Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in White Plains, NY — Helping Injured Bikers Secure Maximum Compensation
It’s difficult to describe to the average person how much freedom comes with hitting the open road on a motorcycle. Unfortunately, the excitement and exhilaration that come with this activity can turn into catastrophe thanks to negligent and reckless drivers. It only takes a split-second mistake by other motorists to upend the life of a biker.
If you or a loved one have found yourself in this situation, a White Plains motorcycle accident lawyer may be able to help. At Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, our team is dedicated to helping victims involved in all types of accidents. However, those involved in motorcycle crashes frequently suffer the most severe injuries.
This is understandable since they often have nothing more than a helmet for protection. Unfortunately, we cannot change what has already happened — but we may be able to help you secure maximum compensation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
What Are the Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
In the more than 30 years our attorneys have served injury victims, we’ve seen just about everything. Our clients have come to us after suffering varying degrees of harm following a vehicle accident. However, a large portion of the most severe injuries seen by our White Plains, NY motorcycle accident attorneys involve motorcyclists and negligent drivers. The following common injuries that occur in these collisions make it clear why so many victims need financial help afterward:
- Broken bones
- Road rash,
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI),
- Whiplash,
- Spinal injuries,
- Internal bleeding,
- Severe burns,
- Permanent disability, and
- Wrongful death.
Clearly, the severity of these injuries can result in financial ruin. When you combine medical expenses with lost wages, therapeutic costs, property damage, and other expenditures, it’s easy to see how quickly a person can find themselves in economic uncertainty.
Our motorcycle accident attorneys in White Plains, NY are here to help you avoid such outcomes. During your free case evaluation, we can help you better understand your rights and how to move forward.
What Causes Most Motorcycle Accidents in White Plains, NY?
Even though motorcycles make up only 3% of registered vehicles in America, they’re involved in 14% of all fatal accidents. In some areas of New York, these statistics are even worse. Sadly, about two-thirds of motorcycle collisions occur when motorists enter a biker’s right of way. The following are some of the most common reasons this happens — along with other typical causes
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving occurs when a driver’s attention is diverted from the road. Distractions may happen when the driver is texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the radio while driving. A lack of focus can lead to accidents with motorcyclists, who may be harder to spot than larger vehicles.
Speeding
Speeding occurs when someone exceeds the posted speed limit. Higher speeds often reduce the time available for drivers to react to changing traffic conditions. This increases the likelihood of collisions with motorcyclists. Motorcyclists who encounter speeding cars or trucks have reduced reaction times and may be unable to avoid obstacles or hazards, increasing their risk of accidents and severe injuries.
Failure to Yield
Failure to yield occurs when one driver does not give the right of way to another driver. This can happen at intersections, during lane changes, or when merging onto highways.
Inclement Weather
Inclement weather, such as rain, snow, or fog, can create hazardous road conditions. These conditions often mean reduced visibility, slippery surfaces, and poor traction. Consequently, skidding, hydroplaning, or loss of control can occur, leading to collisions with motorcycles.
Mechanical Problems
Mechanical problems, such as brake failure, tire blowouts, or engine malfunctions, can cause vehicles to suddenly stop or veer off course and into a motorcyclist’s right of way. While these are less avoidable, they are nonetheless a significant risk to motorcyclists.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving could be defined as aggressive or careless behavior behind the wheel. This includes speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, and ignoring traffic signals. Due to the lack of protective barriers when riding a motorcycle, cyclists are particularly vulnerable to the actions of reckless drivers.
Opening Car Doors
Opening a car door without first checking for oncoming traffic can pose a significant risk to motorcyclists. This is especially true in urban areas with narrow streets or heavy traffic, where maneuvering space is limited and the likelihood of close encounters is higher.
Roadway Hazards
Roadway hazards, such as potholes, debris, uneven pavement, and construction zones, can pose serious dangers to motorcyclists. These hazards may be hard for riders to navigate around, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. Special rules apply to potholes on New York highways during the winter months
Driving While Intoxicated
Driving while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time. These conditions make it extremely dangerous for other road users, including motorcyclists.
Motorcycle Laws in New York
Familiarizing yourself with New York’s motorcycle laws can help you protect your rights as a rider. Some of the most critical regulations to understand include:
- Helmet law—all motorcycles and passengers must wear helmets while riding;
- Lane splitting—lane splitting is illegal in New York and can result in fines and penalties;
- Licensing—proper licensing and registration are required to operate a motorcycle on public roads;
- Equipment requirements—motorcycles must be equipped with headlights, brake lights, and turn signals; and
- No-fault exception—unlike car accident victims, who are subject to the no-fault system in New York, motorcycle accident victims can sue at-fault drivers without having to prove a “Serious Injury” directly because motorcycles are not considered motor vehicles within the meaning of the no fault law. It also means that motorcyclists do not get the benefit of having their crash related medical bills and wage losses paid by no fault.
