Motorcycle accident victims can incur a wide array of significant injuries. These injuries often disturb riders’ abilities to return to work and enjoy their lives. Thankfully, at-fault parties may be sued for the motorcycle crashes they cause.
Still, the path to payment in a motorcycle accident lawsuit may be difficult to navigate without guidance from our lawyers. There are multiple strategies that the defendant can employ to refute your claim. Fortunately, the team at our firm can help deal with other parties and fight for the financial compensation they are owed.
In the aftermath of your motorcycle crash in Pittsford, NY, seek assistance from our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers at The Carrion Law Firm by dialing (718) 841-0083.
Filing a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Pittsford, NY
When filling a motorcycle accident lawsuit, you must be sure to bring your claim to court on time. According to C.V.P. Law § 214, you will usually have to file your case within three years of the date your collision occurred. If you wait too long to file, then you may miss out on your opportunity to obtain payment for your injuries.
Still, even though you may have multiple years to file, you should begin working on your case as quickly as possible after your accident. Important evidence needed to support your claim can become hard to collect and preserve as time goes on. For example, documents can become lost and witnesses can forget relevant details. The more quickly you connect with our motorcycle accident attorneys, the more efficiently we can gather the information we need to win your case.
In addition to filing your case by the appropriate deadline, there are several other conditions that must be satisfied when bringing your motorcycle accident case to court. For instance, you must file in the right jurisdiction, attach necessary supporting documents, pay any required filing fees, served defendants, and make sure that you are filing a complete claim. If you do not comply with any of these requirements, then you may have to file your case again. By filing your lawsuit early, you can afford yourself time to re-file if you have to.
Assessing Settlement Offers in Pittsford Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits
After you file a motorcycle accident case in Pittsford, the defendant will likely approach you with a settlement offer at some point before trial. If you enter into a settlement agreement, then the defendant will pay you the agreed-upon sum of damage and your claim will be dismissed. By settling early, you may save on some of the costs that are often incurred during trial. Further, you may obtain compensation sooner.
Unfortunately, defendants in motorcycle accident cases regularly try to settle their cases for less than they are worth. If an acceptable settlement offer is not presented, then you must go to trial to acquire the payment you deserve. Our team can help assess any settlement offers made in your case. Therefore, you may confidently determine whether settling early or going to trial is best for your case.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes in Pittsford, NY
Unfortunately, a high number of motorcycle crashes occur as the result of drivers’ negligence. There are many different types of negligent behavior that can cause harmful collisions. The following are all common causes of motorcycle accidents in Pittsford:
Failure to Check Blind Spots
One of the most common negligent behaviors is when car drivers fail to check their blind spots before changing lanes or making turns. Motorcycles are smaller and more maneuverable than cars, making them easier to miss in a driver’s blind spot. Failing to visually check blind spots or neglecting to use side mirrors effectively can lead to collisions when a car driver merges into a lane occupied by a motorcycle.
Left-Turn Accidents
Left-turn accidents are a frequent cause of motorcycle collisions. They occur when a driver making a left turn at an intersection fails to yield the right of way to an oncoming motorcycle. These accidents often happen because the driver misjudges the speed of the motorcycle or fails to see it altogether. Car drivers must exercise caution and double-check for approaching motorcycles before making left turns.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving, such as texting, talking on the phone, or engaging in other activities that take a driver’s attention away from the road, is a common cause of motorcycle accidents. When drivers are distracted, their ability to notice motorcycles sharing the road diminishes significantly. Failing to observe motorcycles in traffic or misjudging their proximity can lead to dangerous situations and potentially catastrophic accidents.
Following Too Closely
Tailgating is another negligent behavior that can endanger motorcyclists. When car drivers fail to maintain a safe following distance, they leave little room for motorcyclists to maneuver or react to unexpected situations. If a motorcyclist suddenly slows down or brakes, the car driver may not have enough time to avoid a collision. Rear-end collisions with motorcycles can result in severe injuries or even fatalities.
Failing to Yield the Right of Way
Car drivers occasionally fail to yield the right of way to motorcycles, particularly at intersections, when changing lanes, or at merge points. Failing to yield can lead to T-bone accidents, sideswipes, or forced evasive maneuvers by motorcyclists, causing them to lose control and crash. It is crucial for car drivers to respect the rights of motorcyclists and yield when necessary.
Negligent Lane Changes
Improper or abrupt lane changes by car drivers can be hazardous to motorcyclists. Suddenly veering into a motorcycle’s lane without signaling or checking mirrors can cause the motorcyclist to take evasive action, potentially resulting in a collision or loss of control. Car drivers should always use their turn signals and check blind spots before changing lanes to ensure the safety of all road users.
Ignoring Traffic Laws
Negligent drivers may ignore traffic laws, such as running red lights, stop signs, or exceeding the speed limit. These actions not only endanger other vehicles but also put motorcyclists at significant risk. Ignoring traffic laws increases the likelihood of collisions and denies motorcyclists the right of safe passage.
Call Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys for Help with Your Lawsuit in Pittsford, NY
Get help from our motorcycle accident attorneys at The Carrion Law Firm today by calling (718) 841-0083.