Garden City Motorcycle Accident Attorney

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Legally Reviewed by:

Alex Nocerino
Alex Nocerino, managing partner and personal injury lawyer at Chopra & Nocerino, LLP in Garden City, NY

Alex Nocerino is a founding partner at our firm and a successful trial lawyer with roots in New York. He is a member of the New York State Bar Association, the New York State Trial Lawyers Association, and the American Association for Justice. He has helped injured individuals win hundreds of millions in compensation from large corporations, government entities, and wealthy landlords. 

With 18 years of experience, he has been recognized as a Super Lawyer since 2019 and has a five-star Avvo rating. He is a true New Yorker and a successful trial lawyer who is unafraid to go up against even the powerful and combative defendants.

Content Last Updated:   April 24, 2024

Motorcyclists have little between them and the road, and injuries from motorcycle accidents can include severe road rash, broken bones, paralysis, and even death. If you’ve been hurt by another driver’s negligence, the experienced Garden City motorcycle accident lawyers from Chopra & Nocerino will fight aggressively to secure compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and more.

Like a .300 hitter, you put on your helmet, stayed laser-focused, and kept it between the lines. But another road user didn’t follow the rules, and you got hurt in a motorcycle accident.

Drivers often don’t pay enough attention to motorcyclists on the road. They follow them too closely, turn in front of them, and don’t check for them in blind spots. According to the NYPD, in December 2023 alone, there were 311 motorcycle accidents in New York City.

Other drivers and their insurers may blame you or try to minimize the true value of your claim. The skilled legal team at Chopra & Nocerino has significant experience in motorcycle accident cases and understands how to push back against these unfair tactics.

We’re real New Yorkers who power through the nonsense. Let us step up to bat for you. Schedule your free consultation with our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers in Garden City by calling (855) NYC-HURT or filling out our online contact form.

Why Hire the Garden City Motorcycle Accident Attorneys at Chopra & Nocerino?

We are the exclusive personal injury law firm of the New York Mets. As such, we proudly help motorcycle accident victims in Garden City, Hempstead, and Levittown defend their right to compensation when they are hurt by someone else’s negligence.

You are never just a file number at our award-winning personal injury law firm. Every client is family and gets the personalized attention they deserve. Our attorneys have been recognized by multiple professional organizations and publications, including:

  • The National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys, Top 10 under 40
  • National Trial Lawyers Top 100
  • Super Lawyers Rising Stars
  • Top 100 Lawyers, 2021 Attorney of the Year

Case Results and Client Testimonials

If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident, don’t hesitate to contact us for personalized legal assistance. We fight fiercely for our clients. Our glowing client testimonials and excellent case results show that we do not back down.

“Chopra & Nocerino LLP is a hallmark of a law firm; they are the best! They prioritize my needs and my concerns. They maintained open and transparent communication with me, and they are experts in their field. Their staff are really nice, respectful, and incredible. I love their client-centered approach, and I highly recommend them to anyone”

– Gem L.

“Thank you so much for all the support and attention spent on my case! You guys are awesome. You did everything to help me with my accident case, and I am truly grateful for all your kindness and smartness on this deal. Glad with the result and all the attention I received! Recommended 100%.”

– Juliette M. 

“My experience with the law firm Chopra & Nocerino was one of the best experiences I had. The staff is very professional and helpful.”

– Tedesha P. 

How Can We Assist You Following a Motorcycle Accident in Garden City?

Our Garden City motorcycle accident lawyers understand the difficulties you may face after a collision. Remember, you do not have to deal with the aftermath alone. Our legal services include but aren’t limited to:

  • Investigating the accident
  • Gathering evidence like traffic camera footage, medical records, and accident reconstruction reports
  • Interviewing witnesses
  • Ensuring no deadlines are missed in your case
  • Preparing you to testify in depositions and court
  • Negotiating with insurance companies
  • Taking your case to court if a fair settlement cannot be reached
  • Fighting aggressively to obtain compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more

When negligent drivers injure you in an accident, you deserve justice, accountability, and compensation. Our motorcycle accident attorneys in Garden City know that you need the best possible legal team fighting in your corner. When you entrust us with your case, you can rest assured that it is in capable hands.

Common Causes and Injuries in Garden City Motorcycle Accidents

Many factors can contribute to a motorcycle accident. Common causes of motorcycle accidents we see in the case we handle include:

FAILURE TO YIELD

When motorists fail to yield the right of way to motorcyclists, especially at intersections or when merging, it increases the likelihood of collisions and endangers motorcyclists. Roughly 42 percent of fatal motorcycle accidents involve another vehicle turning left as a motorcycle passes.

SPEEDING

Exceeding speed limits increases the likelihood and severity of accidents.

Lane Splitting

Riding between lanes of slow or stopped traffic increases the risk of collision with other vehicles.

Driver Negligence

Inattentive or careless drivers may fail to see motorcyclists or violate their right of way.

ROAD HAZARDS

Potholes, debris, uneven pavement, and slippery surfaces pose significant risks to motorcyclists.

IMPAIRED DRIVING

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time.

LACK OF PROTECTIVE GEAR

Failure to wear helmets, protective clothing, or reflective gear increases the likelihood of injury in accidents.

DISTRACTED DRIVING

Using electronic devices, adjusting controls, or engaging in other distractions while driving can lead to accidents.

INEXPERIENCED RIDERS

Novice motorcyclists may lack the skills and knowledge needed to handle challenging road conditions or unexpected situations.