Adhering to these laws can help keep you safe on the road and strengthen your case in the event of an accident. Should you have any questions about laws that apply to your case, a skilled Westchester County motorcycle accident lawyer with Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers can help you find the answers.
Forms of Compensation and Types of Damages You Can Recover from a Motorcycle Accident
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation related to injuries, monetary loss, and even emotional distress. It is also possible to receive punitive damages in instances where the conduct of the at-fault parties is particularly egregious and reckless. However, this all comes down to proving liability in the accident. In most cases, this means pinpointing the cause of the accident so that fault can be established.
Understanding the forms of compensation and types of damages you can recover from a motorcycle accident is essential to pursuing a legal claim. These may include:
- Medical expenses,
- Lost wages,
- Pain and suffering,
- Property damage,
- Disability and disfigurement, and
- Loss of consortium.
An experienced White Plains motorcycle accident attorney can help you understand your rights and options for seeking compensation for these damages.
Are You Entitled to Compensation?
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, you may think it’s clear that you’re owed compensation. Unfortunately, the law isn’t always as simple and straightforward as we might hope. In any personal injury case, it’s necessary to show that the individual or company that you seek to hold accountable for causing an injury had a duty of care that they violated. This violation must also result in damages. If these three elements can be proven, there’s a good chance that you may be entitled to substantial financial recovery.
However, there are some issues that may arise. For instance, what happens when a motorcyclist’s own negligence contributed to the accident? While this could reduce the amount of compensation they’re entitled to, it would not bar them from seeking recovery since New York is a comparative negligence state. There are also filing deadlines that you must meet to receive compensation. Put simply, it’s important to understand your rights and how to protect them.
Proving negligence and fault in a motorcycle accident case often involves gathering evidence such as witness statements, police reports, and medical records. Additionally, demonstrating that the at-fault party breached their duty of care may require expert testimony or accident reconstruction analysis. Working with an experienced attorney can help you navigate these complexities and build a strong case.
Should You Hire a White Plains, NY Motorcycle Crash Attorney?
There’s no law that requires you to hire a White Plains, NY personal injury lawyer to handle your case. You could hop on the phone right now and engage in settlement negotiations with an at-fault driver’s insurance company. If you don’t like what they’re offering, you can even head down to the courthouse and file a lawsuit. Unfortunately, the do-it-yourself approach often leaves injury victims with a fraction of the compensation they’re entitled to.
The simple fact is that motorcycle accident attorneys in White Plains, NY have experience in dealing with insurers. And if you work with a law firm like Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, your attorney will also have experience in litigation. When you go up against insurance companies and their lawyers, you’re facing off with professionals who do this for a living. That’s why having a legal professional on your side is crucial.
And since your initial consultation at our legal offices is completely free, you have nothing to lose by better understanding your rights.
How a White Plains Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Choosing the right legal representation is crucial when seeking compensation for a motorcycle accident. At Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, our experienced attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of injured riders. We offer:
- Personalized attention—we provide individualized support and guidance throughout the legal process;
- Aggressive advocacy—we are committed to fighting for maximum compensation on behalf of our clients; and
- Resources and experience—with decades of experience and access to resources, we have a proven track record of success.
Don’t navigate the legal complexities of your motorcycle accident claim alone. Find a skilled attorney for a motorcycle accident at Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers today.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in White Plains, NY Today
A lifetime of enjoyable moments on your motorcycle can turn into disaster in a split second. Passenger vehicle drivers are far too often oblivious to riders on the road. It’s heartbreaking that the simplest of errors on the part of a motorist can lead to life-long consequences for innocent motorcyclists, but it’s a reality that we see play out every day. Fortunately, you don’t have to face these difficult times alone. A White Plains, NY personal injury attorney may be able to help.
At Greenspan & Greenspan, we are committed to helping our clients get every penny they deserve. Insurance companies will try their best to reduce your financial recovery — at times even engaging in bad faith settlement negotiations. It’s our job to help injured victims avoid being victimized again. Contact us today by calling (914) 946-2500 to schedule a free consultation. Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys in White Plains, NY are ready to assist.