Nassau County Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

The open roads in Nassau County are a tempting and enjoyable place for motorcycle riders to roam, but with so many large vehicles on the road, it is important for motorcyclists to be aware of their surroundings. Failing to do so could easily result in an accident. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents are common.

Since motorcyclists are not protected from the elements during an accident, the injuries can be significant or, in worst cases, fatal. If you have been injured in an accident that was caused by another person in Nassau County, New York, contact a skilled injury attorney today. A Nassau County motorcycle accident lawyer will focus on your legal options so that you can focus on healing. En Español.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

While it is not surprising to motorcyclists, it may be surprising to others that motorcyclists are typically not at fault for the majority of accidents that involve motorcycles and other motor vehicles.

Most collisions involving cars, trucks and motorcycles are the result of negligent drivers engaging in many of the same activities that result in car accidents, such as:

  • Speeding
  • Drunk driving
  • Fatigued driving
  • Texting while driving
  • Distracted driving
  • Reckless lane changes
  • Failure to signal

Unfortunately, motorcycle riders that are involved in these types of accidents are often seriously injured and in the worst cases, death.

Motorcycle Laws

Motorcyclists in New York are required to follow many of the same rules that are observed by drivers, with a few alternatives that are relevant based on the nature of the vehicle. Failure to follow motorcycle specific rules could lead to ticketing, since most are designed for the rider’s safety, including:

  • Helmets are required
  • Helmet speakers are permissible, but riders are limited to one earphone
  • Protective eyewear is required
  • Motorcyclist may not split lanes (ride between lanes)
  • Two motorcycles can share a lane
  • Riders are required to use headlights during the day
  • Motorcycles must have a passenger seat and footrest, if it is used to transport a passenger
  • Safety inspections are mandatory
  • Motorcycles manufactured after 1985 must be equipped with turn signals
  • All motorcycles must have, at least, one mirror
  • There are mandatory insurance minimums

Failing to comply with these laws may impact a motorcyclist’s recovery options, if that failure contributes to a subsequent accident or impacts the extent of the rider’s injuries.

Liability Standard in Motorcycle Accidents

In New York, the liability standard for motorcycles differs substantially from the rules that are applicable to cars and trucks. Motorcycles are not considered motor vehicles under the no fault law, which means that no fault insurance policies do not cover a rider’s expenses associated with an accident.

Motorcyclists that are unrepresented often pay for those expenses using their private insurance. Riders are, however, permitted to file a claim against the at-fault party for injuries sustained and financial losses associated with the injury.

How a Nassau County Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help

Effective legal representation is imperative in motorcycle accidents. In many cases, a skilled attorney is the reason that an accident victim is able to recover the costs associated with the accident. In the absence of legal representation, riders are often solely responsible because their mode of transportation is viewed by some as inherently dangerous.

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, a knowledgeable Nassau County motorcycle lawyer will help you to get the compensation necessary to replace your motorcycle and pay your medical bills and other expenses associated with the accident. Contact our office today to get started.

©2024, Goldstein and Bashner All Rights Reserved | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | "Captree Sunset" Photo Credit: Unique Images/Martin Losco