Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
The joy of riding a motorcycle has the potential to turn tragic very quickly. Motorcyclists are vulnerable because they do not have an automobile body to protect them. In the event of an accident, there is very little protection for the rider. Even a minor motorcycle accident has the potential to result in serious injuries. When riding a motorcycle, there are many factors to consider, such as weather, time of day, and traffic conditions. But, safety should always be first priority. Unfortunately, even the safest riders can become injury victims due to another driver’s negligence.
Injured motorcyclists may find it difficult to recover compensation without the help of an experienced attorney. In New York State, motorcycle insurance policies do not include Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage.
At William Mattar law offices, we have protected the rights of injured victims for more than 30 years. We are here to help protect your rights after being injured in an accident.
Do I Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
Insurance companies generally try to pay out as little as they can on bodily injury claims. It may be a good idea to speak with an attorney before accepting a settlement from an insurance company. Once you sign a release, you cannot receive any additional compensation on the claim. Our lawyers have experience negotiating with insurance companies and we will fight to get you compensation for your pain and suffering. Before contacting any motorcycle accident lawyer, we suggest reading our What to do After a Motorcycle Accident page.
Helping Motorcycle Accident Victims
Whether it is discovering the causes of motor vehicle crashes or learning how to educate the public on how to potentially prevent future accidents, William Mattar law offices is here to help. Our motorcycle accident lawyers have created the following pages to provide you with information following a motorcycle crash:
- Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists like you face unique dangers on the road. Learn why the most common types of crashes happen and how you may be able to protect yourself. - Types of Motorcycle Accidents
Every motorcycle accident is slightly different, with different contributing factors that influence the outcome. - What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
Being involved in a motorcycle accident can leave you feeling confused and overwhelmed. Learn what steps you should take in the aftermath of a crash.
- Do I Need a Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
Unlike some New York motorists, motorcyclists do not need to have their injury qualify in a “serious injury” category to bring a claim against the at-fault motorist. - What to Expect After a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accidents can be stressful and confusing for all parties involved. Here are a few things you might expect after a motorcycle accident. - Motorcycle Accident Injuries
From the severity of injuries bikers often face to the difference in types of insurance coverage, discover the ways in which motorcycle accidents differ from car accidents. - Preparing to Ride a Motorcycle
To help prepare for riding a motorcycle in New York State, riders should wear the right protective safety gear, learn how to operate the bike, and complete a motorcycle inspection prior to entering traffic. - Laws and Safety Tips
Safe riding requires knowledge, skill, and experience. Get information about New York state vehicle and traffic laws and read helpful tips in order to help prevent motorcycle accidents. - New York Motorcycle Licensing Requirements
New York State residents are required to comply with the licensing requirements and obtain a learner permit or license to drive a motorcycle. - Motorcycle Helmet Laws
In New York State, it is required by law that both drivers and passengers are wearing a helmet. - Gathering Evidence for a Motorcycle Accident Injury Claim
It is important to gather evidence, if you intend to bring a lawsuit against the at-fault driver, if you were injured in a motorcycle accident. - Types of Motorcycle Accident Claims
Not every motor vehicle accident involves a car. Read about the different types of motorcycle accident claims and who can/may be held responsible. - Types of Compensation
You may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical bills. Learn more about the different types of compensation. - New York Motorcycle Insurance
In New York State, insurance for motorcyclists is different than insurance for other motorists. It is important for motorcyclists to know about these differences. - Find a Motorcycle Repair Shop Near You
If you are in need of motorcycle repairs after an accident, you can use this list to find some motorcycle repair shops in your area. - When Should I See a Doctor?
It may be difficult to determine the severity of your injuries after a motorcycle crash without seeking medical help. Learn how seeking medical treatment can protect your health and your legal rights to compensation.
- Motorcycle FAQ
An accident can leave you wondering where to turn for information that you can trust. Visit our FAQ to get answers to questions about your legal rights, helmet laws, and tips to potentially prevent an accident. - Head-On Motorcycle Accidents
Head-on motorcycle accidents can be devastating for motorcyclists. If you or a loved one have been injured in a head-on motorcycle crash, contact William Mattar for help.
