Motorcycle Accidents


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Motorcycle Accidents
Injuries caused by motorcycle accidents.

Have you been involved in a motorcycle accident?

Your insurance company will need information to grant you your personal injury protection benefits. You need to immediately notify the company of a potential underinsured or uninsured motorist claim or those benefits could be lost. Additionally, often your own insurance policy may cover an accident which did not even involve your vehicle. Attorneys are often necessary to get the highest possible compensation from your insurance company or in the event another party is negligent.

Legal Details

A person who carelessly operates a vehicle may be required to pay any damages caused by that carelessness, either to other persons or to their property. Generally, people who operate motorcycles must exercise "reasonable care under the circumstances." Failure to use reasonable care is the basis in most lawsuits for damages caused by an motorcycle accident. A lawsuit may be brought against:

• A driver by another driver who was injured in an accident
• A driver by a pedestrian on the sidewalk
• A driver by a passenger in the motorcycle
• A driver may also be liable for an accident caused by intentional reckless conduct.

After you have been in an accident, there are a variety of actions you can take to ensure your legal rights are adequately protected. If the accident involves another person, you may need to file a suit in order to get appropriate compensation. You should take action quickly to ensure your legal protection by contacting an attorney.

Common Questions

• If I'm involved in an motorcycle accident, am I obligated to notify my own insurance company even if it is the other person's fault?
  
  If you want your medical bills paid by your own insurance company under New York State No Fault laws and you want your car repaired at the insurance company's expense then you must contact your insurance company. Failure to promptly notify your own insurance company could hinder their ability to investigate the accident, and result in your being denied benefits.
  
  
• What if I have sustained personal injuries from the accident, what should I do first?
  
  You should immediately seek and obtain medical care for your injuries. Second you should document the incident, take photographs, notify police, etc. and then call an attorney.
  
  
• What should I do if the insurance company for the other driver contacts me?
  
  You may speak with them. However, it is advisable to first contact your attorney. Anything you say to their adjustor could be used against you later. They probably would attempt to obtain a quick settlement at a figure far less than the actual value of your injuries.
  
  
• How do I know the "value" of my injuries?
  
  In the beginning, it is nearly impossible to tell the value of your case because the extent of your injuries, the amount of treatment you will require, and the loss of income and future earnings you will sustain are unknown. For these reasons, it is unadvisable to quickly settle your case.
  
  
• What is the Statute of Limitations for suing for Personal Injuries arising out of a car accident in New York?
  
  A lawsuit must be filed in the Supreme Court of New York or in Federal Court (if applicable) within three years after the accident.
  
  

Find a Qualified Attorney

If you were injured in a car accident, you may be thinking about whether or not you should file suit. To take action, you need to be informed about your legal options.