Queens Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Motorcycle riding in Queens offers freedom and excitement, but it also comes with significant risks. Queens’ busy highways, congested streets, and complex traffic patterns create dangerous conditions for motorcyclists who are already vulnerable on the road. When a motorcycle accident occurs, riders often face severe injuries, mounting medical bills, and insurance companies that unfairly blame them for crashes. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Queens, you need an attorney who understands both the unique challenges facing motorcyclists and the complex laws governing these cases.
At Koenigsberg & Associates Law Offices, our Queens motorcycle accident lawyers are dedicated to protecting the rights of injured riders throughout the borough. We understand the bias motorcyclists face and fight aggressively to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Why Queens Is Particularly Dangerous for Motorcyclists
Queens presents unique challenges for motorcycle riders that make accidents more likely and more severe. The borough’s diverse geography, heavy traffic, and complex road systems create a perfect storm of motorcycle safety hazards.
Heavy highway traffic on major routes like the Long Island Expressway, Grand Central Parkway, and Brooklyn-Queens Expressway creates constant congestion and aggressive driving behaviors that endanger motorcyclists. Complex intersection designs throughout Queens create numerous conflict points where motorcycle accidents occur, while dense urban traffic in commercial areas like Flushing and Jamaica increases rear-end collision risks.
The distracted driving epidemic affects all of Queens, with drivers often multitasking while driving, using phones, eating, or navigating, making them less likely to see motorcycles. Poor road conditions including potholes, construction zones, and debris pose greater risks to motorcycles than to cars, while weather-related hazards create slippery conditions that are particularly dangerous for two-wheeled vehicles.
Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents in Queens
Motorcycle accidents in Queens take many forms, each presenting unique challenges for establishing liability and securing compensation. Understanding these common accident types helps riders recognize when they may have strong legal claims.
• Left-Turn Accidents – The most common type of motorcycle accident occurs when vehicles making left turns fail to see or yield to oncoming motorcycles. These accidents often happen at busy Queens intersections and typically result in serious injuries due to the direct impact.
• Rear-End Collisions – Stop-and-go traffic on Queens highways and streets leads to rear-end crashes when drivers following motorcycles fail to maintain safe distances or become distracted. Even low-speed rear-end impacts can throw riders from their bikes.
• Lane Change Accidents – Drivers changing lanes without checking blind spots frequently strike motorcycles traveling in adjacent lanes. These accidents are common on Queens’ multi-lane highways and congested commercial strips.
• Intersection Crashes – Complex Queens intersections see frequent accidents when drivers run red lights, fail to yield right-of-way, or make illegal turns into the path of motorcycles.
• Highway Merging Accidents – Entrance and exit ramps on Queens highways create dangerous merging situations where drivers may not see motorcycles or misjudge their speed.
• Construction Zone Accidents – Queens’ numerous construction projects create hazardous conditions with lane restrictions, debris, and confused traffic patterns that particularly endanger motorcyclists.
• Road Hazard Accidents – Potholes, debris, oil spills, and other road hazards that might merely damage a car can cause motorcycles to crash, leading to serious injuries.
• Truck Accidents – Large commercial vehicles pose extreme dangers to motorcyclists due to massive blind spots, wide turning radii, and stopping distance requirements.
• Door Prize Accidents – In dense areas like Jackson Heights and Astoria, motorcycles can be struck by opening car doors when drivers fail to check for approaching bikes.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents typically result in more severe injuries than car accidents due to the lack of protection surrounding riders. Even with proper safety gear, motorcyclists face significant injury risks in crashes.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries:
• Road Rash and Skin Injuries – Sliding across pavement causes severe skin abrasions, cuts, and burns that may require skin grafts and leave permanent scarring
• Broken Bones and Fractures – Arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones frequently break in motorcycle crashes, often requiring surgery, hardware implantation, and extensive rehabilitation
• Head and Traumatic Brain Injuries – Even with helmets, head impacts can cause concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries with lasting cognitive effects
• Spinal Cord Injuries – Back and neck injuries from motorcycle crashes can result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifetime medical care
• Internal Injuries – Blunt force trauma can cause internal bleeding, organ damage, and life-threatening complications requiring emergency surgery
• Amputation Injuries – Severe motorcycle crashes can result in traumatic amputations or injuries so severe that surgical amputation becomes necessary
• Burn Injuries – Contact with hot exhaust pipes, fuel fires, or road surfaces can cause severe burns requiring extensive treatment
• Psychological Trauma – The emotional impact of motorcycle accidents often includes PTSD, anxiety about riding, and depression affecting quality of life
Motorcycle Bias and Insurance Company Tactics
Motorcyclists face unfair bias from insurance companies, police officers, and even juries who may assume that riders are reckless or responsible for their own accidents. This bias makes legal representation essential for protecting your rights.
