Queens Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

While riding a motorcycle may be a convenient and quick way to get around, and certainly an option that lends itself to more parking opportunities–a huge consideration in Queens–riding a motorcycle isn’t always a safe option. Indeed, even when a motorcyclist is exercising a high degree of care, it’s impossible to know how others on the road will operate their vehicles and where hazards exist. If you have been involved in a motorcycle crash, our Queens motorcycle accident lawyers at the law offices of Sullivan & Galleshaw can help you to navigate the claims process. We know how significantly your life has likely changed after a crash – choose our law firm for assistance in recovering the settlement you deserve.

Top Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

While there are many more motorists than motorcyclists, the rate of motorcyclist fatality is alarmingly high. In order to recover compensation after a crash–as well as to raise awareness about how to prevent motorcycle crashes and save lives–the root causes of these crashes must be identified. Some of the common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Motor vehicle driver negligence. The negligence of a motor vehicle driver can lead to a motorcycle crash. Negligence is the failure to exercise the proper degree of care. In motor vehicle accident situations, negligence usually refers to actions like speeding, drinking while driving, driving aggressively, failing to signal, performing an illegal maneuver, distracted driving, etc.
• Hazardous conditions. Another cause of motorcycle accidents in some cases is that of hazardous conditions, such as road or signage defects. In some cases, the risk of a motorcycle accident may be exacerbated by poor visibility or weather conditions.
• Vehicle defects. While perhaps not as common, some motorcycle accidents are the result of vehicle defects, such as defective brakes or steering equipment.

It’s also important to note that while many motorcycle accidents are the fault of the drivers of passenger cars, some motorcycle accidents are caused by motorcyclists’ negligence. When a motorcyclist is found to be at-fault for their accident, their recoverable damages amount could be reduced, or they could be barred from recovery altogether.

Injuries from a Motorcycle Accident

Typically more serious than the injuries sustained by the party who is in the passenger car involved in the motorcycle crash, a motorcyclist’s injuries are often tragic. Examples of motorcycle injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries;
• Head, neck, spine injuries;
• Facial and scalp injuries;
• Spinal cord injuries;
• Soft tissue injuries;
• Road rash/ road burn injuries;
• Bone fractures;
• Amputation and crush injuries;
• Internal injuries; and
• Psychological injuries.

The Motorcycle Accident Claims Process – Who’s Liable for Damages?

At the office of Sullivan & Galleshaw LLP, we strongly believe that victims of motorcycle accidents in Queens and the surrounding areas deserve to be compensated in full for the losses that they suffer.

Liability for a motorcycle accident depends on fault. After a motorcycle crash, it is critical that an injured motorcyclist seek medical care, file an insurance claim, and collect evidence as early as possible. Types of evidence that can be used to establish fault include photographs of the accident scene and damages, eyewitnesses’ statements, police reports, video/traffic camera footage, vehicle control module data, and more.

Our lawyers will work hard to gather evidence that can be used to prove fault. Additionally, we can calculate damages and determine the value of your claim. After you have reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) and we have determined the value of your damages and who should be held liable for damages, we can file a demand letter against the appropriate insurance company (or another party). We will review any settlement offer you receive and negotiate your claim on your behalf.

As noted above, if you are found to be at fault or partially at fault for your accident your damages could be denied or your settlement could be reduced. This is per New York’s rules on shared fault, which hold that while you can still recover compensation from the other party if you contributed to your own injuries, your compensation award will be reduced in proportion to your degree of fault.

Call Our Queens Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, you are not alone. Our law firm knows the extent of harm you have suffered and the pain you continue to experience – we will work hard for you to improve the outcome of your case and get you the settlement that you deserve. When you hire our Queens motorcycle accident attorneys, you can count on us to handle 100 percent of your case so you can focus on your recovery. Please reach out to us today by phone or online for your free consultation.