In an average year, thousands of New Yorkers are hurt in motorcycle crashes, and more than 100 are killed in fatal accidents. While riding a motorcycle can be a safe and enjoyable activity, when careless drivers don’t respect motorcyclists, it can lead to serious injury or even death.
If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to recover compensation for your losses through a personal injury claim. At The Odierno Law Firm, our practice is dedicated to helping accident victims get the money that they deserve for their injuries. We work hard to help our clients get maximum compensation, and we never charge a fee unless we recover money for you. Give us a call today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our legal team.
Why Should You Get a Lawyer for a Motorcycle Accident?
After a devastating crash, motorcyclists and their families not only have to deal with high medical bills, damaged property, and stingy insurance companies, but they also have to deal with unfair stereotypes. Many people assume that motorcyclists are up to no good, that they regularly violate traffic laws, or that they are engaging in such a dangerous activity that it is their own fault if they get hurt.
At The Odierno Law Firm, we know the truth: Many motorcycle crashes are caused by careless drivers, not motorcyclists. Unfortunately, these stereotypes are deep-seated and can make it hard for motorcycle riders and their loved ones to get full compensation for their losses. Our law firm understands how to fight back against negative perceptions and put together the strongest possible case for a full recovery. We’ll aggressively advocate for your right to maximum compensation.
What Can a Long Island Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Do For You?
The Odierno Law Firm has served Long Island riders and their families for more than 45 years, handling motorcycle accidents with skill, knowledge, and dedication. Our two generations of attorneys bring over 150 years of combined experience, giving us deep familiarity with local courts, judges, and insurers. We know what it takes to recover full and fair compensation for our clients, and we put that experience to work for you.
Here’s how we help after a motorcycle crash:
- Investigating your accident – We gather police reports, medical records, witness statements, and other evidence to build a strong case.
- Identifying liable parties – We determine who is at fault, whether it’s another driver, a company, or an entity responsible for unsafe road conditions.
- Negotiating with insurers – We fight lowball offers and ensure your claim is taken seriously.
- Pursuing full compensation – We seek reimbursement for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and any long-term care needs.
- Taking legal action if necessary – If insurers refuse to settle fairly, we are prepared to take your case to court.
- Providing support throughout the process – We guide you at every step, answer your questions, and make the legal process manageable so you can focus on recovery.
With millions recovered for injured riders across Nassau and Suffolk Counties, we have the proven experience, local knowledge, and tenacity to fight for your rights.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents on Long Island
While motorcyclists make up a relatively small percentage of motorists in the United States, they are overrepresented in fatal traffic accidents. Many crashes are caused by the careless or negligent actions of other drivers or unsafe conditions. Common causes include:
- Unsafe lane changes by other drivers – Cars cutting into a motorcyclist’s lane can cause collisions.
- Speeding by other drivers – Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases crash severity.
- Poorly maintained roads – Potholes, debris, and uneven surfaces can create hazards for motorcycles.
- Driving under the influence – Impaired drivers are a leading cause of accidents involving motorcyclists.
- Opening car doors without looking – Passengers or drivers opening doors into a motorcyclist’s path can cause serious injuries.
- Sudden stops by other vehicles – Abrupt braking by cars or trucks can result in crashes.
- Left-turn accidents – Cars turning in front of oncoming motorcycles often cause collisions.
- Defective or unsafe vehicle parts – Faulty brakes, tires, or other components on another vehicle can contribute to accidents.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
The value of your motorcycle accident case depends in part on the extent of your injuries. Our law firm has experience representing clients who have suffered from common motorcycle accident injuries, including:
- Brain injuries (traumatic brain injury/TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Limb injuries, including broken bones and fractures
- Internal injuries
- Road rash or other skin damage
- Muscle damage
We also represent people who have suffered catastrophic injuries, such as paralysis, and families who have lost a loved one in a fatal motorcycle accident. In this situation, we work with survivors to put together a wrongful death claim for their losses.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Motorcycle Crash on Long Island?
In a motorcycle accident claim, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your full range of losses. This may include money for economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages.
