Motorcycle accidents often result in devastating injuries. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motorcycle wreck that was caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be dealing with hospital visits, around-the-clock care, and other expenses, all while you are out of work. Our injury lawyers will negotiate compensation to help you cover these unexpected costs.
The Long Island motorcycle accident attorneys at Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC, are dedicated to representing injured riders. Many of our staff members ride and have in-depth experience navigating the legal landscape of motorcycle accidents. We bring over 85 years of success to Long Island and always fight to protect the rights of our clients.
Do You Need an Attorney for a Motorcycle Accident on Long Island?
After an accident, a motorcycle attorney can help you seek justice for any injuries you sustained. We identify at-fault parties, guide you through the entire legal process and help you pursue financial recovery from the party responsible for the accident. We will also:
- Explain how the legal process works
- Deal with insurance adjusters on your behalf
- Ensure your legal rights are protected
- Collect evidence like police reports, eyewitness statements, and photographs from the accident scene
- Consult medical experts and other expert witnesses to quantify your losses
- Answer any questions you have
- Advocate for your financial recovery
Having a Long Island motorcycle accident lawyer on your side sends a message that you are serious about pursuing fair compensation for your motorcycle accident injuries.
Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Get Results
At Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC, we are proud of our track record of successful settlements and verdicts. Read more about these cases and the resulting settlements to see how our motorcycle accident lawyers will fight for you:
| Award Amount | Type of Case |
|---|---|
| $3,000,000 | Motorcycle rider, traveling straight, was struck by a left turning large truck and died as a result of the injuries sustained in this collision. |
| $1,500,000 | Motorcycle rider was cut off by a motorist attempting to make a left hand turn. The resulting collision caused significant injuries to the rider. |
| $1,200,000 | Passenger on a motorcycle suffered serious long-term injuries after a driver made an improper left-hand turn in front of the motorcycle, ejecting her from the bike. |
| $1,000,000 | A negligent Amazon driver failed to yield when attempting to make a left turn and struck our client, ejecting him from his motorcycle. The collision resulted in life-altering injuries, requiring hospitalization and numerous surgeries. |
| $550,000 | Client was driving his motorcycle when an oncoming vehicle made a left turn in front of him. This collision caused client to have severe traumatic injuries, resulting in his death. |
| $530,000 | Client was driving a motorcycle when the defendant drove his car into the path of motorcycle. Client died as a result of injuries sustained in this collision. |
In cases like these, we negotiate for compensation to cover the cost of future treatment, including surgeries, therapy, and other costs associated with caring for a severely injured motorcyclist.
Damages You Can Recover in a Long Island Motorcycle Accident Claim
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident on Long Island due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover damages in a motorcycle accident claim. These damages are meant to compensate you for the losses you’ve suffered as a result of the accident. The damages you can potentially recover may include:
- Medical bills: You can seek compensation for all medical costs related to your accident, including emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and any necessary ongoing care.
- Lost wages: If you missed work because of motorcycle accident injuries, you can recover the income you’ve lost as a result. This includes not only your current lost wages but also future lost earnings if your injuries have caused you to lose your ability to work.
- Pain and suffering: Motorcycle accidents often result in severe physical pain and emotional distress. You can seek compensation for the pain and suffering you’ve endured, including any ongoing physical discomfort, mental anguish, anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries have prevented you from participating in activities you once enjoyed or have diminished your overall quality of life, you can seek compensation for this loss.
- Loss of consortium: If your injuries have negatively impacted your relationship with your spouse, they may be able to recover damages for loss of consortium.
The specific damages you can recover will depend on the unique circumstances of your case, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of your financial losses, and the impact of the accident on your life. Our experienced Long Island motorcycle accident attorneys can help you assess the full value of your claim and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
How Much Is Your Motorcycle Accident Claim on Long Island Worth?
Motorcycle accident settlements can vary widely. But in general, due to the severity of the accidents riders sustain, the damages tend to be higher.
