Did You Know?
- Motorcycles make up nearly 3% of all registered vehicles in the United States
- Motorcycles account for 0.7% of all vehicle miles traveled
- 5% of all traffic fatalities involve either drivers or riders of motorcycles
- Motorcyclists are about 37 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die
in a traffic crash
The lack of protection and separation between the rider and the motorcycle can result in severe or even fatal injuries when crashes occur. Because motorcycles have higher-speed capabilities and lower visibility compared to other vehicles, larger vehicles often overlook them, leading to increased risks on the road. Knowing these dangers encourages safer riding habits and motivates other motorists to remain more alert to motorcycles.
In Monroe County and across Western New York, changing weather can quickly alter road conditions, raising risks for local riders. Motorcycles offer no buffer against sudden hazards from rain, ice, or gravel. These are common throughout the Rochester area, especially in early spring or after winter storms. Local factors like these show the value of working with a motorcycle accident attorney who understands the regional environment and local accident trends.
Understanding New York Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accident Claims
In Rochester, New York, a strict time limit applies to filing a motorcycle accident claim. Motorcyclists have three years to file a claim after the crash. If the accident caused a fatality, the plaintiff has two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
If the accident involved a government agency—such as a city vehicle or a hazardous public road—New York requires a notice of claim within 90 days of the incident. Delaying these deadlines can prevent you from seeking compensation, so acting quickly and consulting with a local attorney can protect your right to recovery. The specific steps depend on who was involved, making guidance focused on New York procedures important.
Our skilled Rochester motorcycle accident lawyers can work to build a strong claim on time to give you the best opportunity possible to receive maximum compensation.
Knowing the time constraints and consulting a qualified legal advisor quickly helps you avoid missing important deadlines. Our motorcycle accident attorneys in Rochester understand the details of New York law and support clients as they complete and file the required paperwork on time.
What Not to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle riders sometimes make mistakes after a crash that can hurt their recovery options. Avoiding these errors helps protect your legal rights. Do not leave the accident scene until law enforcement gives you permission. Always collect insurance and contact information from everyone involved. Failing to document the scene with photos or notes may weaken your case if you try to gather evidence later.
Never admit fault or make conclusive statements about what caused the crash, either at the scene or with insurance adjusters. Insurers may use recorded statements against claimants. Do not discuss the accident on social media. Even a quick post or a photo can complicate your claim. Riders in Rochester should remember that weather and local road changes do not automatically make a crash unavoidable—or excuse someone else's negligence. Focus on gathering the facts and seek guidance specific to Monroe County's accident handling procedures.
Speak with a skilled motorcycle lawyer in Rochester today. Reach out by calling (888) 997-4110 or submitting a quick online form.
Understanding Pain & Suffering in a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accidents can lead to pain and suffering in many different ways:
- Scarring or disfigurement that leads to insecurity or emotional distress
- PTSD caused by your motorcycle accident
- Mental anguish or loss of enjoyment of life
- Insomnia or night terrors following the crash
Calculating pain and suffering can be challenging because, unlike economic damages (such as medical bills and lost wages), no set dollar amount applies. Most often, pain and suffering are estimated using the Multiplier Method or the Per Diem Method. For more insight into how damages work after a motorcycle accident, you can speak to our attorneys in a free, no-obligation consultation.
New York courts acknowledge both physical and emotional effects when reviewing claims. Many Rochester riders face daily activity disruptions or relationship impacts that change quality of life. Loss of enjoyable activities, challenges at work, and reduced community participation can all factor into non-economic damages. Local legal help can assist in clearly describing how your life changed and improving your case for these damages.
Understanding how damages are determined allows you to set informed expectations. Our legal team carefully reviews each situation, using comparable past incidents to pursue the most favorable settlement available under the law.
If you would like to consult with a Rochester motorcycle accident lawyer at our firm about your recent crash, please fill out a contact form and our intake coordinator will get in touch with you for more information.
Helmet Non-Use & Compensation in a Motorcycle Crash
In most cases, you may still be eligible for compensation even if you weren't wearing a helmet during the crash. However, the other driver might argue that your lack of safety gear contributed to your injuries. For example, they could claim that a helmet would have prevented a brain injury. Our motorcycle accident lawyers can explain your options and help defend your right to fair compensation.
New York law requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear DOT-approved helmets. Riders in Rochester must follow this rule to lower the risk of head injuries. Enforcement in the city often increases during warm weather when there are more motorcycles on the road. Legal reviews consider both helmet use and general riding safety when addressing compensation after a crash.
Choose attorneys who understand local motorcycle accident defenses. They present evidence to support your case against any arguments about helmet use and work to establish how the other driver caused the collision.
Local Insights on Rochester Motorcycle Accidents
Rochester's roads and terrain pose distinct challenges to motorcyclists. Winters bring snow and icy roads, while spring and summer feature loose gravel from winter treatments. The city includes busy routes such as Lake Avenue and Monroe Avenue, which draw heavy vehicle and motorcycle traffic. Knowing where traffic congestion and construction zones occur helps reduce accident risks for riders.
Major events, like the Lilac Festival and concerts at Highland Park, can bring more traffic and congestion downtown. These gatherings may route extra vehicles onto less familiar side streets, leading to lower visibility and more navigation challenges. Riders who adjust their routes or avoid local rush hours can lower risks and enjoy safer rides citywide.
Knowing Rochester's traffic rules matters for safe riding. Local motorcycle laws—including helmet regulations and rules against lane splitting—impact how you ride. Engaging with area motorcycle clubs or safety courses builds community knowledge of local risks. The surrounding riding community offers valuable advice about challenging routes, construction, and weather patterns unique to Monroe County.
