Motorcycle Accident Lawyer after a Rochester crash

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Riding a motorcycle through Rochester offers a unique sense of freedom, whether you're commuting to work or enjoying the scenic routes along Lake Avenue or Empire Boulevard. Many motorcyclists also favor the open roads of Interstate 390 to feel the wind on their faces and enjoy the thrill of the ride. Unfortunately, accidents can happen even on the most familiar roads, leaving motorcyclists vulnerable to severe injuries.

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Rochester, a trusted motorcycle accident lawyer from William Mattar, P.C. can advocate for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation in Rochester. Let’s discuss your case and options for financial recovery. 

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Why William Mattar, P.C. for Your Rochester Motorcycle Accident Claim

When you’re injured in a motorcycle accident, your choice of legal representation matters. William Mattar, P.C. is a firm focused on helping accident victims. Our firm has been standing up for injured clients across New York for over 30 years, recovering substantial settlements and verdicts to help put lives back on track.

Motorcycle accidents can be especially complex because of the unique challenges riders face, including visibility issues and bias against motorcyclists. Insurance companies may not take your injuries seriously, and you need a law firm that knows how to counter these stereotypes while building a strong case on your behalf.

At William Mattar, P.C. we prioritize your needs. We’ll handle details of your case so you can focus on your recovery. From investigating the accident to negotiating with insurance companies, we’ll be there for you 24/7. 

The Insurance Company Made Me an Offer. Should I Take It?

It can be tempting to accept the first settlement offer from an insurance company after a motorcycle accident, especially if you’re feeling financial pressure from medical bills and lost income. However, the initial offer is rarely what you deserve. Before accepting anything after a Rochester crash, it’s crucial to speak with a motorcycle accident attorney.

Insurance companies are for-profit businesses. Their goal is to minimize payouts and protect their bottom line, not to ensure you receive fair compensation. Adjusters may sound friendly and concerned about your well-being, but they often use tactics designed to pressure you into accepting less than you’re entitled to. Common insurance company tactics include:

  • Quick Offers: Shortly after your accident, you might receive a settlement offer that seems reasonable but doesn’t fully account for long-term medical costs or lost wages.
  • Blaming the Victim: The insurer might suggest that you, as the motorcyclist, were partially or fully at fault for the accident—even if the evidence says otherwise.
  • Requesting Recorded Statements: Adjusters may ask for recorded statements, hoping you’ll say something they can twist to reduce their liability.
  • Delay Tactics: They might drag out the claims process, hoping you’ll grow desperate enough to settle for less.

By consulting a dedicated motorcycle accident lawyer at William Mattar, P.C. you can avoid these traps. We’ll evaluate any settlement offers, calculate the true value of your claim, and negotiate on your behalf. If necessary, we’re prepared to take your case to court to advocate for the compensation you deserve.

Do I Have a Rochester, New York Motorcycle Accident Claim?

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Rochester, you might wonder whether you have a valid legal claim. Most personal injury claims, including motorcycle accident cases, are based on negligence. Negligence means that another person, such as a car or truck driver, failed to exercise reasonable care and caused harm as a result.

To establish negligence in a motorcycle accident case, four key elements must be proven:

  1. Duty of Care: The at-fault party had a legal obligation to act responsibly. For example, all drivers have a duty to obey traffic laws and avoid causing harm to others on the road.
  2. Breach of Duty: The at-fault party failed to uphold their duty of care. This could include reckless driving, speeding, failure to yield, or distracted driving.
  3. Causation: The at-fault party’s breach of duty caused the accident. Your lawyer must demonstrate that, had the other driver acted responsibly, you would not have been injured.
  4. Damages: You suffered losses as a result of the accident. These damages may include medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering.

Proving these elements requires strong evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, medical records, and accident reconstruction reports. Our attorneys have extensive experience gathering and presenting this evidence to build compelling cases for our clients. We will work tirelessly to prove negligence and hold the at-fault party accountable, giving you the best chance of recovering the compensation you deserve.

If you’re unsure whether you have a claim, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We offer free consultations to discuss your accident and provide clear, honest advice on your legal options.

Compensation Available to Rochester Motorcycle Accident Victims

Motorcycle accidents often result in serious, life-altering injuries. Unlike car occupants who are protected by the walls of a vehicle, motorcyclists are more exposed, and the consequences of a crash can be devastating. You may face months or even years of recovery, along with ongoing physical, emotional, and financial challenges.

If another driver’s negligence caused your accident, you are entitled to pursue compensation for your losses. A seasoned motorcycle accident attorney from William Mattar, P.C. will advocate for you to recover the full value of your claim, which may include:

  • Medical Expenses: Compensation for past, current, and future medical bills related to the accident. This includes hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and necessary medical equipment like prosthetics or wheelchairs. 
  • Lost Income: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for lost wages and future earning potential. 
  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering you’ve endured as a result of the accident.
  • Property Damage: Reimbursement for the cost of repairing or replacing your motorcycle and any personal property damaged in the accident.
  • Disability or Disfigurement: If the accident left you with a permanent disability or significant scarring, you may be entitled to additional compensation for your reduced quality of life.
  • Loss of Enjoyment: Compensation for the inability to participate in hobbies, activities, or other aspects of life you previously enjoyed.

