The feeling of freedom on two wheels is unlike any other. Whether you’re enjoying a scenic ride along the breathtaking twists of the Hawk's Nest Highway, cruising down Seven Lakes Drive in Harriman State Park, or simply commuting to work, that connection between you, your bike, and the open road is something special.
But in a single, terrifying moment, the negligence of another driver can shatter that freedom, replacing it with pain, confusion, and fear for the future. You’re now facing mounting medical bills, relentless pain, and the frustrating silence or lowball offers from insurance companies.
During this difficult time, you need more than just legal advice; you need a dedicated New York motorcycle accident lawyer from William Mattar, P.C. who understands the unique challenges motorcyclists face on the road and in the courtroom. Our team is ready to take on that fight for you.
Don't wait another day to get the help you deserve; contact our team today for a free and confidential consultation.
Why Choose William Mattar Law Offices for Your New York Motorcycle Accident Claim?
After a motorcycle crash, choosing the right law firm is one of the most critical decisions you will make. You need a team with the specific experience, resources, and dedication required to handle the legal details of a motorcycle injury claim. At William Mattar, P.C. we have built our reputation on being that firm for injured victims across New York State, especially when guiding you through what to do after a motorcycle accident.
Here’s why so many New Yorkers have trusted us to handle their motor vehicle accident claims:
- Laser-Focused on Motor Vehicle Accidents: Personal injury law is all we do, and we have a specific focus on cases involving motor vehicles. Unlike general practice firms, we don't divide our attention. We live and breathe the nuances of traffic laws, insurance policies, and accident reconstruction techniques that are vital to winning motorcycle accident cases.
- Decades of Proven Experience: With over 30 years of fighting for the injured, our attorneys have the deep knowledge and seasoned legal skills to navigate any challenge your case may present. We’ve seen the tactics insurance companies use to devalue motorcycle claims, and we know how to counter them effectively.
- A Track Record of Success: Our results speak for themselves. We have helped thousands of clients, collecting compensation on their behalf. This track record demonstrates our ability to secure the maximum compensation our clients need to rebuild their lives.
- The No Fee Until We Win℠ Promise: We believe everyone deserves access to exceptional legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay us no attorneys’ legal fees upfront. We only get paid if we win a settlement or verdict for you. This is our No Fee Until We Win℠ promise.
When you choose William Mattar, P.C. you are not just hiring a lawyer; you are gaining a team of compassionate professionals committed to your well-being. We will handle the legal burdens so you can pour all your energy into healing.
How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in New York?
If you feel like you are the only one going through this, we want you to know that unfortunately, you are far from alone. The very things that make riding a motorcycle such a thrilling experience—the openness, the agility, the direct connection to the environment—also make riders tragically vulnerable in a crash.
According to the most recent data from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles and the Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research (ITSMR), the statistics are sobering. In a single recent year in New York, there were 4,337 motorcycle accidents resulting in injuries and, tragically, 188 fatalities.
While motorcycles make up a small fraction of the total vehicles registered in the state, they are disproportionately involved in serious and fatal crashes.
What do these numbers mean for you? They paint a clear picture of the dangers riders face, often through no fault of their own. Many of these accidents are caused by common forms of driver negligence, including:
- Failure to see the motorcycle
- Distracted driving
- Following too closely
- Unsafe lane changes
- Speeding and aggressive driving
The severe discrepancy in size and weight between a standard passenger car and a motorcycle means that in a collision, the rider almost always bears the brunt of the physical impact. This vulnerability is why the injuries sustained are so often catastrophic, leading to long-term health complications and immense financial strain, especially in situations where drivers fail to recognize that motorcycles have the right of way in New York.
A Crucial Detail for Injured Riders: New York's "No-Fault" Law
One of the most confusing and critical aspects of a motorcycle accident claim in New York involves the state's "No-Fault" insurance law. While you have likely heard that New York is a "No-Fault" state, it is vital for you to understand that motorcyclists are specifically excluded from this system.
This isn't just a minor legal detail; it has a massive impact on your path to recovery. In a car accident, the driver's own "Personal Injury Protection" (PIP) coverage pays for their initial medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault. Because you were on a motorcycle, you do not have this same safety net.
This means two things for you. First, you must rely on your personal health insurance to pay for your immediate medical treatment. Second, and most importantly, your ability to recover compensation for all of your losses—your medical expenses, your lost income, and your immense pain and suffering—depends entirely on pursuing a claim against the at-fault driver.
You are immediately placed in a position where you must prove the other driver’s negligence to get the help you need. This is a significant burden to carry while you are trying to heal. Our experienced attorneys at William Mattar, P.C. understand this critical distinction. We will immediately begin building your case and fighting to establish the other driver’s liability so you can secure the full compensation you rightfully deserve, especially given how New York Motorcycle Laws impact fault, insurance, and your right to recover damages.
