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Motorcycle Accident Lawyer NYC

Auto accidents involving motorcycles are some of the worst crashes on the road. Motorcyclists are at a much higher risk for sustaining serious injuries when they are hurt on their bike, and sometimes a crash may even involve wrongful death. New York law also does not make it easy for motorcyclists to obtain the insurance coverage they need, making these claims even more complex. If you have been hurt or have lost a loved one, contact an experienced NYC motorcycle accident lawyer from Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. today.

Why are Motorcycle Accidents Different from Other Crashes?

An accident involving two passenger cars may be considered a minor collision. For motorcyclists though, there is no such thing as a minor accident. Bikers are much more susceptible to sustain severe injuries for four main reasons:

  • Motorcycles do not have a strong steel frame surrounding them, leaving the biker greatly exposed to direct impacts.
  • Motorcycles are not as sturdy as other vehicles, having only two wheels instead of four. They are more at risk for falling, and a biker may be thrown from their bike in the event of a crash.
  • Motorcycles are much smaller and weigh just a fraction of the weight of a larger passenger vehicle. Due to this, even a small impact could result in significant damage and injuries.
  • Other drivers on the road do not watch as carefully for motorcycles as they do larger vehicles. This may cause them to refuse a motorcyclist their right-of-way, follow the biker too closely, or engage in other behaviors that are dangerous for motorcyclists.

The very roads bikers travel also put them at greater risk. New York City is full of potholes, debris, and other dangerous conditions. In a passenger vehicle, these defects are sometimes barely noticeable. For motorcycles, though, these conditions can cause the biker to lose balance and control of the bike.

Common Injuries that Result from Motorcycle Accidents

Broken bones, permanent scarring, and burns can result from a motorcycle accident, just as they can during any other type of crash. However, there are also additional injuries motorcyclists are at risk for when involved in a collision. The most common of these include:

Although this injury may not sound serious, it entails much more than just a biker losing their glove. A degloving injury occurs when a large section of the biker’s skin is detached from the tissue beneath it. Skin grafts and surgery are often needed to repair this injury, and it sometimes can require amputation.

Motorcyclists are also more prone to road rash, which occurs when the body scrapes along the pavement, resulting in cuts, scrapes, and nerve damage. Road rash also makes a person more susceptible to a secondary injury, including infection.

All motorcyclists in New York, regardless of their age or skill level, are required to wear motorcycle helmets any time they are on a bike. However, even helmets that meet the strictest standards are often not enough to fully protect the brain and head from serious injury in the event of a crash. Brain damage, comas, and sensory perception issues are common after a motorcycle accident.

Motorcyclists will often try to break their fall by stretching out their arms and legs. As a result, the limbs scrape against the pavement and injuries can include broken bones, nerve damage, and injuries to the elbows, wrists, ankles, and knees.

When a motorcyclist is thrown from their bike, they could land on their back and sustain serious spinal cord injuries. Among the most serious of these is partial or complete paralysis.

Sadly, the above are just a few of the most common injuries bikers may sustain during an accident.

Treatment Necessary After a Motorcycle Accident

In the best of circumstances, a motorcycle accident will only result in minor fractures and cuts and bruises that do not require hospitalization. Sadly, however, recovery often involves much more than that.

Due to the serious nature of the injuries motorcyclists sustain, they often require long-term care. In-home care is sometimes necessary for several months after a crash, with accident victims needing around-the-clock support. Physical therapy is usually recommended along with other forms of treatment, and a victim’s life may be drastically changed.

Tragically, some victims never make a full recovery from their injuries. When accident victims are left paralyzed or sustain a traumatic brain injury, they may never become the same person they were prior to the crash. Those are just two of the most serious injuries a person may incur during a motorcycle accident.

Motorcycle Insurance After a Crash

Dealing with liability and the insurance company is never easy after an accident. When a motorcycle is involved in a crash and the biker is seeking damages, it is even more difficult. New York law does not recognize motorcycles as motor vehicles under the state’s no-fault laws, so they are not covered under the state’s insurance laws.

Many motorcyclists think the law works against them. It is true that not being covered under the no-fault laws can make it more difficult for bikers to receive the coverage they need right away after a crash. However, there is a benefit to not being covered by no-fault laws. It also means that motorcyclists do not have to meet the serious injury threshold that other drivers do when they want to pursue a claim against the liable party.

Get Legal Help Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, our New York City motorcycle accident lawyers can help. At Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C., our experienced attorneys know how to investigate these claims and collect evidence to prove your claim. We will also hold liable parties and the insurance company accountable for paying the full amount of compensation you deserve. Contact us today to arrange a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable attorneys.

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