Brooklyn Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Getting into a motorcycle accident is frightening and can derail your entire life. In the blink of an eye, you can find yourself facing long-term disabilities and an uncertain future.
Unfortunately, in Brooklyn, the odds of getting into a motorcycle accident are high. Traffic in the area is constantly humming at all hours. This increased traffic makes it more likely that motorcyclists will suffer serious and life-threatening injuries. In fact, in New York City and throughout Brooklyn, motorcyclists are twice as likely to suffer fatal injuries when compared to riders across the state.
If you suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident, you need a Brooklyn motorcycle accident attorney on your side from the very start. Insurance companies do not usually play fair with injured bikers. They have biases against motorcyclists that can significantly affect the settlements they offer.
That’s why you need a law firm that is willing to fight large insurers to help you get the money you need to recover and put your life back together again. You need Jacoby & Meyers, LLP.
Why Choose Us?
Why hire an experienced Brooklyn motorcycle accident lawyer from Jacoby & Meyers, LLP?
Jacoby & Meyers, LLP has more than five decades of experience representing motorcycle accident victims. We fight to get our clients financial compensation for their injuries and losses in New York City motorcycle crashes. Over our many years of law practice, we have secured millions in case results for our clients in many motor vehicle (including motorcycle) accidents.
Of course, our past successes do not guarantee how a future Brooklyn motorcycle accident case might turn out. But they do show that the Jacoby & Meyers, LLP team knows how to negotiate top-dollar settlements and how to win the toughest cases at trial—and that gives our clients peace of mind.
We also commit to providing our clients with individual attention and personalized legal advice. If you hire us to handle your motorcycle accident claim, you can feel confident that our team will keep you informed, answer your questions, and fight to get you every last penny you deserve so that you can focus on healing and get back to living your life.
With nearly 50 years of experience helping injured motorcyclists, our lawyers know how to get results.
Some of our recent motorcycle accident cases include:
- Long Island Motorcycle accident with a parked car: A motorcycle rider was driving his bike in Long Island when a truck moved into his lane, forcing the motorcyclist to change lanes. A driver in a parked car opened the car door into the path of the motorcyclist, resulting in a fractured tibia, fibula, and several broken toes. Courts found the driver of the parked car liable and awarded the victim $536,000 in damages.
- Brooklyn driver runs stop sign, injuring motorcyclist: A driver in the Bronx ran a stop sign and T-boned our client. The other driver claimed he had an obstructed view when he entered the intersection. The motorcyclist suffered a broken neck, facial fractures, and knee fractures. Our firm was able to settle the case for $525,000.
When you suffer an injury in a motorcycle accident in Brooklyn, you need a law firm on your side with specific knowledge of the Brooklyn city streets, intersections, and onramps where your accident occurred. You need a local law firm you can trust to protect you after an accident. At Jacoby & Meyers, LLP, our Brooklyn motorcycle accident lawyers have an office located conveniently at 8701 3rd Avenue. We are just a few walking blocks from Fort Hamilton Athletic Field and 86 Street Station and are proud to represent motorcyclists in Brooklyn and throughout all New York Boroughs.
To learn more about your legal options, call us at (877)-488-1707 or fill out our confidential contact form to set up your free case evaluation and consultation.
How Much is My Motorcycle Case Worth?
Motorcycle Accident Compensation
Our legal team will fight aggressively for your rights to help you obtain maximum compensation. The value of your case will depend on many factors, and it is impossible to predict what that value will be at the beginning of the case. However, we want you to feel confident and supported throughout the legal process. That is why we offer free consultations and reviews to all prospective clients. We want to hear your story and learn more about your injuries. This will help us evaluate your case specifically, so we can give you a better idea about how much compensation you might receive.
We know that no two motorcycle accidents are ever quite the same. That’s why we treat your accident case like it’s our only case. We may work with your medical team to properly evaluate how your specific injuries will affect your life and your future. We then use this to negotiate with insurance companies to help you obtain the money you will need to put your life back together again.
This includes compensation for:
- Medical bills, including medical transportation, doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages, to cover the time missed at work. If you are unable to return to work, we can help you seek compensation for future wages.
