Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Staten Island, NY
Being hurt in a motorcycle crash can be a life-altering event. Dealing with the physical, emotional, and financial fallout can feel almost impossible to bear. At Chelli & Bush, Attorneys at Law, our motorcycle accident lawyers in Staten Island, New York, understand the unique challenges injured motorcyclists and their families face face. Our
personal injury lawyers approach every case with compassion and provide the tenacious legal advocacy you need to safeguard your health and finances.
Key Takeaways
- You deserve full compensation—Our attorneys pursue all sources of recovery for damages such as medical bills, wage loss, and pain and suffering caused by your injuries.
- We handle all aspects of your case—From gathering evidence and establishing liability to negotiating with insurers, we take the weight off your shoulders so you can focus on healing.
- Results you can trust—Over the past 50 years, our personal injury attorneys have helped clients in Staten Island, Brooklyn, and surrounding areas secure more than $500 million in damages.
- No fee unless we win—Our personal injury lawyers offer free, no-obligation case evaluations, no upfront costs, and you won’t owe attorneys’ fees unless we win your case.
Types of Motorcycle Accident Cases We Handle
Our motorcycle accident attorneys helps injured victims get the justice and financial support they need to rebuild their lives. We handle claims involving:
Collisions with other vehicles—T-bone, sideswipe, and rear-end crashes caused by negligent drivers of cars, trucks, and buses happen all too often.
Intersection accidents—These crashes are often caused by vehicles turning left that fail to see a motorcycle approaching, which can be deadly.
Dooring accidents—When the occupant of a parked vehicle carelessly opens a door into a passing motorcycle, both parties can be seriously injured.
Single-vehicle accidents—Crashes caused by external factors like potholes, debris, or dangerously uneven road surfaces can lead to serious injury.
Hit-and-run—Our motorcycle accident attorneys aggressively pursue all sources of compensation when an at-fault driver flees the scene.
Wrongful death—We help families find financial security and a sense of justice after the devastating loss of a loved one by filing a wrongful death claim.
These types of crashes are often caused by motorists who are distracted, speeding, running red lights, tailgating, or driving while intoxicated. Our personal injury lawyers offer free consultations to evaluate your case, explain the factors involved for a valid claim, and help you start the path to healing and justice.
Common Motorcycle Injuries
Because motorcyclists lack external protection, they often suffer catastrophic injuries such as:
Life-altering head and spine injuries—Concussions, skull fractures, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and spinal cord damage that can lead to chronic pain or paralysis.
Severe orthopedic trauma—Broken or crushed bones and compound fractures often require multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation.
Road rash and burns—These types of injuries may result in scarring, disfigurement, and risk of infection.
Internal injuries—Blunt force trauma can lead to organ damage and internal bleeding.
Emotional trauma—Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and nightmares can have a serious impact on a victim’s quality of life.
Liability and Insurance Issues
Proving Fault
Our motorcycle accident lawyers thoroughly investigate your claim to determine who is at fault. We use key evidence, such as police reports, witness testimony, video footage, and crash scene reconstruction to establish the negligence of the at-fault party.
Protecting Your Rights
It is vital that you do not give a statement to any insurance company before speaking to an attorney. An insurer’s sole priority is to minimize payouts, and your statement can easily be used against you to shift blame and diminish your claim's value. We manage all communications and negotiations and know how to counter unfair stereotypes that paint motorcyclists as reckless.
Comparative Fault Under New York Law
Even if you were partly at fault for a crash, under New York’s pure comparative negligence rule, you can still recover damages. However, the final settlement or verdict amount will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
How Motorcycle Insurance Works in New York
Unlike car insurance, motorcycle insurance in New York does not offer no-fault personal injury protection (PIP) coverage for medical bills and other damages. This means that you must pursue compensation directly from the at-fault driver's liability insurance instead of your own motorcycle policy.
However, if a driver fled the scene or doesn’t have enough coverage, you can file a claim to use your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. However, it’s important to note that this coverage is optional, so it’s vital to ensure you include it in your motorcycle policy. The few extra dollars a month is well worth the peace of mind.
