Buffalo Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Motorcycle accidents can occur anywhere—they are common in both urban and rural areas and on all kinds of roads. Busy intersections and rural highways are among the most common motorcycle accident locations. Most accidents occur between noon and midnight on weekdays and weeknights with the most dangerous times being rush hour on weekdays (about 3 to 6 pm) and between 6 to 9 pm on weekends.

Motorcycle accidents often occur due to:

• Distracted driving, such as texting and driving
• Government agencies and/or contractors creating poorly built or maintained roads
• Motorcycle manufacturers who design and/or build defective parts
• Motorists driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
• Motorists not looking for or paying attention to bikers
• Motorists opening up their car doors in the path of an oncoming motorcyclist, also known as “dooring”
• Reckless driving such as speeding, unsafe lane changes

Furthermore, inexperienced riders without proper training are at a higher risk of accidents. Weather conditions, especially rain or ice, further contribute to reduced visibility and challenging road conditions. High-speed travel and the inherently lower stability of two-wheeled vehicles demand constant vigilance. Incorporating experienced legal assistance from a motorcycle accident attorney Buffalo can be vital in understanding the dynamics of your accident, establishing fault, and pursuing rightful compensation.

If the motorcycle accident was not your fault—or only partially your fault—you can still file a lawsuit against the motorist or other party responsible for your collision regardless of whether or not you were wearing a helmet at the time.

However, due to New York State’s comparative negligence laws, if you were not wearing a helmet at the time of your accident, then the compensation awarded to you may be reduced if you suffered a head injury that could have been avoided with helmet use. For example, a jury could determine that even though you did not cause the accident in question, you are 20% at fault for your head injury because that percentage of the damages could have been prevented if you were wearing a helmet.

It’s important to understand that while not wearing a helmet can impact the compensation in head injury cases, it does not negate your eligibility to recover damages for other injuries suffered during the accident. Consulting with a knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer Buffalo can help ensure you receive the maximum possible compensation considering all aspects of your case and negligence factors involved.

There is no “average” settlement amount when it comes to motorcycle accident claims. Every case is unique and depending on the severity of your injuries and other details of your case, your settlement could end up being on the higher end or the lower end. In general, most motorcycle accident settlements attempt to compensate victims for the following types damages:

• Medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Lost income/wages
• Ongoing therapy or surgeries
• Medications
• Damaged property

If you have lost a loved one in a fatal motorcycle accident, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim on their behalf and obtain compensation for things like lost financial support, funeral and burial expenses, and more.

Unless you are already well-versed in motorcycle accident law and the injury claims process, having an attorney on your side is the best way to ensure you are compensated fairly. Motorcycle accident lawyers understand common legal challenges—such as the stigma against bikers—and how to overcome them. A motorcycle accident attorney Buffalo can also make things easier by handling the necessary legal procedures on your behalf so you can focus fully on your recovery.

Protect Your Rights After a Motorcycle Accident

Being involved in a motorcycle accident can be a traumatic experience, and it's important to protect your rights and seek legal help to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. At Faraci Lange, LLP, our experienced Buffalo motorcycle accident lawyers are dedicated to fighting for the legal rights of New York bikers.

When you choose us to represent you, we will:

• Thoroughly investigate the accident to determine liability
• Collect and preserve evidence to support your case
• Work with medical experts to assess your injuries and future medical needs
• Calculate the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more
• Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
• Prepare your case for trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached

Don’t let the insurance company take advantage of you. Contact Faraci Lange, LLP today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you navigate the legal process and recover the compensation you deserve.