Types of Motorcycle Accident Cases We Handle
By combining investigative diligence with insight from decades of multi-vehicle crash experience, we ensure your case is handled strategically from day one. You gain more than legal representation; you gain a team that knows how to protect your rights and maximize recovery. Our West Seneca motorcycle accident attorneys handle a wide range of cases, including:
- Intersection collisions caused by drivers failing to see motorcycles
- Accidents due to distracted or impaired driving
- Crashes from poor road maintenance, including potholes and debris
- Construction zone incidents with sudden lane shifts or unclear signage
- Single-vehicle accidents from motorcycle defects or mechanical failures
- Multi-vehicle collisions where multiple parties may share liability
- Parking lot, low-speed, and urban traffic collisions
Motorcycle accidents often involve multiple points of fault, including negligent drivers, faulty motorcycle parts, or hazardous road conditions. Our attorneys bring extensive experience with car accidents, truck collisions, and pedestrian injuries, giving us a clear advantage in predicting how your case will unfold. We know the arguments other parties will make, the defenses insurers are likely to raise, and which evidence will have the greatest impact in settlement negotiations or in court.
Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Who Fight Smart and Relentlessly
After a motorcycle crash, the clock starts ticking, and the other side is already building their defense. Insurance companies and negligent parties move quickly to protect themselves, often before you even have a chance to fully document your losses.
A motorcycle accident attorney at our firm will step in immediately, making sure evidence is preserved, witnesses are interviewed, and every detail is scrutinized. We don’t just react; we anticipate every argument the other side will make and counter it before it can threaten your recovery.
Strategic Advantage From Broad Vehicle Experience
Motorcycle accidents rarely happen in isolation. They involve interactions with cars, trucks, or even pedestrians, and liability can be complex. Our personal injury lawyers in West Seneca handle all types of motor vehicle accidents, giving us a clear edge.
Building Leverage From Day One
We prepare every case as if it will go to trial, creating leverage that insurers cannot ignore. Early, decisive action often means the difference between a fair settlement and a minimal offer.
Legal Guidance That Stays With You
When you call our firm, you deal directly with an attorney who knows your case in depth. We guide you through complex decisions, explain every strategy, and ensure you are never left guessing.
We Have a No-Fee Guarantee
You never pay us upfront. We only get paid if we win for you, so our success is directly tied to yours.
Free Case Evaluation
Speak with a lawyer at no cost. We’ll review your situation, explain your options, and help you understand the best path forward.
You’re More than a Case
We treat every client like family, taking the time to understand your story and guide you through every step with care and compassion.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Recovering from a motorcycle accident in West Seneca involves understanding all the damages you may be entitled to under New York law. These damages fall into economic and non-economic categories, and knowing what to claim can significantly affect your settlement or trial outcome. Key damages a motorcycle crash lawyer can help you recover include:
- Medical Expenses: Emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, medications, and adaptive equipment. Future medical needs caused by permanent injuries may also be claimed.
- Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity: Compensation for income lost during recovery and long-term earning potential diminished by injuries.
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement of your motorcycle, helmet, riding gear, and personal items damaged in the crash.
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of mobility or enjoyment of life resulting from the accident.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Compensation for permanent physical changes, facial or body scars, and other lasting injuries that affect appearance, confidence, or social interactions.
- Additional Costs of Recovery: Home modifications, assistive devices, transportation to appointments, and long-term care needs.
- Wrongful Death Economic Damages: Funeral and burial expenses, medical costs related to the fatal injury, and the deceased’s lost financial support or services.
Many damages in motorcycle accident cases are not immediately obvious. Future medical needs, long-term therapy, diminished earning capacity, and lasting physical or emotional changes can significantly increase the total compensation you deserve.
Working with a West Seneca motorcycle accident attorney ensures that every injury, visible or hidden, is properly documented, and that expert testimony is used to establish the full scope of harm. Acting without legal guidance can lead to settlements that fail to account for ongoing care, permanent disability, or scarring, leaving victims undercompensated for the lasting impact of their crash.
How a West Seneca Motorcycle Accident Attorney Handles Your Claim
After a motorcycle crash, even small missteps can have major consequences for your recovery. Evidence can vanish, memories fade, and insurance companies may move quickly to limit payouts. A West Seneca motorcycle accident attorney acts immediately to secure every crucial piece of information and build a case that fully reflects your losses.
From the moment you retain counsel, your attorney investigates the accident thoroughly, including:
✓ Collecting and preserving witness statements and accident scene evidence
✓ Reviewing police reports and roadway conditions to determine liability
✓ Analyzing medical records for both immediate injuries and long-term care needs
✓ Calculating lost wages, reduced earning potential, and future rehabilitation costs
Your lawyer also manages all communications with insurers, preventing tactics that could undervalue your claim or pressure you into an early settlement. Expert input from accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and financial consultants strengthens your case, providing persuasive evidence that cannot be ignored.
Every negotiation is approached as if the case will go to trial, giving you maximum leverage and confidence that the settlement reflects the true cost of your injuries. With s lawyer guiding your claim, you avoid common pitfalls, protect vital evidence, and ensure your case is presented with clarity and precision. Acting early can make the difference between a fair recovery and one that falls short of your needs.