VEHICLE DEFECTS

Mechanical failures or defects in motorcycle components, such as brakes or tires, can contribute to accidents.

WEATHER CONDITIONS

Rain, fog, snow, or high winds can impair visibility and traction, increasing the risk of accidents for motorcyclists.

Helmets and protective gear partly shield motorcycle riders from harm during accidents. But with nothing else between them and the road, injuries can be severe and include:

  • Neck and back injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
  • Spinal cord injuries, including full or partial paralysis
  • Fractures and broken bones
  • Burn injuries
  • Road rash and abrasions
  • Internal injuries
  • Sprains, strains, tears, and bruises
  • Limb amputation and permanent disfigurement
  • Facial and dental injuries
  • Chest and abdominal injuries
  • Psychological trauma (such as post-traumatic stress disorder)

When facing injuries caused by a motorcycle accident, let our team manage negotiations with insurance providers and navigate the legal complexities of your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Determining Liability in Garden City Motorcycle Accidents

Your attorney must investigate all contributing factors in your accident to determine who is liable and how much you can possibly collect. Often, plaintiffs base their case on a negligence theory of liability. To show that the other driver was negligent, your motorcycle accident attorney must prove four legal elements:

Importantly, New York follows a pure comparative negligence standard in personal injury cases. This means you can collect compensation even if you were partially responsible for the accident.

Our Garden City motorcycle accident lawyers also can determine if more than one party is liable for your accident. Including all responsible parties in your claim increases your chance of securing full and fair compensation. Among others, liable parties in motorcycle accidents may include:

  • Careless Drivers – Motorists who fail to follow traffic laws or exercise reasonable care on the road.
  • Vehicle Manufacturers – If a defect in the motorcycle or its components contributed to the accident.
  • Government Entities – Because they are responsible for maintaining safe road conditions, government entities may be liable if hazardous road conditions cause an accident.
  • Employers – If the accident involves a commercial vehicle, the employer may be liable for the actions of their employee.
  • Third Parties – Other entities whose actions contributed to the accident, such as a bar that served alcohol to an intoxicated driver involved in the crash.

How Much Is Your Motorcycle Accident Worth?

Placing an exact value on a motorcycle accident claim is difficult. Potential damages depend primarily on the severity of your injuries and how much they affect your ability to work and perform everyday activities. Compensation in personal injury cases normally includes economic and non-economic damages. You may also be entitled to punitive damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages pay for expenses such as medical bills, lost wages and future earnings, rehabilitation costs, and upgrades to your home or vehicle to accommodate the long-term effects of your injuries. In a wrongful death motorcycle accident case, you also can ask for funeral and burial costs.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate you for subjective, non-monetary losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of consortium. You also can ask for damages for scarring and disfigurement.

Punitive Damages

Though rare, courts sometimes allow for punitive damages to punish the offender and deter others. These damages are usually reserved for cases involving gross negligence or reckless disregard for others’ safety. For example, a judge may permit you to pursue punitive damages if the other driver was intoxicated during your accident.

Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Garden City

The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in New York is normally three years from the date of injury. Though exceptions sometimes apply, your case will most likely be dismissed in court if you do not file before the deadline passes. Taking prompt legal action will also give your attorneys time to thoroughly investigate your case. The stronger your evidence, the more likely you are to secure full and fair compensation.

Garden City Motorcycle Accident FAQS

Understandably, accident victims often have many questions in the aftermath of a motorcycle crash. Our Garden City motorcycle accident lawyers are standing by to address all of your questions and concerns in your free consultation. Below are some of the most common questions we receive.

1. How Long Does a Garden City Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Usually Take?

The duration to settle a motorcycle accident lawsuit varies widely based on factors like the extent of injuries, the complexity of the case, and the negotiation process. Some cases settle within a few months, while others may take a year or more.

Factors influencing settlement time include gathering evidence, assessing medical treatment and expenses, negotiating with insurance companies, and potentially undergoing mediation or arbitration. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, litigation could extend the timeline further. Consulting with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can provide insight into the probable timeline based on the specifics of your case.

2. What If I’m Partially at Fault for My Motorcycle Accident?

Under New York’s comparative negligence law, you can still recover damages if you were partially at fault for your motorcycle accident. However, your percentage of responsibility for the crash will reduce your compensable damages.

3. Can I Get Compensation If I Didn’t Wear a Helmet In a Motorcycle Accident?

Yes, you still can receive compensation if you didn’t wear a helmet when the motorcycle accident occurred. However, New York law requires motorcyclists to wear a helmet. In fact, it was the first state to adopt a universal motorcycle helmet law.

Again, New York follows a pure comparative negligence standard. Accordingly, even if the defendant caused the accident, a court may reduce your compensable damages if it finds that you were partially responsible for your head injuries because you did not wear a helmet.

4. What If the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Auto Insurance?

After a motorcycle accident with an uninsured driver, you can turn to your uninsured motorist policy for compensation. New York law requires that all drivers in the state purchase this kind of coverage.

Let Chopra & Nocerino Go To Bat For You

We know the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be devastating. At Chopra & Nocerino, we believe everyone deserves the highest-quality legal representation possible when injured by the carelessness of others. While you focus on your recovery, let us focus on securing the justice, accountability, and compensation you deserve.

Our Garden City motorcycle accident attorneys are standing by to make sure you know your full legal rights and leave no money on the table. Schedule your free consultation today by calling (855) NYC-HURT or filling out our online contact form.

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