Insurance companies often claim motorcyclists were speeding or driving recklessly without evidence to support these allegations. They may argue that motorcycles are inherently difficult to see, attempting to shift blame from negligent drivers to innocent riders. Companies may try to reduce compensation by claiming that injuries would have been less severe with different safety equipment, or unfairly characterize motorcycle riders as inexperienced or inadequately trained.
We counter these tactics through thorough accident reconstruction to establish the true cause of accidents and counter unfounded allegations about rider behavior. We gather traffic and surveillance evidence, witness statements, and traffic data to prove what actually happened. Our team presents medical evidence showing the true extent of injuries and their relationship to the accident, and we demonstrate when safety equipment was appropriate and effective.
Your Legal Rights After a Queens Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accident victims in Queens have the same legal rights as other motor vehicle accident victims, despite the bias they may face. Understanding these rights is crucial for protecting your interests and securing fair compensation.
You have the right to full compensation for all damages caused by another party’s negligence, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You can choose your own doctors and treatment providers, and insurance companies cannot force you to accept inadequate medical care. You have the right to have an attorney present during all interactions with insurance companies and opposing parties, and companies must conduct fair and thorough investigations, not biased reviews designed to minimize your claim.
New York’s no-fault insurance law affects motorcycles differently than cars. Motorcycles are not required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage under New York’s no-fault law, so motorcycle accident victims typically pursue compensation directly from the at-fault driver’s insurance rather than through no-fault benefits. Given the serious nature of motorcycle injuries, adequate uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is crucial for protecting yourself.
Learn more about uninsured motorist claims and how they apply to motorcycle accidents.
Paul Koenigsberg
Parties Who May Be Liable in Queens Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents often involve multiple parties who may bear legal responsibility for injuries. A thorough investigation is essential to identify all potential sources of compensation.
• Negligent Drivers – Other motorists who cause accidents through distracted driving, speeding, following too closely, or failing to yield right of way
• Vehicle Owners – When someone other than the owner is driving, both the driver and vehicle owner may be liable for accidents
• Employers – Companies whose employees cause accidents while working may be liable under vicarious liability principles
• Government Entities – Municipalities responsible for road design, maintenance, and traffic control may be liable for dangerous conditions
• Construction Companies – Contractors creating hazardous road conditions or inadequate work zone safety measures
• Product Manufacturers – Defective motorcycle parts, safety equipment, or other vehicle components that contribute to accidents
• Property Owners – Businesses or individuals whose negligent property maintenance creates road hazards
• Alcohol Vendors – Bars, restaurants, or stores that serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals who then cause accidents
Compensation Available in Queens Motorcycle Accident Cases
Motorcycle accidents often result in substantial compensation due to the severity of injuries typically involved. Understanding the types of damages available helps you recognize the full value of your claim.
Economic Damages
• Medical Expenses – All current and future medical treatment including emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, medications, and assistive devices
• Lost Wages – Compensation for time away from work during recovery and reduced earning capacity from permanent injuries
• Property Damage – Repair or replacement costs for your motorcycle, safety gear, and other personal property damaged in the crash
• Home Modifications – Costs of accessibility improvements if injuries result in permanent disability
• Transportation Expenses – Costs of getting to medical appointments and adapting to life without your motorcycle
Non-Economic Damages
• Pain and Suffering – Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life caused by your injuries
• Loss of Enjoyment – Damages for being unable to participate in activities you previously enjoyed, including motorcycle riding
• Disfigurement and Scarring – Compensation for permanent scarring, burns, and other disfiguring injuries common in motorcycle accidents
• Loss of Consortium – Compensation for the impact of injuries on your relationships with spouse and family members
Punitive Damages
In cases involving drunk driving, extreme speeding, or other egregious conduct, punitive damages may be available to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.
Learn more about types of damages in personal injury lawsuits and understand what your personal injury case is worth.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Queens
The actions you take immediately after a motorcycle accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Follow these steps to protect your rights and preserve evidence.
