Many New York residents enjoy getting out of the city and motorcycling around New York. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents occur frequently in Long Island and throughout New York, causing victims and their loved ones significant losses. Motorcyclists do not have the same type of protection drivers and passengers enjoy in motor vehicles. They can suffer catastrophic or even fatal injuries when they’re the victim of a motorcycle accident.
The New York motorcycle accident attorneys at Dell & Dean, PLLC have extensive experience recovering large settlements for injured motorcyclists. If you or your loved one have been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident in New York, we are ready to discuss your case with you and help you understand your legal options. We have a proven track record of recovering the most compensation possible for our clients.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in New York State
Motorcycle accidents have many causes, but as with other traffic-related accidents, most are caused by negligence or recklessness. Motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles and more challenging to spot. When drivers of passenger vehicles don’t check their blind spots, they may not see a motorcyclist and sideswipe them while changing lanes. Motorcycles can also be challenging to notice when moving quickly and weaving in and out of traffic lanes.
Motorcycle Accidents Caused By Speeding Drivers
When drivers don’t adhere to local speed limits, accidents can occur. Motorcyclists are more difficult to see even when all of the drivers around them are traveling at a safe speed. When one or more drivers are speeding, spotting motorcyclists and avoiding collisions is harder. Even when the driver or motorcyclist identifies a threat, they cannot maneuver their vehicles if they are speeding safely. Motorcyclists are vulnerable because of a lack of protection. When a speeding vehicle collides with them, they are more likely to suffer serious or even fatal injuries.
Inclement Weather Can Cause Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycles are lighter than passenger and commercial vehicles. As a result, motorcyclists are at a higher risk of getting into an accident due to bad weather conditions. Poor weather conditions such as rain, snow, ice, and wind can easily cause motorcyclists to lose control of their motorcycles and become injured in a collision.
Distracted and Intoxicated Driving
Drivers are more distracted than ever. If they text while driving, watch a video, or scroll through a social media app, they are less likely to spot a motorcyclist and prevent a collision. Similarly, impaired driving can cause a driver to fail to see a motorcyclist. Impaired, distracted, and tired drivers are less responsive and may be unable to maneuver quickly enough to avoid a dangerous collision.
Motorcycle Accidents Caused By Defective Parts
When motorcycles have been poorly designed, motorcyclists are more likely to be involved in dangerous collisions. Manufacturers can be held liable when they manufacture a motorcycle with dangerous components. Also, mechanics can be held liable for negligently repairing motorcycles or failing to notify the owner that some parts need replacing.
Damages Available in Motorcycle Accident Claims
Victims of motorcycle accidents can pursue economic and non-economic damages for their injuries. Motorcycle accidents can lead to devastating, severe injuries. Victims may suffer severe injuries because of their lack of protection, even when they are wearing a helmet and other safety gear. Unlike cars and trucks, motorcycles don’t have the added protection of an enclosed vehicle or airbags to reduce the impact of an accident on their bodies.
Some of the most common injuries caused by motorcycle accidents include traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, paralysis, bone fractures, road rash, head injuries, and neck injuries. Victims can also suffer from whiplash, lacerations, internal bleeding, facial disfigurement, and soft tissue damage to muscles and organs.
The attorneys at Dell & Dean, PLLC have the resources and experience to carefully determine the full amount of damages you’ve incurred and estimate your future damages. Under New York law, plaintiffs and personal injury lawsuits can pursue the following types of economic damages:
- Medical expenses
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Property damage
- Lost income from time off to recover due to disability
- Lost earning capacity due to disability
In addition to economic damages, victims can pursue non-economic damages for less tangible injuries, such as:
- Mental anguish
- Disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium or relationship
- Loss of enjoyment of life
When the at-fault party has engaged in acts of gross recklessness, victims may be able to pursue additional punitive damages. Courts award punitive damages to deter other people from engaging in similarly dangerous behavior. For example, you may be entitled to punitive damages if a drunk driver caused your motorcycle accident. The attorneys Dell & Dean, PLLC will work diligently to carefully calculate the total settlement value of your claim and begin negotiating aggressively for the best outcome possible.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
After being injured in a motorcycle accident, the most important thing you can do is receive medical attention right away. After you have received treatment, it’s beneficial to speak to an attorney. The insurance company may contact you immediately and offer a settlement amount, significantly if you’ve been seriously injured. They will try to reach the lowest settlement amount possible to save money, or they may try to deny your claim outright unfairly.
Before you accept an insurance company’s first offer, you must speak to an experienced attorney. At Dell & Dean, PLLC, we know how to negotiate aggressively with insurance companies and will protect you from being taken advantage of by them. We pursue the total amount of compensation you deserve.
Discuss Your Case with a Skilled Motorcycle Accident Attorney in New York
Pursuing compensation after being injured in a motorcycle accident can be difficult. When you work with Dell & Dean, PLLC, you can rest assured that we will handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
From communicating and negotiating with insurers to collecting evidence to develop a strategic plan for compensation, we always have your best interest in mind. Don’t hesitate to contact the New York motorcycle accident attorneys at Dell & Dean, PLLC to schedule a complimentary case evaluation.
