Motorcycle Accident Lawyer | Bronx, NY
A motorcycle crash in the Bronx can change everything in an instant. One moment you’re riding through the city streets next, you’re injured, in pain, and unsure how you’ll pay your bills or recover. At Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, we understand what you’re going through. As experienced Bronx motorcycle accident lawyers, we’ve helped riders like you get justice, hold negligent drivers accountable, and secure compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Let us guide you through the legal process so you can focus on healing. You’ve been through enough now it’s time for someone to fight for you.
“I was on my bike when an SUV cut across my lane without signaling. Mike came to the hospital the same night. Never felt like just a case number.”
“The insurance company tried to blame me for the crash. Greenspan had traffic camera footage within days. They settled fast after that.”
“I had road rash, a fractured wrist, and no idea what my rights were. Mike explained everything clearly. Recovered far more than the insurer offered.”
Jumping on the seat of a motorcycle and taking off can be a thrilling moment for many. But a joy ride can turn into a nightmare for a motorcycle accident victim. If you suffer harm in a motorcycle accident, you might have to face insurance company battles over health care coverage and compensation for financial losses. And all of this fighting is especially stressful when you are dealing with physical and mental injuries.
Fortunately, a Bronx motorcycle accident lawyer from Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers can help ease the pressure. We are highly experienced and have received many top honors from the legal community.
Key Takeaways
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Fighting for Injured Bronx Motorcyclists – If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers can help you pursue the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
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New York’s No-Fault Insurance Doesn’t Cover Motorcyclists – Unlike drivers of other vehicles, motorcyclists must seek compensation directly from the at-fault party, making legal representation crucial.
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Driver Negligence Causes Many Motorcycle Accidents – Unsafe lane changes, distracted driving, speeding, and failure to yield are common causes of motorcycle crashes in the Bronx. Proving fault is key to your claim.
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Types of Compensation You May Be Eligible For – You may be entitled to damages for medical treatment, rehabilitation, lost wages, property damage, and emotional distress. An experienced attorney can help maximize your claim.
- No Fees Unless You Win – Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if they secure compensation for you.
Motorcycle Popularity
You are not alone if you like to ride your motorcycle around town or take it for longer trips. The New York Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee reports that the state has more than 750,000 licensed motorcyclists. Unfortunately, these riders are at an increased risk of harm. While motorcyclists made up only 3.5% of registered motor vehicles in New York in 2022, they accounted for 15% of the state’s traffic-related fatalities in the same year. Our motorcycle law firm hopes you never have to endure a loss from a motorcycle collision, but we are here for you from start to finish if you have a motorcycle accident case.
Your Right to Compensation
You have a right to recover compensation for your financial losses, pain and suffering, and punitive damages (if applicable) when a negligent driver causes you harm. In a motorcycle accident case, you might have a claim against:
- Another motorist,
- A pedestrian, or
- A government entity.
In some cases, all three above-listed individuals might be liable for your damages.
Speaking to a motorcycle crash lawyer immediately after an accident can be one of the best moves you can make to protect yourself. This is partly because a defendant can seek to reduce your damage award by claiming you were at least partially at fault for the accident. But a Bronx motorcycle accident lawyer from Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers knows the ins and outs of motorcycle crash laws and can thwart attempts to diminish your right to compensation.
Motorcycle Case Spotlight: He Was in Surgery. We Were Already Building His Case.
After a devastating crash caused by an inexperienced driver, Dave was facing surgeries and uncertainty. We showed up when others didn’t—and built such a strong case that the other side knew trial wasn’t even an option.
While other lawyers offered to meet with him at their office, We drove over and met with Dave at his home prior to surgery.
That early action made all the difference—preserving evidence, proving fault, and putting pressure on the other side from day one.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you don’t just need legal help.
You need someone who takes your fight personally—and shows up when it matters most.
Case Timeline
Taking the proper steps to protect yourself in a motorcycle accident case starts at the moment of impact. You will have to act quickly to get what you deserve from an at-fault party, but we can take on these obligations for you so you can get the rest and recovery you need.