Compensation Available in a New York Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
While no amount of money can undo the trauma of your crash, securing fair financial compensation is essential to protecting your future, and this is why you need a lawyer who can fight for the full value of your claim. It provides the stability you need to access the best medical care, cover your living expenses, and focus entirely on your healing.
Our dedicated attorneys will fight to recover compensation for all of your losses, including:
- Economic Damages: These are your tangible financial costs, such as all current and future medical bills, lost wages from being unable to work, diminished earning capacity if your injuries are long-term, and the cost to repair or replace your motorcycle and gear.
- Non-Economic Damages: This compensates you for the profound personal impact of the crash, including your physical pain and suffering, emotional anguish, permanent scarring or disfigurement, and the loss of enjoyment of life.
We will meticulously document every loss to build a powerful case that demonstrates the true value of your claim, ensuring you have the resources you need to move forward.
Who May Be Held Liable in a Motorcycle Accident Case?
While it may seem obvious that the other driver is at fault, a thorough investigation can sometimes reveal that other parties also share responsibility for your accident. Identifying all potentially liable parties is a crucial step in maximizing your financial recovery, as it can open up additional sources of insurance coverage.
At William Mattar, P.C. our investigation goes beyond the initial police report. We will explore every angle to determine who can be held legally accountable. Potentially liable parties may include:
- The Driver of the Other Vehicle: This is the most common scenario. We work to prove the driver was negligent by speeding, driving while distracted, driving under the influence (DUI), making an illegal turn, or otherwise violating traffic laws.
- A Municipality or Government Entity: Sometimes, the accident is caused or contributed to by dangerous road conditions. A city, county, or state government could be held liable for failing to maintain safe roads. This can include large potholes, uneven pavement, malfunctioning traffic signals, poor lighting, or a lack of proper signage. Claims against government entities have very strict rules and short deadlines, making it vital to contact an attorney immediately.
- The Manufacturer of the Motorcycle or a Part: If your accident was caused by a defective part on your motorcycle—such as brake failure, a tire blowout, or an engine malfunction—the manufacturer of the bike or the specific component could be held liable under product liability laws.
- A Third-Party Driver: In some cases, another driver’s actions may have caused the vehicle that hit you to swerve or react suddenly. This "phantom" driver, even if they made no contact with you, can still be held partially or fully responsible for the crash.
Our legal team has the resources to conduct a comprehensive investigation, which may involve hiring accident reconstruction experts, reviewing traffic camera footage, and interviewing eyewitnesses to ensure every responsible party is brought to justice—an important reassurance for riders who may wonder whether motorcycles worth the risk after a serious crash.
New York State Motorcycle Accident Claims FAQs
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive from injured riders.
What if I wasn't wearing a helmet? Can I still file a claim?
Yes, you can absolutely still file a claim. New York has a "universal helmet law," meaning all motorcycle operators and passengers are required to wear a helmet. While failing to do so is a violation of the law, it does not prevent you from recovering compensation from the at-fault driver. However, it can affect the amount you receive.
Under New York’s “comparative negligence” rule, if it is determined that your failure to wear a helmet contributed to the severity of your head or facial injuries, your compensation could be reduced by your percentage of fault. This could also be seen as a “failure to mitigate damages,” which can result in a decrease in the amount of damages. An experienced lawyer can help argue that your injuries would have occurred regardless of helmet use, fighting to minimize any reduction in your award.
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in New York?
This is governed by a law called the statute of limitations. For most personal injury cases in New York, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you are filing a claim for wrongful death, the deadline is typically two years from the date of your loved one's passing.
It is critical to note that there are exceptions. For example, if your claim is against a government entity (like a city or county), you must file a "Notice of Claim" in as little as 90 days. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from recovering any compensation, which is why it is so important to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
What happens if the driver who hit me has no insurance or fled the scene?
This is a frightening situation, but you may still have options for recovery. This is where your own motorcycle insurance policy becomes crucial. If you have Supplemental Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (SUM) coverage, you can file a claim with your own insurance company to cover your damages up to your policy limits.
SUM coverage is extremely important for all New York riders. Our attorneys can review your policy, help you file the SUM claim, and fight to ensure your own insurance company treats you fairly.
Contact Our Trusted New York Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
If you suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident, you need a strong legal advocate. The team at William Mattar Law Offices is here to provide the compassionate support and powerful legal representation you need to move forward. We will stand by your side every step of the way, relentlessly fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.
When you trust us with your case, our motorcycle accident lawyers will:
- Conduct a thorough, independent investigation into your crash to gather all necessary evidence.
- Handle relevant paperwork and communications with insurance adjusters, hospitals, and bill collectors.
- Work with leading medical and financial experts to accurately calculate the full value of your claim.
- Aggressively negotiate with the insurance company for a fair and just settlement.
- Be fully prepared to take your case to trial if the insurance company refuses to offer what you deserve.
Don't let valuable time slip away. Each day that passes can make it more difficult to build the strongest possible case. Take the first step toward getting your life back.
Contact William Mattar, P.C. today at (716) 444-4444 or through our online form for a free and confidential consultation.