Get Help After Your Motorcycle Accident
At William Mattar law offices, our lawyers will thoroughly review your case. It is our goal to get you compensation for your injuries in the least amount of time possible. Contact us online now to speak with an experienced New York motorcycle accident attorney. Or call (844) 444 - 4444 for 24/7 help.
Motorcycle Accident FAQ
1. Can I get compensation for my motorcycle accident injuries?
Injured motorcyclists in New York State may be able to collect compensation for their damages and injuries, including pain and suffering, and reimbursement for lost wages and medical bills. If you’ve been injured on a motorcycle, it’s important to speak with a personal injury lawyer about your legal rights as soon as possible—certain paperwork associated with injury claims must meet strict deadlines.
2. What is the New York State helmet law?
Current law in New York State requires that all riders, including operators and passengers, wear helmets. Wearing a helmet can be the difference between life and death. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that for every 100 motorcycle riders killed in crashes while not wearing helmets, 37 could have been saved if all 100 riders had been wearing helmets.
3. What are the most common motorcycle accidents?
One common cause of motorcycle accidents is a lack of motorcycle visibility to other vehicle traffic. Poor roadway conditions due to weather or pavement defects and lane splitting (when riders rides between two lanes of traffic) also are factors in many accidents. The NHTSA reports that 47 percent of motorcycles involved in fatal crashes were involved in collisions with other moving motor vehicles, and 27 percent of fatal crashes involved riders striking fixed objects. Our experience tells us that the actual causes of an injury accident can be complicated and cased by multiple factors. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, speak with our motorcycle accident injury lawyers today by calling (844) 444 - 4444 or filling out our free initial consultation form.
4. How can I prevent motorcycle accidents?
The law in New York requires riders to use headlights when on motorcycles, regardless of the time of day, to increase motorcycle visibility to other vehicles on the road. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that motorcyclists:
- avoid tailgating other vehicles
- maintain a safe speed when traveling over slippery surfaces or gravel
- avoid riding after drinking
- improve defensive riding skills
To learn about other ways to practice safe riding habits, The New York State Motorcycle Safety Program offers classes for beginners and advanced riders throughout the state.
5. What do I need to legally ride a motorcycle in New York?
Before riding a motorcycle in New York State, you must apply for a motorcycle learner’s permit at a New York State Department of Motor Vehicles office. After practicing with a learner’s permit, you must either schedule a motorcycle road test or waive a road test by completing a New York State Motorcycle Safety Program. Just like other motor vehicles, motorcycles must be registered and titled in New York. In addition, riders are required to carry motorcycle liability insurance with the following minimum coverage:
- $25,000 in bodily injury coverage
- $50,000 in total bodily injury coverage for accidents where multiple people are injured
- $50,000 in death coverage
- $100,000 in death coverage for accidents with multiple fatalities
- $10,000 in property damage coverage
State minimum coverage may not be enough to cover all of your damages or fully protect you after a motorcycle crash. At William Mattar Law Offices, we understand how motorcycle insurance works, and we’re here to answer your questions in the event of a motorcycle accident injury.
6. How much does it cost to hire a motorcycle accident injury lawyer?
At William Mattar, we believe concerns about the cost of hiring an injury lawyer shouldn’t stop you from getting high quality legal help. That’s why we offer our No Fee Until We WinSM, a promise that you won’t owe us attorney’s fees unless we win or settle your case. Your initial case consultation is free, and you won’t pay us anything up front. Contact us to get the help you deserve today—just dial (844) 444 - 4444 or complete our free initial consultation form. Our motorcycle accident injury lawyers serve clients throughout New York state, including the Buffalo, Albany, Rochester, Syracuse, Long Island, and New York City areas, and we’re here to help 24/7.
7. What if the person who caused my motorcycle accident injury has no insurance?
You may be able to file a claim under any uninsured motorist (UM) insurance coverage on your motorcycle insurance policy. There may be other claims you can make under other insurance policies. Our motorcycle accident injury attorneys can investigate your accident and review your insurance coverage to help determine your rights to pursue a UM claim, or other claims.