ALBANY MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYERS

Albany Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of personal injury in New York State — and motorcyclists are at far greater risk on our roadways. Motorcyclists lack the protection of a car or truck’s exterior, are less-visible to other drivers, and are more susceptible to hazardous road conditions, especially in Upstate New York’s winter months. In fact, statistics show that motorcyclists are 15 times more likely to die in a traffic crash compared to passenger vehicle occupants.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motorcycle accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence, contact the dedicated Albany law firm of Belluck & Fox today. Our skilled New York  motorcycle accident attorneys have more than 25 years of experience handling complex personal injury and wrongful death claims. In total, our law firm has recovered more than $1 billion for deserving clients and their families.

Call (518) 621-2699 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation.

Our Law Firm Demands Maximum Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Victims in Albany, NY

The amount of compensation you may be entitled to receive after a crash is tied to the facts of the motorcycle crash accident, the severity of injuries and the property damage involved. At Belluck & Fox, we seek maximum compensation for the following:

• Medical expenses (past, current and future)
• Lost income (both past and potential) related to time missed at work
• Motorcycle repair or replacement costs
• Mental and physical pain and suffering
• Punitive damages, in cases where criminal actions or extreme misconduct led to harm

It is important to have an experienced Albany motorcycle accident attorney conduct a thorough investigation into your crash in order to build a strong case for full and fair compensation.

Our law firm has the resources and the manpower to fight for you. We can hire accident reconstruction experts, medical specialists, economists and other professionals to put together a detailed assessment of the losses you have suffered and may continue to suffer down the line.

How to Protect Your Rights After a Motorcycle Accident in Albany

If you are in a motorcycle accident, here’s what you should do:

• Report the accident to the authorities and request a copy of the crash report.
• When talking to the police and the at-fault driver, stick to basic information. Never apologize or admit fault.
• See a doctor as soon as possible and attend all follow-up appointments. It is crucial ─ both for your health and your legal case ─ that you comply with the doctor’s orders.
• Notify your insurance company to report the general facts of what happened, but do not give a recorded statement to any insurance adjuster.
• Contact a trusted Albany motorcycle accident lawyer at Belluck & Fox, LLP.

Motorcyclists statistically aren’t at fault as often as other drivers, mainly because motorcycles can be tough to see when drivers aren’t paying attention. However, the injuries from such crashes are often devastating. Victims can suffer numerous broken bones, road rash, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, permanent disabilities or fatal injuries. And families of victims can be left to struggle financially.

You need a seasoned motorcycle accident injury lawyer to fight for the full compensation you deserve after a devastating crash.

NY Statute of Limitations on Motorcycle Accident Claims

Under New York law, motorcyclists generally have three years from the day the crash occurred to file a personal injury claim. Relatives who have lost a family member in a motorcycle accident have two years to file a wrongful death claim. In some instances, this time limit may be as short as 90 days, though.

You should contact a skilled attorney as soon as possible after a motorcycle accident. Building a strong claim takes time to collect evidence, find witnesses and document the extent of your injuries. Your motorcycle accident attorney in Albany will want to begin the claims process as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents Albany

You were cruising on your motorcycle when a distracted driver slammed into you out of nowhere. Unfortunately, this scenario is common. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that about 80 percent of motorcycle accidents are caused by another driver.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motorcycle accident, schedule a free consultation with the experienced Albany attorneys at Belluck & Fox. Please call us at (518) 621-2699 to set up a time to meet. You are welcome to visit our law office at 646 Plank Road, #105, Clifton Park NY 12065. However, if you are unable to travel, we will meet you at a location that is most convenient for you.

During your initial consultation, we will answer any questions you may have. Some of the questions our skilled attorneys frequently answer include:

Should I give my insurance company a statement or talk to an insurance adjuster?

Of course, you need to notify your insurer and speak with the police — but you aren’t required to share anything more than basic details. Don’t admit fault or give a recorded statement. Insurance adjusters especially are known for getting accident victims to say things that don’t put themselves in the best light. Your safest bet is to let your attorney deal with the insurance company.

The other driver’s insurance company has made me a motorcycle accident settlement offer. What should I do?

