Content reviewed by:
Alex Shulman
A crash can leave you facing injuries, time off work, and questions about your next steps. Our motorcycle accident lawyer in Orangetown can help you pursue recovery under New York law. Our team has over 200 years of combined experience.
At Shulman & Hill, we represent injured riders, passengers, and families in Orangetown and throughout Rockland County. Our team handles left-turn collisions, dooring, road defect cases, hit-and-run claims, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, and wrongful death.
Our Orangetown personal injury lawyers can help you pursue compensation.
What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident
After an accident, there are steps that may help protect your health and your claim. Here’s what our motorcycle accident lawyer in Orangetown suggests:
- Call 911 and request police and EMS; obtain the incident number.
- Seek medical care promptly and follow treatment recommendations.
- Take photos of the scene, vehicles, road conditions, and injuries.
- Gather witness names, license plate numbers, and insurance details.
- Avoid posting on social media and avoid giving recorded statements to insurers before speaking with legal counsel.
Common Motorcycle Accident Risks on Orangetown Roads
Orangetown’s mix of local roads, commuter routes, and commercial traffic can create risks for riders. Delivery vehicles, buses, and passenger cars all share the road, which increases the likelihood of visibility issues and sudden traffic movements.
Intersections are a frequent source of collisions. Drivers turning left across a rider’s path or failing to yield can cause serious impacts even at moderate speeds.
Road conditions can also contribute to accidents. Potholes, uneven pavement, and debris may affect a rider’s ability to maintain control.
New York Law That Affects Orangetown Motorcycle Claims
New York’s no-fault (PIP) system generally does not apply to motorcycles. Injured riders typically pursue claims directly against the at-fault party for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule. You may still recover compensation if you are partially at fault, though your recovery may be reduced based on your share of responsibility.
Helmet use is required for motorcycle operators and passengers under New York law. Lane splitting is not permitted. Riders are entitled to full use of a lane, and drivers who fail to respect that space may be held responsible for resulting collisions.
Proving Fault and Building Your Motorcycle Case
Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Orangetown move quickly to secure evidence such as dashcam footage, traffic cameras, and nearby surveillance before it is overwritten. Physical evidence, including skid marks and vehicle damage, can help reconstruct how the crash occurred.
Medical records play an important role in linking your injuries to the accident. We work with treating providers to document diagnoses, treatment, and expected recovery.
In some cases, we consult with reconstruction professionals or other experts to evaluate factors such as visibility, speed, and long-term impact on your ability to work.
What Compensation Can You Seek in a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
You may be able to seek economic damages such as medical expenses, future treatment, lost income, and reduced earning capacity. Property damage may include your motorcycle, gear, and related equipment.
Non-economic damages may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, scarring, and the overall impact of the injury on your daily life.
In fatal cases, families may pursue wrongful death and survival claims, which can address funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the decedent’s conscious pain and suffering.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies may request recorded statements and offer early settlements that do not fully reflect long-term needs. You are generally not required to provide a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer before speaking with legal counsel.
Insurers may argue that a rider contributed to the accident by speeding or being difficult to see. Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Orangetown respond by gathering evidence from the scene, witness accounts, and available video to address these claims.
If the at-fault driver lacks sufficient coverage, we may pursue uninsured or underinsured motorist benefits under your policy.
Our Orangetown Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You Through the Process
We begin with a consultation to understand the facts of your accident, your injuries, and available insurance coverage. If we move forward, we will provide a clear plan and ongoing updates.
Our team investigates liability, gathers medical documentation, and evaluates damages. We prepare a demand and negotiate based on the evidence.
If a fair resolution is not reached, we may file a lawsuit and continue pursuing your claim through litigation while remaining open to settlement.
Time Limits and Filing a Motorcycle Lawsuit
Most motorcycle accident claims in New York must generally be filed within three years from the date of the accident. Wrongful death claims are typically subject to a two-year deadline.
Claims involving public entities may require a Notice of Claim within 90 days.
Acting early can help preserve evidence and ensure that applicable deadlines are met.
How We Charge For a Motorcycle Accident Case
We handle motorcycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You do not pay upfront legal fees, and our fee is based on the recovery obtained.
We may advance case-related costs, which are addressed at the conclusion of the case. You will receive a written agreement explaining fees and costs before moving forward.
Results vary depending on the facts, injuries, and available insurance coverage.
Contact Our Orangetown Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you were injured in a motorcycle crash in Orangetown, you do not have to handle the process alone. Shulman & Hill can investigate your case, document your losses, and pursue available compensation.
Contact us to schedule a free consultation, review your options, and take the next step forward.