Bohemia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Riding a motorcycle can be a liberating experience, but motorcyclists are also often put at risk by the negligence of others on the road. Serious injuries can result from motorcycle wrecks, and road conditions and negligent car and truck drivers—in other words, other parties—are often to blame. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident that you did not cause, the assistance of a Bohemia motorcycle accident lawyer could be key to filing a successful claim to recover compensation for your injuries and losses. For skillful and experience legal guidance, look no further than a dedicated personal injury attorney.

Motorcycle Laws in Bohemia

In addition to the laws applying to all motor vehicles, there are a number of provisions under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law that apply specifically to motorcycles. For instance, motorcyclists must have a proper Class M or MJ license as well as liability insurance, and their motorcycles must be registered appropriately.

In addition, no other vehicle can deprive a motorcyclist of the full use of the lane, and bikers cannot pass in the same lane as the vehicle being passed. Motorcycles can be driven two abreast in a single lane, but driving between lanes of traffic is prohibited. For more information about motorcycle laws in Bohemia, call a knowledgeable attorney.

There are also various regulations and standards that apply to motorcycle and rider equipment:

• Helmets – required for both operators and passengers, and must comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218 and be marked as such with a DOT label
• Seat and foot rests – required for both operators and passengers.
• Headlights and taillights – required at all times, but headlight modulators are permitted
• Turn signals – required for motorcycles manufactured after 1985
• Brakes – required for both wheels on motorcycles manufactured after 1971
• Eyewear – required and must comply with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard Z87.1
• Speakers – helmet speakers can only have one earphone
• Handlebars – must not be more than 15 inches above the seat
• Muffler/sound – a muffler is required, and cutouts or mufflers with removable baffles are not allowed

Injury Claims for Motorcycle Accidents

The rules of insurance and liability are different for motorcyclists in Bohemia than they are for cars and trucks. To name a particularly important example, motorcycles are exempted from the State of New York’s “no-fault” insurance system.

In practice, this means is that an injured motorcyclist can recover against another driver’s insurance for injuries that otherwise would have to be claimed against their own insurance. This is usually good news for motorcyclists, who are often the victims of the negligence of other drivers. An experienced Bohemia motorcycle accident lawyer could help an injured individual completely understand their rights and effectively pursue the recovery the law allows.

Comparative Negligence and Motorcycle Accidents

New York is a “comparative negligence” state for injury claims. If a person is partly to blame for an accident, their recovery would be reduced in proportion to the degree of fault the court determines that they bear.

In light of this rule, the defendant in an injury case will sometimes try to lay blame on the victim to reduce or eliminate their liability to pay that victim damages. This can be a particular problem with motorcyclists, who are often unfairly portrayed as irresponsible, but a qualified motorcycle accident lawyer in Bohemia could stand up for a plaintiff’s best interests and work to minimize their comparative fault.

Contact a Bohemia Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident in New York, it may be important that you contact a Bohemia motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. Accident injury claims can be difficult to manage without the assistance of an attorney who has experience with motorcycle accidents. Get in touch today for more information or to set up an initial consultation.