SARATOGA SPRINGS MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYERS

New York has more than 300,000 registered motorcycles, and riding a bike is an enjoyable hobby for many. With the price of gas so high, motorcyclists are increasingly popular modes of transportation, with our friends and neighbors hopping on a motorcycle to get to school or work.

Unfortunately, motorcyclists are exposed to the elements and have no buffer if they get into a collision. In fact, motorcyclists can suffer horrifying injuries any time they are thrown from the motorcycle or it flips over.

Call D’Orazio Peterson PC if you were hurt in an accident. Our Saratoga Springs motorcycle accident lawyer can listen to your story and review your legal options. You might sue a negligent driver or another defendant for financial compensation. We can help.

Who Causes Motorcycle Accidents?

The major issue in a motorcycle accident case is fault. Wrecks are usually caused by:

• Negligent drivers. Many drivers are careless on the road, talking on the phone or simply refusing to use their mirrors and turn signals. Motorcyclists usually end up on the receiving end of some serious injuries when a negligent motorist crashes into them on the open highway or at an intersection.
• Drunk drivers. Intoxication impairs the ability to drive safely, and many crashes happen at high speeds. Drunk drivers should pay compensation and possibly punitive damages.
• Road defects. Motorcyclists often crash after striking a pothole and losing control of their bike. Other defects include missing signs and problems with how a work zone is constructed. The government is usually responsible for the roads.
• Motorcycle defects. A part on the motorcycle could fail to work properly, with tragic results. The manufacturer or a mechanic could be liable when a motorcycle part fails.

Some of our clients also contribute to their own accidents. New York’s comparative negligence law applies to motorcycle accidents and will reduce your compensation by your share of fault. (New York Civil Practice Law and Rules § 214.) Let us investigate what happened to allocate fault. The less your share of culpability, the more compensation you can receive.

Settlements for Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle collisions can lead to devastating injuries, including:

• Head injuries
• Neck fractures
• Broken ribs
• Pinched nerves
• Nerve damage in the arms and shoulders
• Road rash and other abrasions
• Amputation
• Crush injuries
• Spinal column injuries

Recovery is tough. Many of our clients are undergoing difficult rehabilitation as they try to relearn how to walk or use their hands. Other clients must undergo surgery for skin grafts or to fix broken bones. They need months at home to recover and cannot work due to pain and disability.

You should receive fair compensation for your injuries. New York law allows victims to obtain damages for the cost of motorcycle repairs, as well as medical bills and lost wages. We can also negotiate a sum for your pain and suffering, which includes emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life.

Major injuries completely alter lives. After a wreck, you could withdraw from family and friends because pain makes socializing unenjoyable. We strive to obtain fair compensation from any defendant who shares responsibility for your injuries.

We Provide Comprehensive Legal Services

If a negligent driver struck you, we can negotiate a settlement with their liability insurer. New York requires that motorists carry liability coverage, which should apply to a motorcycle accident. The insurer should pay out compensation when the insured is to blame for the crash.

But negotiation is only part of what we do. We also help our clients by:

• Answering questions and providing an overview of the motorcycle accident claims process;
• Reviewing applicable insurance policies;
• Filling out forms and other paperwork;
• Thoroughly investigating the accident, including speaking with witnesses and inspecting the vehicles;
• Attending mediation if negotiations reach a standstill;
• Filing a lawsuit before the deadline in the relevant statute of limitations;
• Taking whatever steps are necessary to fight for our clients.

No motorcyclist should try to negotiate on their own. Some insurance adjusters are biased against bikers and will assume you caused your own collision. They might refuse to pay any compensation or offer only the smallest settlement. We know how to submit insurance claims in ways that allow the adjuster to see the accident through your eyes.

Call to Schedule a Consultation

D’Orazio Peterson PC has helped many people injured in serious accidents. We believe everyone in Saratoga Springs deserves qualified, committed legal representation. Our firm can swing into action and begin finding evidence to use in your case. To learn more about whether we can help, call our office to schedule a free consultation.

D’Orazio Peterson PC

193 Lake Avenue
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

518-308-8339

518-633-5106 (fax)