Reporting the Accident
Immediately after your accident, you should make sure that you exchange information with the other parties and report the collision to the police. A failure to exchange and report could open you to civil or criminal penalties and affect your credibility in your case.
Seeking Medical Care
No matter how severe or mild your symptoms, you want to visit a healthcare professional right after a collision to ensure your injuries are properly treated and well-documented. Seeking treatment immediately and keeping up with your provider’s recommendations helps ensure you heal properly. Immediate and continued treatment also creates the necessary records to prove your right to compensation for healthcare expenses, pain and suffering, and lost earning capacity.
Filing a Claim
Soon after handling your immediate needs, you may have to file a claim with an at-fault individual’s insurance company. The insurance company can start covering your health care, property repair, and other financial losses immediately.
While you typically have three years to initiate a car accident case, you want to submit an insurance claim early to minimize your out-of-pocket expenses. An early claim can get you paid early and give you time to see if you can settle your issues before taking them to court.
If your motorcycle accident occurred because of the government’s negligence, you must file a claim or a notice of your intention to file a claim with the attorney general before taking other legal action. Your claim or notice of intention to file a claim must be submitted within 90 days, and your time to file a claim after submitting your notice is two years. A motorcycle wreck lawyer from our firm can guide you through this process.
Starting a Lawsuit
If the at-fault party does not offer a sufficient settlement amount to cover all your losses, it is time to start a lawsuit. Lawsuits require:
- Gathering documents to prove your damages,
- Deposing and examining witnesses, and
- Making arguments before the judge.
An experienced Bronx motorcycle accident attorney from Greenspan & Greenspan knows how to effectively handle the above on your behalf.
We Have the Right Bronx Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for You
Our team at Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers has over 30 years of experience and is here to help. We provide award-winning counsel to each client who seeks our help. We can also maximize your damages in a motorcycle accident case. Contact us online or call us today to set up an appointment.
What Causes Most Bronx Motorcycle Accidents?
Over 54% of Bronx motorcycle crashes in 2023 were caused by automobile drivers, not riders. The most frequent driver failures that result in motorcycle crashes include:
Left-turn collisions. This is the single most deadly motorcycle crash type in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 42% of fatal two-vehicle motorcycle crashes involve a car or truck turning left while the motorcycle is traveling straight or overtaking. Drivers turning left across traffic frequently fail to see an approaching motorcyclist, especially in Bronx intersections where multiple lanes and obstructions limit sightlines. This conduct violates NY Vehicle and Traffic Law §1141, which requires drivers to yield to oncoming traffic before turning left.
Unsafe lane changes. Drivers who fail to check blind spots or signal before changing lanes routinely sideswipe or cut off motorcycles on multi-lane corridors like the Cross Bronx Expressway and Bruckner Boulevard. This violates VTL §1128(a), which requires that lane changes be made safely and only when conditions permit.
Inattentional blindness. Researchers use this term to describe a cognitive phenomenon where a driver looks toward a motorcycle but does not consciously register it because their brain is filtering for larger vehicles. Studies show that drivers looking for cars will frequently fail to perceive motorcycles that are directly in their path. This “looked but didn’t see” crash pattern accounts for a significant share of Bronx intersection accidents. It is not an excuse. It is evidence of a driver who failed to exercise adequate attention and care for other road users.
Distracted driving. NYPD data shows distracted driving is the leading cause of all Bronx traffic crashes, accounting for 37% of collisions. A driver checking a phone at highway speed has effectively traveled the length of a football field without looking at the road. At 65 mph on the Cross Bronx, a motorcyclist can be struck before a distracted driver ever perceives them.
Road hazards and infrastructure failures. Unlike cars, motorcycles are acutely vulnerable to potholes, road debris, uneven pavement, oil slicks, missing guardrails, and damaged road markings. The Bronx has aging road infrastructure throughout Mott Haven, Hunts Point, and the South Bronx corridor. If a government-maintained road defect contributed to your crash, a Notice of Claim against the City of New York must be filed within 90 days of the accident (see our Notice of Claim section on the main Bronx injury page).