Motorcyclists Are NOT Covered Under New York State’s No-Fault Law
New York State no-fault benefits do not cover motorcyclists. As a result, medical benefits and lost wage payments are not available through no-fault insurance. Instead, injured riders in Rochester must use personal health insurance or pay expenses themselves. Where another motorist is at fault, you may pursue reimbursement by filing a third-party claim against their insurance or pursuing a personal injury lawsuit.
This law underscores the value of working with an attorney familiar with Rochester’s insurance requirements and available options for motorcyclists. Local legal advice helps you understand who pays for each expense under New York law and clarifies the claim process for riders.
Without no-fault protection, injured motorcyclists take on added responsibility to pursue claims for medical bills and lost income. Working with a knowledgeable legal professional helps ensure all possible damages are identified and claimed, lightening the burden so you can focus on healing and moving forward.
Keys to Winning a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
To win a motorcycle accident lawsuit, you must show that the other driver acted negligently and that this negligence caused your crash and injuries. You also need to prove how your injuries have caused financial and emotional losses (such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and motorcycle repair costs).
Accident evidence in Rochester often includes input from local accident reconstruction teams and footage from city traffic cameras, when available. Local police and emergency responders provide detailed reporting on motorcycle crashes, which helps document the circumstances and establish fault. Nearby witnesses may provide testimony about signage, weather, or obstacles, especially in high-traffic areas like Ridge Road or in downtown neighborhoods.
Our focus on trial readiness prepares every case to overcome potential juror bias against motorcyclists. Our on-staff nurses, combined with years of representing those with serious injuries, help us clearly present the medical and financial impact of your accident to insurance representatives and juries. This approach supports our goal of securing the best possible outcome for each client.
At Faraci Lange, LLP, we have represented motorcycle accident victims for nearly 40 years. We have the resources and experience to analyze and prosecute these challenging cases.
Recommended Motorcycle Accident Blogs
If you or somebody you care about was injured in a motorcycle wreck, please call a motorcycle accident lawyer in Rochester at (888) 997-4110or fill out an online contact form to request a free initial consultation.
FAQ About Motorcycle Accidents in Rochester
What Should I Do Immediately Following a Motorcycle Accident?
First, ensure your safety by moving to a secure location if possible. Call 911 to
report the accident and obtain medical attention, even if injuries seem minor. Do
not leave the scene, as this could have legal repercussions. Exchange information
with other parties involved, including license numbers, insurance details, and contact
information. Photograph the accident scene, taking note of any road conditions, vehicle
positions, and visible injuries. It’s crucial to document everything to protect your
rights. Once medical needs are addressed, contacting a Rochester-based motorcycle
accident attorney from Faraci Lange, LLP can help you understand your legal options
and secure the necessary support to navigate post-accident procedures.
How Can I Prove Fault in a Motorcycle Accident?
Proving fault in a motorcycle accident involves gathering substantial evidence and
presenting it convincingly. Start by collecting witness statements that can confirm
the sequence of events. Traffic cameras and surveillance footage from nearby businesses
can provide objective viewpoints. Police reports are fundamental, as they include
initial findings from emergency responders. Additionally, vehicle damage analysis
can indicate the nature of the collision. It’s important to work with a knowledgeable
lawyer who can collaboratively analyze the specifics of your case. Legal professionals
can bring in accident reconstruction experts to simulate the accident and validate
your claims. This comprehensive approach helps in building a stronger claim, ensuring
that all aspects of fault are covered, which is crucial for maximizing compensation.
Can Weather Conditions Affect My Claim?
Weather conditions can play a significant role in motorcycle accidents, especially
in a climate like Rochester's. Adverse weather like snow, rain, or fog can impact
visibility and road traction. If weather is a factor, documenting these conditions
becomes important. However, it's also crucial to demonstrate that the other party’s
negligence was the primary cause of the accident. For example, if the other driver
was speeding or failed to adjust to the weather, these are critical factors. A skilled
attorney will work to ensure that weather conditions are properly accounted for while
maintaining focus on the negligent actions of the other party. At Faraci Lange, LLP,
our attorneys are experienced in handling such complexities and can guide you through
the intricacies of how weather impacts your claim.
What Are the Long-Term Consequences of a Motorcycle Accident?
The long-term consequences of a motorcycle accident can extend well beyond immediate
medical and repair costs. Victims may face enduring pain, physical rehabilitation,
or permanent disability, affecting work capabilities and overall quality of life.
Emotional trauma and psychological impacts, such as PTSD or major depressive disorder,
are not uncommon and require continued medical support. These consequences can drastically
alter daily living and financial stability. Accounting for future medical expenses
and loss of earning potential is crucial when seeking compensation. Our team at Faraci Lange, LLP
understands the importance of thoroughly evaluating these factors to ensure that
all future needs are considered during the legal process, securing a more comprehensive
settlement for our clients.
How Can Faraci Lange, LLP Assist Me with My Motorcycle Accident Case?
At Faraci Lange, LLP, we are committed to providing personalized legal support and
guidance to each of our clients throughout the legal process. Our Rochester-based
team leverages more than 55 years of experience focused purely on personal injury
law. We prioritize client communication and are dedicated to keeping you informed
at each stage of your claim. From the initial consultation to the crafting of a compelling
argument for your compensation, we strive to alleviate the stress of legal proceedings,
allowing you to concentrate on recovery. Our firm’s distinguished reputation is backed
by a team that includes multiple attorneys recognized by Upstate New York Super Lawyers®
and Best Lawyers in America®. We handle every case with care tailored to the unique
circumstances involved, ensuring you receive the dedicated attention and skilled
representation that you deserve in pursuing justice.
A skilled motorcycle attorney in Rochester from Faraci Lange, LLP is ready to help you. Get in touch via online form or call (888) 997-4110.Your initial consultation is free of charge.
