Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Buffalo

FAQs

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

  You can contact the Buffalo Police Department for non-emergencies via 716-853-2222.

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

  A copy of an accident police report can be requested by visiting the Buffalo Police Department at 68 Court Street or by calling 716-851-4444. Prepare details like the report number, your name and contact info, your driver's license number, and the location and date of the accident. A report normally costs between $6 and $20.

• How many years is the statute of limitations for motorcycle accident claims in Buffalo?

  The state allows plaintiffs in Buffalo to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit up to three years from the date of the incident. However, it is advised that individuals, especially those who are suffering from injuries and financial hardships, pursue compensation as soon as possible. Additionally, delays in taking legal action can negatively influence the collection of evidence and witnesses when building a case.

• How does New York's No-Fault Insurance Law affect motorcycle accident claims across Buffalo?

  Under Section 5103 of the New York Insurance Law, motorcycle riders in Buffalo are not covered by no-fault insurance benefits. In motorcycle-pedestrian accidents, insurance reimbursement is only given to injured pedestrians. Injured motorcyclists may have to rely on the compensatory award in lawsuits to cover their financial expenses for damages and losses. Meanwhile, in auto-related collisions, the driver and their passengers can receive financial relief regardless of who is found at fault.

• Who is responsible for paying your medical expenses and lost earnings after figuring in a motorcycle accident in Buffalo?

  You can recover medical coverage from the liable party's insurance provider instead of your own after being injured in a motorcycle accident in Buffalo. However, the process of claiming a compensation settlement might take many years. Until the case is resolved, your own health insurance may partially or entirely cover your medical expenses and your employment benefits may pay for your income loss. If you are self-employed, you will have to rely on your disability insurance coverage.

• Why do motorcycle accidents in Buffalo increase during the months of June, July, and August?

  Summer months—which cover June, July, and August—bring about an increase in motorcycle accidents in Buffalo due to the holiday itself. A great amount of traffic and congestion is expected as people will be taking road trips and vacations. There may also be a rise in negligent, underage, alcohol-impaired, and reckless driving cases.

• Is it possible for an unhelmeted injured motorcyclist in Buffalo to seek compensation?

  You can recover compensatory damages in a motorcycle accident case before the legal courts in Buffalo regardless of whether you were or were not wearing a helmet during the time of the incident. In accordance with the New York comparative negligence law, the jury will reduce your compensation award if it has been determined that you are partially liable for the damages that could have been mitigated if you had worn a helmet.

• 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.