Motorcycle riders in Yonkers and the greater New York City area face significant risks every time they hit the road. Despite accounting for only 2% of registered vehicles, motorcyclists made up 14% of all traffic fatalities in New York City and surrounding areas. The danger is especially bad on city streets, where visibility issues and interactions with other vehicles often lead to serious accidents. For many riders, these crashes result in life-altering injuries or worse.

Given the disproportionate risks involved, it’s crucial to have an experienced advocate on your side if you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident. Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, your trusted Yonkers motorcycle accident lawyers, are dedicated to helping victims like you navigate the complex legal landscape and secure the compensation you deserve. 

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents in Yonkers are varied but often occur due to preventable factors.

Driver Negligence

Distracted driving, such as texting or using a phone, significantly increases crash risks. Speeding and failure to yield frequently lead to severe collisions when drivers misjudge motorcyclists’ speed or simply fail to notice them because the driver was too busy focusing on anything but their surroundings and the road ahead. 

Road Hazards

Poorly maintained roads, debris, and adverse weather conditions like rain or ice can cause riders to lose control. Motorcycles are more susceptible to accidents caused by uneven surfaces or sudden obstacles.

Vehicle Defects

Mechanical failures, such as brake or tire malfunctions, can result in loss of control. Even well-maintained bikes can be compromised by manufacturing defects.

Reckless Driving and DWI

Reckless behavior, such as aggressive driving or driving while intoxicated by alcohol or while impaired by drugs, significantly increases the likelihood of motorcycle accidents. If you’ve been involved in an accident due to these factors, consulting an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Yonkers can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Types of Injuries Sustained in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, many of which are severe due to the lack of protection that motorcycles provide compared to other vehicles. Motorcycle accidents result in a variety of common injuries, including:

• Broken bones,
• Shoulder and Knee tears, 
• Road rash, and
• Head injuries.

These injuries, while potentially less severe than others, can still cause significant pain, require extensive medical treatment, and lead to time off work.

Severe Injuries

More serious injuries frequently occur in motorbike accidents, which can have long-lasting effects. These include spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and internal injuries. Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, dramatically altering your life. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can affect cognitive functions, memory, and personality, while internal injuries may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.

Impact on the Victim’s Life

The physical, emotional, and financial impact can be overwhelming. Victims may face prolonged rehabilitation, permanent disability, and a reduced quality of life. The injuries can hinder your ability to work, maintain relationships, and engage in daily activities. Moreover, the emotional trauma from such an accident can lead to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

If you or a loved one has suffered these types of injuries in a motorcycle accident, consulting with a Yonkers motorbike accident lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal process and ensure you receive the compensation needed to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Understanding New York Motorcycle Accident Laws

Navigating the legal landscape after a motorcycle accident in New York can be complex, particularly when understanding the state’s insurance and negligence laws. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements you need to know.

No-Fault Insurance

New York operates under a no-fault insurance system, which generally means that after a car accident, each party’s own insurance covers their medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault. However, this system has limitations when it comes to motorcycle accidents. Unlike car accidents, motorcyclists are not covered by the no-fault insurance system. This exclusion means that if you’re injured in a motorcycle accident, you must seek compensation directly from the at-fault party’s insurance, making the process more challenging. You must turn to your health insurer to pay for your crash related medical bills. Often times, these insurers seek to be reimbursed from your recovery! 

Liability and Negligence

In motorcycle accident cases, you must prove negligence to get compensated. You must establish that the other party was at fault due to reckless or negligent behavior, such as speeding, distracted driving, or failing to yield. Gathering evidence, including witness statements, police reports, security camera video, and accident scene photos, is essential to building a strong case. A motorcycle injury lawyer can help you navigate this process, ensuring all relevant evidence is collected and properly presented.

Comparative Negligence in New York

New York follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that if you are partially at fault for a motorcycle accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20%. This rule underscores the importance of minimizing your liability and proving the other party’s negligence to maximize compensation.

Types of Compensation Available

Victims of motorcycle accidents in Yonkers may be entitled to various types of compensation, depending on the circumstances. Understanding the types of compensation available can help ensure you receive the full amount you deserve.

Economic Damages

Compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. These damages cover the tangible financial losses you’ve incurred as a result of the accident.

Non-Economic Damages

This category includes compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These damages address the intangible impact the accident has had on your quality of life.

Punitive Damages

In rare cases where the at-fault party’s behavior was particularly reckless or egregious, a court may award punitive damages. The purpose of these damages is to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.

How Greenspan & Greenspan Can Help

At Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, our Yonkers motorcycle accident attorneys provide comprehensive legal support to victims of motorcycle accidents. From the moment you engage our services, we handle every aspect of your case, including thorough investigation, gathering crucial evidence, and negotiating with insurance companies. If necessary, we are fully prepared to take your case to court to ensure your rights are protected.

Our firm has extensive experience handling motorcycle accident cases and a proven track record of success. We understand the unique challenges these cases present and use our expertise to navigate the complexities of New York law effectively.

We pride ourselves on our client-centered approach, providing personalized service and keeping you informed every step of the way. We understand each case is unique, and we tailor our strategies to meet your needs and goals.

Our primary goal is to maximize your compensation. We work diligently to ensure you receive the full amount you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Trust Greenspan & Greenspan to be your dedicated advocate during this challenging time. Contact us today for a free consultation.