Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in New York City
A motorcycle accident lawyer in New York City helping injured riders recover compensation after crashes caused by negligent drivers.
A motorcycle accident lawyer helps injured riders recover compensation when negligent drivers cause crashes resulting in serious injuries, permanent disabilities, or wrongful death. At Michael Gunzburg, P.C., we secured a $1.3 million settlement for an 18-year-old motorcyclist who lost his leg after being struck by a car making a left turn. With 39+ years of trial experience representing motorcyclists across Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, we fight insurance companies that try to blame riders or deny valid claims.
Motorcycle accidents often result in catastrophic injuries because riders lack the protection of a vehicle frame. When a driver fails to see you, cuts you off, or violates your right of way, the physical and financial consequences can be devastating. You're facing mounting medical bills, lost income, and insurance adjusters who assume you were reckless just because you ride a motorcycle. We know the tactics they use, and we push back hard.
If you've been injured in a motorcycle crash in New York City or surrounding areas, call 212-725-8500 for a free consultation. We serve clients throughout all five boroughs, Long Island City, and beyond. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Why Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in New York City?
You need a motorcycle accident lawyer if you were injured in a crash caused by a negligent driver and you're dealing with serious injuries, disputed liability, or insurance companies offering inadequate settlements. Motorcyclists across all five boroughs face unique challenges after accidents because insurance adjusters and defense lawyers often harbor bias against riders, assuming they were speeding or driving recklessly even when evidence proves otherwise.
Common situations include being struck by a driver who failed to yield, getting hit at an intersection, suffering road rash and fractures, dealing with permanent disabilities like amputations or paralysis, or facing insurance companies that refuse to pay fair compensation. Whether you were injured in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, or Long Island City, we're here to protect your rights and fight for every dollar you deserve.
Common Situations We Handle
Left-Turn Collisions
Drivers making left turns without yielding the right of way to oncoming motorcycles cause some of the most serious crashes. These accidents often result in severe injuries because the impact occurs at higher speeds.
Lane Change Accidents
Drivers who change lanes without checking blind spots or seeing motorcycles in adjacent lanes create dangerous situations. Many drivers simply don't look for motorcycles or misjudge their speed and distance.
Rear-End Crashes
When drivers follow too closely or fail to brake in time, motorcyclists can be thrown from their bikes and suffer catastrophic injuries including spinal cord damage and traumatic brain injuries.
Intersection Accidents
Busy NYC intersections become even more dangerous when drivers run red lights or fail to yield at stop signs, leaving motorcyclists with nowhere to go and no protection from impact.
Door Crashes
Car doors opening into the path of motorcycles in traffic cause riders to crash into the door or swerve into other vehicles, often resulting in serious injuries or death.
Road Hazards
Potholes, uneven pavement, debris, or poor road conditions that cars can navigate easily can cause motorcyclists to lose control. When city agencies fail to maintain roads properly, they may be held responsible.
Why Hiring a Lawyer With Motorcycle Accident Experience Matters
Insurance companies approach motorcycle accident claims with built-in bias, assuming riders are reckless and contributed to their own injuries. Without experienced legal representation, you're fighting an uphill battle against adjusters and defense lawyers whose job is protecting their bottom line, not your recovery. They'll question your injuries, blame you for the crash, and pressure you to settle before you understand the full extent of your damages or know what your case is worth.
We've seen what happens when injured motorcyclists try to handle claims alone. They accept settlements that don't cover future medical needs or lost earning capacity. They give recorded statements that get twisted and used against them. They miss critical filing deadlines that destroy their right to compensation. The power imbalance is real - insurance companies have teams of lawyers and unlimited resources, while you're dealing with injuries, medical appointments, and financial stress.
