Motorcycle helmet on the floor after an accident

Everyone who rides a motorcycle understands the thrill of the open road and the independence that comes with it. However, when motorcyclists cross paths with negligent drivers, their rides can take a dangerous turn. Serious and even life-threatening accidents become likely.

If you were in a motorcycle accident, you may incur damages like medical bills and lost income. Having skilled legal counsel is important to win the compensation you deserve for your losses. Count on the Syracuse motorcycle accident law firm of Carden Dotzler Hammond, PLLC.

What Makes CDH Law Different?

Motorcycle accident victims simply want to get their lives back to normal. They need a results-oriented law firm that has their interests at heart each step of the way. CDH Law delivers this level of client service by:

  • Helping accident victims better understand the legal process and their options
  • Effectively negotiating for accident victims through mediation
  • Bringing years of New York personal injury law experience to the table
  • Putting the interests and concerns of clients first, not treating them as a file number
  • Offering bilingual legal services with the compassion and professionalism victims deserve
  • Applying our local Syracuse knowledge in terms of mediator and expert witness selection
  • Proven results that demonstrate our approach to client advocacy

Being in an accident is probably the most consequential event of your life. While some firms rush their clients through the process, we take the time to help you make an informed choice as we develop your litigation strategy. It’s part of our commitment to comprehensive legal service.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Syracuse

Unlike passenger vehicles, motorcycles lack important safety features such as airbags, seatbelts, and a protective steel frame. Even the best motorcycle helmet and safety gear are no guarantee that you won’t incur a catastrophic injury. Crash victims are likely to suffer:

These injuries typically translate to major medical bills, missed time from work, pain and suffering, and more. Victims have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation for their losses.

Types of Motorcycle Accidents We Handle

Most accidents involving motorcycles in Syracuse result from negligence. A driver may have failed to pay attention or was speeding and struck the motorcyclist. This can lead to different types of accidents, such as:

  • Hit-and-run accidents: The negligent driver may flee the scene to attempt to avoid being held liable. Fortunately, a rider may still have coverage options such as uninsured motorist (UM) insurance.
  • Dooring accidents: Dooring is the act of a driver or passenger opening the door of a vehicle directly into the path of an oncoming motorcyclist. The rider can crash into or flip over the door and suffer major injury.
  • Drunk driving crashes: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol reduces a person’s focus and reaction time. Unfortunately, because motorcycles are often harder to spot than vehicles, drunk driving makes a crash far more likely.
  • Rear-end collisions: Hitting a motorcycle from behind can propel the rider off the motorcycle and into another object like a vehicle. The secondary impact is usually more severe than the initial crash from behind.
  • Head-on collisions: Striking a motorcyclist head-on is one of the most deadly types of accidents. Even a motorcycle helmet may not prevent the rider from suffering catastrophic injury such as a TBI.
  • Side-impact or T-bone crashes: A vehicle that fails to stop at an intersection or before entering the flow of traffic may hit a motorcyclist from the side. The rider will likely get thrown from the motorcycle and suffer various injuries.
  • Rollover accidents: Any rollover accident is dangerous, and usually indicates negligence due to overloading a large truck or trying to turn corners too quickly. If a motorcyclist is in the vicinity of the rollover they could be killed.
  • Accidents involving commercial trucks: The size and weight of a commercial truck makes this type of collision serious even for a passenger vehicle. The danger is more magnified for a much smaller, lighter motorcycle.

Why Motorcycle Accidents Happen

Accident victims in Syracuse have the duty of explaining in detail how the wreck occurred and why it points to negligence. These are some of the most frequent causes of these serious crashes:

  • Distracted driving: Anything that takes a driver’s focus away from the road is a distraction. Common culprits include texting and other phone use and talking to passengers.
  • Failure to check blind spots: Every driver has a duty to carefully check blind spots before switching lanes. This is especially true to avoid hitting motorcycles since they are smaller.
  • Drunk or drug-impaired driving: Alcohol and drugs will always increase the risk of an accident. Even prescription medications can impair driving and lead to a wreck.
  • Speeding and reckless driving: Speeding can include driving too fast for weather and traffic conditions. Reckless driving includes tailgating and a host of other irresponsible maneuvers.
  • Unsafe lane changes: Aggressively changing lanes or doing so without signaling puts others at risk. Drivers should check their blind spots, signal, and cautiously switch lanes.
  • Hazardous road conditions: These can result from poor weather (e.g. ice and snow), debris and other obstacles in the road, and poor road maintenance. Various parties could be held liable.
  • Poor road design or malfunctioning traffic signals: Roads should be designed to ensure a safe flow of traffic that minimizes the risk of an accident. Failure to do this, or to maintain properly functioning traffic signals, points to government and contractor negligence.

