Bronx Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Trusted Bronx Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Careless drivers injure or kill thousands of U.S. motorcyclists every year. Since 1992, Oresky & Associates, PLLC has fearlessly represented motorcycle operators and passengers against negligent drivers who crashed into them. 

Over that time, we have been champions for the injured, recovering over $500 million in settlements and verdicts to help our clients through their greatest health and financial challenges.

When you hire our firm, an experienced Bronx motorcycle accident lawyer aggressively protects you from unfair tactics used against you by insurance companies. Contact us for a free consultation to learn how we help motorcyclists secure justice and fair treatment.

How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in the Bronx, NY? 

The NYPD reported 229 motorcycle accidents in the Bronx in 2023. These crashes included single-vehicle accidents and multivehicle collisions. Motorcycle operators in the Bronx that year were involved in:

• Three accidents involving fatalities
• 168 nonfatal injury accidents
• 58 accidents causing property damage only

In total, these accidents caused three deaths and 203 injuries. Those who suffered injury or death included 171 motorcyclists and 35 motorists.

Across all five boroughs, 2,033 motorcycle accidents occurred in 2023. The Bronx, with the smallest area and second-smallest population of the boroughs, accounted for 11.3% of the city’s motorcycle crashes.

About 16.6% of New York City’s residents live in the Bronx. With only 11.3% of the city’s motorcycle accidents, motorcyclists in the Bronx have fewer collisions than expected based on the borough’s population share.

Still, riding a motorcycle in the Bronx is not without dangers; motorcyclists involved in collisions have a high risk of injury or death. Nearly 75% of those hit by vehicles in 2023 suffered a fatal or nonfatal injury.

Motorcycle crashes happened throughout the borough in 2023. However, two roads, Webster Avenue and Bruckner Boulevard, had multiple crashes.

What Causes Most Motorcycle Accidents in the Bronx, New York?

Of the 229 motorcycle crashes in the Bronx in 2023, 105 were single-vehicle accidents or were multivehicle crashes determined to be the fault of the motorcyclist. The remaining 124 collisions were blamed on automobile drivers. Thus, over 54% of motorcycle crashes were caused by careless drivers.

Many of these collisions arise from just a few common causes:

• Inattention and distractions
• Misjudging the speed or distance of a motorcyclist
• Failing to spot a motorcycle rider on the road

Dangerous driving behaviors like these can lead to the following common crash scenarios:

• A driver turns left across the path of an oncoming motorcyclist
• A driver turns right at an intersection or driveway into the path of a motorcyclist
• A driver changes lanes without looking, sideswiping a motorcyclist

One problem motorcyclists face is a phenomenon called “inattentional blindness.” This is a cognitive bias where drivers do not recognize motorcycles simply because they do not look for them. 

Inattentional blindness can lead to “looked but did not see” crashes. In one study, participants were presented with a driving simulation with either a motorcycle or a taxi in the opposite lane. Almost two-thirds failed to see the motorcycle, while fewer than one-third missed the taxi.

How Can Oresky & Associates Help in Your Motorcycle Accident Claim?

New York’s no-fault insurance system does not apply to motorcycles. When you get hit while riding, your path toward injury compensation begins with battling against billion-dollar insurance companies. Oresky & Associates is your greatest proponent and fiercest defender against at-fault drivers and powerful insurers in your pursuit of justice.

When you hire us, your Bronx motorcycle accidents lawyer provides the following services:

• Evaluating your case and advising you about your legal options.
• Investigating the crash and gathering evidence to support your claim.
• Preparing your insurance claim and negotiating with the insurer to settle it.
• Drafting a lawsuit against the at-fault driver if the insurer refuses a settlement.
• Litigating against the driver and their insurer.
• Presenting your case to a judge or jury and advocating for just compensation.

As we fight to win your case, we face down insurers to prove the other driver caused your crash. Our attorneys have decades of combined legal experience. We stand up for you in your darkest moments by advocating fiercely for your interests, steadfastly protecting your future, and resolutely fighting for just compensation for your injuries

Contact Bronx Motor Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation

Motorcycle crashes can have devastating impacts on your life, causing permanent disabilities and disfigurement. Contact us to learn how we battle for your rights.