When you hire Michael Gunzburg, P.C., you get 39+ years of trial experience and a proven track record of multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements on your side. We know how to investigate motorcycle crashes, work with accident reconstruction experts, counter bias against riders, and prove the other party's negligence. Most importantly, we prepare every case for trial from day one, which gives us leverage at the negotiation table because insurance companies know we're ready to fight in court if they won't offer fair compensation.
Who Can Be Held Responsible in Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle accident cases may involve multiple responsible parties depending on how the crash occurred and who contributed to your injuries. Identifying all potentially liable parties is necessary because it affects the total compensation available and ensures everyone who played a role in causing your injuries is held accountable.
Negligent drivers who fail to yield, change lanes unsafely, or violate traffic laws are the most common defendants in motorcycle accident cases. This includes private vehicle owners and anyone who was operating a vehicle carelessly or recklessly.
Commercial vehicle operators including delivery trucks, taxis, and rideshare drivers may be liable if their negligence caused your crash. Companies like Uber, Lyft, and commercial trucking companies often carry larger insurance policies.
NYC Transit Authority can be held responsible when bus operator negligence causes crashes with motorcyclists. These cases require filing a Notice of Claim within 90 days and following special procedures for claims against government entities.
Vehicle manufacturers may be liable if defective parts, brakes, or safety systems contributed to the accident or worsened your injuries. Product liability claims can run parallel to negligence claims against drivers.
City agencies responsible for road maintenance can be held accountable when dangerous conditions like potholes, missing signage, or poor road design cause crashes. Like Transit Authority claims, these require strict notice requirements.
Property owners whose negligence creates hazardous road conditions (debris, oil spills, construction materials) may share responsibility if their actions contributed to your accident.
Employers of commercial drivers can be held liable when their employees cause accidents while operating within the scope of employment. This applies to delivery companies, transportation services, and businesses whose employees drive for work.
We investigate thoroughly to identify every party whose negligence played a role in your crash, building the strongest possible case for maximum compensation.
What You May Be Entitled To Recover or Achieve
New York law allows motorcycle accident victims to recover both economic and non-economic damages when another party's negligence caused their injuries. The compensation you may receive depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life and livelihood, and the strength of the evidence proving the other party's fault.
Medical expenses cover all costs related to treating your injuries, including emergency room care, ambulance transport, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, prescription medications, medical equipment, and future medical care your doctors say you'll need. We work with medical experts to document your treatment needs and calculate lifetime medical costs for permanent injuries.
Lost wages and income compensate you for time missed from work during your recovery. We recover the actual income you lost while unable to work, including salary, hourly wages, overtime, bonuses, and benefits.
Lost earning capacity applies when your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous occupation or limit your ability to earn the same income. This is particularly important for motorcyclists who suffer amputations, spinal cord injuries, or traumatic brain injuries that permanently affect their ability to work.
Pain and suffering addresses the physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and mental trauma you've endured because of your injuries. This includes both what you've already experienced and ongoing pain you'll face in the future.
Permanent disabilities including amputations, scarring, disfigurement, and loss of function receive separate compensation recognizing how these injuries permanently alter your life, relationships, and daily activities.
Property damage covers the cost of repairing or replacing your motorcycle and any personal belongings damaged in the crash, including riding gear, helmets, and other equipment.
Wrongful death damages may be available to families who lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, including funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship and guidance, and the pain of losing someone you love.
We don't settle for lowball offers that only cover a fraction of what you're owed. Our job is recovering full compensation that accounts for every way the accident has affected your life.
Important Deadlines and Legal Rules
Missing legal deadlines can permanently destroy your right to recover compensation, so understanding New York's strict time limits and procedural requirements is critical after a motorcycle accident.
Three-year statute of limitations applies to most motorcycle accident cases involving private defendants. You must file your personal injury lawsuit within three years from the date of the accident. Once this deadline passes, you lose your right to sue and recover compensation regardless of how serious your injuries are or how clear the other party's fault.
