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Click For Your Free ConsulationNYC Personal Injury Lawyer » New York Personal Injury Blog » I’ve Been Hurt in a Motorcycle Accident in New York City – Do I Need a Lawyer?
Posted in Motorcycle Accidents on January 19, 2022
It’s very important to exercise caution when riding a motorcycle. This is particularly true in a busy setting like New York City. If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, your odds of dying are 29 times greater than if you were in a car or other enclosed vehicle. In an enclosed vehicle, you have a metal frame protecting you from harm. That’s not the case when you’re riding a motorcycle.
A motorcycle accident can also leave you with serious injuries. As a result, you may face costly medical bills, lost wages, and a range of other potential losses.
Strongly consider reviewing your case with an attorney after a motorcycle crash. This overview will explain how an attorney can help you recover compensation for your injuries.
New York is a no-fault state. It doesn’t matter whose negligence caused the accident. An injured party’s primary means of seeking compensation is to file a claim to collect from their own insurer. They can only proceed to seek additional compensation from a negligent party’s insurer if their injuries qualify as “serious” under New York law.
However, this policy does not apply to motorcyclists. Luckily, motorcyclists in New York are exempt from the no-fault requirements. They can file a claim or lawsuit without having to show their injuries meet the serious injury threshold.
However, recovering compensation after an NYC motorcycle accident is not easy for victims. To show they are eligible for compensation, they must gather and present evidence proving another party caused their accident. This may require a thorough investigation. Most individuals are not equipped to conduct such an investigation on their own.
Motorcyclists also shouldn’t expect an insurance company to immediately offer the compensation they may deserve. Remember, insurance companies are still businesses whose main goals involve protecting themselves financially. As such, insurers tend to respond to claims or lawsuits by trying to convince victims to settle for less than their claim may be worth.
You likely are not prepared to battle a large insurance company after your NYC motorcycle accident. Fortunately, you don’t have to.
Reviewing your case with an attorney after being hurt in a motorcycle accident is very wise for many reasons. First, an attorney can review your case to determine if you have legal grounds to begin the process of filing a claim or lawsuit.
If they conclude that you are eligible for compensation, they will typically begin handling your case by conducting an investigation. This may involve tasks, such as:
Your attorney will also coordinate with you, your doctors, and any other relevant parties to document the full extent of your losses. For example, many victims do not know that they may receive compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.
Once all the necessary evidence and documentation has been gathered, your lawyer will put together and submit a thorough claim. If the insurance company is not willing to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer will negotiate with them on your behalf. If necessary, they’ll also file a lawsuit to pursue damages in court.
Keep in mind that recovering compensation after a motorcycle accident can be a complex process. In the aftermath of your accident, you should focus on your recovery. This is easier to do when an attorney is handling your case.
If you need legal assistance, contact the NYC personal injury lawyers at Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation.
We have two convenient locations in New York:
Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers – New York City Office
450 7th Ave #409
New York, NY 10123
(212) 564-2800
Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers – Brooklyn Office
26 Court St Suite 2511
Brooklyn, NY 11242
(718) 802-1600
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