There is nothing like hitting the road on your motorcycle to blow the stress away. Whether you ride along the shores of Lake Erie, cruise through the nearby farmland, or pop into town to run errands, a motorcycle offers unparalleled freedom.
Unfortunately, motorcycle crashes are common, and bikers often suffer severe harm. If you sustained injuries due to someone else’s actions while riding your motorcycle, get in touch with a qualified personal injury attorney at Richmond Vona, LLC, right away. One of our Williamsville motorcycle accident lawyers can evaluate your legal options and potentially pursue a plan to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Click to jump to any topic on this page:
Common Causes of Motorbike Accidents
Motorcycles have a smaller profile than other vehicles on the highways, and motorists frequently overlook them. People driving cars and trucks are accustomed to watching for other similar vehicles but often do not anticipate seeing motorcycles. Because bikers can weave through lanes of traffic more easily than other vehicles, motorists may not observe a motorcycle until it is too late to avoid it.
Larger vehicles failing to yield to an oncoming motorcycle with the right-of-way frequently cause collisions and are commonly seen when a motorist changes lanes or merges into a biker’s path.
Motorcycles also cause accidents. Bikers who ride in other vehicles’ blind spots or drive incautiously risk a collision. Speeding, riding in dangerous weather conditions, and riding while impaired could cause a biker to suffer a catastrophic injury. A meticulous attorney in Williamsville can examine the details of a motorcycle crash to determine who was at fault and what caused the incident.
Laws Pertaining to Motorcyclists
Motorcyclists have equal rights and obligations as other passenger vehicle drivers, but the law imposes some additional requirements. Our Williamsville motorcycle collision attorneys recommend that bikers protect themselves and preserve their ability to receive maximum damages by obeying all the laws that govern riding in the state. These include but are not limited to:
New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 381 requires motorcyclists to wear an approved helmet. This law applies to all riders, regardless of age or experience
Motorcyclists must have a class M license, which requires written and skills tests
Bikers must be 16 to get a motorcycle learner’s permit and 18 to get a Class M license
Motorcycles may not split lanes or share a lane with another motor vehicle
A motorcycle may not overtake another vehicle in the same lane
Other laws include not operating a bike on a public highway where the handlebars or grips are more than the height of the rider’s shoulders, and having proper breaks and lighting.
No-Fault Does Not Apply to Motorcycle Riders
Although drivers of other vehicles and pedestrians can get coverage under the state’s no-fault insurance system after an accident, New York denies no-fault coverage to motorcyclists and their passengers. Anyone riding a motorcycle must seek compensation for their injuries in the courts.
A motorcyclist seeking damages must prove that another party’s negligence contributed to the accident. Negligence means the party was not as cautious as a reasonable person would have been in similar circumstances.
Sometimes, the motorcyclist also bears responsibility for a crash. The law in this state allows a negligent claimant to seek partial damages from other negligent parties. This means a biker could collect the portion of their damages attributable to others’ actions but must subtract the amount caused by their own conduct. An attorney in Williamsville can explain whether the motorcyclist’s actions might impact their accident damages in a specific case.
Pursue a Williamsville Motorcycle Accident Claim with the Help of Our Trusted Attorneys
If you were hurt while riding a motorcycle, you might be wondering how to get back on your feet financially. You could be facing substantial medical bills while you have taken time off work to recover. Making ends meet could be a challenge.
A Williamsville motorcycle accident lawyer from Richmond Vona, LLC can help you seek compensation from the negligent parties who contributed to the wreck. Do not delay—contact our firm to schedule a case review today.
With over 25 years of combined personal injury experience, our co-founding attorneys, John E. Richmond and Keith R. Vona, have helped injury victims and their family members recover more than $150 million in financial relief.
John E. Richmond
Co-Founding Member
As one of New York’s top personal injury attorneys, John E. Richmond understands that clients come first. With over a decade of experience representing plaintiffs, he knows how to hold negligent corporations and big insurance companies liable.
In his nearly 15 years in practice, Keith has been consistently recognized for his client service and record of results. He has been selected for inclusion in the New York Super Lawyers® Rising Stars list four times (2013 to 2016), an honor reserved for the top up-and-coming attorneys.
