Content reviewed by:
Alex Shulman
If you were injured in a motorcycle crash, our Mount Vernon motorcycle accident lawyers can help you understand how New York law applies to your situation and what options may be available for pursuing compensation.
At Shulman & Hill, our attorneys bring more than 200 years of combined legal experience to personal injury cases across New York. We represent injured riders, passengers, and families after crashes on local roads, intersections, and highways.
If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident, contact us to schedule a free consultation and discuss your legal options with one of our Mount Vernon personal injury lawyers.
Why Choose Our Mount Vernon Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Motorcycle accident claims often present unique challenges. Riders are frequently blamed for collisions even when another driver’s negligence caused the crash. Building a strong case requires careful investigation, clear documentation of injuries, and a thorough understanding of how New York law applies to motorcycle claims.
At Shulman & Hill, our attorneys approach these cases with detailed preparation and a focus on protecting our clients’ rights. We gather police reports, witness accounts, medical records, and available video evidence to establish how the collision occurred and to document the full impact of the injuries.
When negotiations with insurers do not lead to a fair resolution, we are prepared to take the case further. Our Mount Vernon motorcycle accident attorneys build claims with the expectation that they may be presented in court, ensuring that the evidence and documentation support the strongest possible recovery under New York law.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes in Mount Vernon
Motorcycle accidents often occur because other drivers fail to notice riders or misjudge how quickly a motorcycle is approaching. Because motorcycles are smaller and less protected than passenger vehicles, even routine traffic errors can lead to serious injuries.
Some of the most common causes of motorcycle crashes in Mount Vernon include:
- Left-turn collisions, when a driver turns in front of an oncoming motorcycle.
- Unsafe lane changes caused by drivers failing to check blind spots.
- Distracted driving, including phone use or inattention in busy commercial areas.
- “Dooring” incidents, where a parked driver opens a door into the rider’s path.
- Hazardous road conditions, such as potholes, loose gravel, or construction debris.
- Speeding or aggressive driving, which reduces reaction time for both drivers and riders.
- Impaired driving, including alcohol or drug use that affects judgment and coordination.
Determining the cause of the crash is an important step in establishing liability. Police reports, witness statements, roadway conditions, and other evidence can help show how the collision occurred and who may be legally responsible.
New York Insurance Laws That Impact Your Motorcycle Claim
Unlike drivers of passenger vehicles, motorcyclists are not covered by the state’s no-fault insurance system, which means injured riders are generally not limited to Personal Injury Protection benefits. Instead, a motorcyclist may pursue a bodily injury claim directly against the at-fault driver for medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
New York also follows a pure comparative negligence rule in personal injury cases. This means an injured rider may still recover compensation even if they share some responsibility for the crash. However, any recovery may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned.
In addition to the at-fault driver’s liability coverage, other insurance policies may be relevant. A rider’s own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may provide protection if the driver responsible for the crash lacks sufficient insurance or cannot be identified. Identifying all available coverage is often an important part of a motorcycle injury claim.
Proving Fault After a Motorcycle Crash
Establishing fault after a motorcycle accident requires a careful review of the evidence surrounding the collision. Because riders are sometimes unfairly blamed for crashes, building a clear record of what happened is especially important.
A strong claim typically relies on multiple forms of evidence that help explain how the collision occurred and who was responsible.
Important evidence in a motorcycle accident investigation may include:
- Police crash reports and incident documentation describing the responding officer’s observations and initial findings.
- Photographs and video footage from traffic cameras, nearby businesses, dash-cams, or witnesses’ phones.
- Statements from witnesses who saw the crash or events leading up to it.
- Physical evidence from the scene, such as skid marks, roadway conditions, and vehicle damage patterns.
- Medical records and physician opinions connecting the rider’s injuries directly to the collision.
- Employment and financial records showing lost wages or reduced ability to work after the accident.
In more complicated cases, additional analysis may be necessary. Accident reconstruction specialists can evaluate vehicle damage, road conditions, and impact dynamics to help explain how the crash occurred.
When serious injuries are involved, medical or vocational experts can also help document the long-term effects of the accident and the care that may be required in the future.
Important Deadlines for Injury Claims in New York
New York law places strict time limits on filing lawsuits after a motor vehicle accident. In many personal injury cases, an injured person has three years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit against the responsible party. If the accident results in death, a wrongful death claim generally must be filed within two years from the date of death.
Certain situations may involve shorter deadlines. For example, when a government agency, municipal vehicle, or other public entity may be involved, the law typically requires that a Notice of Claim be served within 90 days before a lawsuit can proceed.
Because these deadlines are strictly enforced, waiting too long can prevent a claim from moving forward even when liability is clear. Acting promptly also helps preserve evidence, obtain records, and identify witnesses who may be important to the case.
Speak With a Mount Vernon Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
At Shulman & Hill, we represent injured people across Mount Vernon with the same commitment that guides our work across New York, which includes careful case preparation, clear guidance, and strong advocacy when it matters most.
Our attorneys take the time to review how the crash occurred, explain how New York law applies to your situation, and pursue the compensation available. With more than $1 billion recovered for injured clients, our firm is prepared to handle serious motorcycle accident claims.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our motorcycle accident attorneys in Mount Vernon.