Rochester NY Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Riding a motorcycle around the Rochester area is a uniquely beautiful way to see the natural wonders of Lake Ontario, Irondequoit Bay, and the Finger Lakes. Upstate New York offers festivals, food, and fun for the whole family all year long, but taking a bike out on a warm summer night is one of life’s finest simple pleasures. With the cost of gas, using a motorcycle as your primary commuting vehicle makes more sense than ever.
Unfortunately, the freedom to experience the wind in your hair often comes at a steep price. Outside the confines of a car, motorcyclists face a much higher level of danger on the road. Fatal motorcycle crashes are rising in upstate New York; even minor accidents can cause severe injuries to riders and passengers.
Causes of Motorcycle Collisions and Fault
Many motorcycle accidents follow a similar pattern: a vehicle inattentively switches lanes or cuts in front of a motorcycle, forcing the bike off the road or into the path of another vehicle. Other factors also lead to accidents, including heavy traffic, severe weather, poor road conditions, and construction diversions and obstacles. The winding, narrow roads of upstate New York can be beautiful — and deadly. Drivers who fail to keep an adequate lookout for motorcycle riders also contribute to the frequency and severity of motorcycle accidents on New York roads.
Determining fault in a motorcycle collision is often complicated. As in all crashes, a vehicle driver and a motorcyclist often have conflicting recollections of what occurred. Additionally, one or both may not know the rules for motorcycles on the road.
It is often necessary to conduct a thorough investigation. This may include locating and interviewing independent witnesses, obtaining video or images from traffic and security cameras, and consulting with accident reconstruction and other traffic experts. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, our experienced legal team will help uncover the whole story and recover what you deserve.
New York State Motorcycle Laws
In general, motorcyclists in New York State must adhere to the same traffic rules as full-sized vehicles and are entitled to the same rights on the roadway. Even though motorcycles are smaller and less visible than cars or trucks, other drivers have a legal duty to keep a lookout and exercise due care to prevent collisions.
Every motorcyclist should understand and follow the additional laws that apply to motorcycle operators in New York State. These laws pertain to the training, equipment, and protective gear required to travel lawfully on New York roadways.
New York State motorcycle laws state:
- Motorcyclists must have a Class M or MJ Operator’s License or Learner’s Permit.
- Only two motorcycles may operate side-by-side in a single lane of travel.
- All riders must wear motorcycle helmets and eye protection.
- Use of daytime headlights is required.
- Motorcycle helmet speakers can only have one earphone.
- If carrying a passenger, a passenger seat and footrest are required.
- Motorcycles must have a muffler.
- Handlebars must be less than 15 inches above the driver’s seat.
Recovering Damages After a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycles are outmatched in a fight with a full-sized vehicle; even a small impact can throw a rider into traffic, obstacles, or pavement. Because riders lack the protection of other vehicles, it is rare to escape an accident without serious injuries that require medical treatment.
Riders involved in accidents frequently walk away with life-altering and financially draining injuries — if they walk away. Broken bones, road rash, and serious internal injuries are depressingly common. Injured riders often cannot work and lose income while recovering. Medical bills, treatment expenses, prescriptions, vehicle repairs, and other costs can add up quickly.
Unfortunately, motorcycle operators and passengers usually do not have access to No-Fault insurance benefits like other motor vehicle accident victims in New York. Therefore, you will have to work creatively and pursue compensation from other policies from the start. You may be able to recover from other drivers, private property owners, or third-party defendants who contributed to causing a dangerous roadway condition.
The experienced personal injury team at Kammholz Rossi PLLC will work with you to identify potential sources of compensation, build a strong case, and get your life back on track as quickly as possible. Our team is committed to recovering the compensation you need to fully recuperate from an accident’s physical and emotional damage.
What Damages Can I Recover?
Insurance companies work against you to minimize the compensation you need to recover from your accident. Many people injured in motorcycle accidents have significantly larger claims than they realize. If an insurance company is unwilling to settle your case for a fair amount, you may be able to file a lawsuit for your damages.
A successful personal injury case can result in more than reimbursement of your out-of-pocket costs. At Kammholz Rossi PLLC, we have a strong track record of recovering compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, vocational rehabilitation, long-term care costs, and other damages. Our attorneys know how to investigate motorcycle accident cases, establish the full and fair value of your claim, and succeed in court.
Don’t Ride Alone: An Attorney Is Your Advocate
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you should speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Insurance companies and drivers often blame the motorcycle operator, hoping to capitalize on any possible biases in the judicial system and intimidate accident victims. Our attorneys know how to steer the narrative back on course and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Based in Rochester and serving the surrounding community for decades, our team of committed attorneys brings nearly 50 years of combined legal experience in New York personal injury law to every case. We will provide you with personalized representation and legal counsel throughout the legal process and remove the legal burdens from your shoulders, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
While this website provides general information, it does not constitute legal advice. Contacting a lawyer is the best way to get guidance on your specific legal issue. Please call us in Rochester at 585-684-8286 or email our team to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys in a one-on-one meeting. We look forward to speaking with you.
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