Enlisting the help of a motorcycle collision lawyer as soon as possible after a crash is important for your potential case.
When you should call a motorcycle accident lawyer depends on the severity of your injuries, how quickly you understand your prognosis, and how fast you are able to reach out after an injury collision. It is best to contact a law firm for a free case assessment as soon as possible following your crash.
While your lawyer may not file a lawsuit until you reach a point in your recovery where your prognosis is well understood, they can get started on your case much sooner. If your injuries, treatment, and recovery allow you to contact a lawyer today about your legal options, do it. You can also get a free consultation from the experienced lawyers at Rosenberg & Gluck, L.L.P., serving all of Long Island, the city and beyond, if your loved one suffered devastating injuries such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in a collision and cannot make the call on their own.
For a free legal consultation, call 516-451-7900
Evidence May Disappear Quickly Following a Collision
When an attorney represents a motorcycle crash victim, they need to go to work as soon as possible to canvass for witnesses and interview them, identify and gather physical evidence, and take other steps to build a solid case. Some evidence disappears the second that the vehicles leave the scene. As time passes, additional evidence is lost.
For example, imagine your collision occurred at Carleton Avenue and East Suffolk Avenue in Central Islip. There is a fast-food restaurant on the corner, and their surveillance cameras caught the whole thing on video. However, like most businesses, their tapes are recorded over frequently. This means your lawyer could have proof of negligence and liability of the at-fault party on video–but only if they are able to retrieve the video before it is recorded over.
Legal Deadlines Apply to Motorcycle Collision Lawsuits
You must also consider the legal deadlines in your case when evaluating when you should call a motorcycle accident lawyer. While you generally have up to three years to file a lawsuit against the motorist who hit you per CPLR § 214, there are numerous exceptions to this rule. These exceptions could extend how long you have, but they could shorten your deadline considerably, as well.
For example, if the vehicle that hit you was owned and operated by a municipality or another government agency, you could have a very limited time to act. In New York State, you could have as little as three months to notify the agency of your intention to file a claim.
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There Are Many Steps to Navigate to Develop a Strong Claim
Surveying the collision scene and interviewing witnesses are not the only steps your lawyer may need to take to build a case, although these may be essential. They will also need to:
- Obtain the police report, your relevant medical records, and other documents
- Work with accident reconstruction analysts
- Identify and enlist the help of medical experts, economists, and others
- Get a clear understanding of your prognosis and future care needs
Each of these steps could take weeks or even months to complete. While your attorney and legal team will likely work on several of them simultaneously, it could take several months or longer to develop a strong case to support your claim.
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Pursuing a Case After a Motorcycle Collision on Long Island
When a motorcyclist suffers injuries in a collision on Long Island, they can hold the at-fault driver legally accountable for their damages. They can hold the other motorist accountable regardless of the severity of their injuries.
The recoverable damages in this type of case depend directly on the damages suffered by the motorcyclist. You will be able to seek recovery from the first expense or loss through the spectrum of related costs. For example, your medical bills, lost wages, and daily out-of-pocket costs related to the collision are all recoverable. You can also seek non-economic damages, meaning you will receive cash for the physical pain and emotional distress you experienced.
Immediate family members may also recover damages if their loved one died from their crash injuries per EPTL § 5-4.1.
Discuss Your Motorcycle Crash With Our Team Today for Free
Rosenberg & Gluck, L.L.P. is here to help if you suffered injuries in a collision while riding your motorcycle. We represent victims in crashes in Nassau or Suffolk County, in other areas on Long Island, or the greater New York City area. We work based on contingency.
Call (631) 451-7900 now to speak with a member of our team about your crash for free. We also have team members who speak Spanish if needed.
