Content Reviewed By:
John Richmond, Co-Founding Member
- October 28, 2024
- Motorcycle accidents have a disproportionately high potential for serious injuries that can cause a lifetime of disability, pain, and suffering.
- Compensable damages in a motorcycle accident lawsuit can be substantial and may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, and more.
- Motorcyclists are excluded from New York’s no-fault insurance system, which means injured motorcyclists must file a claim against the at-fault parties and their insurers to recover compensation.
- Our experienced Buffalo motorcycle accident lawyers are compassionate and aggressive advocates focused on providing personalized guidance, skilled legal representation, and unparalleled communication as we fight for the best results possible for our clients.
Because motorcycles lack the crash protection features inherent to enclosed vehicles, motorcycle accidents have a higher injury potential than most car accidents. Being ejected from your bike is nearly certain to happen in a motorcycle accident, and high-velocity crashes can cause road rash, broken bones, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, severe burns, nerve damage, amputation, and wrongful death.
Motorcyclists have the same rights as other road users. Further, other drivers have a legal duty to watch out for motorcycles and exercise reasonable care to prevent collisions. When you are seriously injured because of another driver’s negligence, you deserve high-quality legal representation on the path toward full and fair compensation.
Our top-rated Buffalo motorcycle accident lawyers will go above and beyond to get you the best results possible. Contact us online or call (716) 500-5678 to schedule your free consultation.
Why Consult a Motorcycle Lawyer From Richmond Vona
Our nationally recognized Buffalo personal injury attorneys are serious trial lawyers with decades of combined experience. Founding partners John E. Richmond and Keith R. Vona are highly skilled legal advocates. Having owned and ridden motorcycles themselves, they are committed to defending the rights of injured motorcyclists. They have deep roots in Western New York and are dedicated to developing out-of-the-box legal strategies and solutions in the cases we handle.
Under their leadership, our top-tier legal team goes above and beyond for every client. When you have our award-winning law firm on your side, we will assign three to four team members who will work tirelessly on your case to hold the negligent parties responsible. You can count on us to treat you like family, prioritize your convenience, and ensure an open line of communication.
We are not your typical law firm. Your experience as a client and the outcome of your case are the top priority for us. That’s why we limit how many cases we take at a time, allowing us to give yours the full, undivided attention it deserves. We want you to feel comfortable contacting us throughout the life of your case to express your questions and concerns with full confidence that we will be there for you.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s a $5 million case or a $5,000 case—you should be treated the same. And that really comes down to the team that’s representing you.”
Our Proven Record of Successful Results
Our glowing reviews and winning track record reflect our unwavering dedication to our clients. We have won more than $175 million in high-value case results for them, including a:
- $4.25 million truck accident settlement
- $1.2 million car accident settlement
- $825,000 auto accident settlement
- $430,000 auto accident settlement
- $250,000 auto accident settlement
Most of our cases are settled without going to court. However, if defendants and their insurance companies refuse to offer fair and reasonable compensation, we have the resources, experience, and tenacity to face them at trial. We will fight hard to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve.
How No Fault Insurance Differs in New York Motorcycle Accident Cases
New York’s no-fault insurance system does not apply to motorcycle accidents. After most auto accidents in the state, injured drivers and passengers must file their initial claims through their personal injury protection (PIP) policies, regardless of who is at fault. Though PIP coverage is more limited than auto liability coverage, most accident victims can file an auto liability claim if their injuries are “serious” or their basic economic damages exceed $50,000.
By contrast, you can file an auto liability claim immediately after a motorcycle accident. One advantage is that you may recover additional compensation damages not available through PIP, such as pain and suffering.
There are also disadvantages. No-fault insurance claims generally pay compensation faster because there is no need to prove responsibility for the accident. In cases involving serious injuries or high economic damages, PIP also provides financial resources while you wait for additional compensation through an auto liability claim or lawsuit.
Proving fault and negotiating a settlement with insurers can take months, but don’t worry. Our skilled legal team is here to handle settlement negotiations and navigate the legal system while you focus on your recovery. Our efficient and innovative approach to personal injury law often allows us to resolve cases quickly without leaving compensation on the table. Contact our knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorneys in Buffalo today to learn more in your free consultation.
