The feeling of freedom on a motorcycle is unlike any other. Whether you were enjoying a scenic ride along the Montauk Highway, taking in the views on the Ocean Parkway, or simply commuting home on Route 25, you know the unique connection between rider, machine, and the open road. But in a single, terrifying moment, the negligence of another driver can shatter that freedom, leaving you with devastating injuries, mounting medical bills, and an uncertain future.
At William Mattar, P.C. we understand what you are going through. A motorcycle crash can be confusing, painful, and frightening. You are not just a case number to us; you are a person who has been wronged and deserves justice. Your focus should be on healing, not on fighting with insurance companies. If you’ve been hurt in a crash on Long Island, you need an experienced and compassionate motorcycle accident lawyer to protect your rights and fight for the full compensation you need to rebuild your life. Our team is here to lift that burden from your shoulders. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation.
Why Choose William Mattar, P.C. for Your Long Island Motorcycle Accident Claim
When your health and financial future are on the line, choosing the right legal team is the most important decision you can make. The legal landscape after a motorcycle accident is complex, and insurance companies often work aggressively to minimize their payouts, sometimes by unfairly blaming the rider. You need an advocate with the experience, resources, and unwavering dedication to stand up for you. Here’s why so many injured riders on Long Island and across New York State trust William Mattar Law Offices:
- A Laser-Focused on Motor Vehicle Accidents: Personal injury law is a broad field, but our practice is not. We only handle personal injury claims stemming from motor vehicle collisions. This singular focus means your case will be handled by an experienced attorney who is deeply knowledgeable in the specific laws, insurance tactics, and accident reconstruction principles critical to motorcycle accident cases. We don’t dilute our experience; we concentrate it for your benefit.
- Decades of Experience and Proven Success: With over 30 years of experience, our firm has a long and established track record of success. We have helped thousands of clients navigate the most complex accident claims, collecting compensation for pain and suffering on their behalf. This history demonstrates not only our legal skill but also our commitment to achieving the maximum possible recovery for every person we represent.
- A Large, Dedicated Team Ready to Work for You: When you hire William Mattar, P.C. you get an entire team of legal professionals. From our 24/7 intake specialists who guide you through the first critical steps, to our skilled attorneys and support staff, we have the resources to thoroughly investigate your claim, gather evidence, and build a powerful case. We are an established firm with offices and intake locations across New York, including Long Island, ready to put our collective strength to work for you.
- You Can Afford Our Help—Guaranteed: We believe that everyone deserves access to exceptional legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we work on a contingency fee and offer our No Fee Until We Win℠. This means you pay absolutely no upfront costs or attorneys’ legal fees. We work on a contingency fee basis, so our payment is contingent on us securing a financial recovery for you. We only get paid if you get paid. This policy allows you to focus on your recovery without the added stress of legal bills.
Choosing William Mattar, P.C. means choosing a partner who will treat you with compassion, respect, and the dedication you deserve. We are here to fight for you every step of the way.
The Insurance Company Made Me an Offer. Should I Take It?
In the days or weeks following your accident, you may receive a phone call from the at-fault driver's insurance adjuster. They might sound friendly and concerned, and they may even make you a quick settlement offer. It can be incredibly tempting to accept it. The money could help with the immediate medical bills piling up, and the idea of putting this whole ordeal behind you is appealing.
However, it is crucial to understand the insurance company’s primary goal: to protect its profits by paying out as little as possible. The first offer is almost always far less than what your claim is actually worth.
An initial settlement offer is a calculated tactic. The adjuster knows you are in a vulnerable position. They are betting that you don’t yet understand the full extent of your injuries or the total long-term costs associated with your accident. This first offer will likely not account for:
- Future Medical Treatment: Will you need ongoing physical therapy, future surgeries, or long-term pain management?
- Long-Term Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your job or limit your earning capacity in the future, a quick settlement won’t cover those devastating losses.
- Pain and Suffering: The physical pain, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life you have experienced are significant damages that a lowball offer completely ignores.
- Permanent Disability or Disfigurement: Serious injuries can have lifelong consequences that require substantial compensation.
Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you forfeit your right to seek any further compensation for your injuries, even if your condition worsens or you discover you need more medical care down the road. It is a final decision.
Before you speak to an adjuster or sign any paperwork, you must speak with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. We can help you understand the true value of your claim and will handle all communications with the insurance company, protecting you from their tactics and fighting for a settlement that covers the full scope of your damages.
The Impact of Motorcycle Accident Injuries on Long Island
Motorcycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which can be severe or life-altering. The lack of protection that motorcycles offer compared to other vehicles can make riders more susceptible to serious harm.
The Importance of Knowing Average Motorcycle Accident Injury Costs
Knowing the average costs associated with common motorcycle accident injuries is important for several reasons:
- Understanding the potential financial impact: Motorcycle accidents can result in substantial medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs. By understanding the average prices of common injuries, you can better grasp the potential financial implications of your situation and plan accordingly.
