Bronx Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyers In The Bronx
Riding a motorcycle is an unparalleled experience – enjoy the sensational wind in your hair, and explore the open roads with total freedom. What’s more, it’s exceptionally affordable to maintain and run a motorcycle. It comes as no surprise then that Bronx natives take their motorcycles out when commuting or running errands around town, or even taking weekend trips away from home. Your two-wheeler is something very special indeed. Unfortunately, motorcycling is much more perilous than driving a car. Motorbikes only make up two percent of all registered vehicles in NYC, yet they account for 14% of total traffic fatalities and The Bronx has been identified as one of the most hazardous places to ride them.
If you suffer a serious motorcycle accident in New York, you need a Bronx motorcycle accident lawyer on your side that can help you through this difficult time. After a debilitating motorcycle accident, you may be burdened by rising medical bills and an uncertain future. You could require long-term care or extensive rehabilitation to regain your health. Even with the best medical attention, however, severe injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents can lead to disability and impairment that last for years after the incident. Contact Rosenberg & Rodriguez today for a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help you.
Common Bronx Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Wearing the necessary protective gear, such as helmets and armored clothing, can significantly reduce the risk of obtaining road rash or burns in a motorcycle accident. Helmets alone have been proven to decrease one’s chance of suffering from head injuries by an incredible 69%. However, this does not mean that motorcyclists are immune to serious injury should they encounter an unfortunate mishap. In many cases, these accidents lead to life-altering consequences for those involved – including lasting physical trauma.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Wearing a helmet may help to reduce the risk of head injuries, but it does not completely remove them. Motorcycle collisions often result in substantial force when one’s head comes into contact with either the other automobile or pavement and obstacles on-street. Injuries sustained from these impacts can be severe and bring about drastic changes for victims – such as traumatic brain injury.
- Loss of long-term memories
- Short-term memory problems
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Headaches
- Ringing in the ears
- Vertigo or dizziness
- Concentration and focus issues
Traumatic brain injury symptoms can be long-lasting and potentially disruptive for victims, even in mild cases that may not appear serious. Moreover, severe TBIs can cause an individual to suffer from their impacts indefinitely.
Spinal Cord Injuries
On an annual basis, a shocking 17,700 people endure spinal cord injuries due to accidents – the majority of which are motorcycle related. Sadly, these types of incidents may cause complete or partial mobility issues for life. Depending on where relevant in the spine damage has taken place, affected individuals can lose movement anywhere from their waist down to as much as their hands and arms.
Even though victims with incomplete spinal cord damage have a chance at regaining some mobility – particularly in the initial six months after the incident – those who suffer from complete spinal cord injury may never be able to regain many functions in the affected area. Spinal cord injuries are serious and require a skilled Bronx motorcycle accident lawyer to handle such a delicate situation.
Road Rash
Motorcycle riders, particularly those without full protection gear, are at risk of road rash: a painful affliction that can cause severe injury. Not only does it leave deep scars and abrasions across the body but also introduces dirt and other dangerous particles into the affected area – all which may lead to permanent scarring or even skin grafts if not treated immediately. Extensive injuries from road rash can sometimes restrict mobility around joints as well – making recovery an arduous process for victims with ongoing pain.
Broken Bones
When a car accident occurs involving a motorcycle, the rider’s lower body is often exposed to extreme forces and could even be crushed beneath the weight of the motorcycle. Broken bones are common in such situations and can lead to long-term mobility issues when severe crushing damage occurs from the accident. Even after an injury has healed, pain may persist for months or years afterward as well.
Soft Tissue Damage
Motorcycle accidents can cause immense forces that impact limbs directly or twist them into unnatural positions, often resulting in torn ligaments and tendons. Unfortunately, these soft tissue injuries can result in prolonged pain as well as difficulties with mobility for the victim – sometimes even more than if a limb had been broken. Thus, it is essential to receive medical treatment right away when experiencing such an injury.
Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents In The Bronx
Unfortunately, collisions involving motorcycles are common throughout the Bronx. Why is this? The answer isn’t simple; oftentimes, these accidents arise from drivers of larger vehicles who do not honor their duty to share the road responsibly with bike riders. Additionally, many motorists operate recklessly and may endanger motorcyclists’ lives by engaging in dangerous practices such as:
- Following too closely
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving
- Improper lane change
- Attempting to beat a red light at an intersection
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving, and
- Lane takeovers
While both drivers and motorcyclists can be liable for collisions and their resulting harm, reckless or lane-splitting bikers may also bring about chaos on the road. Additionally, poor visibility due to weather conditions in the Bronx, hazardous paths, malfunctioning vehicles, and bad traffic can all lead to crashes that could result in injury. Hence it is noteworthy for motorists as well as cyclists alike to exercise caution when driving. If you were involved in a motorcycle accident recently, contact Rosenberg & Rodriguez now so one of our educated Bronx motorcycle crash lawyers can help you with your case right away.
Most Dangerous Roads In The Bronx
The Bronx is a large borough in New York City with many different roads and neighborhoods, and it’s difficult to definitively say which roads are the most dangerous without detailed analysis and up-to-date data. However, some roads in the Bronx have higher rates of accidents than others.