90-day Notice of Claim requirement applies if your accident involves a government entity like NYC Transit, the MTA, city vehicles, or occurred due to dangerous road conditions the city should have fixed. You must file a formal Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident, then file your lawsuit within one year and 90 days. This compressed timeline is one of the shortest in personal injury law and requires immediate action.
30-day deadline exists for filing a no-fault insurance application to receive Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. New York's no-fault system provides up to $50,000 in medical expenses and lost wages coverage regardless of who caused the crash, but you must file your application within 30 days or risk losing these benefits.
10-day DMV reporting requirement mandates filing Form MV-104 with the Department of Motor Vehicles if anyone was injured or property damage exceeds $1,000. Failing to file this report can result in license suspension.
Serious injury threshold must be met to sue for pain and suffering under New York's no-fault law. Your injuries must qualify as serious under the law, which includes death, dismemberment, significant disfigurement, fractures, permanent loss or significant limitation of body function, or injuries preventing you from performing usual activities for at least 90 of the first 180 days after the crash.
New York helmet law requires all motorcycle riders to wear DOT-approved helmets. While failing to wear a helmet cannot be considered a cause of the accident itself, New York's comparative negligence system may reduce your compensation if the absence of a helmet exacerbated your injuries, particularly head trauma. Expert medical testimony is typically required to establish this connection, and even if you weren't wearing a helmet, you can still recover damages proportionate to the defendant's fault.
Evidence disappears quickly after motorcycle accidents. Skid marks fade, witnesses forget details, surveillance footage gets erased, and insurance companies start building their defense immediately. The sooner you contact us, the better we can protect your rights and preserve critical evidence.
What to Expect When You Work With Us
Free Case Evaluation
We listen to your story, review the facts of your accident, and give you an honest assessment of your case at no cost. You'll understand your legal options, what compensation you may be entitled to recover, and how we can help you fight for it.
Immediate Investigation
We visit the crash scene, obtain police reports and witness statements, secure traffic camera footage, photograph road conditions and damage, consult with accident reconstruction experts, and gather all evidence needed to prove the other party's negligence and the full extent of your injuries.
Medical Documentation
We work with your doctors to document your injuries, treatment, and prognosis. When necessary, we consult with medical experts who can testify about the severity of your injuries, your need for future care, and how the accident has permanently affected your life.
Handling All Communication
We deal with insurance adjusters so you don't have to. We know their tactics, and we don't let them twist your words, pressure you into settlements, or blame you for the accident. All communication goes through us while you focus on recovery.
Aggressive Negotiation
We fight for maximum compensation through settlement negotiations, presenting the full scope of your damages and making it clear we're prepared to take your case to trial if they won't offer fair compensation. Our trial-ready approach from day one gives us leverage insurance companies respect.
Trial Preparation and Representation
If settlement negotiations fail, we're ready to present your case to a jury. We've spent 39+ years taking cases to trial and securing verdicts for injured clients. When insurance companies see we're serious about fighting in court, they often make better settlement offers.
Benefits of Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Maximum Compensation for All Your Losses
You deserve compensation for every way the accident affected your life, not just your immediate medical bills. We recover damages for past and future medical expenses, lost wages and diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, permanent disabilities, and loss of quality of life that insurance companies try to minimize or ignore.
Protection from Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance adjusters use sophisticated tactics to devalue motorcycle accident claims, including questioning injury severity, blaming riders for contributing to crashes, offering quick lowball settlements, and delaying claims hoping you'll give up. We know these tactics and shut them down before they can damage your case.
Experience with Complex Motorcycle Accident Cases
Motorcycle crashes require specific knowledge about rider physics, road hazards, visibility issues, and how to counter anti-motorcycle bias. We understand helmet laws, New York's no-fault system, the serious injury threshold, and how to prove your case even when insurance companies claim you were at fault.
Proven Track Record of Results
We secured a $1.3 million settlement for an 18-year-old motorcyclist who suffered a below-the-knee amputation after being struck by a car making a left turn. Our firm has recovered multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements across 39+ years of practice, including cases involving catastrophic motorcycle injuries.
