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Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Fighting for injured motorcyclists throughout New York. Serious injury lawsuits against negligent drivers. Over 40 years of experience.

(516) 227-2662
Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Why Motorcycle Accidents Are More Severe

Motorcyclists face unique dangers and often suffer catastrophic injuries

Lack of Protection

Unlike car occupants protected by airbags, seatbelts, and vehicle frames, motorcyclists have minimal protection. Even with helmets and protective gear, riders are vulnerable to severe injuries.

  • • No airbags or crash cage
  • • Direct impact with road surface
  • • Ejection from motorcycle common
  • • Road rash and abrasion injuries

Driver Negligence & Bias

The majority of motorcycle accidents are caused by other drivers who fail to see motorcyclists or misjudge their speed. Insurance companies often unfairly blame motorcyclists.

  • • "I didn't see the motorcycle" is common
  • • Left-turn accidents at intersections
  • • Lane change violations
  • • Anti-motorcycle bias from insurers

Motorcyclists Are 28x More Likely to Die in a Crash

Per mile traveled, motorcyclists are 28 times more likely than car occupants to die in a traffic crash. When you're injured, you need an attorney who understands the unique challenges motorcyclists face.

Motorcycle Rider on Highway

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Left-Turn Accidents

Driver turns left in front of oncoming motorcyclist. Most common type of motorcycle accident.

Usually driver's fault - failure to yield

Lane Change Violations

Driver changes lanes without checking blind spots, striking motorcyclist.

Driver negligence - failure to signal/look

"I Didn't See You"

Driver claims they didn't see the motorcycle before collision.

Driver inattention - duty to observe traffic

Head-On Collisions

Driver crosses center line or enters wrong lane, hitting motorcycle head-on.

Driver fault - catastrophic injuries

Road Hazards

Potholes, gravel, oil slicks, debris affecting motorcycles more than cars.

Municipality or maintenance liability

Door Opening ("Dooring")

Parked car opens door into path of motorcyclist.

Vehicle occupant negligence

Rear-End Collisions

Following vehicle strikes stopped or slowing motorcycle.

Following driver at fault

Unsafe Lane Splitting

While not legal in NY, accidents occur when riders travel between lanes.

Comparative negligence possible

Road Design Defects

Dangerous curves, poor drainage, inadequate signage causing crashes.

Government or construction liability

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcyclists often suffer severe, life-altering injuries

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Critical

Even with helmets, TBI is common

Spinal Cord Injuries & Paralysis

Critical

Can result in permanent disability

Road Rash

Severe

Severe skin abrasions requiring skin grafts

Broken Bones & Fractures

Severe

Legs, arms, pelvis, collarbone common

Amputations

Critical

Loss of limbs in severe crashes

Internal Injuries

Critical

Organ damage, internal bleeding

Burns

Severe

From friction, fuel, or hot engine parts

Facial Injuries & Disfigurement

Severe

Permanent scarring common

Death

Critical

Wrongful death claims for families

Motorcycle Group on Street

New York Motorcycle Laws

Required Equipment & Laws

  • Helmets required for all riders (DOT-approved)
  • Eye protection required unless windshield present
  • Headlight must be on at all times
  • Valid motorcycle license (Class M or MJ)
  • Handlebars at or below shoulder height
  • At least one mirror required
  • Working horn required
  • No more than 2 riders per motorcycle

Prohibited Actions

  • Lane splitting (riding between lanes) - ILLEGAL in NY
  • Riding without proper license
  • Riding without helmet or eye protection
  • Excessive noise from modified exhaust
  • Wheelies or dangerous stunts on public roads
  • More than 2 vehicles abreast in single lane
  • Riding on sidewalks or non-designated areas

Important: Helmet Law Doesn't Affect Your Claim

Even if you weren't wearing a helmet, you can still recover for injuries not caused by lack of helmet (road rash, broken bones, internal injuries, etc.). Don't let insurance companies use this against you.

Motorcycle Accident Compensation

Economic Damages

  • All medical expenses (ER, surgery, ICU, rehabilitation)
  • Future medical care and long-term treatment
  • 100% of lost wages and income
  • Loss of earning capacity for permanent injuries
  • Property damage (motorcycle repairs/replacement, gear)
  • Home modifications for disabilities
  • Medical equipment and assistive devices
  • Vocational rehabilitation

Non-Economic Damages

  • Pain and suffering (often substantial in motorcycle cases)
  • Permanent disability and impairment
  • Disfigurement and scarring
  • Loss of enjoyment of life and activities
  • Emotional distress and PTSD
  • Loss of consortium (spouse/family impact)
  • Reduced quality of life
  • Permanent physical limitations

Fighting Anti-Motorcycle Bias

Insurance companies often try to blame motorcyclists to reduce payouts. Our attorneys aggressively fight this bias, using accident reconstruction experts and evidence to prove the other driver's fault and maximize your compensation.

Why Choose Licatesi Law Group for Your Motorcycle Accident Case

40+ Years Experience

Decades of proven success handling motorcycle accident cases throughout New York.