At William Mattar, P.C. we understand that no amount of money can truly make up for the pain and suffering you’ve experienced. However, securing fair compensation can help ease the burden, giving you the resources to focus on your recovery and move forward with your life.

Who May Be Held Liable in a Motorcycle Accident Case?

Identifying who is responsible for your motorcycle accident is a crucial step in pursuing compensation. Liability isn’t always straightforward, as multiple parties may share responsibility for the crash. Below are some of the potential parties who may be liable in a motorcycle accident case.

Another Driver

Other drivers are often the most common source of liability in motorcycle accidents. Negligent behaviors such as speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, running stop signs, or failing to check blind spots when changing lanes can cause devastating collisions with motorcyclists. These actions breach the duty of care all drivers owe others on the road and, as a result, make the negligent driver responsible for your injuries.

Government Entities

The condition of the roads you ride on can play a significant role in motorcycle safety. Hazards such as potholes, uneven pavement, lack of appropriate signage, or poorly designed intersections can all contribute to an accident. When unsafe road conditions are to blame, a government entity responsible for road maintenance or design may be held liable. These cases can be complex due to specific rules and shorter deadlines for filing claims against government agencies.

Motorcycle Manufacturers

A crash sometimes occurs because of a defect in the motorcycle itself. When a manufacturing or design flaw causes your bike to malfunction, the manufacturer could be held accountable for your accident injuries. Defects in brakes, tires, or steering components are unfortunately not uncommon and can lead to loss of control while riding. Product liability claims require technical evidence, which our team is experienced in gathering to strengthen your case.

Repair Shops

Improper repairs made by a mechanic or technician can also put you at risk on the road. If a repair shop failed to fix your motorcycle properly or used defective parts, they could share liability for an accident. For example, if a technician incorrectly installed your brakes or left your motorcycle unsafe to operate, they may be held responsible for any resulting injuries.

Determining liability involves a detailed investigation into the circumstances of your accident. That’s where William Mattar, P.C. comes in. Our compassionate and experienced attorneys will dig deep to uncover the truth, identify every possible liable party, and hold them accountable. 

What if I’m Partly to Blame for My Accident Injuries?

Being partially at fault for your accident doesn’t mean you can’t pursue compensation in New York. The state follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which allows injured individuals to recover damages even if they bear a portion of the fault. However, the compensation you’re awarded will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of your damages. While pure comparative negligence provides an opportunity for compensation, insurance companies often use this rule to unfairly assign more blame to accident victims, reducing the payout. It’s vital to have an experienced attorney on your side to protect your rights and fight against such tactics. At William Mattar, P.C. we are experienced at countering these arguments to maximize the compensation you deserve.

Rochester Motorcycle Accident Claims FAQs

Below are answers to frequently asked questions about motorcycle accident claims:

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

Under New York’s statute of limitations, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, certain circumstances can alter this deadline. For example, if a government entity is involved, you may need to file a claim much sooner, within 90 days. Because time is critical, it’s best to consult a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible to avoid missing important deadlines after a Rochester crash.

What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet at the time of the accident?

New York law requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear helmets. While not wearing a helmet can potentially impact your compensation, it doesn’t prevent you from pursuing a claim. Your right to recovery does not disappear simply because you weren’t wearing a helmet or otherwise failed to completely mitigate your damages.

Can I file a claim if I was injured as a passenger on a motorcycle?

Yes. Motorcycle passengers have the same rights as drivers when it comes to seeking compensation for injuries. One exception is that those who drive or occupy motor vehicles are entitled to no-fault insurance benefits, while those who ride motorcycles are not generally entitled to no-fault benefits. You may file a claim against the at-fault driver of another vehicle or, in some cases, against the motorcycle’s operator if their negligence caused the crash. A lawyer can help you determine who is responsible and advocate for maximum compensation.

What evidence is needed to support my motorcycle accident claim?

Strong evidence is essential for building a successful case. Key pieces of evidence often include police reports, witness statements, medical records, photographs of the accident scene and damages, and any video footage available from traffic or security cameras. Expert testimony, such as accident reconstruction, can also strengthen your claim. 

How can a lawyer help if the insurance company denies my claim?

Insurance companies may deny claims for various reasons, such as disputing liability or minimizing the value of your injuries. If this happens, a lawyer can step in to challenge the denial. We can gather additional evidence, negotiate directly with the insurer, and, if necessary, file a lawsuit to fight for the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys are experienced in handling even the toughest insurance disputes.

Contact Our Trusted Motorcycle Accident Lawyers 

At William Mattar, P.C. we have the experience, resources, and dedication to guide you every step of the way. Our team will:

  • Investigate your accident, collecting critical evidence to support your claim.
  • Identify all liable parties and ensure they are held accountable.
  • Calculate the full value of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
  • Handle all communication with insurance companies, protecting you from unfair tactics.
  • Represent you in court, if necessary, to secure the compensation you deserve.

Contact William Mattar, P.C. today at (585) 444-4444  or through our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation. An experienced lawyer from our team is ready to stand by your side and fight for your rights.

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