Motorcycle accidents are responsible for some of the most devasting injuries in Jamaica, Queens. Many motorcycle accident victims will need significant medical care to treat what might be long-term injuries properly.
However, an experienced Jamaica, Queens motorcycle accident lawyer can be helpful in your efforts to recover compensation. There are numerous causes of motorcycle accidents. The legal strategies employed in your case will largely depend on how your accident occurred. Fortunately, New York’s no-fault laws do not apply to motorcycle accidents. Motorcycle accident victims will thus have several options to recover damages after an accident, but a lawsuit is typically the best way to protect your rights.
If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent driver, our Jamaica, Queens motorcycle accident lawyers can help you hold them accountable for your damages. For a free case evaluation, contact The Carrion Law Firm at (718) 841-0083.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Jamaica, Queens
Negligent drivers can cause motorcycle accidents in several ways in Jamaica, Queens. Most motorcyclists know that many drivers pay little attention to motorcycles sharing the road. Devastating accidents can occur even when a rider takes the utmost precaution. Fortunately, our Jamaica, Queens motorcycle accident lawyers can help you recover compensation no matter the cause of your injuries.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is easily a leading cause of motorcycle accidents in Jamaica, Queens. Countless distractions in cars can cause a driver to take their eyes off the road. Unfortunately, it only takes being distracted for a second for a catastrophic motorcycle accident to occur. The following are common ways that drivers can become distracted and cause an accident:
- Texting
- Using social media
- Checking GPS
- Talking on the phone
- Talking with passengers
- Picking music
- Eating or drinking
There is no shortage of ways for drivers to get distracted from what they are doing behind the wheel. Regardless, you deserve compensation if a distracted driver injures you.
Speeding
Speeding is another common cause of motorcycle accidents. Speeding drivers are more likely to cause accidents because they tend to go outside their lanes and ignore or miss traffic signals. If a driver is speeding, they can cause a catastrophic accident if they must react quickly to a road hazard without the time to adjust to a nearby motorcycle.
Improper Lane Changes and Turns
Improper lane changes and illegal turns are also common reasons for Jamaica, Queens motorcycle accidents. Many drivers fail to check their blind spots before changing lanes or decide to change lanes on the part of the road where it is illegal. A devasting accident can happen if a driver fails to check for a motorcycle before changing lanes.
Illegal turns also cause severe accidents. The typical scenario is when drivers fail to yield the right of way to approaching riders or cut immediately in front of a motorcycle to turn. Needless to say, the injuries that result from these types of accidents can be life-altering or even fatal.
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
Lastly, motorcyclists are sometimes the victims of another person driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Drunk drivers will have slower reaction time, blurred vision, and inhibited motor skills, increasing the chances of a serious collision. However, our Jamaica, Queens motorcycle accident lawyers can help you recover compensation even if the negligent driver is not charged with a crime.
Recovering Compensation for a Jamaica, Queens Motorcycle Accident
Typical car accidents in New York follow what are known as no-fault rules. This means that parties injured in a car accident can recover compensation for their injuries from their own personal insurance protection (PIP) insurance, regardless of which driver caused the accident. However, most drivers will be prevented from filing a lawsuit against the negligent driver under these rules. Fortunately, New York’s no-fault laws do not apply in motorcycle accident cases.
Injured motorcyclists still have the option of filing with their insurance but can file a lawsuit against the other driver without overcoming New York’s bar to filing a personal injury lawsuit. A lawsuit will often be the best option to ensure you recover the compensation you are entitled to. It is harder for negligent drivers to get around their responsibilities when they are the subject of a lawsuit. Our Jamaica, Queens motorcycle accident lawyers can help you determine what compensation is available in your case and the best way to obtain it.
Elements of a Jamaica, Queens Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
There is a process to proving a motorcycle accident lawsuit. This includes proving four elements necessary to show that the other party’s negligence caused your injuries.
First, you will need to show that the other driver owed you a duty of care. This is typically not difficult since drivers owe a general duty of care while operating their vehicles. Next, you must prove that the driver’s conduct led them to breach that duty of care and that you would not have suffered your injuries but for the driver’s negligence. Last, you must show that the accident caused you damages, which can be shown with medical expenses and lost wages caused by your injuries. Our Jamaica, Queens motorcycle accident lawyers can review your case to determine if the elements of a personal injury claim are met.
Time Limit to File a Jamaica, Queens Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
The time limit to file a lawsuit for a Jamaica, Queens motorcycle accident is known as the statute of limitations and is encoded in New York’s C.V.P. Law § 214. Under this law, motorcycle accident victims generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against a negligent driver. Motorcycle accident lawsuits can be complex, and it takes time to gather the evidence needed to prove a case. Thus, it is critical that you get your case started as quickly as possible so that you do not lose your right to pursue compensation. Our Jamaica, Queens motorcycle accident lawyers can help you identify your case’s deadline and ensure your lawsuit is filed on time.
Our Jamaica, Queens Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, our Jamaica, Queens motorcycle accident lawyers can help you recover compensation from the driver that injured you. Call The Carrion Law Firm today at (718) 841-0083 for a free case review.