Immediate Steps at the Accident Scene:
Ensure your safety and move to a safe location if possible, but don’t leave the accident scene. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance, even if injuries seem minor. Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and your injuries if you’re physically able. Get the other driver’s insurance information, license number, and contact details, and identify witnesses to collect their contact information. Avoid admitting fault or making statements about how the accident happened.
Seek Medical Attention:
Get medical attention even if you feel fine, as adrenaline can mask serious injuries. Follow all treatment plans and attend medical appointments consistently, as gaps in treatment can weaken your injury claim. Keep detailed records of all medical treatment, medications, and therapy sessions.
Protect Your Legal Rights:
Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer before talking to insurance companies, and preserve your motorcycle, safety gear, and clothing in the same condition as after the accident. Don’t sign documents from insurance companies without legal review, and limit social media posts about the accident or your activities.
Learn about what not to say to an insurance adjuster and understand the top lies insurance companies tell after accidents.
Why You Need a Queens Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycle accident cases require specialized knowledge and experience that general personal injury attorneys may not possess. The unique challenges facing motorcyclists demand attorneys who understand both the technical and legal aspects of these cases.
• Combat Anti-Motorcycle Bias – We understand the unfair assumptions about motorcyclists and know how to counter insurance company tactics designed to minimize claims
• Specialized Investigation Techniques – Motorcycle accidents require different reconstruction methods and expert witnesses than typical car accidents
• Understanding of Motorcycle Dynamics – We know how motorcycles operate, proper riding techniques, and safety equipment standards to build stronger cases
• Maximum Compensation Recovery – We understand the serious nature of motorcycle injuries and how to properly value these claims for maximum recovery
• Preserve Critical Evidence – Motorcycle accident evidence can be different from car accidents, and we know what to preserve and how to analyze it
• Handle Complex Liability Issues – Multiple parties may be responsible for motorcycle accidents, and we investigate all potential sources of compensation
Learn about how to strengthen your personal injury claim and understand what evidence to gather for a car accident claim.
FAQs About Queens Motorcycle Accident Cases
Does not wearing a helmet affect my claim?
While New York requires helmets for most riders, not wearing one doesn’t automatically bar you from recovering compensation. However, insurance companies may try to argue that your injuries would have been less severe with a helmet. We counter these arguments with medical evidence and expert testimony.
What if the other driver claims they didn’t see me?
“I didn’t see the motorcycle” is not a valid legal defense. All drivers have a duty to maintain proper lookout and see what should be seen. We hold negligent drivers accountable regardless of their excuses.
Can I still recover if I was lane splitting?
Lane splitting is illegal in New York, but it doesn’t automatically prevent recovery. We analyze the specific circumstances to determine how lane splitting, if any, contributed to the accident and pursue maximum compensation under comparative negligence principles.
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit?
New York’s statute of limitations for motorcycle accident cases is typically three years from the accident date. However, cases against government entities may have shorter deadlines. Contact an attorney immediately to protect your rights. Learn more about time limits on personal injury cases.
What if my bike was my primary transportation?
We include the loss of transportation in your damage claim, including rental vehicle costs, public transportation expenses, and the impact on your ability to work and handle daily activities.
Motorcycle Safety in Queens
While legal representation is crucial after an accident, preventing motorcycle accidents should always be the priority. Understanding defensive riding techniques and safety measures can help prevent crashes.
Increase your visibility by wearing bright colors, using reflective gear, and keeping your headlight on during all riding conditions. Maintain safe following distances to provide time to react to sudden stops or lane changes, and position strategically in lanes to maximize your visibility to other drivers. Continuously scan for potential hazards including vehicles, pedestrians, road conditions, and debris.
Avoid lingering in blind spots around large trucks and buses, use turn signals early to communicate your intentions, and always ride defensively assuming other drivers don’t see you. Having an escape route planned can help you avoid accidents when other drivers make unexpected moves.
Learn about tips for motorcycle safety and understand ways to avoid motorcycle accidents for drivers and riders.
Serving Motorcyclists Throughout Queens
Serving Motorcyclists Throughout Queens
Contact Our Queens Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Queens, don’t let insurance companies take advantage of anti-motorcycle bias. You need attorneys who understand the unique challenges facing injured riders and will fight aggressively for your rights.
Time is critical in motorcycle accident cases. Evidence can disappear quickly, witnesses’ memories fade, and important legal deadlines approach. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better we can protect your rights and build a strong case.
Call us at (718) 336-2000 or fill out our online form to get started.