Potentially Liable Parties in a Syracuse Motorcycle Accident

One of the most important tasks your attorney will accomplish is determining who can be held liable for your injuries. These are some examples:

  • Negligent drivers: In most motorcycle accidents, there is a negligent driver who struck the motorcyclist because of one or more of the above dangerous driving behaviors.
  • Vehicle or motorcycle manufacturer: The company responsible for assembling the vehicle or motorcycle involved in the crash, or its parts, could face liability.
  • Repair shops: Similarly, a repair shop that does negligent work on a vehicle or motorcycle might be to blame.
  • Employers: Due to the doctrine of vicarious liability, an employer may be liable for the actions of an at-fault employee driver who was working at the time of the crash.
  • Bars or restaurants: When drunk driving is the cause of the accident, and there’s evidence that a bar or restaurant in Syracuse served the driver too much alcohol, New York’s dram shop law could apply.
  • Governmental entities: Governments responsible for poor road work and maintenance can sometimes be held responsible.
  • Construction contractors: In much the same way, a construction crew responsible for road work may also be to blame for your accident.

Compensation Available to Victims

Every Syracuse motorcycle accident claim is different. But in most cases, victims can file a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation for the following losses:

  • Past, present, and reasonably estimated future medical bills
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation
  • Long-term disability
  • Lost wages
  • Decreased earning capacity
  • Non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life
  • Property damage
  • Punitive damages if there is evidence of gross negligence or intentional misconduct

Tragically, many motorcycle accident victims lose their lives. Certain eligible survivors may have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for:

  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Loss of financial support
  • Loss of household services
  • Loss of companionship

Steps You Should Take After a Motorcycle Accident in Syracuse

If you were in a motorcycle crash, the steps you take next will affect your health and your legal rights. We strongly recommend you do the following:

  • Call 911: Report the accident and ask for emergency medical attention if you were seriously hurt. The police will come to the scene and generate an accident report that will include important information about the crash.
  • Seek medical attention: Even if you do not believe you were injured or that your injuries are not serious, a doctor needs to make that call. Otherwise you could aggravate your injuries and allow the at-fault party to blame you for causing them.
  • Take pictures and record videos: Before the accident scene is cleaned up, take pictures and record videos. Be sure to include images of the damage done to your motorcycle and other vehicles as well as your injuries.
  • Talk to witnesses: If anyone saw what happened, get their names and contact information. Their testimony could prove vital in your case.
  • Avoid talking to the at-fault party or their insurer: Except for exchanging basic information that the law requires, avoid speaking with the driver or other party who caused your wreck, do not apologize (even if you think you caused the accident), and don’t speak to the at-fault party’s insurance company without the help of an attorney.
  • Retain a motorcycle accident lawyer: An accident attorney can investigate the accident, determine how it occurred and whose fault it was, file and serve court papers for your lawsuit, and negotiate with the insurance companies for a fair settlement.

Speak With a Syracuse Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

Recovering from a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming. With the right legal guidance, you can better understand your options and protect your right to compensation. Contact CDH Law  today to schedule a free, confidential consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About New York Motorcycle Accidents

Is there a time limit to file a lawsuit?

Most victims have only three years from the date of an accident to file a lawsuit. If they file too late, the court will throw out the lawsuit and bar any recovery. It is strongly advised that you speak with an attorney long before the three-year mark.

Can I recover compensation if I was not wearing a helmet?

Lack of helmet use may affect the amount of your total damages, but it does not automatically prevent you from pursuing compensation. In a situation like this the court may assign a percentage of fault to you and then reduce your total award accordingly.

What if the driver who hit me fled the scene?

You may still have options through uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, MedPay, collision coverage, and other avenues. If a third party like a manufacturer was liable you might also be able to pursue compensation from them.

How much is my motorcycle accident case worth?

The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, your future medical needs, lost income, and the long-term impact of the accident on your life. We work hard to determine and fight for the full value of our clients’ damages, including by consulting with expert witnesses.

Carden Dotzler Hammond, PLLC represents clients in:

  • Syracuse
  • Central New York
  • Jefferson County

And in the following towns and villages of Onondaga County:

  • Cicero
  • Clay
  • Dewitt
  • Elbridge
  • Geddes
  • Manlius
  • Marcellus
  • Onondaga
  • Salina
  • Skaneateles
  • Baldwinsville
  • East Syracuse
  • Fayetteville
  • Liverpool
  • North Syracuse
  • Solvay
Motorcycle helmet on the floor after an accident
Motorcycle Accident

Everyone who rides a motorcycle understands the thrill of the open road and the independence that comes with it. However, when motorcyclists cross paths with negligent drivers, their rides can take a dangerous turn. Serious and even life-threatening accidents become likely.

