Motorcycle Accidents: What Every Rider In New York Needs to Know

Now that the weather is nice, you will see more motorcyclists on the road. Riding a motorcycle brings a sense of freedom and excitement, but along with that freedom comes risk and responsibility. Every year, there are thousands of motorcycle accidents in New York, leading to serious injuries, fatalities, and legal issues.

Motorcycle Insurance: What Kind and How Much Do You Need?

Unlike car drivers, motorcyclists in New York are not covered under the state's "no-fault" insurance laws. That means you're not automatically entitled to medical benefits through your insurance if you're injured in a crash. Here’s what you are required to have:

To register and ride a motorcycle in New York, you must carry at least:

• $25,000 for bodily injury per person

• $50,000 for bodily injury per accident

• $10,000 for property damage

• $50,000 for death per person

• $100,000 for death per accident

You’re also required to carry Uninsured Motorist Coverage, which matches your liability limits. This helps protect you if the at-fault driver is uninsured.

It is important to note that Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which is required for cars, is not available for motorcyclists. This means if you're injured, your insurance policy won't cover your medical bills unless you've purchased optional medical payments coverage.

Failure to maintain proper insurance can result in license suspension, fines, and impoundment of your bike.

You Are Involved in A Motorcycle Accident, Now What?

If you’re involved in a motorcycle crash, you should, when possible, take the following steps to ensure your safety, make insurance claims easier, and protect yourself legally.

• Call 911 – Report the accident and get emergency medical help, even if you don’t think you are hurt; injuries can surface a few hours or days after an accident.

• Document the scene – Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, damage, injuries, and any relevant signage.

• Exchange information – Get contact details and insurance information from all parties involved.

• Identify witnesses – Eyewitness accounts can be critical in determining fault.

• Do not admit fault – Even if you feel responsible, avoid making statements that could be used against you later.

• Seek legal counsel – Since motorcyclists aren’t covered by no-fault insurance, you’ll likely need to file a personal injury claim to recover medical costs, lost wages, and other damages.

New York Motorcycle Ownership and Accident Statistics

Understanding the risks is the first step toward protecting yourself. Here are some key statistics about motorcycle use and accidents in New York:

• Registered motorcycles in New York State:  approximately 750,000

• Motorcycle crashes (2023): Nearly 5,200 accidents reported

• Fatal motorcycle accidents (2023): 188 deaths

• Injury-related motorcycle accidents (2023): Over 4,500

• Crash rate: Around 0.67% of registered bikes are involved in crashes annually

• Fatality rate: About 3% of reported crashes result in death

These numbers show just how common and dangerous motorcycle accidents can be. Riders are roughly 20 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash compared to passenger vehicle drivers.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents most often occur because of several factors.

• Distracted driving – Texting or using a phone while driving

• Speeding – By either the rider or other vehicle operators

• Driving under the influence – Alcohol is a factor in nearly 50% of fatal motorcycle crashes

• Poor visibility – Especially at intersections or in low-light conditions

Motorcycles don’t provide the same protection as cars, so injuries from a motorcycle accident can be much more severe and include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, road rash, and amputations.

What Are Your Legal Rights?

Since motorcycle accidents in New York are not covered by no-fault insurance, injured riders must pursue compensation through a personal injury claim against the at-fault party. This can include compensation for:

• Emergency and ongoing medical bills

• Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional distress

• Property damage

You may also have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit if someone in your family is tragically killed in a motorcycle crash.  New York does have strict deadlines for filing claims, which is why it is important to have an attorney help you. Personal injury claims must be filed within 3 years of the date of the accident. Wrongful death claims must be filed within 2 years of the date of the accident.

How Can We Help?

Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries and high medical costs. Insurance companies may try to shift blame onto the rider or offer lowball settlements. That is why hiring a knowledgeable and skilled attorney can make a huge difference. Some of the things we will do to help you through this process include:

• Investigating the accident and gathering crucial evidence

• Determining liability and identifying all sources of compensation

• Handling all communication with the insurance companies

• Negotiating for a fair settlement

• Taking the case to trial if needed

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t go it alone, call us for a free consultation. We’re here to help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially.