Jacoby & Meyers, LLP, Staten Island Law Office
Jacoby & Meyers, LLP, has a law office on Staten Island located at 26 Watchogue Rd Suite 1, Staten Island, NY 10314.
Drop by our office to speak with an attorney for free, or contact us to set up an appointment. We can also come to your home or hospital room, and we offer virtual consultations for our clients who cannot physically make it to our office.
Staten Island Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Motorcycle accidents can change your life in an instant. One moment you’re riding through Staten Island traffic, and the next you’re facing serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and an uncertain future. At Jacoby & Meyers, our Staten Island motorcycle accident attorneys have spent decades fighting for injured riders and their families, securing the full compensation they deserve from negligent drivers and insurance companies that would rather pay as little as possible.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motorcycle crash on Staten Island, you need an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in your corner immediately. Evidence disappears, witnesses become harder to locate, and insurance adjusters begin building their defense from the moment the crash occurs. The sooner you call our motorcycle accident law firm, the stronger your case will be.
Contact Jacoby & Meyers today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We handle all motorcycle injury cases on a contingency fee basis; you pay nothing unless we win.
Why Motorcycle Accidents Are So Dangerous on Staten Island
Staten Island’s road network, from the Staten Island Expressway (I-278) to the winding streets of Tottenville and the congested intersections near the Goethals and Bayonne Bridges, presents unique hazards for motorcyclists. Unlike drivers in enclosed vehicles, riders have virtually no protection in a crash. There are no airbags, no crumple zones, and no steel cage between you and the road. When a car or truck strikes a motorcycle, the physical forces involved are devastating.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are approximately 24 times more likely to die in a crash than passenger car occupants. For every mile traveled, the fatality rate for motorcycle riders is dramatically higher than for any other vehicle type. These statistics underscore why having a knowledgeable Staten Island motorcycle accident lawyer is so important; the stakes simply could not be higher.
Common causes of motorcycle accidents on Staten Island include:
- Left-turn accidents – the most frequent collision type, where a vehicle turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle
- Rear-end collisions – drivers following too closely, or distracted by phones
- Lane-change accidents – drivers failing to check blind spots before merging
- Dooring – car occupants opening doors into the path of a passing rider
- Road hazards – potholes, uneven pavement, debris, and oil slicks that barely affect cars but can send riders down in seconds
- Driving under the influence – impaired drivers with slowed reaction times
- Speeding and reckless driving – especially on expressways and arterial roads
- Running red lights and stop signs – high-impact intersection crashes
Regardless of how your crash occurred, our motorcycle injury attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation to identify every responsible party and build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
Serious Injuries Our Motorcycle Accident Law Firm Handles
Motorcycle crashes frequently produce catastrophic injuries that require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Our Staten Island motorcycle accident attorneys understand the full medical and financial impact of these injuries, and we work with medical experts, life care planners, and economists to ensure every element of your damages is accounted for.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Even with a helmet, the rotational and linear forces in a motorcycle crash can cause serious brain injuries ranging from a concussion to a severe TBI. TBIs can result in permanent cognitive impairment, personality changes, memory loss, and the inability to work or live independently. These cases require substantial long-term damages, and our attorneys are experienced in presenting the full scope of TBI consequences to juries and insurance companies.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
Spinal cord injuries are among the most life-altering consequences of a motorcycle accident. Partial or complete paralysis can eliminate a victim’s ability to work, maintain relationships, and enjoy the activities that defined their life before the crash. The lifetime medical costs alone can reach into the millions. Jacoby & Meyers has the resources and the experience to pursue maximum compensation in these high-value, high-stakes cases.
Road Rash and Skin Injuries
Road rash sounds minor, but can involve deep abrasions through multiple layers of skin, requiring skin grafts, leaving permanent scarring and disfigurement, and opening the door to serious infections. Severe road rash is extremely painful and can have significant psychological consequences, including post-traumatic stress and chronic pain.
Broken Bones and Orthopedic Injuries
Fractured legs, arms, wrists, pelvis, and ribs are all common in motorcycle accidents. These injuries often require surgery, pins, plates, and extended physical therapy. Many victims experience incomplete healing, chronic pain, and reduced range of motion that affects their ability to work and enjoy daily life for years or permanently.