If you were in a motorcycle accident, you may incur damages like medical bills and lost income. Having skilled legal counsel is important to win the compensation you deserve for your losses. Count on the Syracuse motorcycle accident law firm of Carden Dotzler Hammond, PLLC.

What Makes CDH Law Different?

Motorcycle accident victims simply want to get their lives back to normal. They need a results-oriented law firm that has their interests at heart each step of the way. CDH Law delivers this level of client service by:

  • Helping accident victims better understand the legal process and their options
  • Effectively negotiating for accident victims through mediation
  • Bringing years of New York personal injury law experience to the table
  • Putting the interests and concerns of clients first, not treating them as a file number
  • Offering bilingual legal services with the compassion and professionalism victims deserve
  • Applying our local Syracuse knowledge in terms of mediator and expert witness selection
  • Proven results that demonstrate our approach to client advocacy

Being in an accident is probably the most consequential event of your life. While some firms rush their clients through the process, we take the time to help you make an informed choice as we develop your litigation strategy. It’s part of our commitment to comprehensive legal service.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Syracuse

Unlike passenger vehicles, motorcycles lack important safety features such as airbags, seatbelts, and a protective steel frame. Even the best motorcycle helmet and safety gear are no guarantee that you won’t incur a catastrophic injury. Crash victims are likely to suffer:

These injuries typically translate to major medical bills, missed time from work, pain and suffering, and more. Victims have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation for their losses.

Types of Motorcycle Accidents We Handle

Most accidents involving motorcycles in Syracuse result from negligence. A driver may have failed to pay attention or was speeding and struck the motorcyclist. This can lead to different types of accidents, such as:

  • Hit-and-run accidents: The negligent driver may flee the scene to attempt to avoid being held liable. Fortunately, a rider may still have coverage options such as uninsured motorist (UM) insurance.
  • Dooring accidents: Dooring is the act of a driver or passenger opening the door of a vehicle directly into the path of an oncoming motorcyclist. The rider can crash into or flip over the door and suffer major injury.
  • Drunk driving crashes: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol reduces a person’s focus and reaction time. Unfortunately, because motorcycles are often harder to spot than vehicles, drunk driving makes a crash far more likely.
  • Rear-end collisions: Hitting a motorcycle from behind can propel the rider off the motorcycle and into another object like a vehicle. The secondary impact is usually more severe than the initial crash from behind.
  • Head-on collisions: Striking a motorcyclist head-on is one of the most deadly types of accidents. Even a motorcycle helmet may not prevent the rider from suffering catastrophic injury such as a TBI.
  • Side-impact or T-bone crashes: A vehicle that fails to stop at an intersection or before entering the flow of traffic may hit a motorcyclist from the side. The rider will likely get thrown from the motorcycle and suffer various injuries.
  • Rollover accidents: Any rollover accident is dangerous, and usually indicates negligence due to overloading a large truck or trying to turn corners too quickly. If a motorcyclist is in the vicinity of the rollover they could be killed.
  • Accidents involving commercial trucks: The size and weight of a commercial truck makes this type of collision serious even for a passenger vehicle. The danger is more magnified for a much smaller, lighter motorcycle.

Why Motorcycle Accidents Happen

Accident victims in Syracuse have the duty of explaining in detail how the wreck occurred and why it points to negligence. These are some of the most frequent causes of these serious crashes:

  • Distracted driving: Anything that takes a driver’s focus away from the road is a distraction. Common culprits include texting and other phone use and talking to passengers.
  • Failure to check blind spots: Every driver has a duty to carefully check blind spots before switching lanes. This is especially true to avoid hitting motorcycles since they are smaller.
  • Drunk or drug-impaired driving: Alcohol and drugs will always increase the risk of an accident. Even prescription medications can impair driving and lead to a wreck.
  • Speeding and reckless driving: Speeding can include driving too fast for weather and traffic conditions. Reckless driving includes tailgating and a host of other irresponsible maneuvers.
  • Unsafe lane changes: Aggressively changing lanes or doing so without signaling puts others at risk. Drivers should check their blind spots, signal, and cautiously switch lanes.
  • Hazardous road conditions: These can result from poor weather (e.g. ice and snow), debris and other obstacles in the road, and poor road maintenance. Various parties could be held liable.
  • Poor road design or malfunctioning traffic signals: Roads should be designed to ensure a safe flow of traffic that minimizes the risk of an accident. Failure to do this, or to maintain properly functioning traffic signals, points to government and contractor negligence.

