Long Island, NY Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Long Island, New York, is the best of both worlds for many motorcycle riders. Art galleries, museums, and entertainment venues characterize the diverse, urban landscape here. For those who crave nature, there are farms, orchards, and vineyards beckoning.
Unfortunately, journal headlines such as “Motorcyclist Critically Injured” and “Motorcyclist Killed in Early Morning Crash” are not uncommon in Nassau and Suffolk counties. On average, in New York, 1,558 hospitalizations and 141 deaths due to motorcycle crashes occur every year.
If you or a family member has been involved in a motorcycle accident, the team at Hill & Moin wants you to feel heard and supported. Our compassionate approach, paired with more than 50 years of combined experience, makes you feel like you have a motorcycle accident lawyer in your family. To learn your rights after a Long Island motorcycle accident, call (212) 668-6000 to schedule your free consultation with us.
Driver Errors That Could Lead to Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle riders must take safety precautions on busy interstates like I-495 or quiet country roads. Helmets and other protective gear increase visibility and shield riders from the elements. Yet, motorcycle riders are still overrepresented in fatal traffic accidents.
Negligent drivers place motorcycle operators at great risk. A motorcycle accident attorney can determine whether dangerous behaviors contributed to your injuries.
Alcohol and drug use
New York drivers are legally alcohol-impaired if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 percent or higher. Besides alcohol, over-the-counter, prescription, and illegal drugs can impair people’s driving abilities.
A driver should never ignore labels that caution against “operating heavy machinery.” Some substances slow coordination, reaction time, or affect judgment. Others cause sleepiness or dizziness or can make drivers more reckless.
Excessive speed
In most areas of New York, road signs indicate the maximum speed limit. However, state law states that drivers should not exceed 55 mph if no limit is posted. Some cities, including New York, place the default speed limit at 25 mph unless otherwise indicated.
Going slower than expected can also pose a hazard to other motorists. Thus, the State of New York sets a minimum speed of 45 miles per hour for expressways such as I-84, I-278, and I-478.
Despite these guidelines, motorcycle collisions still occur because motorists ignore the laws and warnings. In other instances, the at-fault driver relied too heavily on the posted speed limit. How so?
Drivers must weigh weather and road conditions to decide on an appropriate speed. It is a good idea to contact motorcycle accident lawyers after any collision. Ask how the cause of your motorcycle crash affects your compensation during your free comprehensive case review.
Sudden braking, improper lane changes, and turns
Drivers should always be on the lookout for motorcycles. Vigilance is vital when changing lanes or turning since bikes can be hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot. In traffic, another car could block the view of a nearby motorcyclist.
Lane splitting is when motorcyclists ride between two lanes, which is illegal in New York. Some motorcycle accident injuries occur when cars change lanes suddenly, blocking the motorbike or forcing the rider against another vehicle. Lane splitting increases this risk.
Some drivers have a hard time judging the distance and speed of motorcycles in comparison to other vehicles. Responsible motorists keep a safe distance from bikers and use signals to indicate lane changes and turns.
Reckless driving
A reckless person does not think or care about others. On the road, recklessness can lead to catastrophic injuries. Driving while tired, distracted, or practicing any other irresponsible actions shows disregard for the safety of others.
New York law imposes consequences on careless drivers who cause motor vehicle accidents. If you suspect negligence played a role in your motorcycle crash, please contact Hill & Moin at (212) 668-6000 right away.
Other Causes of Motorcycle Accidents You Should Know
When someone buys a motorcycle, the bike is generally expected to be in good working order. If your motorbike has a design flaw or a defective part, the companies involved in designing, manufacturing, and distributing could be held liable for injuries.
In contrast, those in charge of inspections and maintenance are responsible for doing their job according to specific standards. If they negligently miss a warning sign or slack on their duties, a motorcycle accident could be the sad outcome.
Did you notice any of the following issues before your crash?
- Failed brakes
- Tire blowouts
- Fires or explosions
- Leaking fluids
- Corroded equipment
- Broken chains, belts, and sprockets
- Stuck control cables
No matter how skilled, drivers cannot always avoid motorcycle accidents caused by mechanical failure. Please contact Hill & Moin motorcycle accident attorneys if mechanical problems prompted your motorcycle accident.
