Westchester County Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Fighting for the compensation you deserve after an injury
Westchester County Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident? With over 35 years of experience with auto accident-related cases, Curan & Ahlers is ready to fight for you. Curan & Ahlers handles motorcycle crash-related cases in Westchester County and throughout New York. If you’re looking for experienced motorcycle accident injury attorneys, give us a call today.
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Learn More About Westchester County Motorcycle Accidents & Crashes
When you are involved in a car accident in the State of New York, your own insurance carrier is legally obligated to pay for your medical bills and lost earnings. This is because of the NY No-Fault Insurance Law. However, when you are involved in a motorcycle accident as either the driver or passenger of that motorcycle, your insurance company does not have a legal obligation to pay for your medical bills and lost earnings.
This makes it especially important to contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. If your accident in Westchester County or White Plains was caused by another driver’s negligence, the legal team at Curan & Ahlers, LLP can help. We work to hold the at-fault party accountable and pursue compensation through their insurance — helping our clients cover medical expenses, lost income, and more.
How Can I Recover Compensation From the Driver Who Hit My Motorcycle?
In New York State, most car accident victims must prove they sustained a “serious injury” under the law before they can pursue compensation from the at-fault driver. However, this threshold does not apply to motorcycle riders or passengers.
If you were struck while riding a motorcycle, you can file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver — even for injuries that might not meet the serious injury threshold in a car accident case. This gives injured motorcyclists more flexibility in seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
At Curan & Ahlers, LLP, we have extensive experience handling motorcycle injury claims in Westchester County, and we’re committed to helping you recover the full compensation you’re entitled to under New York law.
What are some common injuries in motorcycle accidents?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conducts studies regarding the injuries that are reported by people injured in motorcycle accidents. In one such study, the NHTSA conducted a study of approximately 105,000 people that were injured in motorcycle accidents and found that 15 percent of riders that were wearing helmets still suffered a traumatic brain injury. This same study found that the most common injury in motorcycle accidents is usually lower-extremity injuries such as fractures of the bones in the leg. The study also found that many motorcycle riders involved in an accident suffer from internal injuries such as damage to the internal organs because of blunt-force trauma.
What do I do when my loved one is killed in a motorcycle accident due to the negligence of another driver?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 5,014 motorcycle accident fatalities in 2019. The NHTSA concluded that motorcyclists are 29 times more likely than a passenger car occupant to die when involved in a motor vehicle accident. At Curan & Ahlers, LLP, we have handled several motorcycle fatality cases against the at-fault driver for the families that have lost loved ones in motorcycle accidents. We specialize in helping the family through the Surrogate’s Court process in which a family member is appointed to handle the estate of their deceased loved one. We are able to guide this representative through the legal action against the at-fault driver and obtain compensation for families that have lost the breadwinner of their homes in motorcycle accidents. These legal actions can be complicated and often require experts to analyze the family member’s loss of future income and support from their deceased loved one.
What are common causes of motorcycle accidents?
The number one cause of motorcycle accident is driver negligence. It is very common for car drivers to report that they did not see the motorcycle prior to the accident due to the glare from the sun on their windshield. A shocking statistic is that 70 percent of motorcycle accidents occur at intersections and the drivers of the cars that strike these motorcycles often claim that they did not see the motorcycle. Another major leading cause of motorcycle accidents is inclement weather. Motorcycle riders must be extremely careful of gravel or debris on the roadway, potholes, and bumps in the road. Any of these obstructions in the road can cause a motorcycle driver to lose control of his or her motorcycle.
If you’ve been injured in any way in White Plains, NY or surrounding areas of Westchester County call us at (914) 428-3313 for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation. We also handle bicycle accident and scooter accident claims.
Case Results
$1.5M
Motorcycle Accident
Motorcyclist killed when defendant vehicle made a sudden left turn in front of her
$900k
Car Accident
Pedestrian crossing street struck by tow truck requiring back surgery
$1.5M
Car Accident
Passenger in Diplomatic van seriously injured requiring neck surgery when defendant vehicle went through light
$750k
Motorcycle Accident
Motorcyclist struck at intersection resulting in broken leg
$1.5M
Ex: Car Accident
Ex: Man suffered extensive injuries after a drunk driver ran a red light
$800k
Ex: Truck Accident
Ex: Man suffered serious injuries after crashing into a truck that made an illegal turn onto the highway
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do motorcycle accidents happen frequently in Westchester County?
Westchester County has a mix of busy highways, parkways, and local roads, including I-287, the Hutchinson River Parkway, the Bronx River Parkway, and Route 9. Heavy traffic, frequent congestion, distracted driving, and drivers failing to see motorcycles all contribute to a higher risk of motorcycle accidents throughout the county.
Are motorcycle accidents more severe than car accidents in Westchester County?
Yes. Motorcycle accidents often result in far more serious injuries because riders lack the physical protection of a vehicle. Victims commonly suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, fractures, internal injuries, and severe road rash that can require extensive medical treatment and long-term care.
Who is usually at fault in a Westchester County motorcycle accident?
Many motorcycle accidents are caused by negligent drivers who fail to yield, make unsafe left turns, follow too closely, or drive while distracted. However, fault may also involve hazardous road conditions, defective motorcycle parts, or multiple vehicles. New York’s comparative negligence law allows responsibility to be shared in some cases.
What should I do after a motorcycle accident in Westchester County?
Seek immediate medical attention, even if you believe your injuries are minor. Call the police and ensure an accident report is completed. Take photos of the scene, gather witness information, and avoid speaking with insurance companies before consulting an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer.
Can I still recover compensation if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
Yes. Although New York law requires motorcycle helmets, failing to wear one does not automatically prevent you from pursuing compensation. However, it may impact the value of your claim for head or neck injuries under New York’s comparative negligence rules.
What compensation can motorcycle accident victims in Westchester County recover?
Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, future medical care, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and permanent disability. In severe cases, damages may also account for long-term loss of quality of life.