Queens 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

The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be grueling. Not just physically but financially and emotionally as well. Fortunately, you don’t need to face it alone. Our full-service personal injury law firm is here for you during this turbulent time.

If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you have the right to seek compensation. A Queens motorcycle accident lawyer at our firm can help you understand your legal options and seek the compensation you need to move forward with your life. Call (855) NYC-HURT or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free case review.

Why You Should Work With a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Queens, NY

Level the Playing Field

Motorcyclists are some of the most vulnerable individuals on the road. However, insurance companies, at-fault parties, and even the legal system often unfairly blame them for accidents. If you were injured in a motorcycle crash, a seasoned attorney can help level the playing field.

At Chopra & Nocerino, we know the tactics insurance companies use to deny or minimize claims. We have a track record of success in overcoming them and securing full and fair compensation for our clients. When you entrust us with your case, we’ll go to bat for you. We’ll fight for your rights and best interests every step of the way. The best part? You don’t have to pay anything out of pocket – we will take a percentage of the award once the case has been won. 

We are proud to serve our community by providing exceptional legal representation. As real New Yorkers, we fight for our clients in Long Island City, Flushing, and beyond. We understand the intricacies of motorcycle accidents in New York. We know the legal precedents and procedures that can influence your case, enabling us to provide tailored and effective advocacy.

Awards and Recognition

You deserve the best, and we consistently strive to provide it. Our awards and accolades are a testament to our dedication to excellence. We are the exclusive personal injury law firm of the New York Mets, and as recipients of numerous prestigious industry awards, our fim’s reputation speaks for itself:

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

When you entrust us with your case, you’re not just hiring a motorcycle lawyer. You’re gaining a true ally with a proven history of fighting and winning for injury victims just like you.

Can I Get Compensation After a Motorcycle Collision?

You may seek compensation if someone else caused your motorcycle accident injuries. Negligence may include any reckless or careless actions that directly resulted in the collision, such as distracted driving, speeding, or failure to yield the right-of-way.

What a Motorcycle Accident Verdict or Settlement Covers

A successful motorcycle accident claim should result in compensation for the full impact of the accident on your life. Common damages available in motorcycle accident cases include:

  • Medical expenses – This includes all current and future medical costs related to your injuries, such as hospital bills, doctor visits, rehabilitation therapy, and medication.
  • Lost wages – If you were unable to work due to your injuries, you can seek compensation for lost income. You may also be entitled to compensation for future lost earnings if your injuries prevent you from returning to work in the same capacity.
  • Pain and suffering – This includes physical and emotional distress from the accident. It also includes ongoing pain and disability.
  • Property damage – If the collision damaged your motorcycle, you can seek reimbursement for repairs or replacement.

The Difference Between Economic, Non-Economic, and Punitive Damages

Personal injury damages are typically categorized as either economic, non-economic, or punitive. Economic damages refer to tangible losses you have incurred, such as medical bills and lost wages. Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses like pain and suffering. Both of these categories are considered compensatory damages because they aim to compensate the victim for injuries and losses they’ve suffered due to the accident.

Courts may also award punitive damages if the at-fault party’s actions were especially reckless or malicious. These damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. Though rarer than compensatory damages, punitive damages can significantly raise the value of your case.

Proven Expertise and High-Value Case Results

Our Queens personal injury attorneys have a track record of securing high-value settlements and verdicts for our clients in motorcycle accident cases. We have helped countless New Yorkers secure the financial relief they need to rebuild their lives after being injured in accidents.

  • A settlement of $1.225 million was awarded to a motorcyclist who was involved in an accident with a car. After the motorcyclist was ejected from his vehicle, he suffered a severe injury to his leg as it was run over by a bus.
  • A $1.12 Million verdict for a 33-year-old male who was making a left turn in Queens when his vehicle was struck. He sustained neck and back injuries. A verdict was reached in Queens Supreme Court.
  • A $750,000 settlement was awarded to a male, age 57, who suffered back injuries that required surgery when his vehicle was rear-ended in New York.

What Is the Time Limit To Start a Motorcycle Accident Injury Claim in Queens, NY?