- Pain and suffering, to cover the physical and emotional pain of an injury including actual physical pain, emotional distress, depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
- Loss of enjoyment, when you are unable to do the activities you enjoyed before your injuries.
- Loss of companionship, when your injuries interfere with your emotional, physical, or familial relationships.
Where Do Motorcycle Accidents Occur in Brooklyn?
Heavy traffic and congested city streets often spell disaster for motorcyclists. Even though the vast majority of Brooklyn motorcyclists wear helmets while riding, fatal accidents still occur frequently.
According to the NYC motorcycle safety study, Brooklyn and the Bronx both had the highest rate of motorcycle fatalities. In one recent year, over 32% of all motorcycle injury crashes in New York City occurred in Brooklyn. The majority of those accidents occurred in the 68th Precinct, especially on the Verrazano Bridge. Fort Hamilton, Dyker Heights, and Bay Ridge all saw serious accidents as well.
Here are some of the most common places car accidents occur in Brooklyn:
- Intersections
- Jay Street and Tillary Street
- Graham Avenue and Grand Avenue
- Atlantic Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue
- Bushwick Avenue and Grand Avenue
- Tillary Street and Flatbush Avenue
- Newkirk Avenue and Rugby Road
- Hooper and South Fifth Streets
- Lawrence and Willoughby
- Clarendon Road and Utica Avenue
- City streets, freeways, and highways
- Belt Parkway
- Fulton Street
- Brooklyn-Queens Expressway
- Van Wyck Expressway
- 86th Street
- Kings Highway
- Flatlands AvenueRoosevelt Avenue
- Queens Boulevard
- Knapp Street
- 14th Avenue
- 51st Street
Motorcycle Accident Injury Statistics in Brooklyn, NY
Source: https://www.itsmr.org
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle drivers are at a higher risk for serious injury or death from an accident, simply because of the lack of protection such a vehicle provides. Motorcyclists face hazards that many other drivers don’t even think about. Because of this, it is important to know why accidents happen and how you can prevent them.
Type Of Accident | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total Brooklyn Motorcycle Accidents | 360 | 446 | 430 | 431 | 437 | 453 | 395 | 476 | 488 | 562 |
Brooklyn Fatal Motorcycle Accidents | 8 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 17 | 10 | 5 | 4 | 10 | 11 |
Brooklyn Personal Injury Motorcycle Accidents | 306 | 397 | 389 | 387 | 379 | 408 | 363 | 426 | 432 | 406 |
Some of the top causes for motorcycle accidents include:
- Speeding. Speeding is a big problem for motorcycle riders and passenger vehicles. Excess speed by either driver can contribute to an accident. Speeding decreases a driver’s ability to control his or her vehicle and increases the amount of time it takes to stop. A speeding passenger vehicle can make it difficult for a motorcycle rider to accurately gauge how much time he or she has to turn or enter a roadway.
- Distracted driving. Distracted driving is one of the biggest dangers for motorcyclists. A motorcycle is no match for a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle. When a driver gets distracted by his or her phone, radio, or something else, he or she may not see a nearby motorcyclist.
- Following too close. Drivers of passenger vehicles far too often underestimate the amount of space they should leave between their vehicle and a motorcycle. If a car gets too close or the motorcycle suddenly stops, the bike can get dragged under the larger vehicle.
- Driving under the influence. Drunk driving diminishes a driver’s ability to process information around them and make good decisions. It can also influence a driver’s ability to control his or her vehicle. In 2017, there were over 10,000 traffic fatalities in the United States involving a drunk driver.
- Poor road conditions. Motorcycles can’t respond to hazards in the same way that larger vehicles can. Potholes, gravel, or changes in road conditions can create unsafe conditions for motorcyclists.
- Failure to yield the right of way. Failure to yield accidents are far too common. These accidents usually happen at intersections. An accident can occur when a driver runs a red light or stop sign, or when he or she turns in front of an approaching motorcycle.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries
We Can Help You After a Motorcycle Injury
According to the New York State Department of Health, motorcyclists are approximately 37 times more likely to get involved in an accident than passengers of other vehicles. While not all accidents are fatal, motorcycle accidents often lead to serious injuries.
The Department of Health reports that approximately 1,600 New York residents received treatment at the hospital every year for injuries related to a motorcycle accident. In Brooklyn, 108 motorcycle accidents occurred in just one of the most recent months. These accidents resulted in serious injuries and even fatalities.
Motorcycle injuries will vary by the type and severity of the accident, but common injuries include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, head injury is the leading cause of serious injury and death in motorcycle accidents. Traumatic brain injuries occur as a result of a strong blow to the head or a penetrating wound. These injuries can happen when the head hits the pavement, vehicle, or another object. The likelihood of a traumatic brain injury is much higher for riders not wearing a helmet.
Symptoms of a traumatic brain injury may not appear right away. Common symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
- Memory issues
- Change in mood or sleeping habits
A traumatic brain injury is an emergency medical condition. If you suspect a TBI, seek medical attention immediately. As a precaution, get examined any time you hit your head.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can lead to permanent paralysis. Paralysis can occur even if the spinal cord is not severed completely. In fact, most injuries happen because of swelling or bruising. Motor vehicle accidents are the number one cause of spinal cord injuries in the United States, contributing to almost half of all new spinal cord injuries every year. Like traumatic brain injuries, symptoms may not always be immediately apparent.
Common symptoms include:
- Numbness or tingling
- Extreme back pain
- Loss of sensation or movement
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Difficulty walking
Broken Bones
Broken bones are common in motorcycle accidents. Our bones can sustain some force, but not the amount that a collision with a car or road can have on the body. Depending on the type of crash, a bone may sustain a small fracture or completely shatter. Broken bones can take several weeks to several months to heal. Your doctor may use a cast or perform surgery to fix the break. In many cases, pain can persist years beyond the actual injury.
Road Rash
Road rash is a term that describes the severe skin lacerations sustained from the road or another surface during a motorcycle or other accident. When unprotected skin rubs against a hard surface, the skin can break and become inflamed. These injuries often leading to secondary issues, including:
- Infection
- Scars
- Broken bones
- Loss of function
Sprains and Strains
Strains and sprains happen when the force of an accident stretches or tears the muscles or tendons. While these are minor injuries compared to some of the other possible injuries, sprains and strains can still cause significant pain. In some cases, the pain may persist and require medical treatment. Treatment options may include:
- Physical therapy
- Massage therapy
- Chiropractic care
- Cold or heat treatment
- Pain medication
Mental Health Issues
Accidents can be scary. Even minor accidents can make you feel out of control or anxious. According to the World Health Organization, one in four people suffers from some sort of mental health disorder. After a motorcycle accident, this may include depression, anxiety, or depression. A severe traumatic brain injury can even cause bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Treatment options for mental health issues usually include behavioral therapy and/or medication.
Recovering Damages After a Brooklyn Motorcycle Accident
If you suffered an injury while riding your motorcycle, you may be eligible for financial compensation. The law allows accident victims to seek damages when their injuries are the result of someone else’s negligence. Even though New York is a no-fault state, it is important to know that PIP policies do not apply to injured motorcyclists. As such, they must file a claim or a lawsuit against the “at-fault” party to collect the money they need.
To do this, you must prove liability. Generally, the fault will lie with the other driver, but there may be other parties involved, as well. An experienced Brooklyn motorcycle accident attorney at Jacoby & Meyers, LLP can help you identify the responsible parties.
Outside of the other driver, liable parties may include:
- Third-party drivers. Did the driver swerve into your lane because the driver in front of them slammed on their brakes? Was the driver that hit you hit from behind first? If there was another driver who contributed to the accident, they may hold some financial responsibility.
- The government. Claims against the government are difficult to prove, but not impossible. State and local jurisdictions have a responsibility to maintain safe roadways. If unsafe conditions led to your injury, you may have a case.
- A company or corporation. Was the other driver on the job? Were you hit by a commercial vehicle? In these cases, the driver and his or her employer may be responsible.