No Upfront Costs or Legal Fees Unless We Win
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront and nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Our fee comes as a percentage of your settlement or verdict, so you can access experienced legal representation without worrying about hourly rates or retainer fees while dealing with medical bills and lost income.
Direct Access to Attorney Michael Gunzburg
You work directly with Michael Gunzburg throughout your case, not a paralegal or junior associate. We maintain regular communication, return phone calls within 24 hours, and keep you informed about every development in your case. You're always involved in major decisions.
Proven Results & Client Experience
Michael Gunzburg, P.C. has 39+ years of trial experience representing thousands of injured clients across New York City, securing multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements including a $20 million structured settlement, $10.1 million settlement, and multiple cases exceeding $3 million. Our proven track record demonstrates our ability to handle the most serious and complex injury cases.
We secured a $1.3 million settlement for an 18-year-old motorcycle rider when he was struck by a car making a left-hand turn, resulting in a below-the-knee amputation of his left leg. This case required proving the driver's negligence, documenting the permanent impact of limb loss on a young person's life and earning capacity, and fighting for compensation that would support our client's needs for decades to come.
Attorney Michael Gunzburg holds dual credentials as both a licensed attorney and Certified Public Accountant (CPA), providing unique financial expertise when calculating lost earning capacity, future medical costs, and economic damages in serious injury cases. He is admitted to practice in New York State, the U.S. District Court for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, and is an active member of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association and American Association of Justice.
We prepare every case for trial from day one, which strengthens our negotiating position and shows insurance companies we're serious about fighting for you. Many cases settle before trial, but when going to court is in your best interest, we have the experience and proven courtroom results to present your case effectively to a jury. Clients tell us they appreciate our accessibility, honesty, and dedication to their success throughout what is often the most difficult time of their lives.
Common Questions About Motorcycle Accident Cases
What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident in New York City?
Call 911 so police and EMS respond, even if you think you're fine because adrenaline often masks serious injuries. Get the driver's insurance and contact information, license plate number, and witness details. Take photos of the scene, vehicles, road conditions, and visible injuries. Don't leave before speaking with police unless you need immediate medical transport.
Don't admit fault or apologize at the scene, and avoid arguing with the other driver. Get medical attention even if you feel okay because some injuries like concussions, internal bleeding, or spinal damage aren't immediately apparent. Report the accident to your insurance company but don't give recorded statements or sign anything without speaking to an attorney first. Evidence disappears quickly after accidents, so preserve everything you can and call us at 212-725-8500 as soon as possible so we can begin investigating while the details are fresh.
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in New York?
You have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit against private defendants in most motorcycle accident cases. However, if a government entity is involved like NYC Transit, the MTA, city vehicles, or dangerous road conditions the city should have fixed, you must file a Notice of Claim within just 90 days of the accident and file your lawsuit within one year and 90 days.
Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your claim regardless of how serious your injuries are or how clear the other party's fault. You also have 30 days to file a no-fault insurance application for PIP benefits and 10 days to report the accident to the DMV if anyone was injured or property damage exceeds $1,000. Don't wait to call an attorney because evidence disappears, witnesses become harder to find, and your memory of details fades. Call 212-725-8500 today for a free consultation.
Can I still recover compensation if I wasn't wearing a helmet?
Yes, you can still recover compensation even if you weren't wearing a helmet. New York law requires all motorcycle riders to wear DOT-approved helmets, but helmet law violations cannot be considered a cause of the accident itself. However, failure to wear a helmet can affect your damages if expert medical testimony proves the absence of a helmet exacerbated injuries, particularly head trauma.