Each claim is unique and requires special attention. Multiple factors play a role in determining the value of your case, including:
- The severity of injuries
- The impact of your losses
- Your related medical costs
Many motorcycle accident victims can recover damages such as:
- Medical bills
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Reduced earning capacity
- Lost income
- Reduced quality of life
- Property damage
Whether you suffered a road rash, a spinal cord injury, or broken bones, our law firm will be here to support your case for compensation. Our lawyers can also advocate for you and your family if your loved one passed away in a fatal accident. For a free consultation with our motorcycle accident team, call us today or fill out our online contact form.
Let Our Long Island Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Handle the Insurance Company
When you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, it’s crucial to let your attorney handle all communication with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company’s bottom line, which often means minimizing payouts or even denying valid claims. They may use a variety of tactics to get you to inadvertently admit fault, downplay your injuries, or accept a low settlement offer.
Your attorney, on the other hand, has the experience and knowledge to navigate these conversations and protect your rights. We will communicate with the insurance company on your behalf, ensuring that you don’t say anything that could harm your claim. Let us use our negotiating skills to advocate for a fair settlement that covers all your damages.
If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, your attorney will be prepared to take your case to trial and fight for your rights in court. By letting your motorcycle accident lawyer handle these communications, you can focus on your physical recovery and emotional well-being, knowing that your legal interests are being protected by a skilled professional who has your best interests at heart.
What Causes Motorcycle Accidents on Long Island?
The sad truth is that many motorcycle wrecks could have been avoided if it weren’t for driver negligence, which is the top cause of motorcycle accidents. Even if you know how to ride your motorcycle safely, other road users may not act with caution.
Some of the most common ways driver negligence causes motorcycle wrecks include:
- Failure to see motorcycle riders: Many drivers simply fail to see motorcycle riders, resulting in turning or changing lanes right in front of the motorist, cutting them off.
- Poor road conditions: Potholes, uneven surfaces, and broken concrete can be dangerous for riders, causing serious or fatal injuries.
- Distracted drivers: Motorists on their cell phones or adjusting the radio can cause life-threatening motorcycle accidents.
- Drinking and driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence puts lives in danger.
- Speeding: Exceeding the posted speed limit can result in severe or deadly injuries.
When a motorcycle wreck is caused by another party’s negligence, New York gives injured riders the right to file a claim for compensation. Filing a civil case can do more than covering your own costs; it can hold drivers to a higher standard when it comes to sharing the road with motorcycle riders.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Long Island Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Determining who is at fault in a motorcycle accident can be complex, especially when more than one party is involved in a wreck. In a Long Island motorcycle accident claim, several parties can potentially be held liable, depending on the specific circumstances of the accident. Here are some of the most common parties who may be found at fault:
- Other drivers: If another driver’s negligence caused the motorcycle accident, they can be held liable. Examples of negligent behavior include distracted driving, speeding, failing to yield the right of way, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Vehicle owners: If the at-fault driver was operating a vehicle owned by someone else, such as an employer or a rental car company, the vehicle owner may be held liable under the principle of vicarious liability.
- Motorcycle manufacturers: If a defect in the motorcycle or its parts contributed to the accident, the manufacturer may be held responsible under product liability laws. This can include defects in the design, manufacturing, or labeling of the motorcycle.
- Road authorities: If the accident was caused by dangerous road conditions, such as potholes, inadequate signage, or faulty traffic control devices, the government agency responsible for maintaining the road may be held liable.
- Bars or restaurants: Under New York’s Dram Shop Act, if a bar or restaurant knowingly serves alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who later causes a motorcycle accident, the establishment may be held liable for damages.
- Motorcycle riders: In some cases, the motorcycle rider may be partially at fault for the accident. New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means that the rider’s compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault. Examples of rider negligence include speeding, lane splitting, or riding under the influence.
- Pedestrians or bicyclists: If a negligent pedestrian or bicyclist’s careless actions contributed to the motorcycle accident, they may be held liable for a portion of the damages.
- Construction companies: If the accident occurred in a construction zone and was caused by improper signage, inadequate safety measures, or debris left on the road, the construction company may be held responsible.