Economic damages compensate motorcycle accident victims for their direct financial losses. Examples of economic damages include property damage, medical expenses, future medical treatment, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity.
By contrast, non-economic damages pay for intangible losses that are often harder to prove. A seasoned personal injury attorney will use their knowledge of the law and similar cases to demonstrate that you are entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering, emotional distress, scarring, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Finally, punitive damages may be available if the at-fault driver acted intentionally or recklessly. However, because most personal injury cases are based on negligence, instead of intentional actions, punitive damages are only rarely awarded. Our motorcycle accident attorneys can advise you of the potential to recover punitive damages, such as for a drunk driving accident.
Why Us?
You Will Not Pay Us Unless We Win Your Case- Our Firm is Backed By Trial Success & Client Satisfaction
- We Will Review Your Personal Injury Claim For Free
- We Have Over 150 Years of Combined Legal Experience
You Will Not Pay Us Unless We Win Your CaseHow a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Works
A typical motorcycle accident case starts with an investigation. Your motorcycle accident attorney will collect accident reports, witness statements, expert witnesses, photographs and videos of the accident scene, and other evidence to prove that the at-fault driver is responsible for your losses. They will then submit a claim to the other person’s insurance company in the form of a demand letter. This document lays out the facts of the case, the legal reason why the insured is liable, and then makes a demand for damages (compensation).
Insurance companies usually respond to a demand letter with a counteroffer and negotiations will take place with the goal of reaching a fair settlement. However, in some cases, it may not be possible to come to an agreement. In this situation, you and your attorney may need to file a personal injury lawsuit to protect your rights.
Filing a lawsuit does not mean that your case will go to court. Instead, it is a way to ensure that you comply with New York’s 3-year statute of limitations. Throughout the pre-trial process, your attorney will continue to negotiate a settlement for your motorcycle accident claim. If the insurance company refuses to give you the money that you deserve, then it may be necessary to take your case to trial.
Insurance companies know that accident victims who have legal representation are unlikely to accept anything less than a full value settlement. For this reason, it is always a good idea to consult with a Long Island motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible, and definitely before you talk to an insurance adjuster. Don’t let the insurance company take advantage of you; level the playing field with the help of an experienced lawyer.
Contact Our Motorcycle Crash Attorneys
At Odierno, we are dedicated to protecting the rights and futures of motorcycle accident victims who have been harmed due to someone else’s negligence.
Long Island Motorcycle Accident Lawyer: FAQs
What Should I Do After a Long Island Motorcycle Crash?
The most important thing that you should do after a motorcycle crash on Long Island is to seek medical treatment. If you are able to do so, you should also attempt to gather information at the accident scene. Any photos or videos that you take may be incredibly useful in proving your case. As soon as you’re able, schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys. We will listen to your story, advise you of your rights, and help you decide how to move forward.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Lawyer?
The Odierno Law Firm never charges a fee unless we recover money for you through a settlement or verdict at trial. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Long Island motorcycle accident attorney.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Minor Motorcycle Accident?
It depends. For an accident that involves property damage and no injuries, it may be possible to resolve the case on your own without the help of an attorney. However, if you suffered any injuries at all, even minor injuries, it is always a good idea to talk to a lawyer before making any decisions. Insurance companies are in business to make money. Any initial settlement offer they make probably won’t be enough to cover your losses. If you want to get a fair settlement for your losses, reach out to The Odierno Law Firm today.
How Might Long Island Motorcycle Laws Affect My Case?
Even if you weren’t following certain motorcycle laws, like helmet requirements or lane restrictions, it doesn’t automatically prevent you from filing a claim. However, it could reduce the amount of damages you can recover.
Get Compensated for Your Long Island Motorcycle Accident—Take the First Step Today
A motorcycle accident can leave you with severe injuries, both physically and emotionally. Our firm helps accident victims get their lives back on track after a crash. We will work with you to help you get the highest possible recovery for your losses.
The Odierno Law Firm advocates for injury victims throughout Long Island. We offer free consultations, and never charge a fee unless we recover money for you. To learn more or to schedule a free initial consultation with a Long Island motorcycle accident attorney, fill out our online contact form.