Motorcycle crashes often occur due to the negligence of other motorists who fail to share the road with bikers safely. You may have been hurt in a:
- Left-turn accident. Drivers making left turns across traffic frequently fail to see oncoming motorcycles, resulting in devastating broadside collisions.
- Lane change crash. Drivers who neglect to check their blind spots before changing lanes can sideswipe motorcyclists or force them off the road.
- Rear-end accident. Motorcycles can come to a stop much faster than passenger vehicles. If a driver is following the motorcyclist too closely, they may not have time to brake before hitting the rider from behind.
- Distracted driving crash. When drivers are texting, programming a GPS, or otherwise not paying attention to the road, they are less likely to notice motorcycles until it's too late.
- Drunk or drugged driving accident. Intoxicated drivers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, which increases the likelihood of a serious motorcycle crash.
At Hofmann & Schweitzer, our New York and New Jersey accident lawyers understand riders' unique challenges after a serious accident. Our knowledgeable legal team will guide you through every step of the claims process and fight for your fair compensation after a motorcycle accident injury.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Even when wearing proper safety gear like DOT-approved helmets and heavy riding jackets, motorcyclists have little protection from the force of a collision with a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle. As a result, bikers often suffer catastrophic injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Severe road rash
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Amputations
If you've been seriously hurt in a New York or New Jersey motorcycle accident caused by someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Steps in a Motorcycle Accident Injury Claim
The actions you take after a motorcycle crash matter. The other driver’s insurance company is unlikely to offer you a fair settlement unless you advocate for your rights. Accordingly, it’s important to take the following steps after a crash:
- See medical attention. Your health and well-being should be the top priority after a crash. Follow your doctor's treatment plan and attend all follow-up appointments.
- Gather evidence. Your motorcycle accident attorney will investigate the crash, interview witnesses, review police reports, and analyze photos of the scene.
- Send a demand letter. Once you've reached maximum medical improvement, your lawyer will send the at-fault party's insurance company a demand letter outlining your injuries and damages.
- Negotiate a settlement. Most motorcycle accident claims are resolved through settlement negotiations. Your attorney will fight for a fair offer that meets your needs.
- File a personal injury lawsuit. If the insurance company refuses to make a reasonable settlement offer, your lawyer may recommend filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit and taking your case to trial.
Remember, you don’t need to do any of these alone. Your New Jersey or New York personal injury lawyer will guide you and take the appropriate actions to protect your rights.
Possible Compensation in a Motorcycle Injury Case
A successful motorcycle accident claim can provide the financial resources you need to rebuild your life after an accident. Depending on the specifics of your case, you may be able to recover money for:
- Medical expenses. Any reasonable and necessary medical costs related to the accident, including hospitalizations, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and ongoing care, may be part of your recovery.
- Lost income. This includes lost wages, benefits, and self-employment income.
- Pain and suffering. Compensation for the physical pain and emotional anguish you endure due to the motorcycle crash, including loss of enjoyment of life and psychological distress, may be included in the damages you receive after a crash.
- Property damage. The cost to repair or replace your motorcycle and any personal belongings damaged in the wreck, such as your helmet, riding gear, or cellphone.
Additional compensation may be possible depending on losses you suffered in the accident.