New York follows pure comparative negligence, which means you can still recover damages even if you're partially at fault, but your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if medical experts testify a helmet would have prevented or reduced a traumatic brain injury, the jury might assign partial fault to you for not wearing one. The key is proving the other party caused the accident through their negligence. We've successfully handled many cases where motorcyclists weren't wearing helmets, and we know how to counter insurance company arguments and protect your rights. Contact us at 212-725-8500 for an honest assessment of how this might affect your specific case.
What if the driver who hit me left the scene or was uninsured?
You can still recover compensation even in a hit-and-run accident or when the at-fault driver is uninsured. If you have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your own auto insurance policy or on a policy for someone you live with, that coverage may apply to your motorcycle accident injuries and cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering up to your policy limits.
New York's Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC) provides limited compensation when the at-fault driver can't be identified or is uninsured, though MVAIC coverage is more restrictive than standard insurance. Report the hit-and-run to police immediately and provide as much detail as possible about the vehicle, driver, license plate, or direction they fled. If there were any witnesses or nearby cameras, we'll work to identify the driver through investigation. Even if we can't find them, we'll pursue every available avenue for your compensation including UM/UIM coverage and MVAIC claims. Call 212-725-8500 for help with a hit-and-run motorcycle accident.
Can I still bring a claim if I was partly at fault for the accident?
Yes, you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the motorcycle accident. New York follows pure comparative negligence, which means you can recover damages regardless of your degree of fault. Your compensation is simply reduced by your percentage of fault, but you're not barred from recovery unless you're 100% at fault.
For example, if you suffered $100,000 in damages but a jury determines you were 30% at fault for the crash, you can still recover $70,000 from the other party who was 70% at fault. This is different from many states that use modified comparative negligence systems where plaintiffs who are 50% or 51% at fault cannot recover anything. New York's pure system is more plaintiff-friendly and ensures injured riders can still get compensation proportionate to the other party's negligence. Insurance companies will try to blame you to reduce what they pay, but we know how to prove the other party's negligence and minimize any fault attributed to you.
What compensation can I recover after a motorcycle accident?
You can recover compensation for past and future medical expenses including emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy, medications, and assistive devices. Lost wages and lost earning capacity if you can't return to your previous job or your injuries limit your ability to work. Pain and suffering for physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, and depression. Loss of enjoyment of life when injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed.
Permanent disability or disfigurement including amputations, scarring, and loss of function. Property damage to your motorcycle and riding gear. In rare cases involving extreme recklessness like drunk driving, punitive damages may also be available. Your specific compensation depends on the severity of your injuries, how they impact your life and ability to work, the strength of the evidence, and your attorney's skill in negotiating or trying the case. We secured a $1.3 million settlement for an 18-year-old motorcyclist who suffered a below-the-knee amputation, and we fight to recover every dollar you deserve. During your free consultation at 212-725-8500, we'll give you an honest assessment based on your specific injuries and circumstances.
Do I need a lawyer for my motorcycle accident case?
You need a lawyer if you have significant injuries, disputed liability, insurance companies offering inadequate settlements, or cases involving government entities with strict filing deadlines. While some people with very minor injuries resolve claims themselves, motorcycle accident cases face unique challenges because insurance adjusters and defense lawyers often harbor bias against riders, assuming they were reckless or speeding regardless of the evidence.
Without experienced legal representation, you're at a serious disadvantage against insurance companies with teams of lawyers whose job is minimizing what they pay you. They'll question your injuries, blame you for the crash, and pressure you into settlements that don't cover future medical needs or lost earning capacity. Studies show that injury victims represented by attorneys receive 2.4 to 3.5 times higher compensation than those who handle claims alone. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win, and our experience recovering multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements means we know how to maximize your compensation. Call 212-725-8500 for a free consultation to discuss your specific situation.
How much does it cost to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer?
It costs nothing upfront to hire Michael Gunzburg, P.C. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. Our fee is a percentage of your settlement or verdict and comes out of the recovery we secure for you. You pay nothing out of pocket, and if we don't win, you don't owe us anything.
