In New York, motorcycles are legally classified in a way that excludes riders from No-Fault (Personal Injury Protection) benefits. This means if you are downed on I-81, Erie Boulevard, or the I-690 interchange, you cannot rely on automatic medical coverage; you must file a third-party liability claim to recover damages. As your Syracuse motorcycle accident lawyer, we specialize in bridging this “coverage gap” by aggressively pursuing the negligent parties responsible for your injuries.
We counter the “biker bias” insurers use to devalue Onondaga County tort claims. By leveraging accident reconstruction and New York’s comparative negligence laws, we protect your right to maximum indemnity for orthopedic trauma, TBI, and vocational loss. We build technical cases that secure the high-value settlements required for long-term recovery. Visit our Syracuse office to discuss your case with our Attorney, Joey Stanley, who knows Syracuse and its courts.
What to Do Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident in Syracuse, NY
Your first actions after a crash are critical. They can protect your health and your legal right to compensation.
- Ensure Your Safety: If possible, move out of the flow of traffic to prevent further harm.
- Call 911: Request both police and an ambulance. A formal police report is essential, and you must get a medical evaluation, even if you think you feel fine. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries.
- Document Everything: Do not admit any fault. Stick to the facts. Use your phone to take pictures of the scene, all vehicles involved, your bike, and your injuries. Get contact and insurance information from the other driver and any witnesses.
- Contact Us Before Speaking to Insurers: Contact our Syracuse personal injury accident lawyers before giving any recorded statement. The other driver’s insurance company is not on your side. We will protect you from their tactics from day one.
Why You Need a Syracuse Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Handling a motorcycle accident claim on your own puts you at a significant disadvantage. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to pay you as little as possible. Hiring an experienced Syracuse motorcycle accident attorney levels the playing field.
Overcoming the Unfair “Biker Bias”
Insurance adjusters and sometimes even juries hold a prejudice against motorcyclists, often assuming they are reckless. They will use this to try to shift blame and deny your claim.
We know how to fight this. Our team builds a case based on facts, evidence, and accident reconstruction to prove the other driver’s negligence and dismantle the unfair bias against you.
Leveling the Playing Field
A lawyer investigates every angle, calculates the full, long-term cost of your injuries, and handles all communication with the insurance companies. We manage the complex legal work so you can focus on your recovery.
How Motorcycle Accident Claims are Different in New York
Motorcycle accident claims in Upstate New York do not follow the same rules as car accident claims. This is a critical distinction that a skilled New York motorcycle accident lawyer will use to your advantage.
In New York, motorcyclists are exempt from the “No-Fault” system. This has two major implications:
- Direct Lawsuits: You can sue the at-fault driver directly for all of your damages, including pain and suffering, without first needing to prove a “serious injury” as defined by state law.
- Medical Bills: Your medical bills are not automatically paid by PIP insurance. We can help you navigate your health insurance options while we build your case against the negligent driver.
If you are unsure how these complex rules apply to your situation, contact our office for a free, confidential case evaluation.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Onondaga County
We investigate all potential causes of a crash to establish clear liability. Many accidents are caused by negligent drivers who are:
- Distracted: Texting, adjusting the GPS, or simply not paying attention.
- Failing to Yield: Making unsafe left turns in front of an oncoming motorcycle is a leading cause of serious crashes.
- Crowding the Lane: Not giving a motorcycle the full lane width they are legally entitled to.
- Impaired or Fatigued: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or driving while drowsy.
We also investigate other factors, such as poor roadway maintenance or motorcycle design defects.
We Handle Cases Involving Severe and Catastrophic Injuries
A rider has almost no protection in a collision, often leading to life-altering injuries. Our firm has the resources and experience to handle cases involving:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
- Amputations
- Severe Road Rash and Disfigurement
- Internal Organ Damage
- Multiple Fractures and Broken Bones
After suffering a serious injury, you need a law firm that will fight for every dollar you deserve.
Contact the experienced attorneys at Stanley Law Offices to learn how we can help.
Maximum Compensation for Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
We fight to recover compensation for every aspect of your loss, including:
- Current and Future Medical Bills
- Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Capacity
- Pain and Suffering
- Emotional and Mental Anguish
- Damage to Your Motorcycle
Contact Stanley Law Offices for a Free Consultation
Don’t let an insurance company use unfair bias against you. Contact The Joe Stanley Team today. Your consultation is free, and there’s no fee unless we win your case. Our Syracuse motorcycle accident attorneys are here to fight for the people of Upstate New York.
Call us now at 1-800-608-3333 or fill out our consultation form to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions About Syracuse Motorcycle Accidents
What if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still recover compensation through your own policy’s Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Our attorneys will review your specific insurance policy to identify every available source of funds for your recovery.
How do I get the official police report for my accident?
You can typically request your accident report from the police department that responded to the call (e.g., the Syracuse Police Department or the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office) a few days after the crash. We can also handle this process for you as part of our investigation.
How long do I have to file a claim in New York?
Generally, you have three years from the crash date to file a lawsuit. However, evidence fades quickly, and claims against government entities have much shorter deadlines (often 90 days), so immediate legal action is critical.