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Common Injuries that Can Occur in Bronx Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycles lack structural protection for riders. You are exposed during a crash, with only your helmet and riding clothing to protect you from injury. The impact can tip your motorcycle over, crushing and trapping you. Your crash may even eject you, causing serious injuries as your body slams onto the road.

Motorcyclists often suffer the following injuries:

• Road rash
• Lacerations
• Bone fractures
• Facial trauma
• Brain injuries

A few of these injuries are especially characteristic of motorcycle crashes. Road rash happens when skin scrapes across the pavement. The rough surface abrades the skin. It can even drive debris under the skin, producing discoloration called “traumatic tattoos.” Friction between the road and your skin also burns it.

Head trauma is a leading motorcycle injury, even among riders who wear helmets. A helmet can absorb and dissipate some forces when your head hits the ground, but the impact can still rattle your brain. 

The resulting damage to the brain cells can cause bleeding and swelling. Symptoms of brain injuries include clumsiness, confusion, and amnesia. Serious brain injuries can cause permanent disabilities, coma, or death.

What Is My Bronx Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?

There is no standard value for a motorcycle accident claim. In calculating a potential value, your Bronx motorcycle accident attorney will consider several factors:

• The severity of your injuries
• The effect of your injuries on your ability to earn a living
• Whose actions caused the crash
• The at-fault driver’s insurance policy limits
• Fault for the accident

More severe injuries are usually worth more than minor injuries. They require more extensive and costly treatment and therapy. Similarly, injuries with permanent effects are worth more than those that fully heal. Scars, complications, and disabilities will justify greater compensation.

If your injuries affect your ability to perform your work, you will lose income. Disabling injuries may even impact your future earning capacity. For example, a disability that forces you to change your job duties or quit your job may lead to years of lost income. In a lawsuit that is a compensable part of your case.

What Types of Damages Are Available to Motorcycle Accident Victims?

When you hire us, you will discuss your case with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. Bronx motorcycle crashes can cause extensive losses, and these losses will determine the compensation you can recover. Motorcycle crash victims can pursue different types of damages.

Damages are recoverable for non-economic losses caused by the diminishment in your quality of life due to your injuries. These losses are more difficult to quantify and vary on a case-by-case basis. These losses include the following:

• Physical pain
• Mental suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Damages for economic losses include the financial impact of your injuries. These losses are “specific” to your particular case. You prove them using documents and records like receipts, pay stubs, and credit card statements. Examples of these losses include:

• Past medical bills
• Future medical costs
• Income losses
• Future reduction in income
• Out-of-pocket expenses

Can I Recover Damages If I’m Being Blamed for a Motorcycle Accident in New York?

When a claimant bears some blame for their injuries, New York relies on a doctrine called “comparative negligence.” This rule affects the plaintiff’s damages in two ways. 

First, the rule changes the old common law rule that a negligent claimant loses their right to any injury compensation. Instead, fault is apportioned between the negligent parties.

Second, the motorcyclist’s percentage of fault reduces their compensation. Thus, a motorcyclist who was 25% at fault for the crash could only recover 75% of their losses.

How Do I Prove Negligence After a Motorcycle Accident in New York?

Negligence is a complex legal concept. To understand it, you may need the help of an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. Bronx personal injury attorneys from Oresky & Associates are seasoned litigators and skilled negotiators. They will present evidence of the following elements to prove negligence:

• Duty of care
• Breach of duty
• Damages
• Causation

All drivers have a legal duty to drive carefully. This duty does not require them to drive perfectly. Instead, it simply means they must exercise the same level of prudence as an ordinary, careful driver.

Drivers breach this duty when their driving exposes others to an unreasonable risk of injury or death. A driver might breach their duty of care by breaking traffic laws. For example, when a driver turns across the path of an approaching motorcyclist who has the right-of-way, the driver has acted negligently.

The damages are connected to your injuries, including their financial and emotional impact.

Finally, we must prove a causal link between the breach of duty and your injuries. This link requires that the breach was an actual and proximate cause of the injury. Typically, we will show the breach would logically and foreseeably lead to harming someone.