don’t get pushed around
• Negotiating settlements or taking your case to trial if needed

Even if your injuries seem minor now, they may worsen over time. Don’t let an early insurance offer lock you into less than you deserve.

Motorcycle Accident Injuries: From Road Rash to Traumatic Brain Injury

Unlike car passengers, motorcyclists don’t have seat belts, airbags, or steel frames to protect them. That means injuries are often catastrophic. Common motorcycle accidents include:

• Road rash and severe skin abrasions
• Broken bones, fractures, and crushed limbs
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Amputations
• PTSD and emotional trauma

Whether you walked away or were airlifted from the scene, we take every injury seriously. Your pain is real, and your recovery deserves full compensation.

Can I File a Claim If I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet?

New York law requires all riders and passengers to wear helmets. But if you weren’t wearing one, it doesn’t automatically block you from recovering damages. It may affect the calculation of your compensation, especially for head injuries, but you can still pursue a claim if another party caused the crash.

Who May Be Held Liable in a Motorcycle Crash

Depending on the situation, more than one party may share liability:

• Another driver who caused the crash
• The city or state for poorly maintained roads
• A manufacturer of a defective part
• A construction company for failing to mark road hazards
• Rideshare drivers (e.g., Uber/Lyft) or commercial vehicle operators

We investigate every angle to determine who was truly responsible and then hold them accountable.

How No-Fault Insurance Works for Motorcycles in NY

Unlike drivers of passenger vehicles, motorcyclists are not covered by New York’s no-fault insurance system. This means you must rely on the at-fault party’s insurance or your own motorcycle liability coverage to pay for medical bills, lost wages, and more.

It also means you can pursue a personal injury lawsuit without meeting the “serious injury threshold” required in most car crash cases. However, insurance companies often attempt to downplay damages, making legal representation even more crucial.

Types of Compensation That May Be Recovered After a Motorcycle Crash

Every case is different, but you may be eligible for damages such as:

• Medical expenses: ER visits, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, future care
• Lost wages: For missed work during recovery
• Loss of earning capacity: If your injuries affect long-term employment
• Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional trauma, diminished quality of life
• Property damage: Repair or replacement of your motorcycle
• Wrongful death: For families who lost a loved one in a fatal crash
• Punitive damages: In cases involving extreme recklessness (e.g., drunk driving)

We don’t use a one-size-fits-all formula. We fight for every dollar you need to recover: physically, financially, and emotionally.

What If the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?

If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still be able to recover through your own UM/UIM policy (uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage). If you don’t have this coverage, our attorneys can help identify other avenues for compensation, such as third-party claims or manufacturer liability.

Are Motorcycle Passengers Eligible for Compensation?

Absolutely. If you were a passenger on a motorcycle involved in a crash, you may be able to file a claim against:

• The motorcycle operator (if they were at fault)
• Another driver
• A third party (such as a construction company or parts manufacturer)

Passengers are rarely found at fault, and often suffer serious injuries. Don’t assume you’re excluded just because you weren’t driving.

Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits

The statute of limitations varies from state to state and may also differ depending on the type of lawsuit being put forward. The sooner you get started, the easier it is to gather evidence, track down witnesses, and build a strong case.

Motorcycle Accidents Involving Commercial Vehicles

Collisions with delivery trucks, taxis, rideshare vehicles, or buses can be particularly complex. These cases often involve multiple insurance policies, company liability questions, and aggressive defense teams. We’re prepared to take them on.

Whether your crash involved a UPS truck, an Uber driver, or an MTA bus, we know how to trace liability and protect your rights.

What Happens During a Free Case Evaluation?

Your first step costs nothing. During your free consultation, a Morgan & Morgan attorney will:

• Review the facts of your crash
• Explain your legal options
• Estimate potential damages
• Outline the next steps; no pressure, no commitment

And because we work on a contingency basis, we don’t get paid unless we win.

Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in New York

At Morgan & Morgan, we understand the risks you take every time you ride. When that ride ends in tragedy, we’re here to make sure it doesn’t end in silence. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, we’ll investigate, advocate, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Don’t wait. Contact us today for a free case evaluation and ride toward justice with the power of America’s largest injury law firm behind you.