- The bike manufacturer. Sometimes bikes fail. When a part fails despite regular maintenance, it’s important to see if there were any recalls or manufacturer defects.
Brooklyn Motorcycle Accident FAQ
Motorcycle crashes in Brooklyn can leave victims badly injured and in need of financial support. Many of those victims have pressing questions about how to obtain compensation to help them pay medical bills and to replace their lost income.
Below, we answer some frequently asked questions about the legal rights of victims of Brooklyn motorcycle accidents. For answers to specific questions about a Brooklyn motorcycle crash that left you with injuries and financial losses, contact an experienced Brooklyn motorcycle accident injury lawyer at Jacoby & Meyers, LLP, today for a free case evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chances are good that you can. It depends on what happened and who was involved.
In New York, someone whose unreasonably dangerous decisions or actions cause a Brooklyn motorcycle accident can owe damages to the crash victims. Those victims can force that party to pay damages by hiring a motorcycle accident injury lawyer to take legal action on their behalf against the at-fault party. That legal action usually involves filing (or at least preparing to file) a lawsuit in New York court, and pursuing resolution of that lawsuit through a negotiated settlement or a trial in front of a judge and jury.
Generally speaking, you may have the right to sue anyone who made unreasonably dangerous decisions, or took unreasonably dangerous actions, that contributed to the cause of the crash and the harm it caused you. In fact, in many circumstances, more than one party will have a legal liability to a Brooklyn motorcycle crash victim.
Who are those parties? Naturally, it depends on the circumstances of your crash.
However, experienced Brooklyn motorcycle accident injury lawyers will often explore whether any of the parties owe their clients damages:
- A motorist who made careless or reckless decisions behind the wheel that led to a collision with a motorcycle;
- The employer of a motorist who causes an accident with a motorcyclist while driving a work vehicle;
- An automotive or motorcycle manufacturer, if a defective vehicle or vehicle part had a mechanical or electrical failure that caused the crash;
- A bar or restaurant that served alcohol to a minor or a person who was visibly intoxicated, if that patron then caused a drunk-driving accident with a motorcyclist;
- The City of New York if its road crews created, failed to fix, and/or did not warn motorcyclists about preventable, unreasonably dangerous Brooklyn street conditions that contributed to the cause of a motorcycle accident.
These are just some of the parties who could face legal liability for a Brooklyn motorcycle accident. Experienced lawyers for motorcycle crash victims focus on identifying as many parties as possible who might owe damages, so that victims have the best possible chance of recovering the full amount of compensation they deserve.
It depends on the type and severity of your injuries and losses, and on who has legal liability for paying your damages.
In a lawsuit for injuries and any losses you suffer in a Brooklyn motorcycle accident, you can typically seek to recover:
- Your medical expenses—both what you spend out of pocket and what your health insurance pays for—including the costs of emergency care, hospitalization, long-term care, doctor visits, medicine, and medical equipment;
- Your other expenses that you have because of your accident and injuries, such as the cost of repairing or replacing your motorcycle, or for hiring someone to help you out with day-to-day responsibilities while you recover;
- Your lost income from missing work while recovering and/or could not work because the injury left you disabled;
- Money to compensate you for your pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life because of the crash and your injuries; and
- Sometimes, punitive damages if the crash happened because of someone’s truly outrageous, reckless actions.
As you can imagine, the amount of money that falls into each of these categories varies, and is generally larger for severe, life-altering injuries than for injuries that will heal in time.
Keep in mind, however, that the amount of money you have the right to recover, and the amount of money you can expect to recover, may also differ. That is how the identity of who owes you damages comes into play. A party that carries lots of insurance and/or has lots of assets will tend to have the ability to pay more damages than a party with minimal insurance or assets.
That is why experienced Brooklyn motorcycle accident lawyers work hard to identify every party with potential liability; the more people or companies who owe you money, the better your odds of recovering the full value of your claim.
Finally, remember that there are no guarantees. Not every claim results in a favorable financial outcome. That is the goal, however, and it’s why you should always seek out a lawyer with years of experience representing Brooklyn motorcycle accident victims, and who has a track record of success in those kinds of cases.
