Motorcycle accidents are unfortunately common in Queens, given the city’s density and how many drivers are on the roads. Motorcycle accidents can result in serious injuries for riders which might require significant medical treatment.

Fortunately, a Queens motorcycle accident lawyer knowledgeable in motorcycle accident litigation can be helpful. Motorcycle accidents can occur in numerous ways in Queens, and the injuries caused could be catastrophic. However, you will typically have multiple paths to compensation as New York’s no-fault laws will not prevent you as an injured motorcyclist from filing a lawsuit to recover damages. While insurance agents will try to blame you, you are entitled to compensation even if you contributed to causing the accident.

If you have suffered a motorcycle injury because of another person’s negligence, our Queens motorcycle accident lawyers can help you hold them accountable. For a free case review, contact The Carrion Law Firm at (718) 841-0083.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Queens, NY

Queens is a busy hub for thousands of travelers and residents, with two of New York City’s main airports. As such, motor vehicle accidents are an unfortunate but common part of reality in Queens. According to the Police Department of New York City’s monthly motor vehicle collision report, Queens had 2,281 motor vehicle accidents in September 2022. Out of those accidents, 96 involved motorcycles.

While these numbers might not seem high, it only takes one negligent driver to cause serious damage in a motorcycle accident. Our Queens motorcycle accident lawyers can help if you are one of the many injured motorcyclists in Queens.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Queen, NY

There are many reasons that a motorcycle accident can occur in Queens. Even the safest motorcyclist cannot prepare for the many ways a negligent driver can injure them. The following are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Queens:

• Distracted drivers
• Texting drivers
• Left-turn accidents
• Sudden stops
• Open-door accidents
• Improper change of lanes
• Speeding
• DUI
• Tailgating
• Failure to check blind spots
• Potholes and other unsafe road conditions
• Design or manufacturing defects

This list is long, but it is not exhaustive by any means. Our Queens motorcycle accident lawyers can help you with your case regardless of how your injuries were caused.

Common Injuries Caused in Motorcycle Accidents in Queens, NY

Motorcycle accidents are responsible for some of the most devastating injuries on the road. While wearing a helmet and other safety equipment can certainly help prevent serious injuries, the chances of sustaining a serious one is higher because of the lack of protection a motorcycle offers its rider. The following are common types of injuries motorcyclists suffer in Queens:

• Spinal cord injury
• Traumatic brain injury
• Rider’s arm
• Road rash
• Burns
• Broken bones
• Internal injuries
• Lacerations
• Head injury
• Eye injury
• Crushing injury
• Amputation
• Paralysis
• Death

Injuries from motorcycle accidents can be life-altering and could require expensive medical treatment to recover. Our Queens motorcycle accident lawyers can help you get the compensation you need for the injuries you unjustly suffered.

How You Can Receive Compensation After a Queens, NY Motorcycle Accident

New York’s no-fault laws govern most motor vehicle accidents for the purposes of insurance. This means that, under New York’s at-fault rules, drivers are compensated for their injuries from their own insurance policy following typical accidents. Injured parties are compensated by their own insurance provider regardless of who caused the accident. New York’s no-fault laws will also prevent most drivers from filing lawsuits to recover additional damages since injured drivers are compensated from their insurance benefits without having to prove fault for their injuries.

Fortunately, New York’s no-fault rules do not apply to accidents involving an injured motorcyclist. You will be permitted to file a lawsuit to recover additional damages not provided by insurance without proving that you suffered significant injuries in the accident. While you will usually recover economic damages from an insurance claim, like medical bills and lost wages, a lawsuit will be able to pursue non-economic damages, like physical pain and emotional suffering. Our Queens motorcycle accident lawyers can help you determine if filing a lawsuit is the right option for your case to recover the compensation you deserve.

Determining Fault in a Queens, NY Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit

In most cases, insurance adjusters and defense attorneys will try to place the blame on the motorcyclist for causing their own injuries. Fortunately, you can recover damages even if you contributed to causing the accident per New York’s pure comparative negligence rule.

Under C.V.P. Law § 1411, the court will reduce a plaintiff’s award by the percentage they were found at fault for the accident. For instance, if you were awarded $100,000 for damages after a successful lawsuit but were found 10% at fault, your total award would be $90,000. As long as you are not 100% responsible for causing the accident, New York’s comparative negligence law allows you to recover compensation for your injuries. Our Queens motorcycle accident lawyers can help you if you believe that you might have contributed to causing your accident.

Statute of Limitations to File a Queens, NY Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit

The statute of limitations is a legal term that refers to the time limit a victim has to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Queens. New York’s C.V.P. Law § 214 provides injured motorcyclists three years from the date of their injuries to file a lawsuit.

However, the rule is very strict. There are only a few exceptions to your case being dismissed if it is not filed within the three-year deadline. Motorcycle accident lawsuits are complex and generally require a good deal of time to gather the important evidence you will need to establish that the other driver was negligent in causing the accident. If too much time passes, that evidence can become lost, and witnesses’ memories will not be as fresh when the time comes to recall the facts of the case. Our Queens motorcycle accident lawyers can help you start litigation promptly to assist you on your road to recovery.

Our Queens, NY Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, our Queens motorcycle accident lawyers could help you get the compensation you are entitled in order to recover fully from your injuries. Call The Carrion Law Firm today at (718) 841-0083 for your free case assessment.