Cases of Manhattan motorcycle accidents have increased at a disturbing rate. According to the latest reports, the number of motorcycle accidents that occur within a year is almost at the same rate as car accidents. However, one thing for sure is that motorcycle accidents are more dangerous than car accidents. Hence those who are involved in motorcycle accidents tend to get serious injuries and in extreme cases can lose their life.
If you are involved in an accident while riding your motorbike, you can seek compensation for any injuries that you sustain if the accident was as a result of someone else’s negligence. The same case applies to someone who is close to you or lost a loved one because of another driver’s mistake. With the help of our experienced Manhattan motorcycle accident lawyers at Cellino Law, you can get justice and be compensated for injuries sustained and other damages. Call (888) 888-8888 today to schedule your free consultation with an attorney at our Manhattan injury firm.
What Causes Motorcycle Accidents In Manhattan?
Drivers are required by law to be aware of certain things that can lead to motorbike accidents, especially bikers. As a biker, you must be experienced in handling yourself so that it can be easy for you to avoid collisions and crashes. Below are a few things that you might want to observe when using the road as a biker, especially if you want to remain safe for longer.
Road User Taking Left-Hand Turns
As a road user in Manhattan, it is vital that you look out for drivers who are making a left-hand turn. That is because most of them usually check for enough space so that they can make a turn and forget to look out for oncoming traffic. This is one of the main reasons Manhattan motorcycle accidents happen. Many road users seem to forget that there are other drivers who are using the same road. Besides bikers, road users are also required to look out for pedestrians and cyclists as well. Moreover, bikers are required to be more attentive when riding on the road and look for traffic signs that give the right of way to vehicles making a turn.
Blind Spots
Another major cause of Manhattan motorcycle accidents is blind spots. That is because motorcycles are small compared to cars, and because of this reason, they are prone to finding themselves in blind spots. When this happens, many motorists fail to notice the motorbike which may result in a collision.
Furthermore, it has been noted that such accidents usually occur at night since it is even more difficult to notice a motorbike in the dark. Therefore, to avoid such accidents, drivers need to be more attentive and watch out for blind spots when using the road. As for bikers, they are required to be more vigilant and make sure that they are visible to other drivers.
Switching Lanes
Even though lane splitting is considered to be dangerous, it is avoidable in most States. This kind of driving habit is dangerous because it forces drivers to drive o close to each other. This increases the risks of causing an accident since most road users are caught unaware and do not expect a vehicle to be driving too close. That is why you need to be extra careful when riding your motorbike on the road. Also, do not ignore State laws; do what you are required to do when splitting lanes.
Door Crashes
Door crashes are another common cause of Manhattan motorcycle accidents. This happens because most drivers are never careful when opening the car door after parking by the roadside. That is why bikers are required to pay more attention to their surroundings when sharing the road with other drivers. If you are a biker, it is upon you to avoid crashing into an open car door, and you can do this by keeping an eye on the parked vehicles. As for the drivers, it is vital to look out for oncoming traffic before opening the car door. Therefore, make use of both side mirrors and avoid causing a door crash.
Speeding
Even though most drivers do not have the intention of speeding once on the road, many of them usually end up speeding, and as a result, it leads to an accident. This is the number one cause of road accidents in this region. That is because road users speed on streets and on American highways as well. What road users forget is that speeding can easily cause any car to cause an accident. Furthermore, the risk is even higher for motorbike users since such transportations rely on only two wheels. A motorbike is also less stable compared to a vehicle, which is why motorbikes are prone to sliding, especially during the wet season.
Manufacturing Errors
Manufacturing errors are another major cause of motorbike accidents. The fault can be on the manufacturer, who ends up installing malfunctioning parts on the motorbike.
Motorist Negligence
Motorist negligence usually happens when the driver is not careful or being reckless while sharing the road with other users. Because of not paying attention, a motorist can easily knock down a rider after failing to notice the motorbike. Another scenario is driving while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. When this happens, the driver at fault is held responsible for any injuries and losses suffered by the victims. When it comes to such matters, we can help you seek compensation from the party at fault. The first thing that the Manhattan motorcycle accident attorneys at Cellino Law do is to investigate your case and prove that the party at fault caused the accident as a result of negligence while driving.