The amount of time it takes to resolve a Brooklyn motorcycle accident injury case varies widely, depending on the circumstances.
The factors that affect the timeline for a Brooklyn motorcycle crash case are mostly out of your control. They include considerations like the amount of money at stake, the number of parties who have liability, and the degree of dispute over core issues like whether you can prove liability and the scope of your damages.
One thing you can control, however, is when you seek the help of an experienced Brooklyn motorcycle accident injury lawyer. The sooner you hire a skilled attorney to represent your interests, the sooner you can hope to see a favorable result.
There is a strong chance you do.
Under New York law, anyone riding a motorcycle must wear a helmet. We strongly encourage wearing a helmet not only because the law requires it, but also because helmets have been found to reduce the incidence and severity of traumatic brain injuries in motorcycle crashes.
If you crashed a motorcycle in Brooklyn while not wearing a helmet, that could affect the potential value of your claim. However, you still have rights and deserve compensation for injuries someone else’s wrongful behavior caused you to suffer. Do not let the fact that you were not wearing a helmet at the time of your crash stop you from speaking with an experienced Brooklyn motorcycle accident injury lawyer.
Every case is different, so we cannot say for certain what would help you the most.
However, generally speaking, Brooklyn motorcycle crash victims can protect their legal and financial interests by:
- Seeking immediate medical care. Nothing is more important than your health. Always seek immediate medical care after any Brooklyn motorcycle accident, even if you think you survived it without serious harm. You may not even feel or have the ability to recognize symptoms of potentially life-threatening injuries. A trained medical professional can spot those injuries, however, and can begin treating them right away so that they do not get worse. As a bonus, by seeking immediate care, you general medical records a lawyer can use to prove your damages in a lawsuit.
- Following doctor’s orders. Always do what the doctor tells you. Do not skip follow-up appointments, therapy sessions, or doses of medication. This is important for two reasons. First, the doctor knows best what you need to do to make a full recovery. Second, to obtain compensation, you need to show that you did everything you could to get better. Never do anything that could give a defense lawyer or insurance company a reason to blame you for your own injuries and health complications.
- Holding on to evidence. In the weeks and months after a Brooklyn motorcycle accident, you will likely receive piles of mail and records from doctors and insurance companies relating to your injuries and treatment. Keep everything. Do not throw any of it away. Your lawyer may need it. The same goes for items of personal property that relate in some way to the crash. Most importantly, do not trash or fix your motorcycle until a lawyer has had an opportunity to send an expert to inspect it. That wrecked bike might be the most important evidence to prove a parts manufacturer’s liability to you.
- Saying “no” to informal or quickie settlements. The parties at-fault in a Brooklyn motorcycle crash, or their insurance companies, might try to offer you a quick payment, without getting lawyers involved. Do not do it. Agreeing to this kind of an offer could cost you dearly, because quick-money settlement offers virtually always pay you far less than you deserve.
- Connecting with a lawyer ASAP. From the moment a crash happens, you have important and potentially valuable legal rights to protect. That is a job for an experienced Brooklyn motorcycle accident injury lawyer. The sooner you have a lawyer on your side, the better your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
An initial consultation with our Brooklyn motorcycle accident lawyers is always free of charge. At an initial consultation, you and our lawyers can get to know each other, we can learn about your accident, and you can get a feel for our experience, resources, and working style.
If you and our lawyers decide to work together, then we will always represent you on a contingency fee basis, which is an arrangement in which our fee consists of a percentage of any money we secure on your behalf. In other words, you pay us nothing unless we get you results.
Yes, you do, and no, you can’t (at least not without costing yourself far more than you would ever pay an attorney as a contingent fee). Attorneys for Brooklyn motorcycle accident victims like you spend their days investigating, negotiating, and litigating cases like yours. By hiring them, you level the playing field between you and the defense lawyers and insurance companies who want nothing more than to avoid paying you a penny for your injuries and losses.
