Danielle was riding her motorcycle home from work on the Long Island Expressway when a distracted driver changed lanes without checking their blind spot. The collision left her with a broken leg, road rash, and a totaled bike. While recovering in the hospital, Danielle wondered if she really needed a lawyer or if she could handle the insurance claim herself.
If you’re asking yourself the same question after a motorcycle accident in New York, the answer is clear: Yes, you should absolutely get a lawyer.
Why Motorcycle Accidents Are Different
Motorcycle accidents aren’t like regular car crashes. They’re more complex and often result in serious injuries. Here’s what makes them unique:
- Severe injuries are common – Motorcyclists have less protection than car drivers
- Bias against riders – Many people wrongly think motorcyclists are reckless
- Complex insurance rules – New York’s no-fault insurance doesn’t cover motorcycles
- Higher damage amounts – Medical bills and lost wages add up quickly
Top Reasons to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
1.Protect Your Rights
Insurance companies want to pay as little as possible. They have teams of lawyers working to
minimize your claim. Without legal help, you’re fighting an unfair battle.
A skilled attorney will:
- Handle all communication with insurance companies
- Prevent you from saying something that hurts your case
- Make sure you don’t accept a low settlement offer
2. Navigate Complex Legal Issues
New York motorcycle accident cases involve tricky legal questions:
- Liability determination – Who was really at fault?
- Comparative negligence – What if you were partly to blame?
- Insurance coverage – Which policies apply to your case?
- Government liability – Was poor road design a factor?
3. Maximize Your Compensation
A lawyer knows how to calculate the full value of your claim. This includes damages you might not think about:
Types of Personal Injury Damages
Understanding what compensation you may be entitled to recover
| Type of Damage | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Medical Bills | Hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, prescription medications, medical equipment |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work, reduced earning capacity, lost overtime opportunities |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, loss of enjoyment of life |
| Property Damage | Motorcycle repairs, personal belongings, clothing, electronics damaged in the accident |
| Future Costs | Ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, future surgeries, long-term therapy |
4. Meet Critical Deadlines
New York has strict time limits for filing injury claims:
- 3 years – Standard statute of limitations for personal injury cases
- 90 days – Notice requirement for claims against government entities
- 30 days – Deadline for certain insurance notifications
Miss these deadlines and you could lose your right to compensation forever.
5. Reduce Stress During Recovery
Dealing with insurance companies, medical bills, and legal paperwork is overwhelming when you’re hurt. A lawyer handles these tasks so you can focus on getting better.
When You Definitely Need a Lawyer
- Some situations require immediate legal help:
- Serious injuries – Broken bones, head trauma, or permanent disability
- Disputed liability – The other driver claims you were at fault
- Multiple parties – Several vehicles or entities may be responsible
- Insurance problems – Claim denied, delayed, or undervalued
- Government involvement – Poor road conditions contributed to the crash
What a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Does
Your attorney will take these steps to build your case:
- Investigate the accident – Gather police reports, witness statements, and photos
- Work with experts – Accident reconstruction specialists and medical professionals
- Document your injuries – Coordinate with doctors to prove your damages
- Negotiate with insurers – Push for fair compensation using proven strategies
- File a lawsuit if needed – Take your case to court when settlement talks fail
Danielle’s Story Continues
Remember Danielle from our opening? She initially thought she could handle her claim alone. But when the insurance company offered just $15,000 for her $45,000 in medical bills, she called The Fastman Law Group.
Her lawyer discovered the other driver was texting at the time of the crash. They also found that Danielle would need additional surgery on her leg. With proper legal representation, Danielle recovered $185,000 – more than 12 times the original offer.
Common Concerns About Hiring a Lawyer
“I can’t afford a lawyer” Most motorcycle accident attorneys work on contingency. You pay nothing unless you win your case and The Fastman Law Group doesn’t get paid unless you win.
“It will take too long” Many cases settle within 6-12 months. Complex cases may take longer, but you’ll receive more compensation.
“I don’t want to seem greedy” You’re not being greedy by seeking fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Free Consultations Available
Don’t wait to get legal help. Most reputable law firms, including The Fastman Law Group, offer free consultations for motorcycle accident cases.
During your consultation, you can:
- Learn about your legal rights
- Get an estimate of your case value
- Ask questions about the legal process
- Decide if you want to hire that attorney
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, follow these steps:
- Get medical attention – Your health comes first
- Call the police – File an official accident report
- Document everything – Take photos and gather witness information
- Don’t talk to insurance adjusters alone – They may try to trick you
- Contact a lawyer promptly – Early legal advice prevents costly mistakes
The Bottom Line
Motorcycle accidents in New York are serious matters that require professional legal help. Insurance companies have experienced lawyers protecting their interests. Shouldn’t you have the same protection?
At The Fastman Law Group, we understand the unique challenges motorcyclists face after an accident. Our experienced attorneys have helped hundreds of riders in Nassau County, Suffolk County, and throughout the NYC metro area recover the compensation they deserve.
Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you during your most vulnerable time. Contact us today at (516) 437-7300 or visit our contact page to schedule your free consultation.
Your recovery is our priority. Let us handle the legal fight while you focus on getting better.