Poor Road Conditions
In New York, all road users have the right to access all roads. Furthermore, the State is required to make sure that these roads are in good condition. However, unaddressed wear of roads can easily lead to severe accidents. Therefore, if an accident occurs as a result of poor road conditions, then the New York state is held responsible for any damages.
Poor road conditions include unsigned curves and beds, pit holes, obstructed traffic signs and lights, overgrown trees, unevenly paved roads, and construction abandonment. To avoid accidents that are contributed by poor road conditions, drivers are asked to notify the State of such issues.
With the help of a legal representative, you can seek compensation for any injuries that you sustain after being involved in a motorbike accident. At Cellino Law, our motorcycle accident attorneys will offer you legal advice as we review your case. Furthermore, we will be working hand in hand with an experienced attorney to help you build a strong case. It does not matter what caused the motorcycle accident, either motorist negligence or poor road conditions, our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers make sure that you get justice by using all the data collected at the time of the accident.
We will also do our best to find out who is to blame for the accident and make sure that the person responsible pays for all your damages.
These eight factors are the main cause of motorcycle accidents in this region. Moreover, there are other reasons why motorcycle accidents occur. What road users need to understand is that bikers are at a higher risk of sustaining more injuries in case of an accident. That is why it is important for bikers to practice more often how to use the road properly to avoid being involved in a car accident.
What Are The Most Common Injuries Sustained By Motorcycle Accident Victims?
As mentioned earlier, the number of motorcycle accidents keeps on rising by the day, and the rate at which these accidents have reached is almost the same as that of motorcycle accidents. In addition, motorbike users tend to get severe injuries when involved in an accident.
That is because motorbikes have fewer protective features when compared to cars and trucks that have seatbelts and airbags (plus car and truck drivers basically ride on a metal cage with multiple wheels.) road users who drive different cars are more protected than motorbike users. Below are common injuries sustained by motorbike users after being involved in a collision.
Open Wounds
After being involved in a collision or crash, many motorbike users end up suffering from open wounds. This is because motorcycle riders usually fall on the ground with a lot of force, causing a lot of friction while the body rolls before coming to a stop. The pavement or asphalt is what inflicts open wounds on many motorbike users. Such injuries are prone to infection if they are not treated as soon as possible.
Superficial Injuries
Superficial injuries are other common types of injuries that bikers sustain. Superficial injuries consist of bruises, minor cuts, and lacerations. This kind of injury usually occurs on the hands as well as on the lower extremities.
Sprains And Strains
Sometimes a motorbike bike rider can be thrown off his or her bike during an accident. When this happens, a biker lands with a lot of force and, as a result, ends up spraining either their wrists, fingers, neck, or knees.
Fractures
Another common injury that most motorbike riders suffer from is fractures, especially when involved in a collision. A rider can be thrown off his or her bike and, as a result, end up breaking a few bones because of a poor landing. Some of these fractures sustained include broken legs, backs, and even arms. Moreover, such severe injuries are known to cause other health complications such as damage to the skin, nerves, and tendons.
Contusions
Contusion/Bruises are other common injuries that motorbike users suffer from. Furthermore, what you need to understand is that this kind of injury can occur in any section of the body. However, most riders usually sustain these injuries on the head. According to health specialists, head injuries should be treated at an early stage because they can cause loss of life or disability. That is why motorbike riders are advised to put on their helmets at all times when riding on the road.
Even though riding a motorbike can be fun and exciting, what most people forget is that it is dangerous as well. The injuries mentioned above can take a week or even months to heal. Furthermore, some of these injuries can lead to other health complications and also cause death. That is why motorbike bike riders should be aware of all these facts when using the road.
Who Is Held Liable For A Motorcycle Accident?
Who is held liable for a motorcycle accident? After a motorbike accident has occurred, an investigation is done to determine who was at fault. The first suspect is the victim involved in the accident. Even if a victim is severely injured, he or she could be the one to blame for the accident. It is vital to identify the at-fault party so that he or she can be liable for settling any claims that are raised.
