Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Queens

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency phone number of the NYPD is 311.

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

  To request a copy of the police report, proceed to the precinct where the collision happened within 30 days from the date of the report. Download this form: https://www.nyc.gov/assets/nypd/downloads/pdf/request_report.pdf. Fill out two copies of the form, and either mail them to the precinct of occurrence or drop them off in person.

• What makes motorcycle accidents in Queens complicated?

  Apart from the fact that motorcycle riders are prone to suffering severe injuries in an accident, they are far more likely to be blamed for it because of the stigma upon them. In addition, accidents with motorcycles involve complex legal facets. When you combine these elements, it is not hard to see why a simple motorcycle accident in Queens may quickly escalate into a legal matter.

• Can a motorcyclist be sued for causing an accident in Queens because of lane splitting?

  Yes. When a motorcyclist in Queens weaves through the spaces between vehicles or stopped traffic, or when they pass a car in the same lane, they are lane splitting, which is illegal in New York state. It is good to remember this if you are a motorcyclist who got in an accident while committing this violation, as you may not get any compensation at all.

• What happens when you tailgate and get caught in a motorcycle accident in Queens?

  Apart from the fact that you may face a lawsuit in Queens because you were violating the law, you will also get four points from the Department of Motor Vehicles. Your license will be suspended if you incur seven more points within the next 18 months. You will also have to pay a fine of $150 for a first-time offense, $300 for a second, and $450 for a third.

• Which areas in Queens are the most dangerous spots for motorcycles?

  Some of the most dangerous routes in Queens include:

  • North and South Conduit Avenue from Sutter Ave to Sunrise Highway
  • Cross Bay Blvd from Rockaway Blvd to Cross Bay North Blvd Bridge
  • Astoria Blvd from 111th St to 8th St
  • Van Wyck Service Road from 135th Ave to Queens Blvd
  • Woodhaven Blvd from Queens Blvd to Rockaway Blvd

• Do you need to file for damages claim with your own insurance company after a motorcycle accident in Queens?

  Ideally, this should be the next step that you should take. However, the no-fault law that allows this does not apply to motorcyclists in Queens and all of New York. This means that motorcyclists in an accident facing expensive medical and repair bills have no choice but to pursue the other driver. If the settlement amount cannot be agreed upon, the matter will be taken to court.

• 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.