Potentially Liable Parties in a Syracuse Motorcycle Accident

One of the most important tasks your attorney will accomplish is determining who can be held liable for your injuries. These are some examples:

  • Negligent drivers: In most motorcycle accidents, there is a negligent driver who struck the motorcyclist because of one or more of the above dangerous driving behaviors.
  • Vehicle or motorcycle manufacturer: The company responsible for assembling the vehicle or motorcycle involved in the crash, or its parts, could face liability.
  • Repair shops: Similarly, a repair shop that does negligent work on a vehicle or motorcycle might be to blame.
  • Employers: Due to the doctrine of vicarious liability, an employer may be liable for the actions of an at-fault employee driver who was working at the time of the crash.
  • Bars or restaurants: When drunk driving is the cause of the accident, and there’s evidence that a bar or restaurant in Syracuse served the driver too much alcohol, New York’s dram shop law could apply.
  • Governmental entities: Governments responsible for poor road work and maintenance can sometimes be held responsible.
  • Construction contractors: In much the same way, a construction crew responsible for road work may also be to blame for your accident.

Compensation Available to Victims

Every Syracuse motorcycle accident claim is different. But in most cases, victims can file a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation for the following losses:

  • Past, present, and reasonably estimated future medical bills
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation
  • Long-term disability
  • Lost wages
  • Decreased earning capacity
  • Non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life
  • Property damage
  • Punitive damages if there is evidence of gross negligence or intentional misconduct

Tragically, many motorcycle accident victims lose their lives. Certain eligible survivors may have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for:

  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Loss of financial support
  • Loss of household services
  • Loss of companionship

Steps You Should Take After a Motorcycle Accident in Syracuse

If you were in a motorcycle crash, the steps you take next will affect your health and your legal rights. We strongly recommend you do the following:

  • Call 911: Report the accident and ask for emergency medical attention if you were seriously hurt. The police will come to the scene and generate an accident report that will include important information about the crash.
  • Seek medical attention: Even if you do not believe you were injured or that your injuries are not serious, a doctor needs to make that call. Otherwise you could aggravate your injuries and allow the at-fault party to blame you for causing them.
  • Take pictures and record videos: Before the accident scene is cleaned up, take pictures and record videos. Be sure to include images of the damage done to your motorcycle and other vehicles as well as your injuries.
  • Talk to witnesses: If anyone saw what happened, get their names and contact information. Their testimony could prove vital in your case.
  • Avoid talking to the at-fault party or their insurer: Except for exchanging basic information that the law requires, avoid speaking with the driver or other party who caused your wreck, do not apologize (even if you think you caused the accident), and don’t speak to the at-fault party’s insurance company without the help of an attorney.
  • Retain a motorcycle accident lawyer: An accident attorney can investigate the accident, determine how it occurred and whose fault it was, file and serve court papers for your lawsuit, and negotiate with the insurance companies for a fair settlement.

Speak With a Syracuse Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

Recovering from a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming. With the right legal guidance, you can better understand your options and protect your right to compensation. Contact CDH Law  today to schedule a free, confidential consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About New York Motorcycle Accidents

Is there a time limit to file a lawsuit?

Most victims have only three years from the date of an accident to file a lawsuit. If they file too late, the court will throw out the lawsuit and bar any recovery. It is strongly advised that you speak with an attorney long before the three-year mark.

Can I recover compensation if I was not wearing a helmet?

Lack of helmet use may affect the amount of your total damages, but it does not automatically prevent you from pursuing compensation. In a situation like this the court may assign a percentage of fault to you and then reduce your total award accordingly.

What if the driver who hit me fled the scene?

You may still have options through uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, MedPay, collision coverage, and other avenues. If a third party like a manufacturer was liable you might also be able to pursue compensation from them.

How much is my motorcycle accident case worth?

The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, your future medical needs, lost income, and the long-term impact of the accident on your life. We work hard to determine and fight for the full value of our clients’ damages, including by consulting with expert witnesses.

Carden Dotzler Hammond, PLLC represents clients in:

  • Syracuse
  • Central New York
  • Jefferson County

And in the following towns and villages of Onondaga County:

  • Cicero
  • Clay
  • Dewitt
  • Elbridge
  • Geddes
  • Manlius
  • Marcellus
  • Onondaga
  • Salina
  • Skaneateles
  • Baldwinsville
  • East Syracuse
  • Fayetteville
  • Liverpool
  • North Syracuse
  • Solvay