Motorcycle Accident Lawyer — Queens, NY
Defending Queens Riders – Your Motorcycle Injury Lawyer at Beck Law P.C.
Motorcyclists get blamed for everything. It’s the first move insurance companies make — you were speeding, weaving, not visible enough, riding recklessly. They say it before they’ve seen a single piece of evidence, because they know it’s an effective way to suppress what they end up paying.
The reality of most motorcycle accidents in Queens is different. A car makes a left turn without checking. A driver opens a door into traffic. Someone blows a red light on Northern Boulevard or cuts across three lanes on the Grand Central. Motorcyclists get hurt badly in crashes that weren’t their fault, and then they spend months fighting an insurance company that’s already decided the rider was the problem.
We fight that. We’ve been fighting it for 25 years.
What New York Law Actually Says About Motorcycle Accidents
First: helmets are required in New York for both operators and passengers. But not wearing a helmet does not bar you from filing a personal injury claim. The insurer will absolutely try to use it against you — arguing that your head injury wouldn’t have been as bad if you’d worn one. That’s a comparative negligence argument, and it’s one we’re used to dealing with.
Second: motorcycles are excluded from New York’s no-fault PIP insurance. Unlike car accident victims, motorcyclists can’t rely on their own insurance for initial medical coverage. Compensation has to come from the at-fault driver’s liability policy or your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage. This makes having a lawyer involved early even more important — there’s less of a safety net.
Critical Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident
After a motorcycle accident, every decision you make can impact your recovery and your claim. Following these steps can help protect your health and your legal rights:
- Remain at the Scene: New York law requires all parties to stay at the accident site and exchange information. Leaving the scene may lead to legal repercussions and could weaken your claim.
- Document the Scene: Photographs of the accident scene, your motorcycle, and any visible injuries provide valuable evidence that can strengthen your case during insurance negotiations or in court.
- Report the Accident to the Police: A police report creates an official record of the accident, helping to establish fault and document the circumstances for future reference.
- Gather Witness Information: Witness statements can provide crucial support for your claim. If possible, obtain the contact information of anyone who saw the accident unfold.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, seeking medical attention is essential. A healthcare professional can identify and document injuries that may not be immediately apparent.
- Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer: Having an experienced attorney on your side can make all the difference. Beck Law P.C. will handle the complex legal process, allowing you to focus on healin
The Unique Legal Challenges Motorcyclists Face in New York
Unlike drivers of other vehicles, motorcyclists in New York are not protected under the No-Fault Insurance Law. This means that following an accident, they are not automatically entitled to coverage for medical expenses or lost wages through No-Fault insurance. Instead, injured riders must turn to their private health insurance or pursue a claim against the at-fault party to recover damages. Our team at Beck Law P.C. understands these legal distinctions and works tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive the support they need.
From 2010 through 2014 alone, 197 motorcyclists lost their lives in New York due to roadway accidents. This tragic statistic underscores the dangers riders face and highlights the importance of having a knowledgeable motorcycle injury lawyer on your side. At Beck Law P.C., we are committed to fighting for the rights of motorcyclists, helping them navigate complex claims and rebuild their lives.
Comparative Fault — The Fight Inside Every Motorcycle Case
Because New York follows pure comparative negligence, even if an insurance company convinces a jury you were 30% at fault, you still recover 70% of your damages. That’s the law. But the insurer’s goal is always to push that fault number as high as possible — ideally past 50% to reduce their exposure significantly.
Our job is to document the facts as they actually existed, find the witnesses, pull the surveillance footage, hire an accident reconstructionist when needed, and make sure the record reflects what really happened. We take fault arguments seriously because they directly affect your recovery.
How Beck Law P.C. Can Help You After a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accidents often lead to serious injuries and complex claims. At Beck Law P.C., we manage every aspect of the legal process with a focus on your recovery. Our approach includes:
- Conducting Comprehensive Investigations: We gather all available evidence, from accident reports to eyewitness accounts, photos, and traffic camera footage, to build a strong case.
- Navigating Insurance and Legal Complexities: Insurers may attempt to minimize their payout by blaming the motorcyclist. We’re here to counter these tactics, negotiating firmly to seek full and fair compensation.
- Calculating Full Compensation: Medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and future rehabilitation costs are all factors in calculating what you are owed. Our team meticulously documents every aspect of your damages.
- Representing You in Court if Necessary: While we strive to reach fair settlements, we are always prepared to represent your case in court if that’s what it takes to achieve justice.
Common Injuries We Handle for Injured Riders
Due to the limited physical protection motorcycles provide, riders often suffer severe injuries, including:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Even with a helmet, riders are at risk of head injuries, which may require extensive treatment and have lasting effects.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Accidents can lead to serious spinal injuries, which may result in partial or complete paralysis and require lifelong care.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: High-impact collisions frequently lead to broken bones, which can involve surgery and prolonged recovery.
- Road Rash and Burns: Direct contact with the road surface can cause painful abrasions and burns that require specialized treatment.
- Knee injuries — ligament tears and patellar fractures from impact or ground contact
- Internal injuries — handlebar and vehicle impact at speed can cause serious organ trauma
Why Choose Beck Law P.C. as Your Queens Motorcycle Accident Lawyers?
Navigating the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Beck Law P.C. is dedicated to providing the experienced representation and support that injured motorcyclists in Queens deserve. We understand the unique challenges these cases present and approach each client with empathy, tenacity, and a commitment to pursuing justice. Our team will stand by you, ensuring that your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
For a free consultation, contact Beck Law P.C. at (516) 388-7785 or visit our office at The Shops At Atlas Park, 71-19 80th Street, Suite 8-206, Glendale, New York 11385. Trust us to handle the complexities of your case so you can focus on healing and moving forward.
FAQ
Questions from Injured Riders
I wasn't wearing a helmet. Does that mean I can't recover?
No. You can still file and still recover. New York’s comparative negligence system means your compensation may be reduced proportionally if the lack of a helmet contributed to your head injury — but you’re not barred from recovery. We’ve successfully represented riders in this exact situation.
The driver keeps saying they didn't see me. How does that help my case?
It doesn’t help theirs. ‘I didn’t see the motorcycle’ is an admission that the driver wasn’t paying adequate attention to the road. All drivers have a legal duty to observe traffic, including motorcyclists. Failure to notice a motorcycle before turning or changing lanes is negligence.
A pothole sent me down. Can I sue the city?
Possibly. Claims against the City of New York require a Notice of Claim filed within 90 days of the accident. Miss that window and the claim is gone. Call us immediately if road conditions played any role in your crash.
My bike was totaled. Can I recover that too?
Yes. Property damage to your motorcycle is a separate element of damages that gets included in your overall claim.
