Motorcycle crashes in New York City often lead to more serious injuries than other motor vehicle accidents. Riders don’t have the protection of a car, which makes every accident potentially life-changing. Broken bones, head injuries, and road rash are just the beginning. Recovery can take months—or years.
At the Law Office of Michael J. Redenburg, we know how hard it is to get back on your feet after a motorcycle accident. We’ve been fighting for injured motorcyclists for over 15 years. Our clients come to us with pain, lost wages, medical bills, and unanswered questions.
Motorcyclists in New York are not covered by the state’s no-fault insurance laws. That means if you’re hurt, you must file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver to get compensation. We help clients do just that—every single day.
We’re based in Manhattan, and we serve riders throughout the five boroughs. Whether your accident happened in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, or Staten Island, we’re here to help. And we don’t get paid unless you win.
Understanding the Role of a NYC Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
After a motorcycle crash in New York City, your first priority should be your health — but your next step should be securing skilled legal representation. A dedicated NYC motorcycle accident lawyer plays a crucial role in protecting your rights and helping you pursue the compensation you deserve.
From the moment we take on your case, we begin piecing together what happened — gathering police reports, securing photographs of the scene, and speaking with eyewitnesses. We work to establish liability by showing how another party’s negligence directly caused your injuries. Whether it was a distracted driver, unsafe road condition, or a vehicle making a dangerous left turn, proving fault is essential to building a winning claim.
Beyond proving liability, we evaluate the full scope of your damages — not just current medical expenses, but future treatment needs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. As your legal advocate, I’ll also negotiate with the insurance companies who are often quick to shift blame onto the rider in an attempt to minimize payouts. My job is to make sure you don’t settle for less than you’re owed.
Motorcycle accident claims in NYC come with unique challenges. Riders are not covered by New York’s no-fault insurance laws, meaning claims must meet a higher threshold to proceed. That’s why having a lawyer who knows how to navigate the city’s legal system — and understands the specific requirements for motorcycle claims — can make all the difference.
As your attorney, I don’t just represent you — I stand beside you. I’ll guide you through every stage of the legal process, making sure you’re informed, prepared, and confident in the path ahead.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in New York City
New York City streets are chaotic — filled with aggressive drivers, unpredictable traffic patterns, and constant construction. For motorcyclists, these conditions are more than just inconvenient; they’re downright dangerous. As an experienced NYC motorcycle accident lawyer, I’ve seen how quickly a routine ride can turn into a life-altering crash due to someone else’s negligence.
One of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents in the city is driver inattention. Many motorists simply fail to look for motorcycles when changing lanes or making turns. Left-turn collisions are especially common — a driver tries to beat the light and doesn’t see the bike coming straight through the intersection. The result? A devastating impact.
Distracted driving, particularly from cell phone use, is another major factor. A few seconds of looking at a screen instead of the road is all it takes to miss a motorcyclist in the next lane. Speeding and reckless driving compound the danger, reducing reaction time and making it nearly impossible for a motorist to avoid a crash.
Lane-change accidents are frequent too, especially in heavy traffic. Drivers often forget to check their blind spots before veering into a new lane — with motorcyclists being the most vulnerable to getting sideswiped. Add in potholes, uneven pavement, and loose debris — all common on NYC streets — and you have a perfect storm for serious accidents.
Each of these causes points to the same conclusion: negligence. And when that negligence leads to injury, victims have the right to hold the at-fault party accountable. That’s where we come in — investigating the crash, identifying the cause, and building a case that gets results.
Types of Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents
Unlike drivers in enclosed vehicles, motorcyclists ride exposed — with nothing but a helmet and protective gear standing between them and the pavement. When a crash happens, the injuries are often catastrophic. As a dedicated NYC motorcycle accident lawyer, I’ve represented riders who’ve suffered life-altering trauma in the blink of an eye.