There is a limited amount of time to file a motorcycle accident injury claim in Queens. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in New York is typically three years from the accident date.

If you do not file your claim within this timeframe, you may permanently lose your right to seek compensation. Though exceptions exist, it’s essential to consult with an experienced Queens motorcycle lawyer to determine if they apply to your case.

How Is Liability and Fault Determined in a Queens Motorcycle Accident?

Establishing liability in a motorcycle accident normally requires proving negligence, which involves showing that the other party harmed you by breaching their duty to take reasonable care. Evidence such as witness testimony, accident reconstruction reports, and traffic violations can help determine liability.

Under New York law, you can be awarded compensation even if you are partially at fault for the accident. This is because New York follows a pure comparative fault rule. Under this rule, each party involved in the accident can be assigned a percentage of fault. Their compensation will be reduced accordingly. 

For example, if you are found to be 20 percent at fault for the accident and are awarded $100,000 in damages, your compensation would be reduced by 20 percent, resulting in a final award of $80,000.

This is where the assistance of a skilled personal injury attorney is crucial. Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Queens, NY, will push back hard when the at-fault party tries to pin the blame on you. We will work tirelessly to build the strongest case possible on your behalf and maximize your compensation.

How Wearing a Helmet Impacts Your Case

helmet icon, orangeNew York requires all motorcycle riders to wear a helmet when operating their vehicle. Failure to do so can result in a fine. It can also have an impact on your motorcycle accident case. If you were not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident and sustained head injuries as a result, the opposing party may argue that you were partially at fault for your injuries.

Thanks to New York’s comparative fault rule, you can still receive compensation for your injuries even if you were not wearing a helmet, but your compensation may be reduced according to your degree of fault. Even so, though your lack of a helmet may have contributed to the severity of your injuries, it does not negate the other party’s liability.

What Injuries Are Common Among Motorcycle Accident Victims?

Striking another vehicle or the road when thrown off a motorcycle can result in severe injuries, requiring extensive medical treatment and long-term care. This is because motorcyclists lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle’s frame, seatbelts, and airbags. Some of the most frequent injuries we see in motorcycle accidents include:

What To Do After a Queens Motorcycle Accident

Your actions after a motorcycle accident can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Here are some steps to take immediately following an accident in Queens:

  1. Seek medical attention – Even if you believe your injuries are minor, a comprehensive medical evaluation is essential. Some injuries may not present symptoms immediately, and a delay in treatment can harm your health and right to compensation.
  2. Document the scene – Take images of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. Obtain contact information from witnesses and other drivers.
  3. Notify the authorities – Always report the accident to law enforcement. This will create an official record of the incident, which can be valuable evidence in your case.
  4. Do not admit fault – Keep interactions with other parties to a minimum. Avoid admitting fault, apologizing, or providing a statement without legal representation. Let your attorney handle communications with insurers.
  5. Contact our Queens motorcycle accident lawyers as soon as possible – They can protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.

How Often Do Motorcycle Accidents Occur in Queens, New York?

Each year, approximately 370 motorcyclists are involved in traffic accidents in Queens. Around 60 of those individuals were hospitalized due to their injuries, and 170 visited the emergency department. Additionally, out of all the New York City boroughs, Queens has the highest rate of motorcyclist fatalities by population.

Many of these accidents occur at intersections and along high-traffic corridors, especially:

  • Jamaica Avenue
  • 73rd Avenue
  • 35th Street
  • Broadway
  • Farmers Boulevard
  • 31st Street
  • Northern Boulevard
  • Vernon Boulevard
  • Astoria Boulevard
  • Junction Boulevard

When You’re Hurt in a Motorcycle Accident, We Step Up To the Plate

Image of Sameera Chopra and Alex Nocerino togetherThe moments and days following a motorcycle accident can be chaotic and unsettling. Securing trusted legal representation can make all the difference in your recovery. Chopra & Nocerino is here for you. Our Queens motorcycle accident lawyers are ready to serve as your trusted advocates. We will help you navigate the legal system and maximize your compensation.

Reach out to us online or give us a call at (855) NYC-HURT to schedule a free case review. Because we work on a contingency basis, you pay nothing unless we win your case. Ofrecemos servicios en español.

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