A Legal and Safety Perspective for New York Riders
Motorcycles offer something few other vehicles can—mobility with a sense of freedom. They are light, fuel-efficient, and often cost less than cars to purchase and maintain.
For many riders in New York, especially those in urban environments, motorcycles are practical and enjoyable. However, the decision to ride can involve significant risks because of unsafe drivers. If you are hurt by a negligent driver, a New York motorcycle accident lawyer may help you pursue compensation for pain and suffering.
Why Do People Choose to Ride Motorcycles?
Motorcycles appeal to a wide range of riders across New York. Some choose them for practical reasons—lower upfront costs, fuel efficiency, and ease of parking in congested cities—while others are drawn to the experience itself. The open-road feel, the focus required to ride safely, and the ability to explore less-traveled roads create a strong emotional connection, and New York motorcycle laws play a central role in shaping how that experience is managed on the road.
For recreational riders, weekend rides along scenic routes offer a sense of escape. Riders also appreciate the mechanical simplicity and lower maintenance costs than many modern cars. But with these benefits come significant trade-offs—especially regarding safety and legal protection after a crash.
Measurable Risks of Riding a Motorcycle in New York
Motorcyclists make up a small percentage of total drivers on the road, yet they account for a disproportionate number of serious injuries and fatalities.
Data from the New York State Department of Health shows that:
- Roughly 1,500 motorcyclists are treated at hospitals for crash-related injuries annually.
- Approximately 140 riders die in motorcycle crashes each year in New York.
- Weekends and summer months present the highest risk.
- Alcohol, speed, and lack of protective gear are common contributing factors.
Unlike cars, motorcycles do not offer seat belts, airbags, or protective enclosures. Riders are exposed directly to road conditions, weather, and the actions of nearby drivers. In urban settings such as Buffalo, Rochester, and Albany, intersections remain high-risk, mainly when cars turn left in front of oncoming motorcycles.
What Happens After a Motorcycle Crash? Legal and Medical Impact
When a motorcyclist is injured in a crash, the legal process can differ significantly from what a car driver might experience. New York is a no-fault insurance state, but this law does not extend to motorcyclists. In other words, injured riders do not receive automatic medical or lost wage coverage through no-fault insurance.
Instead, injured riders must either:
- File a claim against the at-fault driver's liability insurance, or
- Rely on their supplemental medical payment or uninsured motorist coverage if purchased.
This creates added pressure on injured riders to prove fault, establish damages, and pursue financial recovery. Insurance carriers may delay or dispute claims even when liability is clear, especially for severe or long-term injuries, which is why you need a lawyer to protect your rights and push back against unfair tactics.
From a medical standpoint, motorcycle injuries often include:
- Traumatic brain injuries, even with helmet use
- Fractures, especially of the legs, pelvis, and ribs
- Spinal injuries, which may require surgery or long-term care
- Road rash, which can lead to infection and scarring
Treatment for these injuries is often intensive, requiring emergency transport, surgery, rehabilitation, and follow-up care. Costs may exceed what basic insurance policies will cover, and if a claim is not resolved quickly, medical bills can accumulate rapidly.
Motorcycle Insurance Gaps That Riders Need to Know
Many first-time riders assume that their motorcycle insurance works just like auto coverage. In New York, that assumption is incorrect. Motorcycles are excluded from mandatory no-fault coverage under Article 51 of the New York Insurance Law. Riders are not automatically protected for medical treatment, wage replacement, or other essential benefits.
Motorcycle insurance policies in New York generally provide:
- Bodily injury and property damage liability
- Optional collision and comprehensive coverage
- Optional uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage
- Optional medical payment (MedPay) coverage, which is limited
Without additional coverage, a rider injured by an uninsured driver may be left with no compensation for medical bills or lost wages. This poses a significant risk in urban areas with higher uninsured driving rates.
Here is a comparison example:
- A car driver injured in a no-fault accident receives coverage for medical bills regardless of who caused the crash.
- A motorcyclist must pursue a legal claim or use optional coverage to recover those costs.
Some insurers also restrict coverage when a passenger is involved or if the bike is used for commuting rather than recreation. Riders must read their policies closely to identify gaps and consider purchasing supplemental coverage for better protection, since these restrictions can affect motorcycle insurance in unexpected ways.
Safety Measures That Can Reduce the Risk
While motorcycles can be more dangerous than cars, certain safety practices can significantly reduce the risk of injury. The New York State Motorcycle Safety Program (NYSMSP) offers basic and advanced rider courses across the state. These programs teach riders how to manage hazards, maintain control in emergencies, and operate safely in traffic.