- Assessing the value of a personal injury claim: When pursuing a personal injury claim, you want to have a clear idea of the damages you've incurred. Knowing the average costs of specific injuries can help you and your Long Island motorcycle accident attorney determine a fair settlement amount to seek from the at-fault party's insurance company.
- Highlighting the importance of seeking legal representation: The high costs associated with motorcycle accident injuries underscore the importance of retaining an experienced personal injury attorney. An accident lawyer can fight for your rights and work to secure the maximum compensation possible to help cover your medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
Compensation Available in a Long Island Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
No amount of money can undo the trauma of a serious motorcycle accident. However, securing fair compensation is essential for your recovery and your ability to move forward. It provides the financial resources you need to pay for medical care, make up for lost income, and acknowledge the immense physical and emotional toll the accident has taken.
In a New York personal injury claim, you may be entitled to recover compensation for a variety of damages, including:
- All Medical Expenses: This covers everything from the initial ambulance ride and emergency room treatment to hospital stays, surgeries, prescription medications, doctor’s appointments, and assistive devices like crutches.
- Future Medical Costs: If your injuries require long-term care, such as ongoing physical therapy, rehabilitation, or future medical procedures, we work with medical experts to project these costs so they can be included in your claim.
- Lost Wages or Income: This is compensation for the income you lost while you were unable to work during your recovery.
- Loss of Future Earning Capacity: If your injuries are permanent and prevent you from returning to your previous job or limit your ability to earn a living, you can be compensated for this devastating loss of future income.
- Property Damage: This includes the cost to repair or replace your damaged motorcycle, helmet, and any other personal property destroyed in the crash.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress caused by your injuries.
- Mental Anguish: This includes compensation for conditions like anxiety, depression, fear, shock, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that often follow a traumatic crash.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from participating in hobbies, activities, or life experiences that you once loved, you deserve to be compensated for this loss.
- Disfigurement and Scarring: Compensation for permanent scars, amputation, or other physical disfigurements that affect your appearance and self-esteem.
In the tragic event that a loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident, our compassionate team can help eligible family members file a wrongful death claim to seek justice and compensation for their profound loss.
What if I’m Partly to Blame for My Accident Injuries?
Many motorcycle riders worry that if they are found to be even slightly at fault for the accident, they will be unable to recover any compensation. This is a common fear, and one that insurance companies often exploit to deny claims or pressure victims into accepting a low settlement.
Fortunately, New York law is on your side in this situation. New York follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule. In simple terms, this means that you can still recover damages even if you were partially responsible for the accident.
Here’s how it works: a court will determine the total amount of your damages and then assign a percentage of fault to each party involved. Your final compensation award is then reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, let’s say the court finds that the other driver was 80% at fault and you were 20% at fault (perhaps for speeding slightly at the time of the crash), you would still be able to recover 80% of your damages.
It is critical to remember that insurance adjusters will do everything they can to shift as much blame as possible onto you to reduce their payout. They may twist your words or misinterpret the facts of the accident. This is precisely why you need a skilled attorney to protect you. Our job is to fight back against these unfair accusations, present the evidence clearly, and work to minimize any percentage of fault assigned to you, thereby maximizing your financial recovery.
Long Island Motorcycle Accident FAQs
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in New York?
In New York, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident. However, there are exceptions. For example, if your claim is against a government entity (like a town or county), you have much shorter deadlines—often just 90 days to file a notice of claim. It is crucial not to wait. Key evidence can disappear, and witnesses' memories can fade over time. Contacting a lawyer promptly protects your right to seek compensation.
The other driver was uninsured. Can I still get compensation?
Yes. All New York auto insurance policies are required to include Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. If you were hit by a driver with no insurance or in a hit-and-run, you can file a claim with your own insurance company through your UM coverage. If the at-fault driver had insurance but their policy limits are too low to cover your damages, you may be able to use your UIM coverage. We can help you with this complex process.
My injuries seemed minor at first, but now I’m in a lot of pain. Is it too late?
It is never too late to seek medical attention. Some of the most serious injuries, like concussions, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage, may not show symptoms for hours or even days after a crash. It is vital to see a doctor for a full evaluation to diagnose and document all your injuries. As long as you are within the statute of limitations, it is not too late to contact a lawyer. In fact, this delay in symptoms makes having legal guidance even more important to link your injuries directly to the accident.
Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
You have been through a traumatic experience. Now is the time to focus on your physical and emotional recovery. You should not have to carry the additional burden of fighting a complex legal battle alone. The team at William Mattar Law Offices is here to stand by your side, to be your voice, and to fight relentlessly for the justice and compensation you deserve.
For over 30 years, our firm has been dedicated to one thing: making a difference for injured people. We have the experience, the resources, and the compassion to guide you through this difficult time. Let us handle the insurance companies, the legal deadlines, and the complexities of your case.
Don't let valuable time slip away. Every day that passes can make it more difficult to build the strongest possible claim. Take the first step towards getting your life back on track. Contact us today at (516) 444-4444 or through our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us put our dedicated team to work for you.
*Past performance does not guarantee future results, including financial results or client satisfaction.