With the help of an experienced motorcycle accident attorney, you can make sure that you get compensated for any injuries that you sustain if you are not to blame for the accident. Motorcycle accident lawyers will use specific details to build your case such as reports provided by eyewitnesses and findings collected during the investigation.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies After The Accident
Motorbike accidents cause a lot of damage. If you are a victim of such an accident, you might end up spending a fortune when trying to treat your injuries. Therefore, if you are not responsible for the damages, then you should let the party at fault bear all the costs. In this case, you can seek compensation from the party’s insurance company so that you can settle your medical bills.
However, one thing you need to be aware of is that dealing with insurance companies is not an easy task because most of them try to point the blame on someone else so that they do not end up paying for your losses and injuries.
That is why it is necessary that you seek legal help if you are a victim of a motorbike accident. At Cellino Law, our motorcycle accident attorneys play the role of negotiating with the insurance providers on behalf of our clients. As a victim, you are eligible to be compensated for the following claims:
Loss Of Income
Serious injuries can lead to loss of income since the victim might not be able to work again after being involved in a motorbike accident. As a result, the victim ends up facing financial stagnation. However, with the help of a personal injury lawyer, you can make sure that you get compensated for lost wages.
Medical Bills
Medical bills can pile up with time, especially if the victim is in need of long-term treatment. This happens because some injuries can lead to further health complications, while other injuries such as spinal cord and head injuries take longer to heal. But by contacting Cellino Law, you can be sure that you will be compensated for all medical expenses.
Suffering And Pain
Those who are involved in a motorbike accident usually experience a lot of suffering and pain. This pain and suffering can be mental, physical, or emotional. However, by receiving compensation, you can definitely seek medical assistance to help you with your suffering.
Damages
After a motorbike accident, your bike will have significant damages. With the help of our experienced Manhattan car accident lawyers, you can seek compensation for these damages. We will make sure that the insurance company covers all these damages as well as any expenses that are involved, such as the cost of repair and rental fees.
It is not easy to seek compensation by yourself, that is because the insurance provider will not accept paying for a motorcycle accident claim without a fight. But with the help of Cellino Law, you can be sure that you will get fair compensation for all your damages and losses. All you have to do is contact us today to start working on your case.
You might feel intimidated facing the insurance company by yourself, especially if you do not know where to start. But with our help, you do not have to worry about such matters because we will do most of the hard work for you. Furthermore, we will also advise on what your legal options are based on your case. With such information, you can be sure of getting compensation within a short period.
What Rights Do Motorcyclists Have In New York?
The New York state laws are clear about what is expected of motorbike users. For example, State laws require all motorbike users to be aware and abide by all traffic rules. Below are other regulations that motorbike users should understand:
Observe The Following While Using The Road:
- Put on eye protection.
- Put on a safety helmet.
- Avoid lane splitting, which is an illegal act.
- Helmets designed with speakers should have earphones installed.
- Be in possession of a footrest when carrying passengers.
- Make sure headlights are on when using the road.
- Handlebars and grips should be on the same level as your shoulders when riding a motorbike.
- Mufflers are considered to be legal and not the use of straight pipes.
- Make use of turning signals when making a turn.
Things To Observe When Riding Your Motorbike Off-Road:
- No sound limits
- Headlights should be on at all times.
- Must put on eye protection.
- Must be a certified rider especially for those who are between the age of 10 and 15
How Does One Determine The Value Of A Motorbike Accident?
To be able to determine this factor, we usually review all the injuries and damages related to the accident. with this information, we can help our clients pursue their case for the following damages:
- Lost benefits and income
- Medication
- Medical care and treatment
- Rehabilitation and Physical therapy.
- The cost of buying assistive devices
- Vehicle and home modifications
- Loss of future income and other related benefits.
- Out-of-pocket costs
Furthermore, as a victim, you are also eligible( depending on damages and losses sustained) for compensation for non-economic damages such as the ones mentioned below:
- Disability.
- Suffering and pain.