Internal Injuries
Internal bleeding and organ damage are life-threatening injuries that may not be immediately apparent after a crash. These injuries require emergency surgery and intensive care. Our motorcycle accident attorneys ensure that all costs, including emergency treatment, surgery, hospitalization, and ongoing care, are fully captured in your claim.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Motorcycle Accident?
New York law allows injured motorcyclists to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. An important distinction: motorcycles are excluded from New York’s no-fault insurance system, which means motorcycle accident victims can pursue full tort claims against at-fault parties without the threshold limitations that apply to car accident cases. This is a significant advantage, and our Staten Island motorcycle accident lawyers know exactly how to leverage it.
Economic Damages:
- Past and future medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and assistive devices
- Lost wages for time missed from work during recovery
- Loss of future earning capacity if injuries prevent you from returning to your career
- Cost of in-home care and assistance
- Property damage to your motorcycle and gear
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident and your recovery
Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement and permanent scarring
- Loss of consortium (impact on your relationship with your spouse)
In cases of particularly reckless conduct, such as a drunk driver who struck you, punitive damages may also be available. Our attorneys will evaluate every avenue for compensation available under New York law.
Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Motorcycle Crash
Insurance companies are not on your side. Their adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and they will begin working against your interests from the moment they receive notice of the accident. Common tactics used against motorcycle accident victims include:
- Claiming you were partially or fully at fault for the accident to reduce or eliminate your recovery
- Arguing that your injuries were pre-existing or not as serious as claimed
- Offering a quick, low settlement before you understand the full extent of your injuries
- Requesting recorded statements designed to elicit answers they can use against you
- Delaying the claims process, hoping financial pressure forces you to accept less
Anti-motorcycle bias is real and well-documented. Many insurance adjusters and even some jurors hold the mistaken belief that motorcyclists are reckless by nature, a stereotype our attorneys aggressively counter with evidence, expert testimony, and skilled advocacy.
When you hire Jacoby & Meyers, all communication with insurance companies goes through us. We handle every aspect of your claim so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery.
New York Motorcycle Accident Laws You Need to Know
Statute of Limitations
In New York, you generally have three years from the date of a motorcycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, there are critical exceptions. If a government entity (such as the City of New York or the State) is involved, for example, if a poorly maintained road contributed to your crash, you may have as little as 90 days to file a notice of claim. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your right to recover. Do not wait to speak with a motorcycle accident attorney.
Comparative Negligence in New York
New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover compensation, but your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault and your total damages are $500,000, you would recover $400,000. Insurance companies routinely try to inflate your share of fault to reduce their liability. Our attorneys fight hard to minimize any fault assigned to you and maximize your recovery.
Helmet Laws and Contributory Factors
New York requires all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear helmets. If you were not wearing a helmet at the time of your crash, the defense may argue that this contributed to your injuries. Our attorneys are skilled at navigating these arguments and ensuring they do not unfairly diminish the compensation you are owed for injuries caused by another party’s negligence.
Why Choose Jacoby & Meyers as Your Staten Island Motorcycle Accident Law Firm?
Choosing the right motorcycle accident lawyer in Staten Island is one of the most important decisions you will make in the aftermath of a crash. Here is why injury victims and their families have trusted Jacoby & Meyers for decades:
Proven Track Record
Jacoby & Meyers has secured hundreds of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for injured clients throughout New York. Our motorcycle injury attorneys have the experience, resources, and courtroom skill to take on insurance companies and defense teams of any size.
No Fee Unless We Win
We handle all motorcycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront costs, no hourly fees, and no expenses charged to you unless we recover compensation on your behalf. This means our interests are perfectly aligned with yours; we only succeed when you do.
Thorough Investigation and Expert Resources
We immediately deploy accident reconstruction experts, investigators, and medical professionals to build your case. We gather and preserve critical evidence, including police reports, traffic camera footage, witness statements, and physical evidence from the crash scene. We work with life care planners and economic experts to accurately project your long-term damages.
Personalized Attention
At Jacoby & Meyers, you are not a case number. You will have direct access to your attorney, receive regular updates on your case, and have all of your questions answered promptly. We understand that behind every case is a real person dealing with real pain, and we treat every client with the respect and individualized attention their situation demands.
Ready to Go to Trial
Insurance companies know which law firms are willing to go to trial and which ones will settle for less to avoid the courtroom. Our reputation as experienced trial lawyers means insurance companies take our demands seriously, often resulting in better settlements. But if they refuse to offer fair compensation, we are fully prepared to fight for you in front of a jury.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Staten Island
The actions you take in the hours and days after a motorcycle crash can significantly impact the value of your claim. If you are physically able, take the following steps:
- Call 911 immediately. A police report is a critical piece of evidence for your claim. Even if your injuries seem minor, always get checked out by medical personnel at the scene.