Dooring. On streets with parallel parking (Jerome Avenue, Webster Avenue, and residential corridors throughout the borough), a driver or passenger opening a car door into the path of a motorcycle can cause catastrophic crashes at relatively low speeds. The impact is sudden and leaves the rider no reaction time.
Defective motorcycle parts. In some cases, a mechanical failure (brake defect, tire failure, throttle malfunction) contributes to or causes a crash. When a manufacturing defect or design flaw is responsible, a product liability claim against the manufacturer or distributor may be available in addition to a claim against any at-fault driver.
At Greenspan & Greenspan, we investigate every potential cause and every potentially liable party from day one. We gather police reports, traffic camera footage, phone records, witness statements, and accident reconstruction analysis to build the strongest possible case for your recovery.
How Insurance Companies Treat Motorcycle Accident Claims Differently?
When you file a claim after a Bronx motorcycle accident, you will encounter a persistent and unfair bias: insurance adjusters routinely assume that a rider is at least partially at fault. This stereotype, that motorcyclists are inherently reckless, is not only false. It is a calculated tactic used to reduce the compensation that insurance companies must pay.
Here is what adjusters will do:
- Suggest you were speeding, weaving, or riding aggressively, even without evidence.
- Ask you to give a recorded statement early, then use your own words to argue shared fault under New York’s comparative negligence rules.
- Order an independent medical examination (IME) by a doctor paid by the insurance company, whose report often minimizes the severity of your injuries.
- Delay processing your claim, hoping you accept a low settlement under financial pressure.
Because motorcyclists have no no-fault benefits to fall back on, you have no immediate financial cushion while a claim is pending. Insurance companies know this and use it as leverage.
Mike Greenspan has spent more than 30 years countering these tactics for injured Bronx riders. We do not allow recorded statements without preparation. We challenge IME findings with your own treating physicians. We use crash reconstruction, traffic camera footage, and cell phone records to shift the narrative away from motorcycle stereotypes and toward the actual evidence of driver negligence.
Motorcycle Accidents in the Bronx: What the Data Shows
Riding in the Bronx carries a disproportionate level of risk compared to anywhere else in New York City.
According to NYPD crash data, the Bronx recorded 229 motorcycle crashes in 2023, resulting in three fatalities and 203 injuries. Of those injured, 171 were motorcyclists and 35 were occupants of other vehicles. That means nearly 75% of everyone involved in a Bronx motorcycle crash that year was hurt or killed.
The Bronx has the highest motorcycle fatality rate per 1,000 registrations of any borough in New York City, at 5.2 fatalities per 1,000 registered motorcycles. That is more than five times the rate in Manhattan (1.0 per 1,000). Borough infrastructure, wider high-speed roadways, and limited protected infrastructure all contribute to this disparity.
Statewide, motorcyclists made up only about 2% of registered vehicles in 2023 but accounted for roughly 15% of all traffic-related fatalities. NYC set a record in 2023 with 55 motorcycle deaths citywide, the highest single-year total ever recorded, before declining to 39 in 2024.
Critically, analysis of 2023 Bronx crash data shows that over 54% of motorcycle collisions were caused by automobile drivers, not riders. The most common driver failures: inattention, failure to yield, and unsafe lane changes. Many of these crashes involve what researchers call “inattentional blindness,” a cognitive phenomenon where drivers simply do not register motorcycles because they are not looking for them. Drivers who scan for cars will often look directly at an approaching motorcycle and fail to perceive it.
The most dangerous corridors in the Bronx for motorcycle riders include:
- Cross Bronx Expressway (I-95): Narrow lanes, high-speed merges, and heavy truck traffic.
- Bruckner Boulevard and Bruckner Expressway: Multiple documented fatal crash sites; Bruckner Boulevard and St. Ann’s Avenue are among the most dangerous intersections in the South Bronx.
