Call a lawyer as soon as possible after a motorcycle accident to preserve evidence and start your claim before time runs out.
It is best to contact a law firm for a free case assessment as soon as possible following your crash. Even if you think your crash was minor and that your injuries are not severe, it is wise to seek legal guidance. It is possible that your injuries have not manifested yet; it could be weeks or months before you start showing symptoms.
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 connect with a lawyer today about your legal options, do it. You are not alone, and one of our motorcycle accident lawyers can handle the entirety of your case while you focus on your health as it is a priority.
For a free legal consultation, call 516-451-7900
Pursuing a Case After a Motorcycle Collision on Long Island
When a motorcyclist suffers injuries in a collision on Long Island, an attorney can hold the at-fault driver legally accountable for their damages. The lawyer holds 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 compensation 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 EPT §5-4.1. These damages include funeral and burial expenses, loss of your loved one’s financial support, and loss of companionship/guidance.
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 canvas 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.
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Legal Deadlines Apply to Motorcycle Collision Lawsuits
You must also consider the legal deadlines in your case when evaluating when you should reach out to a motorcycle accident lawyer. While you generally have up to three years to file a lawsuit against the motorist who hit you per CVP §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.
No matter how much or how little time you have, it is best to take action immediately after a crash. A lawyer with our firm will need as much time as possible to create a solid case that may get you fair compensation. Do not wait to call. The sooner we get the ball rolling, the better.
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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, bills, 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.
Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Manage Communications with the Insurer
We can file your claim, and you do not have to speak with an insurance company; we’ve got that covered. We are familiar with the tactics insurance companies employ to devalue claims and downplay people’s injuries. We do not want you to deal with this or to have your claim denied. We will communicate with the claims adjuster on your behalf, seeking a fair settlement.
If we need to negotiate with the adjuster, we will. We will do what we can to get you the monetary award that covers your damages. If we need to file a lawsuit because the claims adjuster will not pay you what you deserve, we have no problem doing so. We will continue the fight for your justice and financial recovery in front of a judge and jury.
We Work on a Contingency-Fee-Basis
Our clients do not have to worry about whether they can afford legal help. Because we work on a contingency-fee-basis, you pay nothing upfront and out of pocket. We only take payment once you are paid. Our fees come from the financial award we obtain for you.
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.
Call now to speak with a member of our team about your crash for free. We also have team members who speak Spanish if needed.
