Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Rochester, NY

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Rochester, New York?

  The Rochester Police Department's phone number for non-emergencies is 585-428-6720.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Rochester, New York?

  Accident reports are provided to concerned parties in person for $0.25 cents per printed page. People interested in the case can also get a copy online at https://buycrash.lexisnexisrisk.com/search/.

• Do you need to hire a lawyer after a motorcycle crash in Rochester?

  Yes, it is critical to seek the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney because failure to take legal action within the period prescribed by law may cause you to lose your claim. Victims of personal injury lawsuits in Rochester have three years from the date of the collision to make claims, while bereaved families of motorcycle accident victims have two years.

• What types of damages are available to you if you are injured in a motorcycle accident in Rochester?

  Under New York laws, you may be entitled to damages such as lost wages and future earnings, occupational or physical therapy, punitive damages in scenarios in which criminal behavior like DUI is involved, and damages for permanent disfigurement. Under New York laws, you may be entitled to damages such as lost wages and future earnings, occupational or physical therapy, punitive damages in scenarios in which criminal behavior like DUI is involved, and damages for permanent disfigurement. Family members who lost a loved one can also file a claim for wrongful death or loss of consortium. 

• How does one establish liability for motorbike accident-related injuries in Rochester?

  For a settlement to carry weight in negotiations with insurers, your Rochester lawyer must demonstrate a breach of duty of care, for example, that the other driver behaved carelessly or negligently; causation demonstrating that negligent behavior caused the crash; and economic and non-economic damages, including financial, mental, emotional, and physical losses. The lawyer must conduct extensive investigations and gather sufficient evidence to ensure that your compensation claims are airtight and well-supported.

• Can you file a claim if you are partly at fault for a motorcycle accident in Rochester?

  Even if you bear some of the fault, you may be able to receive some compensation for your losses and damages. In New York, "fault" is shared between the parties if they are both to blame. Shared fault does not exclude you from filing a claim for compensation; it simply impacts the amount of money you will get as compensation.

• How much are pain and suffering worth in a motorcycle accident in Rochester?

  To calculate pain and suffering, one of two approaches—the multiplier technique or the per diem method—can be used. Unlike economic losses (medical costs, lost wages, etc.), which have a fixed monetary value, the cost of pain and suffering is difficult to calculate. It is important to talk to a Rochester lawyer to get an idea of how damages for pain and suffering can be computed.

• What does a motorcycle accident attorney do?

  Motorcycle accident attorneys provide legal advice, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent accident victims in and out of court. They investigate the cause of collisions, establish fault, value claims, prepare legal documents, and fight to recover adequate compensation for their clients. Most lawyers in this practice area also handle car and truck accidents and other personal injury claims.

• What is my motorcycle accident injury claim worth?

  Injured motorcyclists may be eligible for several types of compensation depending on their losses, state of residence, and level of fault. Whether or not they were wearing a helmet may also come into play. A lawyer can help to evaluate claims based on medical expenses, property damage, past and future lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

• How long after a motorcycle accident can you claim an injury?

  The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, each state has its own rules. In Tennessee and Louisiana, for example, victims of motorcycle accidents have just one year to file a lawsuit. In Maine, Minnesota, and North Dakota, individuals have up to six years to initiate a claim.

• What is the average settlement for a motorcycle accident injury?

  Based on eight years of national data, the average verdict in motorcycle accident cases ranges from $74,000 to $560,000. Also note that the majority of claims are settled out of court. Riders may receive compensatory damages for medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, as well as general damages for emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Additionally, in states that follow a comparative negligence model, the plaintiff’s claim may be reduced according to his or her level of fault.

• What is the first thing I should do after a motorcycle accident?

  The steps that you take immediately after a collision can be instrumental in proving an accident or injury claim. In general, you should follow these guidelines:

  • Gather insurance and contact information from the other driver and any witnesses.
  • Contact law enforcement to report the collision and complete an accident report.
  • Document injuries, property damage, and road conditions.
  • Visit a doctor or hospital within 24 hours.
  • Avoid discussing the accident with the other driver or their insurance company.

  
  

• How does the motorcycle injury claim process work?

  Motorcycle accident cases typically start with an insurance claim. After documenting their client’s losses and establishing fault, attorneys generally prepare a demand letter requesting compensation from the other driver’s insurance company. It can take anywhere from one to six months for insurance adjusters to make a settlement offer. If the company denies the claim or the parties can’t reach an agreement, the lawyer can prepare a notice of intent to sue and file a formal lawsuit with the appropriate court.

• How do many motorcycle crashes happen?

  The most common causes for motorcycle collisions are drunk driving, exceeding the speed limit, and left turns. In 42% of all motorcycle collision fatalities, another vehicle turned left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Motorcycle accidents are also caused by dangerous road conditions, such as crumbling pavement, debris in the road, and potholes. Other factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents include unsafe lane changes, sudden stops, lane splitting, inexperienced drivers, motorcycle defects, and car doors opened in the path of a motorcycle.

• How many motorcyclists get into accidents?

  In 2017, of the over 8 million motorcycle riders that year, approximately 89,000 were injured in motorcycle accidents and over 5,000 motorcycle collisions resulted in fatalities. The fatality rate for 100 million miles driven is 25.67, which is largely attributed to the lack of helmet use. Most fatal crashes involving motorcycles happened during the heaviest traffic times between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

• Are motorcycles more dangerous than cars?

  Motorcycles are more dangerous than cars because they lack any protection for the rider in the event of an accident. Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a crash and more than five times more likely to be injured than those riding in enclosed vehicles. Because of their small size, motorcycles’ lack of visibility is a major contributing factor in collisions with other vehicles. Motorcycles are also more vulnerable to weather conditions and road hazards than other automobiles.

• How do you check a motorcycle after a crash?

  For a minor crash with no injuries, the immediate danger is being struck again by oncoming traffic, so moving your bike off of the road as soon as possible is imperative. Check your mirrors, brake lights, headlight, and controls. You should also check to make sure there is no leaking fluid, such as fuel or oil.