- Webster Avenue: Multiple crashes recorded along this corridor in 2023.
- Grand Concourse: Wide lanes encourage speeding; poor pedestrian crossings create unpredictable conditions.
- Major Deegan Expressway (I-87): Congested interchanges and aggressive merging behavior.
- Fordham Road and Jerome Avenue: High commercial vehicle and bus traffic mixed with motorcycle riders.
If you were injured on any of these roads, you were riding in one of the most objectively dangerous corridors in the city. That is not a reflection on your skill as a rider. It is a reflection of the environment drivers create.
New York No-Fault Insurance and Motorcycles: What Every Rider Must Know
Most motor vehicle accident victims in New York rely on the no-fault insurance system (Personal Injury Protection, or PIP) after a crash. Under no-fault, your own insurance pays your initial medical bills and lost wages up to $50,000, regardless of who caused the accident.
Motorcyclists are explicitly excluded from this system.
Under New York Insurance Law §5102(f) and §5103(a)(1), motorcycles and their riders are not entitled to no-fault PIP benefits. This exclusion is not a technicality. It is a deliberate statutory rule that fundamentally changes how your claim works after a crash.
What this means for you as a Bronx motorcycle rider:
- Your own motorcycle insurance policy does not pay your medical bills after a crash. Despite seeing “PIP” listed on motorcycle policies, that coverage only protects pedestrians struck by your bike, not you.
- You cannot file a no-fault claim with your insurer. You must pursue compensation directly from the at-fault driver through a liability claim or personal injury lawsuit.
- You must prove the other driver’s fault to recover anything for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The critical advantage riders have that car accident victims do not:
Because motorcyclists are outside the no-fault system, they are also exempt from the serious injury threshold under Insurance Law §5102(d). Car accident victims must prove they suffered a fracture, permanent injury, or 90-day disability before they can sue for pain and suffering. Motorcyclists face no such hurdle. You can file a lawsuit and recover compensation for pain and suffering for any injury, no matter how minor, as long as the accident was caused by another party’s negligence.
This is a significant legal advantage that a skilled Bronx motorcycle accident lawyer can use on your behalf.
Uninsured and underinsured drivers: a serious Bronx risk.
New York City has one of the highest rates of uninsured and underinsured drivers in the country. If you are struck by a driver who carries minimum coverage ($25,000 per person) and your injuries are severe, that policy limit may fall far short of your actual damages. This is why Supplementary Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (SUM) coverage on your own motorcycle policy is essential. Mike Greenspan will identify every available insurance layer: the at-fault driver’s policy, any employer or commercial carrier coverage, and your own SUM coverage, to maximize your recovery.
FAQs
1. What makes motorcycle accidents in the Bronx more dangerous than in other areas?
The Bronx’s dense traffic, aggressive drivers, and narrow roads create higher risks for motorcyclists. Accidents here often lead to serious injuries due to speeding, poor road conditions, and visibility issues. A Bronx motorcycle accident lawyer can help investigate the unique circumstances surrounding your crash.
2. Who can be held liable in a Bronx motorcycle accident case?
Depending on the situation, liable parties may include another driver, a commercial vehicle operator, a municipality (for road hazards), or even a motorcycle manufacturer. A lawyer will conduct a full investigation to determine fault and pursue compensation from all responsible parties.
3. What compensation can I recover after a motorcycle crash in the Bronx?
You may be eligible for compensation covering medical bills, future treatment, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and property damage. In serious cases, we may also pursue punitive damages. Every case is different—our Bronx attorneys will give you a personalized evaluation.
4. Do I need a lawyer even if the other driver admits fault?
Yes. Even when fault seems clear, insurance companies often try to minimize your payout or shift blame. An experienced Bronx motorcycle accident lawyer will protect your interests, handle all communication with insurers, and work to maximize your compensation.
5. How much does it cost to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer in the Bronx?
At Greenspan & Greenspan, we work on a contingency fee basis you don’t pay anything unless we win your case. This allows injured riders to get high-quality legal representation without upfront costs or added stress.
