Content reviewed by:
Alex Shulman
Were you injured in a crash while riding your motorcycle? An accident of any kind can be jarring, but motorcycle-involved collisions are especially distressing because, as a rider, you’re far less protected than everyone else on the road.
This means you’re prone to sustaining injuries that are even more concerning than usual, but as the victim of this type of incident, you are legally allowed to pursue compensation. But instead of trying to seek justice by yourself, why not ask a personal injury lawyer in Islip for help?
At the office of Shulman & Hill, our attorneys have over 200 years of combined experience. As a law firm founded in 2013, we’ve helped more than 26,000 people recover over $1 billion, and we have what it takes to advocate for you as your motorcycle accident lawyer in Islip.
How Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Investigate These Cases
The investigation phase is a very important part of every motorcycle accident claim. Insurance companies usually start their investigations immediately after the crash occurs, so if injured riders wait too long to contact an attorney, they’re already at a disadvantage.
Your Islip motorcycle accident attorney can begin preserving important evidence, namely accident reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, photographic proof, vehicle damage, medical records, and professional analysis.
In some cases, accident reconstructionists will be asked to determine how the collision occurred and identify contributing factors on your Islip motorcycle accident lawyer’s behalf.
Understanding Liability in a Motorcycle Accident Claim
Establishing liability is one of the primary goals of any motorcycle accident case. In New York, victims who are injured in these incidents have to prove that another party’s decision to engage in negligence caused the incident as well as the injuries the victim sustained.
Here’s what this often involves:
- Proving that a driver violated traffic laws
- Showing that they failed to operate a vehicle safely
- Claiming that they acted carelessly under the circumstances
In some cases, liability seems straightforward, but in many instances, it’s common for more than one party to share responsibility for the incident. Your motorcycle accident law firm in Islip will identify all potentially liable parties and pursue every available source of compensation.
How New York Law Treats Motorcycle Accident Claims
Many people are surprised to hear that motorcycles are treated differently from passenger vehicles according to New York insurance laws. Unlike drivers operating passenger cars, motorcyclists aren’t covered by the state’s no-fault insurance system.
As a result, injured riders have to pursue compensation directly from the at-fault party rather than relying on no-fault benefits. While this creates additional challenges, it also allows injured riders to seek compensation for damages that go beyond limited no-fault benefits.
Compensation That Might Be Available After the Crash
The financial consequences of a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming. Medical expenses alone can become substantial, especially when injuries require surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, or long-term treatment.
Compensation may be available for current and future medical expenses related to the accident. Lost wages may also be recoverable when injuries prevent a victim from working. If you have a permanent disability that will affect your earning capacity, additional damages may be available.
Many motorcycle accident victims also experience significant pain and suffering. Physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life can all have a profound impact on recovery. Let your attorney evaluate all available damages on your behalf.
Why Insurance Companies Challenge Accident Claims
Insurance companies are often aggressive when handling motorcycle accident cases. Here’s what adjusters might do in an attempt to lower how much money they owe you:
- Suggest stereotypes about motorcyclists to justify lower settlement offers
- Attempt to dispute liability
- Minimize the reality of your situation and the extent of your injuries
- Argue that you’re partially responsible for the collision
- Pressure you into accepting settlement offers that are lower than what your case is worth
These tactics are predatory, and they are especially frustrating for accident victims who are already dealing with physical pain and financial stress. Your lawyer can protect you against these tactics by handling communications with insurers on your behalf.
Motorcycle accident law firms in Islip also focus on gathering evidence, negotiating aggressively, and preparing cases for litigation if necessary. The goal is to ensure that accident victims like you are treated fairly and receive compensation that reflects the true value of your claim.
Call Shulman & Hill Today for Help From Our Motorcycle Accident Law Firm in Islip
As the victim of a motorcycle-related collision, you have legal rights, and Shulman & Hill can advocate for you as your Islip motorcycle accident attorney. We will investigate the cause of the incident, preserve relevant evidence, and identify all responsible parties in your case.
With offices throughout New York, we focus on personal injury cases. As a result, our firm has the resources and experience necessary to handle claims like yours, no matter if the crash was caused by a distracted driver, unsafe lane change, failure to yield, or other acts of negligence.
As your Islip motorcycle accident lawyers, we’ll take on the responsibility of conducting an in-depth investigation, negotiating with insurance companies for you, and fighting for fair compensation on your behalf. New York, We Got You.