$100M+ Recovered

Over $100 million recovered for injured clients and their families.

Multiple Offices

Convenient locations in Uniondale, Brooklyn, Corona, and New Jersey.

Anti-Bias Advocates

Aggressive representation fighting anti-motorcycle bias from insurance companies.

Free Consultation • No Fees Unless We Win • Available 24/7

Proven Results for Our Clients

Our experienced attorneys have recovered millions for motorcycle accident victims throughout New York and New Jersey.

$1,021,235
Auto Accidents
Plaintiff was involved in an auto accident in Long Island sustaining an exacerbation of prior neck and back injuries resulting in spinal surgery and physical therapy. Following careful deliberation, a Suffolk County jury awarded plaintiff a verdict for pain and suffering in the amount of $1,021,235 after a minimal $50,000 pre-trial offer.
$800,000
Auto Accidents
A hardworking individual's life changed dramatically after an accident at an intersection, leading to severe injuries that required spine surgery. Beyond the physical pain, the accident brought significant emotional and financial hardship.
$650,000
Auto Accidents
The Licatesi Law Group obtained a $650,000 verdict for a 55 year-old woman who underwent discectomy after being rear-ended at a red light. The Defendant argued the accident was of minimal impact, and that the plaintiff had pre-existing conditions due to a previous spinal surgery. The last offer prior to trial was $12,500.
$899,940
Auto Accidents
69 year old female with underlying osteoporosis and preexisting spinal degeneration awarded as a result of a motor vehicle accident causing an acute T12 fracture of her spine.
$800,000
Auto Accidents
66 year old female passenger in a motor vehicle sustained a right distal tibial pilon fracture and a right lateral malleolus fracture both requiring open reduction internal fixation as well as a left knee medial meniscus tear with a left knee subchondral fracture requiring arthroscopic assisted open reduction internal fixation.
$1,605,413
Auto Accidents
The injured plaintiff was struck from behind on the Hutchinson State Parkway sustaining injuries to the neck, back, and left shoulder. The plaintiff underwent a lumbar fusion and left shoulder surgery. After trial, plaintiff was awarded $1,605,413.39.
$875,000
Auto Accidents
51 year old male was rear ended sustaining neck and back injuries and successfully resolved his case within eighteen months.
$950,000
Auto Accidents
63-year-old rear ended on the cross island parkway resulting in an anterior cervical discectomy and permanently disabling her from work
$500,000
Auto Accidents
58-year-old female with preexisting injuries was awarded the maximum recoverable amount of $500,000 at arbitration after being involved in a motor vehicle accident
$750,000
Auto Accidents
61 year old male was involved in a head on collision exacerbating his prior injuries which resulted in a one level cervical fusion and an arthroscopic shoulder surgery
$1,000,000
Auto Accidents
Plaintiff rear ended causing herniated discs requiring an ACDF.
$1,770,000
Auto Accidents
Plaintiff was involved in a car accident resulting in multiple disc herniations requiring percutaneous fluoroscopic-guided epidural treatment and lumbar fusion laminectomy.
$1,025,000
Auto Accidents
The victim was driving on Route 112, in Medford, when he was stopped at a red traffic signal. His vehicle's rear end was struck by a trailing vehicle and sustained injuries to his neck and shoulder.
$800,000
Auto Accidents
Plaintiff sustained L3-4 disc herniation; L4-5 disc herniation; L5-S1 disc herniation; T12-L1 disc bulge; L1-L2 disc bulge; L2-3 disc bulge; C6-7 disc herniation with ventral CSF impression; C3-4 disc bulge with impression; C4-5 disc bulge with impression; C5-6 disc bulge with impression; Anterior cervical diskectomy at C6-7 with intervertebral implant; arthrodesis of C6-7.
$650,000
Auto Accidents
Rear-end collision—Lumbar herniations—Surgery—Defendant contends claim should be considered extinguished as of time of subsequent collision a few years later—$1,000,000 policy—No income claims.
$1,250,000
Auto Accidents
47 year old male involved in a two car Motor Vehicle Accident during the course of his employment sustaining right shoulder impingement with subsequent surgery as well as multiple cervical and lumbar herniated discs requiring lower back surgery.
$1,300,000
Medical Malpractice
47 year old male police officer injured as a result of surgical malpractice by an orthopedic surgeon resulting in an inability to work and permanent impairment of gait.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case is unique.

Don't Let Insurance Companies Take Advantage of You

Motorcycle accident victims face unique challenges and bias. Contact our experienced attorneys today for a free consultation and learn how we fight for maximum compensation.

516-227-2662

Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accident Cases

Get answers to common questions about motorcycle accident claims in New York.

Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Get Justice

Don't let insurance companies minimize your claim. Motorcyclists deserve full compensation for their serious injuries. Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys fight for maximum recovery. Free consultation.

(516) 227-2662

Available 24/7 • No Fee Unless We Win • Motorcycle Accident Specialists

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Wrongful Death

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