Leading New York Bicycle Accident Attorney Shim Law Group
Motorcycles offer freedom and convenience, but come with unique risks. Riders in New York City face daily dangers on congested roads, often due to negligent drivers, unsafe road conditions, and minimal protection in crashes.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, Shim Law Group P.C. is here to provide legal guidance and fight for the compensation that you deserve.
Facts and Statistics About Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable travelers on the road. The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles reported over 4,000 motorcycle crashes in the state in 2023, with over 130 fatalities. According to the NHTSA:
- Motorcyclists are 28 times more chances to die in a crash than those in a passenger car.
- In 2022, motorcyclists represented 14% of all traffic fatalities despite making up a small portion of registered vehicles.
- Nearly 80% of reported motorcycle accidents result in injury or death.
In urban areas like New York, high traffic volumes, aggressive driving, and distracted motorists increase the likelihood of motorcycle-related accidents.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle crashes can happen in an instant due to a variety of preventable causes:
- Driver Negligence: Including distracted driving, speeding, and failure to yield.
- Left-Turn Collisions: A leading cause when drivers misjudge a motorcyclist’s speed or fail to see them.
- Dooring Accidents: When a parked car doors open into the path of an oncoming motorcycle.
- Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, loose gravel, or a lack of warning signs create hazards.
- Lane Splitting or Unsafe Lane Changes: Riders caught between vehicles or drivers not checking blind spots.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
In the absence of rider protection, motorcycle accident injuries tend to be severe:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even with helmets, head injuries are common.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: The result can be paralysis or lifelong mobility issues.
- Road Rash: Skin fiction that can lead to infections or permanent scarring.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Especially in the arms, legs, and ribs.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to vital organs from blunt force trauma.
- Amputations and Disfigurement: Often due to high-speed impacts.
Motorcycle Safety Laws and Rider Rights in New York
New York enforces several laws to promote rider safety and reduce accident risks:
- Helmet Law: All motorcycle riders and passengers must wear a DOT-approved helmet.
- Eye Protection Law: Goggles or face shields are required unless the motorcycle has a windscreen.
- Lane Use Regulations: Motorcycles are entitled to full lane use, lane splitting is illegal.
- Insurance Requirements: Riders must carry minimum liability insurance, but may still need legal help to access full benefits after an accident.
Failure to follow these laws may impact compensation, but even law-abiding riders can be injured due to others’ negligence.
Steps to Take if You’re Involved in a Motorcycle Accident
Protect your rights and health by taking these steps:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority—get checked even if injuries seem minor.
- Report the Accident: A police report and obtain a copy for your records.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, injuries, and surroundings.
- Collect Witness Information: Get contact details of anyone who saw the accident happen.
- Contact a Lawyer: Shim Law Group can help you handle the legal and insurance aspects of your case.
How Shim Law Can Help With Your Motorcycle Accident Claim in New York
At Shim Law Group, we understand how painful a motorcycle accident can be for your mental and physical health. Our experienced legal team works hard to take the stress off your shoulders. Also, securing the justice you deserve.
1. Comprehensive Case Investigation
After getting your case, we will begin an investigation of your case to uncover all factors. The Evidence Collection:
- Police accident reports
- Surveillance footage and dashcam video
- Eyewitness statements
- Medical records and injury assessments
- Motorcycle maintenance logs and inspection reports
- Traffic signal and intersection data (if applicable)
All collected evidence will help strengthen your case and support your claim for damages.
2. Dealing With Insurance Companies and Third Parties
Insurance companies often undervalue motorcycle claims. We:
- Handle all communications with insurers
- Guard yourself against lowball offers or denials
- Fight third-party negligence, including car drivers, road maintenance crews, and manufacturers
- Ensure proper claim submissions and deadlines are met.
3. Representation in Complex Legal Situations
Motorcycle accident cases often involve multiple variables. We can:
- Pursue claims against reckless or uninsured drivers
- Navigate New York’s no-fault and liability insurance systems
- Litigate in court if necessary
- Establish comparative fault if the insurance company tries to blame you.
4. Medical Support and Recovery Assistance
We help you find and coordinate medical care while documenting your injuries for legal purposes:
- Connect you to trusted doctors and specialists
- Keep a detailed record of your treatment and expenses
- Prevent your settlement from being eaten up by medical liens.
5. Maximizing Your Compensation
Shim Law Group fights for every dollar you deserve, including:
- Current and future medical bills
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Property damage (including your motorcycle)
- Wrongful death compensation (for surviving family members)
6. Personalized and Aggressive Legal Representation
Your recovery and future are our top priorities. At Shim Law Group, we:
- Provide hands-on legal support
- Keep you informed every step of the way
- Work on a contingency basis—you pay nothing unless we win
- Work on your case with the urgency and respect it deserves.
Shim Law Will Fight For You
At Shim Law Group, we fight aggressively for motorcycle accident victims. Our team takes on the burden of legal paperwork and aggressive insurers so you can focus on healing. You only pay when we win your case—no upfront fees, no surprises.