6. Does New York’s no-fault insurance cover motorcyclists?
No. Under New York Insurance Law §5102(f) and §5103(a)(1), motorcycles and their riders are explicitly excluded from the state’s no-fault Personal Injury Protection (PIP) system. Your motorcycle insurance policy does not pay your own medical bills after a crash. You must pursue compensation directly from the at-fault driver through a liability claim or lawsuit, which means proving fault is essential from day one.
7. Can I sue for any injury as a motorcyclist, or do I need a “serious injury”?
As a motorcyclist, you can sue for any injury, even minor ones. The serious injury threshold under Insurance Law §5102(d) does not apply to motorcycle riders. Car accident victims must prove a fracture, permanent injury, or 90-day disability before they can recover pain and suffering damages. Motorcyclists face no such restriction, giving you a significant legal advantage that an experienced Bronx motorcycle accident lawyer will use on your behalf.
8. Who is typically at fault in a Bronx motorcycle accident?
NYPD data shows that over 54% of Bronx motorcycle crashes in 2023 were caused by automobile drivers. The most common driver failures are inattention, failure to yield, and unsafe lane changes. Insurance companies will try to blame the rider regardless of the facts. At Greenspan & Greenspan, we use crash reconstruction, traffic cameras, cell phone records, and witness accounts to establish who was actually at fault.
9. What if the driver who hit me was uninsured or underinsured?
New York has a high rate of uninsured and underinsured drivers. If the at-fault driver carries minimum coverage ($25,000) and your injuries exceed that, your own Supplementary Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (SUM) coverage on your motorcycle policy becomes critical. We identify every available insurance layer and pursue all of them to maximize your recovery.
10. What should I do immediately after a motorcycle crash in the Bronx?
Call 911 and stay at the scene. Request a police report and note the officer’s badge number. Seek emergency medical treatment the same day, even if you feel able to ride away. Photograph the scene, the vehicles, your gear, and your injuries. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurer before speaking with an attorney. Contact a Bronx motorcycle accident lawyer immediately. Surveillance footage is often overwritten within 30 days and witnesses disappear quickly.
11. What makes motorcycle accidents in the Bronx more dangerous than other areas?
The Bronx has the highest motorcycle fatality rate per 1,000 registrations of any borough in NYC: 5.2 per 1,000, compared to 1.0 in Manhattan. Wide, high-speed roadways like the Cross Bronx Expressway and Bruckner Boulevard create collision patterns that are more severe than in slower, more congested boroughs. Aging road infrastructure, heavy commercial traffic, and limited protected cycling and riding infrastructure all contribute.
12. What compensation can I recover after a Bronx motorcycle crash?
You can recover economic damages (medical bills, future treatment costs, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, out-of-pocket expenses), non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, PTSD, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium), and in cases of extreme misconduct, punitive damages. Because motorcyclists are outside the no-fault system, there is no cap on economic loss recovery tied to PIP limits, and there is no serious injury threshold barring access to pain and suffering damages.
13. Do I need a lawyer if the other driver clearly caused the accident?
Yes. Even when fault appears obvious, insurance adjusters will deploy the reckless-rider stereotype to argue partial fault on your part and reduce their payout. Under New York’s pure comparative negligence rules, even a 20% fault attribution reduces your award by 20%. An experienced Bronx motorcycle accident lawyer will counter those arguments with evidence, handle all insurer communications, and fight for the full value of your claim.
14. How much does it cost to hire a Bronx motorcycle accident lawyer?
Greenspan & Greenspan works on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win. Attorney fees in New York personal injury cases are regulated by court rules and are typically one-third (33.3%) of the recovery. There are no upfront costs and no fees if there is no recovery.
15. How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in New York?
For most motorcycle accident cases against private parties, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the accident. If you were killed, your family has two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. If a government entity was involved (a city vehicle, pothole, or road defect maintained by NYC DOT), you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident before you can sue. Contact us immediately if a government party may be responsible.