According to the New York City Department of Transportation’s Vision Zero View map, which provides up-to-date information on traffic safety and crashes, some of the most dangerous roads in the Bronx include:
- Grand Concourse
- Bruckner Boulevard
- Boston Road
- Webster Avenue
- East Gun Hill Road
- Third Avenue
- Southern Boulevard
- Jerome Avenue
- East 149th Street
- Fordham Road
These roads have a higher number of crashes involving all types of vehicles, including motorcycles, and it’s important to exercise caution and follow traffic laws when driving or riding on them. It’s also important to note that motorcycle accidents can occur anywhere, so it’s essential to wear appropriate safety gear and ride defensively at all times.
Suing A Government Entity For A Motorcycle Accident In New York
If you’re looking to take legal action against a New York State government entity for your mishap, keep in mind that there are important deadlines you must be aware of and abide by. These include:
- You have 90 days to file a claim against a city within New York and one year to file a lawsuit (N.Y. Gen. Mun. Laws § 50-e.)
- You have 90 days to file a claim against a county within New York and one year to file a lawsuit (N.Y. County Law § 52.)
- You have 90 days to file a claim against the state of New York or 90 days to provide a notice of intent to file a claim if you are unable to arrive at a final claim figure within those 90 days due to medical treatment in progress or some other viable reason (N.Y. Court of Claims Act § 10.)
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Motorcycle Helmet Laws In New York?
In New York, the helmet law requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear a helmet that meets the standards set by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. The law applies to all riders regardless of age, experience, or level of insurance coverage.
The law also requires that helmets be equipped with a chin strap and that the helmet be properly fastened and worn securely while the motorcycle is in motion. It is illegal to ride without a helmet or to wear a helmet that does not comply with the state’s safety standards.
Additionally, in New York, all motorcycle riders are required to wear eye protection unless the motorcycle is equipped with a windscreen or windshield that provides adequate eye protection. Eye protection can include goggles, glasses, or a face shield built into the helmet.
It’s important to note that failure to comply with the helmet law can result in fines and penalties. In addition to being a legal requirement, wearing a helmet can also help prevent serious head injuries in the event of a motorcycle accident.
How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents In The Bronx?
In September 2019, the most recent month for which data was available, New York City experienced a staggering 348 motorcycle-related accidents. The NYPD reports this statistic and others each month to keep drivers informed of potential risks on roads and highways.
In fact, 65 out of the 348 motorcycle accidents that happened in New York City occurred in the Bronx – an astonishing 18%! That’s a startling average of more than two motorcycle collisions per day within this geographic area.
Who Is Liable For A Motorcycle Accident In New York?
To reach a decision regarding liability for motorcycle accidents in New York State, multiple facets must be examined and evaluated. This includes the accident itself, any persons or vehicles involved, traffic conditions of the area at that time, the state of roadways, and other influential components. Because all collisions are unique yet distinct incidents requiring an investigation to determine fault. In the state of New York, liability usually lies with both the driver of the other vehicle and its owner(s), who can be held accountable for permitting an at-fault individual to operate it.
According to New York State legislation, all motorcyclists and their passengers must don safety helmets whenever riding – no exceptions allowed for experience level or age. Additionally, the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (Section 571.218) outlines that any helmet worn by a motorcycle rider must meet specific criteria in order to be considered legally compliant.
A skilled Bronx motorcycle accident lawyer can tap into their network of experts to assist in determining liability for motorcycle accidents, including traffic accident specialists, reconstructions engineers, and police report analysts. With the right resources at their disposal, they are able to investigate each case thoroughly and fully assess who is responsible.
In New York, all plaintiffs can still receive compensation despite a contributory negligence law that says they must be partially at fault. If you are filing a lawsuit after an accident or injury, the damages awarded may be decreased depending on how responsible for it you were. To put it another way: the more to blame for the incident you are, the lower your settlement will likely be.
What Are The Statute Of Limitations For Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits In New York?
In New York, the statute of limitations for motorcycle accident lawsuits is generally three years from the date of the accident. This means that a motorcycle accident victim must file a lawsuit within three years of the accident or be barred from doing so in the future.
It’s important to note that there are some exceptions to this general rule, and certain circumstances may shorten or extend the statute of limitations. For example, if the defendant in the case is a government entity, the victim may need to file a notice of claim within 90 days of the accident in order to preserve their right to sue.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in New York, it’s important to consult with an experienced Bronx motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible to ensure that you meet all of the necessary deadlines and requirements for filing a lawsuit. An attorney can help you understand your legal options and provide guidance on how to proceed with your case.
Contact Our Bronx Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has endured severe injuries in a Bronx motorcycle accident, Rosenberg & Rodriguez is here to help. Our team of experienced Bronx motorcycle accident lawyers will fight on your behalf and strive to secure the highest possible compensation for all costs associated with your injury. We have successfully represented clients suffering from an array of devastating wounds such as those incurred through motorcycle accidents. Let us do the same for you! Our personal injury attorneys are here to provide you with legal support and assistance. Contact our office today for a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help.