Do not make the mistake of thinking you can save money by going it alone. We have seen people try, and it always ends badly for them. Only entrust your legal interests and your financial future to a skilled, resourceful, Brooklyn motorcycle accident injury lawyer.
Every Brooklyn motorcycle accident case is different, so there is no single set of services that an attorney will always provide.
However, generally speaking, an attorney advocates for Brooklyn motorcycle accident victims like you by:
- Investigating an accident to identify all of the parties who may have a legal liability to you for your injuries and losses, and by evaluating all of the ways that you suffered harm;
- Listening to your needs and priorities in confronting life and injuries after a Brooklyn motorcycle accident;
- Answering your questions promptly and in language you can understand;
- Planning a legal strategy for you that meets your needs and goals;
- Negotiating with insurance adjusters and defense attorneys to achieve a settlement of your claim, if possible; and
- Litigating your claim in Brooklyn court if negotiation alone does not get you the results to which you are entitled.
Right away. You have potentially valuable legal rights to protect. By contacting a lawyer as soon as possible after you suffer injuries in a Brooklyn motorcycle accident, you can protect those rights and you give yourself the best possible opportunity to obtain the compensation you need and deserve.
Contact our Brooklyn motorcycle accident attorneys today for a free consultation to discuss the Brooklyn motorcycle accident that injured you or a loved one, and to learn about your potential legal rights to financial compensation.
It’s Important to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Right Away
As the victim of a Brooklyn motorcycle accident, you want to get the most out of the services a lawyer can provide. That means hiring a lawyer as soon as you can after your wreck. Here’s why.
Your Rights Can Expire
New York law sets a time limit on your right to seek compensation for your motorcycle accident injuries. In most cases, the statute of limitations (as that law is known) is three years from the date of your accident (and two years if a crash results in wrongful death). If that deadline ends before you take legal action seeking money damages from the party at fault, you may lose your right to do so.
Hiring a Brooklyn motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as you can protects you from missing this crucial deadline.
Your Case is Strongest Right Now
The statute of limitations is an expiration date, not a suggestion for when you should act. In most Brooklyn motorcycle crash cases we handle at Jacoby & Meyers, LLP, the sooner a client comes to us, the stronger that client’s case will be.
Why? Because as time passes, evidence can become harder to locate, and witness memories can fade. Time passing can also make a case seem less urgent to an insurance company or defense lawyer, which can make them less willing to settle for the full amount of your losses. The same goes for judges and juries, who may view an older case as less worthy of a maximum award than a fresher one.
Hiring a lawyer today to handle your Brooklyn motorcycle accident case gives you the best opportunity to build the strongest possible case.
Insurance Companies May Try to Take Advantage of You
Insurance plays an important role in getting money for most Brooklyn motorcycle accident victims. The at-fault parties usually carry some form of insurance that can serve to pay at least some of your damages.
But insurance companies never want to pay a penny more than they have to. They will look for any opportunity to deny a claim or to refuse to pay you for the damages you’ve suffered. If you do not have a lawyer representing you, they may even try to contact you directly, hoping to trick you into saying something helpful to them or into agreeing to settle for far less money than you deserve.
By hiring a lawyer right after your Brooklyn motorcycle accident, you protect yourself against insurance company tactics. A skilled motorcycle crash lawyer at Jacoby & Meyers, LLP, can negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf, giving you the breathing room you need to heal from your injuries and get back to living your life.
Jacoby & Meyers: We Are on Your Side
After a motorcycle accident, the only thing you should have to focus on is your recovery, but this can be hard when faced with mounting medical bills and missed time at work. At Jacoby & Meyers, LLP, the job of our Brooklyn personal injury lawyers is to handle all the legal and financial logistics, so you can focus on getting better.
If you sustained an injury in a motorcycle accident, taking prompt legal action to protect your rights can help you achieve the best results. Contact our Brooklyn office at (877)-488-1707 or write to us online to speak with a member of our legal team.
Call us today at (877)-488-1707 and make an appointment.
Brooklyn Office
1711 Kings Highway
Brooklyn, NY 11229
(877)-488-1707
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