Building Your Case and What to Expect
Building the foundation of your claim starts with meticulous investigation and gathering compelling evidence. This may include:
- Photographs and video footage from traffic cameras, surveillance, and dashcams
- Witness statements
- Crash reconstruction analysis
- Cell phone records of the at-fault driver
- Event Data Recorder (EDR) data
- Medical records detailing the full extent of your injuries
Our team works with accident reconstruction professionals and medical experts to determine how a crash happened and accurately assess the full impact of your injuries.
Compensation and Potential Damages
Our personal injury lawyers ensure your claim is accurately valued and fight to secure maximum compensation for all your losses. This may include:
- Past and future medical bills
- Home modifications and long-term care
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment
- Loss of consortium
- Property damage
Case Timelines
How long your motorcycle accident case will take depends on many different factors. While some cases take only a few months to settle, others may take years. A settlement agreement may be reached more quickly if liability is clear and injuries are minor. If a victim suffers from catastrophic injuries, fault is disputed, or a case goes to trial, it can take much longer to come to a fair resolution.
Our personal injury lawyers are skilled negotiators and litigators who strive for the most efficient resolution that secures the full financial recovery you deserve. We keep you fully informed on the progress of your case throughout the process.
What to Do Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident
The steps you take following a crash are crucial to protect your health and the strength of a future claim.
Seek medical attention—Going to the ER ensures you get proper care, and medical records provide valuable evidence your personal injury attorney will need.
Get to safety and call 911—Police reports also provide vital evidence and details about the crash that can help us establish liability
Preserve evidence—If possible, take photos of the vehicles, the scene, and your injuries.
Do not admit fault—Keep conversations brief and factual with police and don’t speak to anyone but your attorney about what happened.
Contact a lawyer—Call us as soon as you can to ensure your rights are protected
Why Choose Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Staten Island?
With more than five decades of experience and more than $500 million recovered for injured clients, our trusted personal injury attorneys offer relentless legal advocacy you can rely on.
- Local focus—We care about our communities and handle hundreds of cases each year. Our motorcycle accident attorneys have extensive courtroom experience in Staten Island, Brooklyn, and other local courts.
- Compassionate support—Our team provides personalized attention and responsive service to help injury victims navigate the most difficult times of their lives and move forward with confidence.
- Proven reputation—The benefits of our team’s decades of dedicated service and proven ability to take on large insurance companies are reflected in our powerful client testimonials.
- No fee unless we win— Our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t pay attorneys’ fees unless we secure a settlement or verdict for you.
Our motorcycle accident lawyers take the burden off your shoulders so you can breathe easier, focus on getting well, and move forward with confidence.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Staten Island, NY
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a motorcycle crash, don't wait to protect your rights and financial future. Chelli & Bush, Attorneys at Law, provides the compassionate, tenacious advocacy you need. To schedule a free consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer near you in Staten Island, NY,
contact us or call 718-987-8444.Our personal injury attorneys serve clients in Staten Island, Brooklyn, and the surrounding areas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents in New York
What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
New York law requires all riders to wear a helmet. Failing to do so may impact the value of your claim under comparative negligence rules. It’s also a good idea to wear reflective and protective gear like boots, gloves, a jacket, and pants.
When should I call an attorney about my motorcycle accident injuries?
It’s vital to contact our lawyers as soon as your medical condition is stabilized. We can ensure your rights are protected and preserve crucial evidence.
How much is my motorcycle accident case worth?
The value of each case is unique. We determine it by evaluating current and future costs and damages, insurance policy limits, and your percentage of fault under New York law.
How much time do I have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in New York?
The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in New York is generally three years from the date of the crash. However, this period can be significantly shorter for claims against a government entity. You don’t want to lose your right to recover compensation, so it is essential to take swift action.
Should I accept a settlement after a motorcycle accident?
It’s easy to underestimate the physical, emotional, and financial costs of an accident. We advise clients not to accept a settlement until you have an attorney evaluate your case and negotiate on your behalf.
Will I be compensated for damage to my bike?
Yes. Our team also handles property damage claims for your motorcycle's repair or replacement.