Insurance Requirements: Motor Vehicles vs. Motorcycles in New York
Motor Vehicles
Motorcycles
No-Fault Insurance Required
Liability Insurance Required
Covers medical expenses regardless of fault
Covers damages to others in crashes caused by the motorcyclist
Limits the ability to sue unless severe injuries occur
Allows suing the at-fault driver directly without the need for severe injuries
Medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses are covered by your own insurance
Motorcyclists must file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance for compensation
Mandatory for all motor vehicle drivers
Mandatory for all motorcyclists
Examples of severe injuries include fractures, disfigurement, and permanent limitation of use
Higher risk of severe injuries due to exposure, but no threshold required for filing a claim
Motor Vehicles
No-Fault Insurance Required
Covers medical expenses regardless of fault
Limits the ability to sue unless severe injuries occur
Medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses are covered by your own insurance
Mandatory for all motor vehicle drivers
Examples of severe injuries include fractures, disfigurement, and permanent limitation of use
Motorcycles
Liability Insurance Required
Covers damages to others in crashes caused by the motorcyclist
Allows suing the at-fault driver directly without the need for severe injuries
Motorcyclists must file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance for compensation
Mandatory for all motorcyclists
Higher risk of severe injuries due to exposure, but no threshold required for filing a claim
Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Victims
Compensation for motorcycle accidents can be quite high due to the severity of the injuries these accidents often cause. Many motorcycle accident victims face months or even years of recovery. They may also face life-long disabilities that prevent them from working, sometimes permanently. Further, they may suffer chronic pain and discomfort, preventing them from engaging in and enjoying their usual activities, such as quality time with their family.
As a result, they may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages compensate for your monetary losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and the cost of repairing or replacing your motorcycle. We will consider both past and future losses when calculating these damages.
Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses, which are often just as valuable as your financial losses, if not more so. To make sure they are fully accounted for, our compassionate Buffalo motorcycle accident attorneys will work closely with you and strive to understand the full impact of your injuries on your life. Non-economic damages cover things like:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize injuries, blame the victim, and discount pain and suffering damages. Our dedicated team of top-rated injury lawyers use the latest technology to prove the extent of our clients’ injuries and losses. We have what it takes to thwart unscrupulous insurers and their underhanded tactics so you recover every penny you deserve.
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This law firm goes above and beyond to fight for you. Their entire team treats you with respect and truly cares about your well-being. Look no further if you need a personal injury lawyer.
John Richmond and the team at Richmond Vona did an incredible job with my complicated personal injury case. They made sure no stone was unturned and got me the settlement I deserved for my situation. They treat you well, explain everything you need to know and more so you are always in the loop about the status of your case. John was easy to get in touch with anytime during the process and made signing paperwork easy and understandable. Their entire staff is professional and helpful throughout the process These guys are fair, trustworthy, and will stand up for you!
This firm’s attention to detail is second to none. It’s evident that they are true professionals and really care about their injured clients. This is the firm to call if you have been seriously injured due to someone else’s negligence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Wrecks
Most personal injury victims have lots of questions when they first contact us seeking help. Our skilled legal team is ready to answer your questions and make sure you know your full legal rights and options.
1. What Is the Statute Of Limitations for a Motorcycle Accident In New York?
In most cases, the New York personal injury statute of limitations requires that you file your claim within three years of your accident. While this may seem like plenty of time, it is important not to wait for the deadline to approach before contacting our motorcycle accident lawyers in Buffalo.
Your attorney will need solid evidence to prove fault and liability, and the most important evidence may only be available for a short time following the accident. Skid marks may fade, video footage may be erased, and eyewitnesses may forget important details. Contact us now to protect your claim.
2. Can I File a Personal Injury Claim if I Wasn’t Wearing a Motorcycle Helmet?
Yes. Although New York requires motorcyclists to wear helmets, not wearing one in the event of an accident does not necessarily prevent you from recovering compensation. Under New York’s comparative negligence law, if you suffered head injuries that could have been prevented by wearing a helmet, your compensation will be reduced proportionately to your degree of fault.
3. Who Can Be Held Liable in a Motorcycle Accident?
Any party who caused or contributed to a motorcycle accident may be held liable for damages. This could implicate multiple parties, including:
- Negligent motorists
- Manufacturers of defective vehicle parts
- Negligent mechanics
- Government entities responsible for road maintenance
Identifying all of the liable parties is one of your motorcycle accident attorney’s most important jobs. A larger pool of liable parties can increase the available insurance coverage, making it easier for you to collect the full damages you deserve. We are dedicated to going above and beyond for our clients, including by identifying every available source of compensation so you get the best result possible in your case.
Speak with Our Buffalo Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, we can help you get full compensation for your pain, suffering, lost wages, medical expenses, and more. We will do everything we can to make the process as convenient for you as possible. Our compassionate legal team can even meet with you at your home or in the hospital if your injuries prevent you from stopping by our office.
We charge no upfront fees for our services, and you only pay if we win your case. Call our experienced Buffalo motorcycle accident lawyers today at (716) 500-5678 or contact us online to schedule a free case review.