Key safety measures include:
- Completing a certified safety course, even if not required
- Always wearing a DOT-approved helmet and protective gear
- Using reflective materials and maintaining a high-visibility profile
- Adhering to speed limits and avoiding aggressive maneuvers
- Keeping tires, brakes, and lights in good working order
Helmet use alone can reduce the likelihood of a fatal head injury. New York law requires all motorcyclists and passengers to wear helmets, but not all riders comply. Law enforcement agencies report that noncompliance increases during warmer months and in rural areas where enforcement may be less visible, reinforcing that wearing a helmet on a motorcycle saves lives.
Seasonal changes can also affect risk levels. In colder months, riders must account for black ice, shorter daylight hours, and reduced tire traction, which require adjustments to riding habits and even the decision to ride.
Negligent Drivers Can Hurt Motorcyclists
William Mattar Law Offices has represented clients injured in motorcycle crashes. Some were hit by distracted drivers, while others were run off the road by vehicles that failed to check their blind spots.
Riders can limit exposure, but they cannot eliminate it. Defensive riding, protective gear, and training help. But the actions of others remain unpredictable.
From a legal standpoint, the lack of no-fault protection places riders in a position where they must prepare in advance. That includes:
- Selecting the right insurance coverage
- Carrying identification and medical alerts
- Knowing what to do after a crash, including preserving evidence and seeking immediate care
The law offers protection, but that protection depends on timely action, documented evidence, and effective representation. Riders who plan ahead are more likely to recover from the injury and the financial impact of a crash, reducing overall motorcycle accident injury risk.
When to Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
After a motorcycle crash, the window for taking action is narrow. New York law sets time limits for filing injury claims. Evidence can disappear, memories fade, and insurance companies build defenses immediately. An attorney can intervene early to protect legal rights, preserve proof, and communicate directly with insurers.
Legal counsel may be appropriate when:
- Injuries requiring medical treatment or resulting in missed work
- The other driver denies fault or leaves the scene
- Insurance coverage appears insufficient or unclear
- The accident occurred in poor weather or involved multiple vehicles
- A passenger was injured on the motorcycle
In New York, the injured party must prove that the other driver was negligent in order to recover damages. This may involve reviewing dashcam footage, interviewing witnesses, analyzing traffic patterns, or consulting medical professionals about injury severity.
Personal injury lawyers evaluate cases based on liability, damages, and insurance coverage. Not every incident leads to a lawsuit, but early legal guidance can improve claim outcomes, reduce the risk of undervalued settlements, and clarify what steps come next. Most consultations are free, and there is no obligation to move forward unless the injured party chooses to retain the firm, making it easier to understand how long a personal injury lawsuit take and what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Risks and Legal Rights in New York
Does no-fault insurance cover motorcycle accidents in New York?
Motorcycles are excluded from New York’s no-fault system. Injured riders must generally file a claim against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance or use their own optional coverage, such as medical payments or uninsured motorist protection.
What is the average motorcycle accident settlement in New York?
Settlement amounts vary widely based on injury severity, liability, and available insurance. Cases involving fractures, surgeries, or permanent impairments may settle for tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. Minor injuries may result in smaller settlements. There is no fixed average that applies to all cases.
Can a motorcyclist recover damages if partially at fault?
New York applies comparative negligence rules. A rider who is partly at fault may still recover damages, but the total award will be reduced in proportion to their share of fault. For example, if the rider is found 20 percent responsible, they may recover 80 percent of the total damages.
Is motorcycle lane-splitting legal in New York?
Lane splitting—riding between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic—is prohibited under New York law. In the event of a crash, riders who engage in lane splitting may be cited by law enforcement and may be found partially or fully liable.
Although some states allow the practice under specific conditions, New York considers it unsafe and unlawful. Motorcyclists should remain in a single lane and follow standard traffic patterns to reduce the risk of accidents and legal consequences.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at William Mattar, P.C.
William Mattar, P.C. represents injured motorcyclists throughout New York. The firm handles claims involving passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, intersection collisions, and lane change incidents. Attorneys work directly with clients to develop a strategy tailored to their recovery goals.
Each consultation is confidential and allows one to review the facts, ask questions, and discuss potential legal action. If the case proceeds, the firm handles insurance communication, claim preparation, and negotiations on the client’s behalf.
Call (844) 444-4444 for a free consultation. The firm serves clients across Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, and surrounding communities.