Glens Falls, NY Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
At Larson & Gallivan Law, our Glens Falls motorcycle accident attorneys have the legal knowledge and skill that injured victims can rely on. If you or a family member was hurt in a motorcycle crash, we are here to protect your rights and interests. For a free, no-obligation consultation with a top New York motorcycle accident lawyer, please contact us today.
Motorcycle Accidents Can Cause Serious or Catastrophic Injuries
Motorcyclists have limited protection. Unfortunately, motorcycle crashes are disproportionately likely to result in severe, catastrophic, or life-threatening injuries. According to data cited by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 80 percent of motorcycle crashes result in injuries to the rider. To put that number into perspective, the NHTSA estimates that only 20 percent of passenger car accidents result in injuries. Even more alarming, motorcyclists are more than 25 times more likely to be killed in a crash than other road users.
Too many motorcycle accidents happen because drivers and truckers fail to take proper care around bikes. It is imperative that an injured motorcyclist in Eastern New York gets immediate medical attention. All motorcycle accident injuries should be assessed by a qualified physician. You cannot bring a motorcycle accident injury claim without medical records to support your case. Additionally, a motorcycle accident in Warren County should be thoroughly and proactively investigated by an experienced Glens Falls motorcycle accident lawyer.
What to Know About Motorcycle Accident Liability in New York State
New York is one of a minority of U.S. states that follow a no-fault insurance system for motor vehicle collisions. Indeed, the neighboring state of Vermont does not have a no-fault law for car accidents. However, New York law explicitly excludes motorcyclists from no-fault insurance benefits. As explained by the New York State Department of Financial Services, “if you are the operator or passenger of a motorcycle involved in an accident, you are excluded from No-Fault benefits.” In other words, injured riders in Glens Falls cannot bring a no-fault claim in New York.
That being said, injured motorcyclists can file a personal injury lawsuit directly against the at-fault party. In fact, an injured motorcycle operator or motorcycle passenger can file a fault-based personal injury claim from the first dollar lost. Put another way, if you were hurt in a motorcycle accident caused by the reckless, careless, or otherwise wrongful conduct of any other party—be it a driver, a truck company, a motorcycle manufacturer, etc.—you have the right to sue them for the full extent of your damages.
Motorcycle Accident Statute of Limitations
New York has a three year statute of limitations for motorcycle accident injury claims. Do not wait to get started with your case: You do not want to fall behind the defense or the insurance company. Get help from a Glens Falls motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible.
We Help Injured Motorcyclists Maximize their Financial Compensation
Motorcycle collisions are disproportionately likely to result in serious or even catastrophic injuries. After a motorcycle crash, it is crucial that the injured rider or injured passenger is able to recover full and fair financial compensation. Our Glens Falls motorcycle accident lawyers have what it takes to hold the big insurance companies to account. You may be entitled to recover money damages for the following types of losses:
- Motorcycle repairs or replacement;
- Emergency medical treatment;
- Hospital bills and related health costs;
- Physical therapy and/or mental health services;
- Lost wages and loss of ability to earn a paycheck;
- Pain and suffering;
- Disfigurement, disability, or impairment; and
- Wrongful death of a family member.
You Can Rely On the Glens Falls Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Larson & Gallivan Law
Motorcycle accident injury claims are complicated. Injured riders often face unfair stereotypes of law enforcement officers and insurance adjusters. At Larson & Gallivan Law, we have what it takes to help injured motorcyclists get true justice. Tristan Larson is a motorcycle rider himself. Our firm always takes a proactive and systematic approach to these cases. More specifically, our Glens Falls motorcycle accident attorneys will:
- Listen to your story, answer any questions you have, and explain the process;
- Carefully investigate the motorcycle crash, gathering/organizing the evidence;
- Handle the correspondence and inquiries from insurance adjusters; and
- Devise a legal strategy to maximize your motorcycle accident compensation.
Motor vehicle collisions are one of the most common causes of accidental injuries. According to data from the New York State Department of Health, approximately 450 people seek emergency medical attention for automobile accidents in Warren County alone each year. Due to their large size, commercial trucks are uniquely dangerous. Tractor-trailer accidents are disproportionately likely to result in severe injuries or fatalities. Truckers and truck companies must take proper safety measures. Profits cannot come ahead of people. Common reasons why commercial truck accidents happen in the Glens Falls area include:
- Untrained or undertrained truck drivers;
- Truck driver negligence, including speeding and distracted driving;
- Overly fatigued drivers working very long hours;
- A poorly loaded trailer; and
- Truck defects, including problems with tires and brakes.
What to Understand about Truck Accident Liability Laws in New York
Unlike the majority of other states— including Vermont— New York has a no-fault auto insurance law. As described by the New York Department of Financial Services, all drivers have a duty to obtain and maintain the minimum mandatory no-fault car insurance. All motor vehicle accident claims, including large truck accident claims, fall under New York&rsquo’s no fault standard. The law requires injured victims to bring their initial claim through their own insurance provider. If you suffered minor or moderate injuries in a truck accident in Glens Falls, your claim may be handled through your own no-fault insurance company.
However, New York State has an exception for serious accidents. Many commercial truck accidents in New York fall outside of the no-fault system because of the severity of the accident. You can file a fault-based personal injury claim against a trucker, truck company, or another negligent party if you suffered a “ severe injury” in the crash. New York defines a serious injury as one that results in a broken bone, loss of an organ or body part, significant disfigurement, a period of disability, or permanent limitations.
Notably, New York State courts use a test called the “90/180” rule. Simply explained, this rule holds that a victim can step beyond the no-fault system and file a personal injury lawsuit if they suffered a non-permanent injury that severely limited their day-to-day activities for at least 90 days within the first 180 days following the accident. Do not assume that New York’s no-fault law prevents you from suing a negligent truck company. Our Glens Falls attorneys can help you determine your options.
Recovering Compensation After a Motorcycle Accident in Glens Falls
If you or your loved one was seriously injured in a trucking accident in Glens Falls, you need full and fair financial support. New York law allows injured victims to seek compensation for economic and intangible damages, but the big insurance companies never make the claims process easy. Our Glens Falls truck accident lawyers are committed to helping victims and families recover the maximum financial support. You may be eligible to get money damages for:
- Vehicle repairs/replacement;
- Emergency room care;
- Hospital bills and other health costs;
- Long-term medical needs;
- Lost wages;
- Diminishment of future income;
- Pain and suffering;
- Permanent disability or disfigurement; and
- Wrongful death.
How Our Glens Falls Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help
Motorcycle accidents are complicated. You do not have to deal with this alone. At Larson & Gallivan Law, we take a systematic, forward-thinking approach to legal representation. We are ready to get started on your claim the right way. Among other things, our Glens Falls truck accident attorney will:
- Conduct a detailed review of your case—answering your questions;
- Investigate the tractor-trailer crash, gathering relevant evidence;
- Handle the paperwork and the correspondence/inquiries from insurers; and
- Develop a strategy to get you the best outcome in your truck accident injury claim.
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Call Our Glens Falls, NY Motorcycle Accident Attorney
At Larson & Gallivan Law, our Glens Falls motorcycle accident lawyers are strong, tireless advocates for justice. If you or your loved one was hurt in a motorcycle crash, we are here to help. Reach out to us by phone at 518-862-8799518-862-8799 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation. We handle truck accident claims in Glens Falls, Warren County, and throughout the area.