- Cargo loaders: If improperly secured cargo falls from a vehicle or commercial truck and causes a motorcycle accident, the party responsible for loading and securing the cargo may be held liable.
Determining liability in a Long Island motorcycle accident claim requires a thorough investigation of the accident scene, gathering evidence, and analyzing the actions of all parties involved. Experienced motorcycle accident attorneys can help identify all potentially liable parties and build a strong case to pursue maximum compensation for the injured rider.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Long Island Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC has a reputation of success in the community for helping motorcycle accident victims over the years. Here are some of the reasons you might choose our Long Island motorcycle accident lawyers to protect your rights in New York:
We Have Decades of Experience
Since 1938, our firm has represented countless motorcycle accident victims. We also have a certified licensed insurance adjuster on staff, who handles appraisals and property damage estimates for our motorcycle clients.
We Have Effective Negotiation Skills
Our goal is to help you recover fair compensation for your injuries and losses. We have vast experience dealing with insurance companies to get what our clients deserve. When negotiating your claim, we start by gathering evidence to prove liability, then utilize our legal skills to demonstrate the complete impact of the wreck on your life.
We Give Free Case Evaluations
We offer a free legal consultation to review your case. We explore options available in situations involving uninsured drivers, multiple insurers, complex legal and medical issues, and more. During this initial case assessment, we examine the unique details of your motorcycle accident to provide candid insight into factors that determine your claim’s value.
Our Clients Become Family
Each case we take on gets the personalized attention it deserves. Your legal team is there with you every step of the way and treats you like a member of the family. We will always have your best interests at heart, and we will keep you informed throughout every step of your claim.
Common Injuries You Can Claim Damages for in a Motorcycle Accident
Because motorcycle riders don’t have the protection a vehicle offers, motorcycle accidents can result in serious injuries and even fatalities. These often lead to personal injury claims to compensate for medical costs and other accident-related expenses.
When a rider is involved in a motorcycle collision, common injuries include:
- Paralysis injuries: These injuries can result in a lifetime of care and medical expenses.
- Amputations: When motorcycle injuries result in amputations, you may need costly medical devices to cope.
- Head injury: Regardless of whether a rider is wearing a helmet, motorcycle accidents often result in trauma to the head.
- Broken bones: Due to a lack of protection, riders are more susceptible to strong impacts in a collision, which can lead to broken limbs.
- Wrist injury: Especially when a rider falls from the bike, wrists are one of the most commonly injured body parts.
- Spine injury: If not treated immediately after an accident, this serious injury can result in severe or fatal consequences.
We may call in expert witnesses to testify regarding the seriousness of your injuries and how they will impact the rest of your life. Our Long Island motorcycle accident attorneys put the full weight of our resources behind each case.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Cases on Long Island?
New York has a statute of limitations of three years to file a lawsuit after you’re injured on a motorcycle, per CVP § 214. In cases of fatal motorcycle accidents, the time limit to file a wrongful death claim in New York is generally two years, according to EPT § 5-4.1.
It is essential that you understand New York’s statute of limitations if you want to pursue financial compensation for your injuries and losses. This law sets strict deadlines on how long you have to file a personal injury lawsuit seeking damages.
We understand complex legal issues like proving liability, calculating the lifetime cost of devastating injuries, negotiating with insurers, and more. Don’t leave potential compensation on the table – we will ensure that your rights and options are fully protected after a motorcycle collision.
How New York’s No-Fault Laws Affect Motorcycle Claims on Long Island
New York’s no-fault insurance laws have a significant impact on motorcycle accident claims, as they differ from the rules that apply to other motor vehicle accidents. Here’s how no-fault laws affect motorcycle claim:
- No-fault coverage does not apply to motorcycles: In New York, no-fault insurance (also known as Personal Injury Protection or PIP) is mandatory for most motor vehicles. However, motorcycles are specifically excluded from this requirement. This means that injured motorcycle riders cannot rely on their own no-fault coverage to pay for medical expenses and lost wages after an accident. However, some policies may offer what is called “med-pay,” which is optional and is usually capped at $5,000, to be used for out-of-pocket expenses such as medical bills.