- Disfigurement.
- Not being able to enjoy life as before the accident.
- Emotional distress.
Cellino Law has various resources that are used to help with each motorcycle accident case. Our motorcycle accident attorneys use these resources to seek fair compensation for our clients. Therefore, if you live in Manhattan and get involved in a motorcycle accident, call us today, and we will help you with your case.
Why Should You Hire A Manhattan Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
Cellino Law Firm has served hundreds of clients living in Manhattan, New York, and the surrounding areas. With our years of experience, we have helped clients pursue their claims even while recovering or undergoing long-term treatment. If you are a victim of a motorcycle accident, we can make things easier for you by handling your current case. All you have to do is reach out to one of our legal representatives at Cellino Law. Furthermore, hiring an experienced motorcycle accident attorney will help speed up the legal process as you focus on your health. We will also play the role of dealing with insurers’ providers and their legal representatives.
Contact us today at Cellino Law firm and increase your chances of getting fair compensation. Moreover, there are other reasons as to why you might want to work with our legal team:
Insurance providers will do their best to deny any motorcycle accident claims. To achieve this goal, they will hire a legal team so that they can look for ways to reduce your claim. That is why you need the help of an experienced attorney.
After a motorcycle crash, some victims will try and put the blame on anyone, even you. When this happens, you need something to defend so that you are not held liable for damages. A legal representative can help justify your case and seek compensation for your losses.
Another reason why you need a motorcycle accident attorney is that we can help investigate more on your case so that we can be able to determine the party at fault. With this information, it will be easy for our legal team to point out the offender and have him or her pay for all damages and injuries sustained.
If necessary, we will also include professionals in your case to help with the investigation. We do this to determine the value of your claim.
Road users are always careful when sharing the road, but this does not stop accidents from occurring. Motorbike accidents are considered to be more dangerous, and those who are involved are usually left nursing severe wounds. As a result, victims end up spending a lot of money on medical bills and other expenses. But with the help of a legal representative, you can be sure the party at fault will compensate you for all your losses.
In New York, What Does The Statute Of Limitations Say Regards To Motorcycle Accident Cases?
After being involved in a motorcycle accident, it can take a long time to treat serious injuries. However, that does not mean that you have to wait until you get better for you to pursue your claim. You need to act fast, bearing in mind that the Statutes of Limitations requires you to abide by the timeline. As a victim of a motorbike accident in Manhattan, New York, you are given a grace period of up to three years to file your case. If you do not file for a claim within this period, then your case will no longer be valid.
Moreover, you need to understand that there are other factors that can influence how long it takes for you to take legal action. That is why it is vital that you hire a legal representative to help pursue your case even when you are still on medication. A team of experienced Manhattan motorcycle accident lawyers will review your case and take legal action as soon as possible.
What Will Happen If I Am To Blame For a Motorcycle Accident in Manhattan?
If you are to blame for a Manhattan motorcycle accident, the first thing that you are advised to do is to stay calm and not panic. That is because you might be the one to blame for the accident, but not responsible for the collision or crash. Therefore, you can still recover some damages and losses. However, in New York, the “fault” is usually shared among the parties responsible.
Sharing blame does not mean that you cannot file for a motorcycle accident claim. Sharing blame only affects how much you be awarded in terms of compensation. In this case, deductions are made based on your degree or percentage of the blame. For example, if your fault stands at 15%, then your compensation will be reduced by 15%.
If you experience such a thing while trying to pursue your case, then it is vital that you hire an attorney who is experienced in personal injury cases. With the help of a personal injury lawyer, you can be sure to get compensation for all your damages and losses.
By contacting Cellino Law, you can increase your chances of building a strong case. Hiring a Manhattan personal injury lawyer is a convenient way of securing your compensation. Call us today on (888) 888-8888, and we will review your case and offer you free legal advice. Proudly serving all of Manhattan, such as Tribeca, Chinatown, Lower East Side, Lower Manhattan, Lenox Hill, Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Manhattan Valley, Seaport, Civic Center, Midtown Manhattan, Harlem, SoHo, Little Italy, Union Square.