If you’ve just been seriously hurt in a motorcycle accident, you might be dealing with considerable pain, sky-high medical bills, and the inability to work. Compensation won’t erase the accident, but it can help you cover expenses as you get back on your feet — and the right lawyer will boost your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.

However, you should make your choice of attorney carefully. Motorcycle accidents are uniquely complex, and certain factors — like insurance company biases against motorcyclists — can make them difficult to win. At Russell Law, our motorcycle accident lawyers on Long Island have the knowledge and experience you need.

Long Island Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me

When you’re selecting a motorcycle accident lawyer, choosing someone local matters. A local attorney can understand how road infrastructure, traffic patterns, and local court systems can impact your case. Our office is located on Long Island in West Islip, allowing us to serve clients in Suffolk County, Nassau County, and even New York City.

New York State Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Being on a motorcycle exposes you to danger no matter where you are, but the New York City Department of Transportation has found that New York motorcyclists are especially at risk. Consider these statistics:

• Within a four-year period, motorcycles were only 2% of registered vehicles, but motorcyclists made up 14% of traffic fatalities.
• In New York City, motorcyclists crash almost twice as often as motorcyclists in the rest of the state.
• Nearly 100% of victims of fatal motorcycle crashes are men.
• About 43% of fatal motorcycle crashes involve improperly licensed riders.
• Most fatal motorcycle crashes are on streets instead of highways.

Being a safe motorcyclist may reduce your risk of a crash to some extent. Unfortunately, no matter how safety-conscious you are, an unsafe driver can still cause an accident.

Can You Sue After a Motorcycle Accident Case in New York?

It might be hard to even think about filing a personal injury claim when you’re struggling to deal with the immediate aftermath of a motorcycle accident. However, filing a lawsuit can potentially help you recover compensation to pay for your medical care, make up for your lost wages, and cover your day-to-day expenses as you recover.

Types of Damages You Can Sue for in a Motorcycle Accident Case

As soon as you start searching “personal injuries lawyer near me” online, you might start wondering what kinds of damages (compensation for losses) you can sue for. Damages can be divided into two main types:

• Economic Damages: Compensation for losses you can quantify (like medical bills)
• Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for non-quantifiable losses (like pain and suffering)

These are some of the most common economic and non-economic damages you can sue for:

• Medical expenses
• Cost of ongoing medical care
• Lost income
• Future lost income (in the event of disability)
• Cost of transportation
• Motorcycle repairs and other kinds of property damage
• Loss of quality of life
• Physical pain
• Emotional pain

The exact types of damages you can sue for will depend on the circumstances of your personal injury case. When you work with motorcycle accident lawyers in West Islip, NY, your legal team can review your case and help you understand what kind of compensation you may be able to recover.

Most of the time, lawsuits are settled before they go to trial. If you’re wondering what percentage of personal injury cases go to trial, the Department of Justice estimates that it’s only about 5%. Usually, cases only go to trial if both parties can’t agree on a settlement. In this event, Russell Law is ready to represent you on trial.

How Do You Prove Fault in a Motorcycle Accident Case in New York?

To win your case, a New York personal injury lawyer must be able to definitively prove the other driver was at fault. They usually will assemble many types of evidence to do so:

• The police report from your accident
• CCTV, dash cam, or other video evidence
• Photos of the accident scene
• Witness statements
• Testimony from an accident reconstruction expert

Proving fault is part of the equation, but to make sure you get the compensation you deserve, your lawyer will also need to prove the severity of your injuries. They might use medical bills, documentation of lost income, and testimony from medical experts as proof.

Can I Handle My Case on My Own?

Before they go online to search “best motorcycle accident lawyer near me,” many injured people start wondering if they can just negotiate a settlement on their own without involving a lawyer. Technically, you can do this.

However, working with a motorcycle accident lawyer in New York is almost always a better choice — and almost always results in a higher settlement. Lawyers know how to negotiate with insurance companies, obtain evidence, and argue a case in court if necessary.

Questions to Ask a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer on Long Island, New York

When you’re choosing a lawyer, don’t make the mistake of searching “motorcycle accident lawyer near me” and going with the first law firm that pops up. Before making your choice, consider asking a lawyer these questions:

Do You Have Experience Handling Motorcycle Accident Cases?

Some law offices say they handle personal injury cases in general. A lawyer for car accidents near you might handle cases involving dog bites, product liability, medical malpractice, slips and falls, and motorcycle accidents as well.

However, you should make sure any lawyer you choose has specific experience with motorcycle accidents. The more experience a lawyer has with cases like yours, the more likely they may be to win your case.

How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in New York?

Every case is different, therefore it is in your best interest to consult a local motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as you think you may have a possible injury claim. They can advise whether or not the statute of limitations may have expired.

How Much Money Can I Get for My Injury?

When you’re getting in touch with law offices, you’re probably asking each one how much your case will be worth. Be wary of any lawyer who gives you a dollar amount without asking for specifics. Many different factors determine the possible compensation you could receive, and a good attorney will discuss your case in detail before telling you what they think it’s worth.

How Long Will My Personal Injury Case Take?

Understandably, you might want to receive compensation quickly. Very straightforward cases can sometimes be resolved in a few months, but complex cases and those that go to trial can take a year or more. After reviewing your case, an attorney should be able to tell you about how long it will take.

If You Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer, We’re Here

When it comes to choosing a New York motorcycle accident lawyer, you have options. That’s why we fight hard every day to distinguish ourselves from the competition and get the compensation our clients deserve.

We’ve recovered more than $200 million and counting for our clients, and our Long Island motorcycle accident lawyers are ready to deliver the committed representation you deserve. Get in touch today for a free consultation.