Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Syracuse

FAQs

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

  The Syracuse police non-emergency operator can be reached at 315-442-5200.

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

  The Records Unit accepts mail-in or online requests (there is a nominal fee for the report). The Records Unit is located at the Sheriff’s Headquarters building at 407 South State Street in Syracuse, New York. Call (315) 435-3010 to reach the records access officer.

• What are the typical causes of a motorcycle accident in Syracuse?

  Motorcycle accidents in Syracuse can occur due to a variety of factors, such as distracted or reckless driving, hazardous road conditions, speeding, trying to split between lanes, getting behind the wheel while intoxicated, and not checking their blind spot. These factors can increase the risk of being involved in a motorcycle collision, and there are ways to reduce the risk.

• What to do following a motorcycle collision in Syracuse?

  You could have a few legal options for compensation if you were in a motorbike accident. The initial course of action is to make an insurance claim, however as motorcycles are not covered by the no-fault system, injured riders may need to make third-party claims against the driver's insurance. Insurance frequently only pays for a portion of an injured rider's economic damages and leaves out non-economic injuries. You can make a full claim for all of your damages in a lawsuit.

• How should you evaluate your losses following a motorbike accident in Syracuse?

  It can be difficult to evaluate the extent of the damage after a motorbike accident, particularly if your losses and injuries are severe. To ensure you receive the maximum amount of compensation, Syracuse motorcycle accident attorneys can assist you keep track of your injuries, costs, and other damages. Economic damages are measured in terms of particular dollar amounts, such as medical expenses, the price of repairing or replacing your motorcycle, and lost pay due to missed work. Non-economic damages are focused on the plaintiff's terrible experiences, such as physical pain and mental distress. Other possible harm include embarrassment, harm to your reputation, and other unpleasant situations.

• What is the typical compensation in Syracuse for a motorbike accident?

  Amounts differ widely from case to case, and your particular circumstance will depend on elements including the seriousness of your injuries, your medical bills, your lost wages, and your agony and suffering. Most personal injury claims (75%) settle for less than $30,000, although some motorcycle accidents result in settlements of $100,000 or more. A Syracuse motorcycle accident attorney can assist you in accurately valuing your case.

• How long does it take in Syracuse to look into a motorbike accident claim?

  The average personal injury lawsuit settles in 1.5 years, however, your particular circumstances will influence that time frame. The speed of the procedure, among other things, is influenced by the insurance provider's response times, your medical care, and the likelihood of a lawsuit. You may reach out to a Syracuse motorcycle accident lawyer to seek legal advice on how to expedite the process.

• 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.