Long Island motorcycle accident claims follow New York State law, and lawsuits can be filed in the Nassau County Supreme Court or the Suffolk County Supreme Court, depending on where the crash victim or defendant lives. Two rider-specific rules shape every case, motorcyclists are excluded from no-fault benefits under Insurance Law § 5103(a), and they are generally exempt from the serious injury threshold that limits most car accident lawsuits. At William Mattar, P.C. our team has focused on motor vehicle accidents for more than 30 years.
Key facts about Long Island motorcycle accident claims
- Riders and their passengers receive no first party no-fault benefits under Insurance Law § 5103(a), unlike car occupants, who get up to $50,000 in basic economic loss under Insurance Law § 5102(a).
- Riders are exempt from the serious injury threshold in Insurance Law § 5104(a) and can sue the at-fault driver from the first dollar of loss.
- The general lawsuit deadline is three years from the crash under CPLR § 214. The time deadline can be much shorter depending on the circumstances, including if a governmental entity is involved.
The first days after a Long Island motorcycle crash
The early steps match any New York injury claim. Get medical care, make sure a police report is filed, and notify every involved insurer promptly. The difference for riders is the bills. Because motorcyclists sit outside the no-fault system, health insurance rather than auto insurance pays for early treatment, and lost wages are not reimbursed automatically. Preserving evidence early matters too, since heavy Nassau and Suffolk traffic means witnesses and camera footage are often available but disappear fast. William Mattar P.C. offers free case reviews and can take over insurer communications immediately.
Where Long Island motorcycle cases are filed
Long Island spans two counties, and venue follows the residence of parties. Crashes involving Nassau County residents are generally pursued in the Nassau County Supreme Court. Suffolk County cases are pursued in the Suffolk County Supreme Court, which hears civil matters. The Supreme Court in each county handles personal injury cases, including motorcycle claims, while criminal matters proceed separately.
The rules that apply only to riders
New York treats motorcyclists differently from drivers in two directions at once. The exclusion from no-fault benefits means no automatic payment of medical bills or lost earnings. The trade-off is that riders skip the serious injury threshold in Insurance Law § 5104(a), a hurdle every injured car occupant must clear before suing for pain and suffering..
The other rule that decides many Long Island cases is supplementary uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, known as SUM, under Insurance Law § 3420(f)(2). When the at-fault driver carries only minimum limits, the rider's own SUM coverage can add a second layer of recovery.
The claim process and timeline
Most Long Island motorcycle claims move through the same stages, and the firm's guide on how long a motorcycle accident lawsuit takes covers each phase in depth. The table below shows the typical order and pace. Every case is unique.
| Claim stage | Typical timing |
| Medical treatment and investigation | Starts immediately and continues until injuries stabilize or reach maximum improvement. |
| Insurance claim and settlement demand | Usually within the first months, once records and lost wage proof support a full demand. |
| Filing suit in Nassau or Suffolk County Supreme Court | Any time before the three-year deadline in CPLR § 214, earlier when the insurer will not negotiate fairly. |
| Discovery and depositions | Commonly the longest phase of a contested case, often a year or more in busy downstate courts. |
| Settlement or trial | Most cases settle before trial. Trial follows only when the parties cannot reach a settlement. |
Frequently asked questions
Where is a motorcycle lawsuit filed on Long Island?
In the Supreme Court of the county tied to the parties. Determining proper venue depends on the residence of the parties.
Does no-fault insurance cover motorcyclists on Long Island?
No. Operators and passengers of motorcycles are excluded from no-fault benefits under Insurance Law § 5103(a), a rule the Department of Financial Services confirms in its consumer guidance. Riders pursue the at-fault driver directly instead.
How long do I have to sue after a Long Island motorcycle accident?
Generally three years from the crash under CPLR § 214. Shorter deadlines can apply in some situations, including claims involving government vehicles or a death, so getting legal advice quickly is the safe move.
Were you hurt riding in Nassau or Suffolk County? The attorneys at William Mattar, P.C. are available 24/7 with no fee unless your case recovers money. Call (844) 444-4444. Offices and intake locations across New York State.
About William Mattar, P.C.
William Mattar, P.C. is a New York law firm that only handles motor vehicle accident cases and has represented injured people for over 30 years. The firm’s principal office is in Williamsville, with offices and intake locations across the country. It represents motorcycle, car, truck, bus, pedestrian, and rideshare accident victims throughout New York State, with free case reviews available 24/7 at (844) 444-4444.
Related reading from William Mattar
- Hit by an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver on a Motorcycle
- Injured as a Passenger on a Motorcycle in New York
- Who Is Liable When a Truck Hits a Motorcycle in New York
- How to Evaluate a Motorcycle Accident Law Firm in New York State
- Does No Fault Insurance Cover Motorcycle Accidents in New York State
Each of the above is part of William Mattar’s New York State accident resource library.
Sources
- New York State Unified Court System, Nassau County Supreme Court. nycourts.gov/courts/nassau-county-supreme-court
- New York State Unified Court System, Suffolk County Supreme Court. nycourts.gov/courts/10th-jd-suffolk/suffolk-county-supreme-court
- Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research, New York State Fact Sheet, Motorcycle Crashes (December 2024). itsmr.org
- New York State Senate, Insurance Law Section 5103. nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/ISC/5103
- New York State Senate, Insurance Law Section 5104. nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/ISC/5104
- New York State Senate, Insurance Law Section 3420. nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/ISC/3420
- New York State Senate, CPLR Section 214. nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/CVP/214
- New York State Department of Financial Services, Consumer FAQs About No-Fault Insurance. dfs.ny.gov/consumers/auto_insurance/nofault_faqs
Attorney Advertising. This article provides general information about New York law and is not legal advice for any specific situation. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Last updated July 2026.