- Motorcycle riders must pursue a third-party claim: Since no-fault coverage does not apply to motorcycles, injured riders must seek compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance company through a third-party liability claim. This means proving that the other party’s negligence caused the accident and the resulting injuries.
- Serious injury threshold does not apply: In car accident cases, New York’s no-fault laws require plaintiffs to demonstrate that they have suffered a “serious injury” to step outside the no-fault system and pursue a liability claim against the at-fault party. However, this serious injury threshold does not apply to motorcycle accidents. It is imperative that you purchase higher limits/coverage for yourself and passengers since most collisions involving motorcyclists result in catastrophic and debilitating injuries. This coverage is called SUM coverage (Supplemental Underinsured Motorist), and an amount over the basic mandatory limit of $25,000 is strongly advised.
- Importance of having adequate insurance coverage: While motorcyclists are not required to carry no-fault insurance, it is crucial to have adequate insurance coverage to protect themselves in the event of an accident. This includes:
- Liability coverage: This covers damages and injuries that the motorcyclist causes to others in an accident.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: This provides protection if the at-fault party has no insurance or insufficient coverage.
- Medical payments coverage: This optional coverage can help pay for the motorcyclist’s medical expenses after an accident.
If you carried adequate coverage at the time of the motorcycle accident, the above will apply to you. However, that is not always the case. Some riders in New York do not carry adequate coverage. Here’s how it can affect a claim in the case of an accident.
If a Rider Doesn’t Have Enough Coverage
If a motorcycle rider does not have enough insurance coverage and is involved in an accident on Long Island, they may face significant financial consequences, such as:
- Personal liability for damages: If the rider causes an accident and does not have enough liability coverage, they may be personally responsible for paying the damages that exceed their policy limits.
- Difficulty paying for medical expenses: Without no-fault coverage or adequate medical payments coverage, the rider may struggle to pay for their own medical bills after an accident.
- Reduced compensation: If the at-fault party has insufficient coverage and the rider does not have adequate uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, the rider may receive less compensation than they would otherwise be entitled to.
To protect yourself and ensure you have access to sufficient compensation after a motorcycle accident, carefully review your insurance policies and consider purchasing additional coverage. Consulting with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can also help riders understand your rights and options for pursuing a claim after an accident.
How Long Island Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Help Injured Riders
Our Long Island motorcycle accident attorneys play a crucial role in helping injured riders navigate the complex legal process and secure the compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses. Some of the key ways these attorneys assist their clients include:
- Navigating complex legal issues: Motorcycle accident cases can involve intricate legal issues, such as comparative negligence, product liability, or claims against government entities. Your attorney will have the knowledge and experience to navigate these complexities and build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
- Providing support and guidance: Recovering from a serious motorcycle accident can be a difficult and overwhelming process. Your attorney will provide the support, advice, and guidance you need to make informed decisions about your case and your future.
- Advocating for your rights: Motorcycle accident attorneys understand the unique challenges faced by injured riders, including bias from insurance companies and juries. Your lawyer will be a passionate advocate for your rights, working tirelessly to ensure that you receive the respect and compensation you deserve.
Whether you’re dealing with recovering from serious injuries or you are grieving the loss of a loved one, the last thing you need after a motorcycle accident is to deal with insurance companies, paperwork, and legal technicalities. Let us handle your claim while you focus on what matters most: recovering and moving forward.
Get a Free Consultation with Our Long Island Motorcycle Crash Team
At Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC, we have 85 years of experience fighting for the rights of motorcycle accident victims. Don’t leave your future in the hands of insurance companies who don’t have your best interests in mind. Protect yourself and your rights by hiring our Long Island motorcycle accident lawyers.
After a motorcycle accident, we are available 24/7 to help you. Call us at (844) 999-9999 for a free consultation. Let Our Family,, Help Your Family.