This fee structure allows injured motorcyclists to access experienced legal representation without worrying about hourly rates or retainer fees while dealing with medical bills and lost income. Your initial consultation is completely free with no obligation to hire us. We'll review the facts of your accident, assess the strength of your case, explain your legal options, and tell you honestly what we think your case is worth. Call 212-725-8500 to discuss your case. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Will I have to go to court?
Most motorcycle accident cases settle before trial through negotiation or mediation, so you likely won't have to testify in court. However, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial from day one. This strategy strengthens our negotiating position and shows insurance companies we're serious about fighting for you, which often leads to better settlement offers.
If settlement negotiations fail and going to court is in your best interest, we're ready. We've spent 39+ years presenting cases to juries and taking numerous verdicts, including a $1.3 million settlement for a motorcyclist who suffered an amputation. Whether your case settles or goes to trial, you'll have experienced representation every step of the way. We'll explain the process clearly, prepare you for what to expect, and give you honest advice about whether accepting a settlement offer or proceeding to trial gives you the best chance of maximum compensation. The decision is always yours, and we'll support whatever choice you make after fully understanding your options.
How is my motorcycle accident case different from a car accident case?
Motorcycle accident cases face unique challenges because of anti-motorcycle bias among insurance adjusters, defense lawyers, and even some jurors who assume riders are reckless. Insurance companies scrutinize motorcycle claims more carefully and often blame riders for accidents even when evidence clearly shows the other driver's fault. Injuries tend to be more severe because motorcyclists lack the protection of a vehicle frame, so medical bills and permanent disabilities are common.
New York's helmet law adds another layer because insurance companies will try to reduce your compensation if you weren't wearing a helmet, arguing it worsened your injuries. Comparative negligence issues arise more frequently in motorcycle cases as defendants try to shift blame to riders for lane positioning, speed, or visibility. Proving liability often requires accident reconstruction experts and specialized knowledge about motorcycle physics and rider behavior. We understand these unique challenges and know how to counter bias, prove the other party's negligence, and fight for compensation that reflects the true severity of your injuries. Our experience with motorcycle cases makes a difference in the results we achieve for injured riders.
Areas We Serve
Michael Gunzburg, P.C. represents injured motorcyclists throughout New York City and surrounding areas. We serve clients in all five boroughs including Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, as well as nearby communities like Long Island City, Nassau County, and Suffolk County.
Whether your accident occurred on busy Manhattan streets, Brooklyn avenues, Queens boulevards, Bronx intersections, or Staten Island highways, we're here to help. We understand the unique traffic patterns, road conditions, and accident risks motorcyclists face across NYC's diverse neighborhoods and can investigate your crash thoroughly regardless of where it happened. Call 212-725-8500 to discuss your case, no matter where in the New York City area you were injured.
Schedule Your Free Motorcycle Accident Consultation
Every day you wait is a day insurance companies use to build their defense against you. Evidence disappears, witnesses become harder to find, and critical filing deadlines approach. Don't let insurance adjusters pressure you into accepting a lowball settlement that doesn't cover your medical bills, lost wages, and the full impact your injuries have had on your life.
Call 212-725-8500 now for your free, no-obligation consultation. We'll review the facts of your accident, explain your legal rights, and give you an honest assessment of what your case is worth. There's no risk and no cost to find out if we can help you.
You've already been through enough. Let us handle the legal fight while you focus on recovery. With 39+ years of trial experience, a proven track record including a $1.3 million motorcycle accident settlement, and a commitment to preparing every case for trial, we have the knowledge and determination to fight for maximum compensation.
We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case. You deserve an attorney who will fight for every dollar you're owed and who has the experience to take on the biggest insurance companies and win. Contact Michael Gunzburg, P.C. today at 212-725-8500. We serve all five boroughs of NYC and surrounding areas.
Other Motor Vehicle Accidents Services We Offer: