Long Island Motorcycle Accidents
Accidents involving motorcycles can result in some of the most devastating injuries of any type of crash. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle riders are more vulnerable than other types of drivers. Motorcycle accident victims also tend to suffer far more severe injuries and an increased fatality rate when they are in an accident. Based on miles driven, motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to be in a fatal accident than drivers of cars. If you require the assistance of a Long Island motorcycle accident lawyer, please don’t hesitate to contact a member of the Winkler Kurtz legal team to help you seek compensation.
Despite some risks, motorcycle riding has legions of devoted fans. Most bikers are committed to the safe operation of their vehicles and would not trade the joys of riding a motorcycle for the increased safety of a passenger vehicle. But even the most cautious driver cannot account for all the factors that may lead to motorcycle accidents, including negligent drivers, road conditions, and bad weather. In those circumstances, a skilled Long Island motorcycle accident attorney can help you get the compensation you need to recover from your injuries. At Winkler Kurtz, LLP, we have helped motorcyclists successfully pursue claims against negligent drivers and other parties.
Proving a Motorcycle Accident Case
Unlike many car accident cases, it is sometimes difficult to prove the cause of a motorcycle crash. Because many motorists do not respect bikers’ right of way, their negligence may lead to a motorcycle accident, sometimes without even being aware of it. For example, a motorcyclist may crash when the car in front of them makes a sudden turn, causing the motorcycle to lose control. Motorcycle accidents may also result from road defects, such as potholes or loose gravel on the road. As anyone who has driven in Long Island can attest, this is a fairly common road condition that can be incredibly dangerous for bikers.
Motorcycle accidents are different than other motor vehicle accidents, where the cause is more clear-cut. In these situations, an experienced Long Island motorcycle accident attorney can evaluate the case to determine if the responsible driver can be located, or if the government entity in charge of maintaining the road can be held liable. Alternatively, your lawyer may look to your own insurance company to cover your damages through uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. If you have this type of coverage, your insurance company may compensate you if the driver that caused the accident cannot be located.
A skilled Long Island motorcycle accident lawyer can investigate all possible avenues of compensation. From there, your lawyer can negotiate a settlement with an insurance company, or take your case to trial if necessary. In many cases, the other driver or responsible party will try to claim that the accident was the biker’s fault. They may even argue that motorcycles are so dangerous that they cannot be safely ridden. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can overcome these prejudices about motorcyclists to help you obtain a fair result.
Work with an Experienced Long Island Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your losses, including medical expenses, medical bills, lost income, lost wages, pain and suffering, and decreased quality of life. Families who have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek damages for the financial support that the deceased would have provided had he or she not died. A seasoned Long Island motorcycle accident lawyer can work with you to help prove that another driver or party is at fault for the crash and that you should be compensated for your losses.