Garden City Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Helping Injured Riders in Garden City, NY

How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents?

III reports that in the most recent year for which nationwide statistics are available, there were:

• 5,114 motorcycles involved in crashes
• 84,000 motorcycle crash injuries
• Injury rate of 975 per 100,000 registered motorcycles
• 5,014 motorcyclist fatalities
• Fatality rate of 58.33 per 100,000 registered motorcycles

What Makes Motorcycles More Dangerous than Cars?

Without a doubt, riding a motorcycle is riskier than driving a car. Motorcyclists are nearly 29 times more likely to die in a crash than passenger vehicle occupants, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). Many motorcycle accidents are someone else’s fault. If you have been seriously injured through the negligence of another, you have a right to seek compensation from the responsible party.

Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than cars, trucks, vans, or SUVs. They are also considerably less stable than four-wheeled passenger vehicles. Motorcyclists lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle, including seatbelts and airbags. Drivers may fail to see motorcycles in their blind spots. Because they are looking for larger vehicles, they may simply fail to register motorcycles in the roadway. Potholes, uneven pavement, gravel, water, or debris on the road present serious hazards for motorcyclists. In a crash, riders are likely to be thrown from the bike, suffer severe injuries, and run the risk of being hit by another vehicle.

What Causes Motorcycle Crashes in Garden City?

Many motorcycle accidents are caused by the negligence of other drivers. For example, motorcycle crashes can occur because of:

• Unsafe lane changes: Drivers who fail to perform a head check before switching lanes may not see motorcycles in their blind spots.
• Left turns at intersections: Drivers executing left turns against oncoming traffic may turn directly into the path of a motorcyclist traveling straight through the intersection on a green light.
• Tailgating: Following too closely is dangerous driving behavior under any circumstances, but particularly deadly when it leads to a 4,000 lb. car rear-ending a motorcycle.
• Distracted driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on cell phones, or otherwise distracted are more likely to cause a collision with a motorcyclist.
• Drunk or drugged driving: Alcohol or drug-impaired driving puts everyone on the roadway at risk, particularly motorcyclists, who lack the protections of passenger vehicle occupants.
• Head-on collisions: Deadly head-on crashes can occur when a driver veers into a lane of oncoming traffic or goes the wrong way on a one-way road.
• Dooring: This type of crash happens when a passenger vehicle occupant suddenly opens a car door directly into the path of an oncoming motorcyclist.
• Debris on the road: An obstacle in the road that falls off a truck or another vehicle may force a rider to swerve and lose control of the bike.

What Kind of Compensation is Available for a Motorcycle Accident?

Motorcyclists are not protected under New York’s no-fault, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) auto insurance laws. However, injured motorcyclists may still pursue compensation from responsible parties. Unlike motorists entitled to no-fault protections, they are not required to prove they have suffered a serious injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident that was someone else’s fault, depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to seek damages that may include medical expenses, lost earnings, loss of future earning potential, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses.

FAQs About Motorcycle Accident Claims in Garden City, NY

What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident?

After a motorcycle accident, your first priority should be safety and medical attention. Call 911 to report the accident and seek medical help, even if injuries seem minor—some symptoms appear later. Try to document the scene by taking photos, gathering contact information from witnesses, and obtaining the other driver’s insurance details. Notify your insurance company and consult with a personal injury attorney who understands New York laws, especially the nuances of motorcycle accident claims in Nassau County.

Can I file a claim if I was partially at fault for the motorcycle accident?

Yes, New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 30% at fault and the damages total $100,000, you would be eligible to recover $70,000. It's critical to work with a knowledgeable attorney who can help ensure fault is fairly assigned and advocate for your rights.

How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim?

In New York, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims—including motorcycle accidents—is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, if a government entity is involved, you may have as little as 90 days to file a notice of claim. It's best to take legal action as soon as possible to preserve evidence, protect your rights, and ensure all deadlines are met.

Should I hire a lawyer for a motorcycle accident claim in Garden City, NY?

Absolutely. Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries and complex liability issues. A local personal injury attorney familiar with Garden City and Nassau County courts can navigate insurance negotiations, gather evidence, and, if necessary, take your case to trial. Legal representation significantly increases your chances of securing a fair settlement and ensures you’re not taken advantage of by insurance companies.

What Can We Do to Help?

At Horn Wright, LLP, we are committed to putting your best interests first. Our Garden City personal injury attorneys can investigate your motorcycle accident to determine fault and liability and vigorously pursue the maximum compensation available on your behalf.

Contact us today at (516) 714-5975 to schedule a free consultation.