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Motorcycle Accidents
- Introduction
- Medical Bills
- Hit-And-Run Accidents, Insurance
- Motorcycle Accident Statistics
- Experience
- How We Can Help
- Helpful Links
Introduction
Our firm represents clients located in Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, Staten Island, New York State as well as many other states (New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Georgia, Florida, Colorado, North Carolina, and California, and we will handle a case in any state provided we can do so in full compliance with court rules regarding multijurisdictional practice, association of local counsel and/or admission pro hac viche) who have suffered personal injuries as the result of a motorcycle accident. It is VERY important that you call us IMMEDIATELY after an accident. In fact you should call us BEFORE you speak with your insurance company.
Motorcycle accidents happen because of many factors: foreign substance on the roadway surface (gravel, oil, tire dressing from a car wash, etc.), pot holes, driver’s failing to observe a motorcyclist, drivers changing lanes, drivers talking on cell phones, and driver inattention. An accident may also be the result of a faulty repair.
Medical Bills
One of the most difficult problems to overcome with a motorcycle accident is payment of medical bills. New York No Fault Insurance does NOT cover injured motorcycle drivers or passengers. Private health insurance will cover injuries suffered while riding a motorcycle and we therefore strongly urge anyone riding a motorcycle to secure private health insurance. If you do not have insurance, you may be able to find a doctor who will treat you on a lien basis. This means that you will have to pay the doctor out of the proceeds from your lawsuit.
Hit-And-Run Accidents, Insurance
If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident there MUST be contact between your motorcycle and the other vehicle involved in order to collect from the uninsured motorist endorsement on your policy. Make sure that you are VERY clear when reporting the accident regarding contact between your motorcycle and the other vehicle. By way of example, if a vehicle cuts you off, and you swerve to avoid the vehicle, and you fall off your motorcycle, you will NOT be entitled to uninsured motorist benefits. We also strongly recommend that you obtain the highest uninsured motorist benefits possible. It has been estimated that 16% of all motor vehicle in New York State are uninsured. You can protect yourself with uninsured motorist coverage. You should note that you can usually purchase uninsured motorist coverage up to the limits of your liability coverage. Talk to your insurance broker or salesperson.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to a study prepared by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, between 1975 and 1999, 38,000 people died in motorcycle accidents. Approximately 45% of the fatalities were single motorcycle accident (no other vehicles involved). Helmet use among single vehicle motorcycle fatalities was less than 50%. A majority of the fatal accident took place on rural roads (possibly no witnesses, possibly delays in help, etc.) Half of the fatalities involved negotiation of a curve before the crash. Over 80% of the crashes occur off roadway. Almost two thirds of the accident reports list speeding as a contributing cause. Almost 60% of the fatalities occurred at night. Almost one third of the fatally injured operators did not have a proper license. During a shorter time period (1990-99) there were an estimated 225,000 single vehicle, non-fatal motorcycle accidents.
Experience
Our attorneys represented major trucking companies as well as the City of New York before becoming plaintiff’s lawyers. They know about truck company record keeping procedures, training practices, maintenance protocols and investigative measures. They know how insurance carriers and municipalities investigate, work up, negotiate and defend lawsuits. After approximately a decade of defense representation the attorneys began representing people who suffered serious injuries. They have been representing injured parties for more than 10 years.
How We can Help
Injuries suffered as a result of motorcycle accidents can be severe and life altering. You may have suffered nerve damage or spinal cord paralysis, broken or dislocated a bone or limb, or you may have lost the use of a limb. Our firm understands that your immediate goal after going through such a traumatic experience is making sure that your medical bills are paid and that you get the best medical care possible. Our experienced attorneys will discuss your situation and go over the options available to you, as well as work with insurance companies and other parties involved in your case to make sure all your needs are handled quickly and appropriately. You should know that insurance companies are in business to make money. The way that they make money is by limiting the amount of money that they pay out on claims. Insurance adjusters will attempt to take recorded statements, send out investigators or attempt to secure written statements. DO NOT give any statements to any insurance company representative before you call us. It is also important to contact us right away because there may be forms that need to be submitted, we may need to retain the services of an accident reconstruction expert and skid marks fade quickly, and we may need to speak with witnesses while the incident is fresh in their minds.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, CONTACT US ONLINE or call us at (516) 742-8897= (516) PIATTYS on Long Island, or (212) 267-9377= (212) ANSWERS in Manhattan to set up a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your legal options. If you can’t come to us, we will come to you in the hospital or we will visit you in our mobile office.