Motorcycle Crash Injuries Eligible for Compensation
Motorcycle crashes can cause a wide range of injuries, some immediately apparent and others that develop over time. In New York, compensation is available for any injury directly linked to the crash, including both physical and psychological harm. Recognizing all potential injuries is crucial for receiving full and fair compensation.
Common injuries that often qualify for recovery include:
- Road rash, lacerations, and scarring that require medical treatment or result in permanent disfigurement
- Fractures and broken bones that limit mobility or require long-term rehabilitation
- Traumatic brain injuries, concussions, or cognitive impairments
- Spinal cord injuries or paralysis that significantly alter daily life
- Internal injuries to organs that may require surgery or ongoing monitoring
- Neck, back, and soft tissue injuries that affect work and activity levels
- Amputations or loss of function
- Severe burns from crashes or vehicle fires
- Psychological and emotional trauma such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression resulting from the accident
Some injuries may not be immediately visible, which is why prompt medical evaluation is critical. Documentation from healthcare providers, including imaging, treatment records, and expert opinions, often plays a central role in proving the severity and connection of injuries to the crash.
A motorcycle accident attorney in West Seneca can identify every compensable injury, including long-term and hidden impacts—especially those involving life-altering harm where working with a catastrophic injuries lawyer in West Seneca can ensure the full extent of your losses is properly documented and pursued.
When crashes result in permanent disability, we can also handle your Social Security disability claim in-house, streamlining the process and helping you access additional benefits to cover ongoing care, rehabilitation, and living expenses.
Don’t Miss Your Chance to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
In New York, time is critical when filing a motorcycle accident claim. Most personal injury lawsuits, including those arising from motorcycle crashes, must be filed within three years from the date of the accident.
If your case involves a government entity, such as a city-owned road or public vehicle, a shorter deadline may apply. You are typically required to file a Notice of Claim within 90 days before you can pursue a lawsuit. Additionally, if the accident caused a death, wrongful death claims must generally be filed within two years from the date of the victim’s passing.
Motorcycle accidents often involve multiple parties, complex insurance issues, or delayed symptoms that do not appear immediately. Acting promptly helps preserve evidence such as witness statements, surveillance footage, and accident scene details. Consulting a West Seneca motorcycle accident attorney early can protect your right to file a claim and strengthen your case by documenting crucial evidence before it disappears.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a motorcycle crash in West Seneca?
The first priority is safety and medical attention. Call 911 if anyone is injured, move to a safe location if possible, and document the scene with photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and avoid giving statements to insurance adjusters before consulting a lawyer. Even minor injuries can develop into long-term medical issues, so it is important to seek a medical evaluation promptly. Contacting a West motorcycle accident attorney early helps preserve evidence and protects your right to full compensation.
What is the average settlement in motorcycle accident cases?
There is no fixed average settlement for motorcycle accidents because every case is unique. Settlements depend on factors such as the severity of injuries, the cost of medical treatment, lost wages, property damage, and whether liability is clear or disputed. Cases involving long-term disability, traumatic brain injuries, or permanent scarring often result in higher settlements, while minor accidents with no lasting injuries typically resolve for less. Insurance companies may also consider the number of parties at fault and the strength of the evidence.
What happens if I was partially responsible for the accident?
Even if you share some responsibility, you can still recover damages in New York. Your compensation will be reduced proportionally to your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20 percent at fault, your total award would be reduced by 20 percent. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can analyze the facts, challenge excessive claims of fault, and protect the value of your claim.
How long do West Seneca motorcycle accident claims take to resolve?
The timeline depends on the complexity of the accident, the severity of injuries, and the number of parties involved. Simple cases may resolve within a few months, while complex claims involving multiple vehicles, serious injuries, or disputes over liability can take a year or longer. Hiring an attorney early ensures that deadlines are met, evidence is preserved, and negotiations proceed efficiently to avoid unnecessary delays.
How much does it cost to hire a motorcycle accident attorney?
At Hiller Comerford, we operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay any fees upfront. Our attorneys are paid only if we recover compensation for you. This structure aligns our success directly with yours and allows you to pursue your claim without financial stress.
What if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured?
If the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance coverage, you may be able to recover damages through your own uninsured or underinsured motorist policy. A motorcycle accident attorney will review your coverage, calculate all losses, and negotiate with your insurance company to make sure you receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care needs.
How do helmet laws in West Seneca affect my case?
New York law requires all riders and passengers to wear DOT-approved helmets. Failing to wear a helmet can affect insurance claims and may reduce compensation for head injuries. However, not wearing a helmet does not automatically prevent you from recovering damages for other injuries caused by the crash. An attorney can evaluate how helmet compliance or non-compliance may impact your claim.
What should I do if the insurance company contacts me?
Do not provide recorded statements or accept early settlement offers without legal guidance. Insurance adjusters often attempt to settle quickly for less than your case is worth. A West Seneca motorcycle accident attorney will handle all communications with insurers, gather the necessary evidence, and negotiate strategically to secure a fair settlement or prepare for trial if necessary.
