Long Island Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Why Motorcycle Accidents Are Different Under New York Law
Motorcycle riders on Long Island face risks that drivers of passenger vehicles do not. Unlike motorists who are protected by steel frames, airbags, and reinforced cabins, riders are exposed. Even a low-speed collision can result in catastrophic injury. When negligence causes a crash, the physical, financial, and emotional consequences can be overwhelming. Families throughout Suffolk County and Nassau County often turn to a Long Island Motorcycle Accident Lawyer to protect their rights and secure meaningful compensation.
Motorcycle accident cases are legally distinct from standard car accident claims under New York law. One of the most critical differences is that motorcyclists are excluded from New York’s No-Fault insurance system. Occupants of cars receive Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits to cover medical bills and lost wages regardless of fault. Motorcyclists do not. This means that injured riders must pursue compensation directly against the negligent party. A Long Island Motorcycle Accident Lawyer must therefore build a fault-based case from the outset, carefully documenting liability and damages.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents on Long Island
Because riders lack structural protection, injuries tend to be severe. Traumatic brain injuries may occur even when helmets are worn. Spinal cord damage can result in paralysis. Compound fractures, crushed limbs, severe road rash, and internal bleeding are common. In many cases, victims require multiple surgeries, extended hospitalization, and long-term rehabilitation. A Long Island Motorcycle Accident Lawyer must assess both immediate medical expenses and projected lifetime costs when calculating damages.
Insurance companies often approach motorcycle accident claims with bias. Adjusters may imply that riders were speeding, weaving, or engaging in reckless behavior simply because they were operating a motorcycle. This bias can influence settlement negotiations if not addressed properly. An experienced Long Island Motorcycle Accident Lawyer understands these tactics and counters them with evidence, accident reconstruction analysis, and clear documentation of traffic law violations.
Serious Injuries in Motorcycle Crashes
Left-turn collisions are one of the most common causes of motorcycle crashes. Drivers turning left across traffic frequently misjudge distance or fail to see an approaching rider. Failure to yield, distracted driving, unsafe lane changes, and impaired driving are also significant contributors to serious motorcycle injuries in Suffolk County and Nassau County. A Long Island Motorcycle Accident Lawyer must investigate driver conduct, review traffic camera footage where available, analyze vehicle damage patterns, and consult accident reconstruction experts when necessary.
No-Fault Exclusion for Motorcyclists
Motorcycle crashes are not rare events — and the trend data shows why riders need to treat every trip as high-risk, especially on high-speed corridors. New York’s Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research (ITSMR) reports that motorcyclist fatalities statewide rose sharply after 2019, with police-reported motorcyclist fatalities totaling 132 (2019), 186 (2020), 200 (2021), 167 (2022), and 187 (2023). ITSMR also notes that in 2024, 189 motorcyclists died in crashes in New York, reinforcing that this remains a serious and ongoing safety problem.
On Long Island, high traffic volume, frequent lane changes, and aggressive merging patterns can create “split-second” collision scenarios for riders. Major routes such as the Long Island Expressway (I-495/LIE), Sunrise Highway (NY-27), and the Northern State and Southern State Parkways are heavily traveled and often involve high-speed traffic, tight merges, and sudden braking — conditions that are especially dangerous for motorcycles. Even when a rider is operating responsibly, a single driver’s inattention can lead to devastating consequences.
Insurance Bias Against Riders
It’s also important to understand that Long Island has been identified as a hotspot for traffic fatalities overall. New York State Comptroller reporting based on federal fatality data shows that in 2022, Long Island recorded 164 traffic fatalities in Suffolk County and 81 in Nassau County (all roadway users, not motorcycles only). While those figures include all vehicle types, they underscore the broader safety environment in which riders operate.
Families often ask for “road-by-road” motorcycle crash totals (for example, LIE vs Sunrise Highway). Those route-specific counts can be generated using NYSDOT’s crash analysis tools (CLEAR) and ITSMR’s Traffic Safety Statistical Repository (TSSR), which allow filtering by route, county, year, crash severity, and contributing factors. If your crash occurred on a specific corridor, a Long Island Motorcycle Accident Lawyer can use these data sources (along with scene evidence and records) to support a clear, fact-based liability presentation — especially when insurance companies try to shift blame onto riders.
Comparative Negligence in Motorcycle Cases
As a family-owned firm serving Long Island Since 1934, Siben & Siben LLP approaches motorcycle cases with the seriousness these injuries demand. We have recovered billions for injured clients, and we build claims with the documentation and expert support necessary to counter bias and secure meaningful compensation.
Comparative negligence principles apply in New York. If a motorcyclist is partially at fault, recovery may still be possible, though damages may be reduced proportionally. Insurance carriers frequently attempt to shift blame to riders by alleging excessive speed or unsafe maneuvering. A Long Island Motorcycle Accident Lawyer must evaluate skid marks, point of impact, roadway conditions, and electronic data to counter unsupported allegations.
Damages Available in Motorcycle Accident Claims
The exclusion from No-Fault coverage creates additional financial pressure for injured riders. Without automatic PIP benefits, medical bills may accumulate quickly. Hospitals may seek payment through health insurance or direct billing. Lost wages may go uncompensated while the liability claim is pending. A Long Island Motorcycle Accident Lawyer must move efficiently to identify responsible parties and secure compensation through negotiation or litigation.
Damages in motorcycle accident cases can be substantial. Economic damages include hospital bills, surgical expenses, physical therapy, prescription medications, assistive devices, home modifications, and lost income. In cases involving permanent disability, diminished earning capacity must be projected over the rider’s expected work life. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress. Since 1934, our family-owned firm has pursued meaningful recovery for injured individuals across Long Island.
Motorcycle Crash Trends on Long Island
Motorcycle accidents frequently result in traumatic brain injury. Even mild concussions can have long-term cognitive consequences. More severe TBIs may affect speech, memory, balance, and personality. Spinal injuries may lead to partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifelong care. Severe road rash can cause permanent scarring and nerve damage. A Long Island Motorcycle Accident Lawyer must work closely with medical specialists and life-care planners to document the full scope of long-term needs.
In fatal motorcycle accidents, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim. These cases involve distinct statutory requirements and economic analysis. A Long Island Motorcycle Accident Lawyer evaluates both wrongful death damages and survival claims where applicable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents on Long Island
How are motorcycle accidents different from car accidents?
Motorcyclists are excluded from No-Fault benefits and must pursue compensation directly from the at-fault party. This makes early legal representation critical.
Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Yes. New York follows comparative negligence rules. Compensation may be reduced but not necessarily barred.
What if I was not wearing a helmet?
Failure to wear a helmet may affect damages related to head injuries but does not automatically eliminate your claim.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
In most cases, three years from the date of the accident. Shorter deadlines may apply for municipal claims.
Why do insurance companies treat motorcycle claims differently?
Insurance carriers may assume greater risk-taking behavior by riders. A Long Island Motorcycle Accident Lawyer counters bias with evidence and expert analysis.
What compensation is available?
Medical expenses, lost wages, future treatment costs, and pain and suffering may be recoverable.
Contact Siben & Siben LLP
Since 1934, Siben & Siben LLP has stood with injured Long Islanders. As a family-owned firm serving Suffolk County and Nassau County, we understand the physical and financial impact of motorcycle crashes. If you or a loved one has been injured, a Long Island Motorcycle Accident Lawyer can review your case and explain your legal options.
We offer a Free Consultation 24/7 for personal injury cases.
Siben & Siben LLP
90 East Main Street
Bay Shore, NY 11706
Call 631-665-3400 for a Free Consultation 24/7.
www.sibensiben.com