Long Island Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
In an average year, thousands of New Yorkers are hurt in motorcycle crashes – and 141 people 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 money for your losses. Through a personal injury claim, you can seek compensation from the at-fault driver and their insurance company. A seasoned personal injury attorney can help you with the process.
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.
Who Is at Fault in a Motorcycle Accident?
While motorcyclists make up a relatively small percentage of motorists in the United States, they are overrepresented in fatal traffic accidents. In 2019 alone, 5,014 motorcyclists died in collisions in the U.S.
There are many different reasons why a motorcycle accident might happen. Some common causes include:
- Unsafe lane changes
- Speeding
- Dangerous road conditions
- Driving under the influence
- Lane splitting
- Opening car doors without looking
- Sudden stops
- Inexperienced drivers
- Left-turn accidents
- Dangerous or defective parts
In each type of accident, the at-fault party may be acting negligently, or carelessly. Negligence is a legal term that essentially means that a person did not exercise the level of care that a reasonable person would use in a similar situation. For example, a reasonable person would check to make sure that no vehicles were coming before opening up their car door. If a driver fails to check and causes a motorcycle crash, they may be held financially liable for any injuries that result.
A skilled Long Island motorcycle accident attorney will use 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 the injury victim’s 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. The parties will go back and forth until they can negotiate a fair settlement. However, in some cases, it may not be possible to come to an agreement. In this situation, you 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.
Schedule your free case review today by calling 631-994-3043 or contacting our Long Island law offices online. We offer appointments virtually or in-person in our welcoming, newly renovated office space.
What Are My Damages in a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?
In a personal injury 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. Because most personal injury cases are based on negligence, instead of intentional actions, punitive damages are not often awarded. An experienced attorney can advise you of the potential to recover punitive damages, such as for a drunk driving accident.
Studies show that accident victims who are represented by counsel recover an average of 40% more than people who represent themselves. If you want to get top dollar for your personal injury claim, the best thing that you can do is hire an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to take on the insurance company for you.
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 bike accident. In this situation, we work with survivors to put together a wrongful death claim for their losses.
Motorcycle accidents can involve many different types of damage and injuries. While damage to your motorcycle may be easily observed immediately after your accident, the damage to your body is not always as obvious. Some injuries take time to make themselves known, and the adrenaline produced by your body during the accident can mask the pain of injuries, making them seem less severe than they really are.
Whether they show up immediately after your accident or in the days that follow, any injury you sustain can dramatically impact your life. High medical bills and lost wages, in addition to the costs of repairing or replacing your motorcycle, can be a big burden on you and your family. Let the motorcycle injury experts at The Odierno Law Firm, P.C. fight for compensation for you on Long Island and the surrounding areas.
Why Motorcycle Accident Cases Are Different
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 associated with motorcycle riders. To avoid unfair blame and a lowball offer, you need an experienced advocate in your corner.
Many people have a negative impression of motorcycle riders. They may assume that they’re 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. In reality, many motorcycle crashes are caused by careless drivers – not motorcyclists.
These stereotypes 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.
The Top 3 Reasons to Choose Us to Handle Your Motorcycle Injury
After a motorcycle crash, you may not know where to turn for help. If you haven’t needed a lawyer before, then you might not know which personal injury law firm to choose. We believe that we are the best choice for injury victims in Nassau and Suffolk Counties for three reasons:
- We have recovered millions of dollars for our clients over thousands of cases, both through court appearances and settlements.
- If we don’t recover compensation for you, you don’t pay us, and your first consultation is always free.
- Our family’s two generations of attorneys have more than 150 years of combined experience, and over 45 years of experience working within the Long Island personal injury system – we know the judges, courts, and insurers involved.
We also know how devastating a motorcycle crash can be for both the injured rider and their families. We will stand by your side throughout the process, giving you peace of mind that your case is being handled appropriately so that you can focus on what matters the most: your health.
Our motorcycle accident lawyers can track down witnesses, collect evidence, and skillfully negotiate with large insurance companies. If the insurer won’t cooperate, we can discuss the options of pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. We have settled thousands of cases and successfully handled hundreds of trials. Whatever it takes to get you fair compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and more, The Odierno Law Firm, P.C. has the proven talent to help you.
Schedule your free case review today by calling (631) 994-3043 or contacting our Long Island law offices online. We offer appointments virtually or in person in our welcoming, newly renovated office space.
What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident?
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.
Once you can, you should schedule a free consultation with a skilled personal injury lawyer. They will listen to your story, advise you of your rights, and help you decide how to move forward. In Long Island, call the Odierno Law Firm today to talk to a motorcycle accident attorney.
How Can I Afford to Hire a Lawyer?
Most people cannot afford to pay an hourly fee for an attorney. However, personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. That means that instead of paying hundreds of dollars for each hour that your lawyer spends on your case, you will pay a percentage of your total recovery. In this way, anyone can afford to hire an attorney for their motorcycle accident claim.
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 Really Need a Lawyer for My Motorcycle Crash Case?
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.
Get Compensated for Your Accident—Take the First Step Today
A motorcycle accident can leave you with severe injuries – both physically and emotionally. Our law 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, give us a call at 631-994-3043 or fill out our online contact form.
Call 631-994-3043 today or fill out our online contact form to set up a free consultation with our Long Island motorcycle injury attorneys.
Dedicated To You
We are committed to getting you the compensation you deserve for the injuries you have sustained. We are determined to fight for you. We have a no recovery, no fee policy, so you don’t pay unless we win.
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 CaseThousands of Clients Helped Throughout Long Island and the Surrounding Areas
For nearly five decades, our dedicated legal team has been able to obtain compensation for clients throughout Long Island and the surrounding areas, including Suffolk, Nassau, and Queens. When you are looking for an accident lawyer who has the proven talent to take your case, look no further than The Odierno Law Firm, P.C., where we have obtained phenomenal results time and again. What’s more, it will cost you nothing out-of-pocket to hire us. We don’t charge you unless and until we win your case.