Insurers, like other businesses, want to minimize costs. That includes low-balling crash victims in need of financial assistance. Do not cash any checks or accept a settlement without talking to us. Let the seasoned negotiators at Belluck & Fox review your case and evaluate this offer. We don’t charge anything for initial consultations because we don’t want our clients to feel pressured into accepting anything less than what they deserve. Contact us today at (518) 621-2699.

I have pictures and information from witnesses of the motorcycle accident. What should I do now?

Send our attorneys whatever pictures and information you have. Keep all other paperwork, too, such as receipts for medical bills and related expenses, and also log any time you’ve missed from work because of the crash.

The knowledgeable New York motorcycle accident attorneys at Belluck & Fox will conduct a thorough investigation of your crash and your resulting injuries. We will also enlist experts such as medical and financial professionals and accident reconstruction specialists to assess your case and help craft a solid legal strategy.

What if I am partially at fault for my motorcycle accident? Can I still file a claim?

Yes. New York is considered a “pure comparative fault” state, meaning the courts calculate fault in percentages and apportion blame accordingly. The compensation you receive is based on that math.

The savvy Albany motorcycle accident attorneys at Belluck & Fox know how to keep the other party from shifting an unfair share of the blame to you, which would reduce your compensation. We are dedicated to helping our clients fight for the fair and full compensation they deserve.

I was hurt in a motorcycle accident, but I wasn’t wearing a helmet. Can I still pursue compensation?

Yes, but the amount of compensation you receive might be affected, or even blocked, depending on whether the other driver’s attorney can prove that not wearing a helmet meant you suffered greater injuries. New York State is clear about helmets: All motorcycle drivers and passengers must wear helmets and eye protection.

Please speak with one of our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys in Albany to discuss your options if you were seriously injured in a wreck and were not wearing a helmet.

What if the at-fault driver didn’t have insurance? Can I get my insurance company to compensate me for medical expenses and lost wages?

Under New York State’s “no fault” law, motorcycles don’t qualify as motor vehicles. However, motorcyclists can pursue compensation from their own insurance companies if they carry coverage for underinsured, uninsured or supplemental underinsurance motorists (UM, UIM or SUM coverage).

How much will it cost to hire a lawyer for my motorcycle accident case?

Belluck & Fox’s skilled legal team works on a contingency basis. That means we do not charge anything upfront to take on motorcycle accident cases — and you don’t pay any attorneys’ fees unless and until we secure money for you. In that event, our contingency fee will be deducted as a percentage of your award (typically one-third of the total).

Motorcycle Accident Albany, NY Statistics

The New York State Department of Health says that there are an average of 141 deaths statewide each year because of motorcycle crashes. The death rate is highest for males and New Yorkers ages 20 to 44.

Motorcycle crashes also cause an average of 1,558 hospitalizations each year. These rates were highest for males and New Yorkers ages 15 to 19.

In addition, motorcyclists have visited the emergency department an average of 4,458 times each year because of traffic crashes, affecting 22.7 of every 100,000 New Yorkers. This rate was highest for males and New Yorkers ages 20 to 24.

The high number of motorcycle crashes in New York and around the country can be attributed to several factors. Most accidents involve causes such as unsafe speed, inattention or distraction, and failure to yield the right-of-way.

The Insurance Information Institute notes that in 2004, sales of motorcycles reached about 1.1 million, a testament to the popularity of motorcycles. At the same time, the institute said there was a sharp increase in the number of older riders, with 46 percent of motorcyclists killed in crashes in 2004 being age 40 and older.

New York State’s helmet laws do help save lives. State law requires that all persons operating or riding a motorcycle must wear approved helmets with reflectorization, or reflective properties. Motorcyclists must also drive with their headlights on during the day, and all operators and passengers must wear protective eye wear. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that helmets are 37 percent effective in preventing fatal motorcycle injuries.

Contact an Albany Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Belluck & Fox for a Free Consultation

Our Albany legal team not only has decades of experience — some of our lawyers are avid bikers themselves. Learn how we’ll stand up for you by calling us today at (518) 621-2699 or filling out our online form to schedule a free consultation.