Being in a motorcycle accident can turn your whole life upside down. One minute you’re cruising down the road, the next you’re on the pavement, wondering how this even happened. If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle crash in New York, and someone else is to blame, you may be owed more than you think. But getting that money isn’t always easy. You’ve got to know the right steps to take and the biggest mistakes to avoid. That’s what we’re going to cover here.
Robert Friedman
Michael Ranzenhofer
Sam Alba
Justin Friedman
John Dracup
Why Motorcycle Accidents Are So Different
Motorcycles don’t have the same protection that cars do. No seat belts. No airbags. No steel frame around you. When you get hit, your body takes most of the damage. And that often means serious injuries like broken bones, head trauma, or spinal cord damage. The law recognizes that. But insurance companies don’t always play fair. They may try to blame you for the crash, downplay your injuries, or pressure you to settle fast for less than you need. That’s why it’s so important to understand how the system works.
The First Mistake Most Riders Make
After a crash, most people want to get back to normal life. That means fixing your bike, seeing a doctor, maybe going back to work if you can. And that’s good. But the mistake comes when you talk to the insurance company without knowing your rights. They might sound helpful. They might act like they’re on your side. But remember, their job is to pay out as little as possible. And anything you say can be used to hurt your case later. That’s why your first move should be to talk to someone who knows how these cases work in New York.
Getting Medical Help Isn’t Just About Healing
Seeing a doctor right after your accident is one of the most important things you can do. Not just for your health, but for your claim too. Insurance companies love to say, “If you were really hurt, you would’ve gone to the doctor right away.” Don’t give them that chance. Even if you feel okay at first, some injuries take time to show up. Whiplash, concussions, or internal injuries might not be obvious on day one. Getting checked out early creates a record that ties your injuries to the accident. That record is key when it’s time to fight for full compensation.
What Compensation Can You Actually Get
Most people think about the cost to fix their bike or their hospital bill. But that’s just the start. If you were hurt because someone else was careless, you can also ask for lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and even loss of enjoyment if you can’t do things you used to love. In very serious cases, like when someone is permanently disabled or can’t work anymore, the value of a claim can go way up. Don’t settle for a quick payout that only covers your bills today. Think about what you’ll need tomorrow, next month, even next year.
How Fault Works in New York
New York is a no-fault state for car accidents, but that rule does not apply the same way for motorcycles. If you’re riding a motorcycle, you’re not covered by no-fault benefits like a car driver would be. That means you can go after the at-fault driver right away. But it also means you need to prove they were the one who caused the crash. That’s where things can get tricky. The other side may say you were speeding, weaving through traffic, or didn’t have the right of way. You’ll need proof—things like photos from the scene, witness statements, and the police report.
The More Evidence, the Better
When it comes to getting fair compensation, what you can prove matters more than what you say. That means right after the crash, try to take photos if you’re able. Pictures of the damage, the road conditions, traffic signs, and even your injuries. Get names and numbers of any witnesses. Ask for a copy of the police report. And save every bill, every doctor note, every pay stub showing lost income. These details can make or break your claim later.
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What a Good Plan Looks Like
To get the most out of your claim, you need a clear plan. That starts with talking to someone who knows how New York motorcycle laws work. From there, they can help you gather evidence, file the right paperwork, and talk to the insurance company so you don’t have to. You’ll want someone who can tell your story the right way. Someone who can show not just what happened, but how it changed your life. And who knows how to push back when the insurance company tries to offer less than you deserve.
What’s at Stake if You Wait
Every day you wait, your claim gets harder to win. Witnesses forget things. Evidence disappears. Deadlines get missed. And if you miss the deadline to file a lawsuit in New York, which is usually three years from the date of the accident, your chance to recover anything may be gone for good. So don’t put it off. The sooner you take action, the better your odds of getting what you need.
When you’re recovering from a crash, the last thing you want to deal with is legal paperwork, phone calls from adjusters, or questions you don’t know how to answer. That’s why having someone in your corner who’s done this before can make all the difference. Not just to take the weight off your shoulders, but to make sure no step gets missed and no dollar gets left behind. Your job is to get better. Let someone else handle the fight.
Even if you’re not sure how strong your case is, it’s worth asking. A lot of people assume they don’t have a case just because they weren’t wearing a helmet or they think they were partly at fault. But under New York law, you can still recover money even if you were partly to blame. It just means your final amount might be reduced. Don’t make the mistake of assuming you’re out of options before you talk to someone.
Take the First Step Toward Getting Your Life Back
If you’ve been in a motorcycle crash in New York and you’re wondering what to do next, don’t guess. Talk to someone who can guide you through it. At Friedman & Ranzenhofer, PC, we help riders like you get the compensation they need to heal, recover, and move forward. It starts with a simple call. No pressure. Just answers. Let’s figure out what you’re owed—and how to go get it.