- Seek medical attention right away. Many serious injuries, including internal bleeding and TBI, do not produce obvious symptoms immediately. Getting examined promptly also creates a medical record connecting your injuries to the accident.
- Document everything. If you can, photograph the crash scene, your injuries, the other vehicle(s), road conditions, skid marks, and any relevant signage or signals. Gather the other driver’s name, insurance information, and contact details, as well as the names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
- Do not give a recorded statement to the insurance company. Adjusters are trained to use your words against you. Politely decline and tell them your attorney will be in contact.
- Do not post on social media. Defense attorneys and insurance adjusters monitor social media for anything they can use to undermine your claim. Even a photo of you smiling at a family dinner can be misrepresented.
- Contact a Staten Island motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. The sooner we get involved, the sooner we can begin preserving evidence and protecting your rights.
Staten Island Motorcycle Accident FAQ
How Long Does a Motorcycle Accident Case Take to Resolve?
The timeline varies significantly depending on the severity of your injuries, the complexity of liability issues, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Straightforward cases may resolve in several months, while complex cases involving catastrophic injuries or disputed liability can take a year or more. We always aim to resolve cases as efficiently as possible without sacrificing the value of your claim.
What if the At-Fault Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
New York law requires uninsured motorist (UM) coverage on motorcycle policies, which means your own insurance may cover your damages if the at-fault driver is uninsured. Our attorneys will explore every available source of compensation, including underinsured motorist coverage, umbrella policies, and any other potentially liable parties, such as vehicle manufacturers or road authorities.
Can I Still Recover if I Was Partially at Fault?
Yes. Under New York’s pure comparative negligence rule, you can recover damages even if you were partially responsible for the accident. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you are not barred from recovery entirely. Our attorneys work aggressively to minimize any fault attributed to you.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
Nothing upfront. Jacoby & Meyers handles motorcycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis. We advance all costs of investigation, expert witnesses, and litigation. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery we obtain for you, and if we do not win, you owe us nothing.
What Is My Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?
Every case is different, and the value of your claim depends on factors including the severity of your injuries, your medical expenses, your lost income, the impact on your quality of life, and the degree of the other party’s negligence. Our attorneys will provide an honest, detailed assessment of your case’s value during your free consultation.
Serving Motorcycle Accident Victims Throughout Staten Island and New York City
Our motorcycle accident law firm represents injured riders throughout all five boroughs of New York City, with deep roots in Staten Island. Whether your accident occurred on the Staten Island Expressway, the West Shore Expressway, Richmond Avenue, Hylan Boulevard, or any other roadway across the borough, from St. George and Stapleton to Great Kills, Tottenville, and New Springville, our attorneys are ready to help.
We also represent clients injured on the Goethals Bridge, the Bayonne Bridge, the Outerbridge Crossing, and other crossings into and out of Staten Island, as well as on New Jersey roadways in some circumstances. If you are unsure whether we can help with your specific situation, call us, and we will let you know.
Contact a Staten Island Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Jacoby & Meyers Today
You deserve an attorney who understands the full impact of what you are going through, and who has the experience, resources, and determination to fight for everything you are owed. At Jacoby & Meyers, our Staten Island motorcycle accident attorneys are ready to go to work for you.
Do not wait. New York’s statute of limitations is strict, and evidence that could prove your case is disappearing every day. Call our office now or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free, confidential consultation with an experienced motorcycle injury attorney. There is no cost to speak with us, and no fee unless we recover for you.
Client Testimonial
“After my accident I contacted a law firm and explained the situation. They told me about cases they’ve had in the past and the most compensation they got for clients. They made me aware that they were not interested at the time but, I could contact them in the future if anything changed. After my surgery 2 years later my wife suggested I contact an attorney. Since it happened in a different state I contacted an attorney in that state and was told the statute of limitations was up. My wife told me not to give up, that’s when I contacted Jacoby & Meyers. They were able to figure out how to proceed with the case and settled it for 15 times the amount that the original law firm had said might be possible. I highly recommend Jacoby & Meyers, they were professional and kept me informed throughout the entire process.” -Charles D.
★★★★★
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