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Smalline and Harri
  • Home
  • About
    • Martin D. Smalline, Esq.
    • JoAnn P. Harri, Esq.
  • Practice Areas
    • Personal Injury
      • Construction Accidents
      • Medical Malpractice
        • Misdiagnosis And Delayed Diagnosis
      • Motor Vehicle Accidents
        • Truck Accidents
        • Motorcycle Accidents
        • Pedestrian And Bicycle Accidents
        • Rideshare Accidents
        • Understanding No – Fault Auto Insurance
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        • Brain Injuries
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        • Elevator And Escalator Accidents
        • Slip – And – Fall Accidents
    • Wrongful Death
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  7. Motorcycle Accidents

Albany Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Fighting For Injured Riders

Motorcycle accidents can change your life in an instant. Without the protection of air bags, seat belts or a vehicle frame, even a “minor” collision can leave you with severe injuries, mounting medical bills and weeks or months away from work. The physical pain often comes with emotional trauma and financial stress that affects your entire family.

At Smalline and Harri, we’ve helped injured motorcyclists throughout Albany and the Capital Region since 1994. We understand riders’ unique challenges after an accident, from unfair bias about motorcycle safety to insurance companies that try to minimize your claim. Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys provide compassionate support while aggressively pursuing the compensation you deserve.

New York Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Recent motorcycle accident data paints a concerning picture for motorcyclists. According to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles, the Empire State recorded over 4,500 motorcycle crashes in 2022, resulting in approximately 170 fatalities. These numbers represent a slight increase from previous years, highlighting the ongoing dangers riders face on Albany roads and throughout the state.

Motorcycle accidents make up less than 2% of total vehicle crashes in New York but account for nearly 15% of all traffic fatalities. This disproportionate ratio underscores the severe risks motorcyclists face in collisions. Albany County has seen motorcycle crash rates above the state average, with intersections along Central Avenue and Washington Avenue recording multiple serious motorcycle collisions annually.

Key motorcycle accident statistics in New York include:

  • Nearly 80% of motorcycle crashes result in injury or death to the rider
  • Riders between the ages of 25 and 39 account for the highest percentage of motorcycle fatalities
  • Helmet use reduces the risk of death by approximately 37%
  • Most crashes occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. on weekends
  • Alcohol is involved in roughly 30% of fatal motorcycle accidents
  • Head-on collisions are the deadliest type of motorcycle crash
  • Nearly 70% occur during clear weather conditions

That last statistic contradicts a common misconception that most motorcycle wrecks happen during adverse weather. Instead, it highlights the importance of driver awareness and compliance with New York motorcycle helmet laws, especially during the prime riding months of May through September. It also emphasizes the importance of riders embracing motorcycle safety tips.

Common Motorcycle Crash Causes in Albany

Most motorcycle crashes happen because drivers fail to notice or respect motorcyclists on the road. We regularly represent injured riders or their families in personal injury claims for accidents caused by:

  • Drivers making left turns without yielding to oncoming motorcycles
  • Distracted drivers texting or using phones who fail to see motorcyclists
  • Cars changing lanes without checking blind spots
  • Drivers opening doors into a motorcycle’s path
  • Impaired or intoxicated motorists with reduced reaction times
  • Road hazards, including potholes and debris
  • Defective motorcycle parts or improper maintenance
  • Motorcycle accident deaths, resulting in wrongful death claims

Most of these accidents are preventable, but many result from a moment of driver negligence that can cause life-altering motorcycle wreck injuries. Prompt medical treatment is crucial for your physical and financial well-being.

Compensation For Motorcycle Accident Victims

New York’s no-fault insurance system works differently for motorcyclists than for car accident victims. Unlike motor vehicle crashes, motorcycle accidents aren’t covered under no-fault insurance, which means you must prove another party’s negligence to recover damages. However, this also means no-fault restrictions don’t limit you.

We help injured riders pursue motorcycle accident compensation for:

  • Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery and rehabilitation
  • Lost wages and diminished future earning capacity
  • Compensation for pain and suffering, which is not available under no-fault claims
  • Property damage to your motorcycle and gear
  • Long-term care needs for permanent injuries

Insurance companies often exploit negative stereotypes about motorcyclists to reduce compensation. Our skilled lawyers counter these tactics with thorough evidence and aggressive advocacy to protect your rights to achieve the best possible motorcycle accident settlement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to common questions we receive from injured motorcyclists seeking legal guidance for motorcycle injury claims after a collision:

How Long Do I Have To File A Motorcycle Insurance Claim In New York?

You have roughly three years from the date of your motorcycle accident to file a lawsuit. This strict deadline is called the statute of limitations. If you miss this window, you’ll likely lose your right to pursue compensation through the court system.

However, certain circumstances might extend or shorten this timeframe. If your crash involved a government vehicle or entity, you must file a notice of claim within 90 days. For wrongful death motorcycle accident lawsuits, family members typically have two years from the date of death to file.

Who Is At Fault In Most Motorcycle Accidents In New York?

Motorcycle accident fault determination in New York often points to passenger vehicle drivers. Studies show that approximately 75% of motorcycle collisions involving another vehicle result from the other driver’s actions, not the motorcyclist’s.

The most common scenario involves cars making left turns in front of oncoming motorcycles, accounting for roughly 40% of all two-vehicle motorcycle crashes in the state. Driver inattention, failure to yield right-of-way, and blind spot negligence are the leading causes.

In New York, the law applies a comparative fault system, allowing you to seek recovery even when you share some blame for the accident. However, your final settlement will decrease according to the percentage of fault assigned to you. Our motorcycle accident lawyers work with accident reconstruction experts to establish clear liability and maximize your recovery.

Contact Us Today For A Free Consultation

Don’t let insurance companies minimize your suffering or deny your claim based on unfair stereotypes. Our motorcycle accident attorneys have the experience and resources to fight for your rights.

If a motorist or other negligent party injures you, turn to our trusted team for knowledgeable and caring guidance. Call our motorcycle collision law firm, Smalline and Harri at 518-704-4604 or complete our online form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. We handle every aspect of your motorcycle accident lawsuit while you focus on healing.

Practice Areas

  • Personal Injury
    • Construction Accidents
    • Medical Malpractice
      • Misdiagnosis And Delayed Diagnosis
    • Motor Vehicle Accidents
      • Truck Accidents
      • Motorcycle Accidents
      • Pedestrian And Bicycle Accidents
      • Rideshare Accidents
      • Understanding No – Fault Auto Insurance
      • Spinal Cord Injuries
      • Brain Injuries
    • Premises Liability
      • Elevator And Escalator Accidents
      • Slip – And – Fall Accidents
  • Wrongful Death

Compassionate Legal Care Awaits. Send A Message Today.

Smalline And Harri

Phone

518-704-4604

Office Location

100 State Street
Suite 300
Albany, NY 12207
Albany Office

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