How Motorcycle Accident Injuries Affect Victims
As motorcyclists are more exposed than car drivers, they often sustain more serious injuries. If someone else caused your injuries, a motorcycle accident lawyer can seek justice under personal injury law. Notice the serious motorcycle accident injuries listed below and the damages they can incur.
Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
Depending on the location and severity of an SCI, motorcycle accident victims may suffer symptoms that vary from persistent pain to paralysis. Complications like those below can affect an SCI patient’s ability to work or enjoy social activities:
- Bladder and bowel dysfunction
- Urinary tract infections
- Pressure ulcers (bed sores)
- Low or high blood pressure
- Blood clots
- Breathing and heart problems
- Depression
- Difficulty with self-care (e.g. feeding and hygiene)
Studies show that early rehabilitation is essential in preventing deformities, loss of muscle strength, and weakening of the respiratory and digestive systems. Yet, the costs of hiring a healthcare professional might seem out of your reach.
Did you know that the fine print of your insurance coverage could include details about receiving funds for rehabilitative assistance?
Don’t miss out on your benefits. Find out what compensation you are entitled to after a Long Island motorcycle accident for free. Request your confidential case review by filling out our brief contact form today.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
TBIs, caused by jolts to the head or penetrating injuries, affect how the brain works. The symptoms range from mild to severe. While people with a mild TBI like a concussion often recover safely, those with moderate or severe TBIs might deal with health problems for the rest of their lives.
Traumatic brain injuries can cause long-term or short-term:
- Vision and hearing problems
- Headaches
- Irritability, sadness, or anxiety
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Memory and concentration issues
- Muscle weakness
- Problems with coordination and balance
- Trouble controlling behavior
- Coma
- Seizures
- Increased susceptibility to infection, pneumonia, and drug poisoning
SCIs and TBIs are only two of the devastating conditions that could decrease a person’s life expectancy or impact happiness. A motorcycle accident injury can affect a victim’s independence, career, and family life even years after the event. If you are dealing with accident injuries, you probably wonder whether there is any hope that your situation will improve.
Pursuing Financial Compensation After a Motorcycle Crash
In principle, insurance companies should pay for the damages caused by liable policyholders. In reality, greedy insurers are reluctant to pay victims what they deserve.
If you were involved in a Long Island motorcycle accident, getting immediate legal assistance can protect you from making mistakes that could disqualify you from receiving compensation. A Hill & Moin motorcycle accident lawyer could seek compensation for the client losses described below.
Medical bills
Motorcycle accidents often rack up significant healthcare expenses. Have you received charges for any of these standard services?
- Hospital room charges
- Medical supplies and equipment
- Tests and procedures
- Outpatient services and rehabilitation
- Home health care visits
- Prescription drugs
If so, insurance companies could make it challenging for you to get adequate compensation. Accepting the word of an insurer can mean making a decision you will soon regret.
Hill & Moin invites you to review your motorcycle accident cases at no cost. Armed with accurate information and an understanding of your rights, you can secure a future free from the worry of medical debt. Schedule your appointment today by calling (212) 668-6000 at your earliest convenience.
Lost wages
When a Long Island motorcycle accident forces you to miss work, you should be compensated for lost wages and vacation days used during your recovery. Motorcycle accident lawyers are often instrumental in winning lost wages, so get in touch as soon as possible. You might be surprised at how much you are due.
Fatal injuries
Preventable death is one painful consequence of some New York motorcycle accidents. As a family member of a deceased motorcycle rider, you might have mixed feelings about consulting a motorcycle accident lawyer.
At Hill & Moin, though, our clients soon realize that our compassionate motorcycle accident attorneys really care. And if we find it best that your case is handled by one of our partnering firms, you will find that they too have your best interests at heart. You deserve more than professionalism at this difficult time – you also deserve compassion and empathy.
We and our partners pursue your interests like you are one of the family. We have seen wrongful death compensation lift the financial burden from grieving relatives and want to get you that same relief. Find out more by calling our team at (212) 668-6000 any time of day or night.
Experience the Advantages of Personal Injury Recovery SolutionsⓇ
The problems motorcycle drivers and their loved ones face can seem overwhelming in times of stress. Yet, hiring experienced motorcycle accident attorneys can help you regain your confidence and peace of mind.
Learn what extraordinary results could await you. Contact a member of the Hill & Moin Long Island motorcycle accident team at (212) 668-6000 or send us a brief message.
Don’t wonder about your rights!