Broken bones are common, especially in the legs, arms, and ribs. These injuries can require multiple surgeries and long rehabilitation periods. Road rash — sometimes dismissed as minor — can be deep enough to require skin grafts and leave permanent scarring. And that’s just the beginning.
One of the most serious outcomes of a motorcycle accident is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Even with a helmet, riders can experience concussions or more severe head trauma that leads to memory loss, cognitive impairment, or long-term disability. Spinal cord injuries are also devastating, sometimes resulting in paralysis and requiring lifelong care.
Internal injuries — such as organ damage or internal bleeding — may not be visible right away, but they can quickly become life-threatening without immediate treatment. The violent impact of a motorcycle crash often leads to these hidden injuries, making prompt medical attention critical.
Because motorcycles offer far less protection than cars, riders are at a significantly higher risk of suffering severe harm. In NYC, where traffic is dense and accidents can happen in an instant, the consequences can be especially serious.
If you’ve suffered any of these injuries in a crash, you’re not just dealing with pain — you’re facing medical bills, lost income, and a changed way of life. My job is to help you recover every dollar you’re entitled to so you can focus on healing.
Medical Treatment and Recovery Costs
After a motorcycle accident, the physical pain is only part of the struggle — the financial burden can be just as overwhelming. Emergency room visits, ambulance rides, surgeries, physical therapy, and follow-up care can rack up staggering costs. As a seasoned NYC motorcycle accident lawyer, I’ve worked with countless clients whose recovery required not just medical attention, but legal action to afford it.
The severity of your injuries determines your treatment path. Some riders need only short-term care, while others face months — or years — of rehab, specialist visits, or even assisted living arrangements. In serious cases like spinal trauma or brain injuries, victims may require lifelong support. These aren’t just bills — they’re life changes.
Insurance might cover a portion of the expenses, but it often falls short. Many victims find themselves paying out of pocket for treatments that insurance won’t fully reimburse — like alternative therapies, long-term medications, or assistive equipment. And let’s not forget the income lost from being unable to work during recovery.
That’s where legal help becomes essential. A knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorney will not only fight for coverage of your current expenses, but also factor in future medical costs — including additional surgeries, therapy, and any home modifications you might need. I work with medical professionals and financial experts to calculate the true cost of your recovery, making sure nothing is left off the table.
Getting proper treatment after a crash is vital, but so is documenting it. Seeking immediate care not only protects your health — it creates a paper trail that strengthens your case. The sooner you involve an attorney, the better equipped you’ll be to claim every dollar you’re rightfully owed.
Riding a motorcycle in New York isn’t just about mastering the machine — it’s about understanding the rules that come with it. The city and state have strict laws that motorcyclists must follow, and failing to comply can impact both your safety and your ability to recover compensation after an accident. As an experienced NYC motorcycle accident lawyer, I’ve helped clients navigate these complex legal waters — and used the law to strengthen their personal injury claims.
First and foremost, New York law requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear DOT-approved helmets. It’s not optional — it’s mandatory. Eye protection is also required unless your bike has a windscreen. These aren’t just safety tips — they’re legal requirements, and failure to comply can be used against you in court.
Motorcycle operators must also hold a valid motorcycle license or a Class M endorsement. Riding without proper certification could reduce or eliminate your ability to collect compensation, especially if the opposing side argues you weren’t qualified to operate your motorcycle safely.
New York also enforces comparative negligence laws. That means even if you’re partially at fault for the crash — say, 20% — you can still recover damages. However, your total award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. That’s why it’s critical to work with a lawyer who can push back against unfair blame and prove the other party’s negligence.
Motorcyclists must also carry liability insurance, including specific minimum coverage amounts set by the state. However, unlike drivers of other vehicles, motorcyclists are excluded from New York’s no-fault insurance system. This exclusion means you must prove serious injury to pursue compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
From licensing to liability, motorcycle laws in NYC are detailed and often misunderstood. I stay on top of these legal nuances so you don’t have to — and I use them to advocate for your rights at every turn.
Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim in NYC
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash, taking legal action may feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. With the right guidance, you can build a strong case and pursue full compensation for your injuries. As a trusted NYC motorcycle accident lawyer, I walk my clients through every step of the claims process — from initial investigation to final resolution.
The first step is gathering evidence. This includes police reports, witness statements, medical records, and photos or video footage from the scene. The sooner you start collecting this information, the stronger your claim will be. If you’re unable to gather this evidence yourself, don’t worry — that’s exactly where I step in.
Timing also matters. In New York, you typically have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Miss this deadline, and the court may dismiss your case, no matter how strong it is. Acting quickly ensures you preserve your legal rights and keep leverage during settlement negotiations.
Motorcyclists often face unfair bias — many insurers and even jurors mistakenly assume riders are reckless. That’s why having an attorney with experience in motorcycle cases is critical. I know how to overcome these prejudices and present your story clearly and convincingly, using facts, expert opinions, and evidence.
At the Law Office of Michael J. Redenburg, Esq. P.C., we don’t just file paperwork — we conduct detailed investigations, coordinate with medical professionals, and communicate directly with insurers and opposing counsel. Whether your case settles or proceeds to trial, we’ll be ready.
If you’re unsure whether you have a valid claim, reach out. I offer honest, no-obligation case evaluations — because the first step to justice is knowing where you stand.
Proving Fault in Motorcycle Accident Cases
In motorcycle accident cases, proving fault isn’t just important — it’s everything. Without clear evidence of who caused the crash, your claim could stall or be denied outright. As a skilled NYC motorcycle accident lawyer, I know how to build a compelling case from the ground up, turning raw facts into powerful legal arguments.
The process starts with evidence. We gather everything from police reports and medical records to witness statements, video surveillance, and dashcam footage, if available. Every detail matters. A single photograph or street camera angle could be the key to showing the other driver’s negligence.
Expert testimony often plays a crucial role. In many cases, I work with accident reconstruction specialists who analyze skid marks, impact points, and vehicle damage to paint a clear picture of what happened. These experts can help dismantle the false narrative that the rider was at fault — a stereotype many motorcyclists unfortunately face in NYC courts.
We also evaluate road conditions, especially in cases where potholes, poor signage, or debris may have contributed to the accident. If a government agency or contractor is responsible for maintaining the roadway, we investigate that angle too.
And then there are hit-and-run cases — far too common in NYC. In these situations, proving fault can be even more complex. But with quick action, creative investigation, and the right legal tools, we can still pursue recovery through uninsured motorist coverage or third-party liability.
Throughout the process, my role is clear: gather the strongest evidence, counter any attempt to blame you for the crash, and present a case that’s built to win — whether at the negotiating table or in front of a jury.
Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Motorcycle Accident
If you’ve ever tried dealing with an insurance company after a crash, you already know — they’re not on your side. Their job is to protect their bottom line, not your well-being. As a seasoned NYC motorcycle accident lawyer, I’ve seen firsthand how insurers delay, deny, and downplay valid claims, especially when the injured party is a motorcyclist.
One of the first tactics adjusters use is to shift blame. They may argue that you were speeding, weaving through traffic, or riding recklessly — even if the evidence says otherwise. These strategies are designed to reduce your payout or deny your claim altogether.
They may also pressure you to settle quickly, offering a lowball amount that barely covers your emergency room visit, let alone future treatment or lost wages. Once you accept, your claim is closed — no going back, even if your injuries worsen.
Another common delay tactic involves requesting unnecessary documentation, dragging out the process until you’re frustrated enough to take whatever they offer. Some victims go weeks without hearing a word — while bills pile up and income dries up.
You don’t have to fight this battle alone. With an experienced motorcycle accident attorney on your side, you level the playing field. I handle all communication with insurers, ensuring they don’t twist your words or take advantage of your situation. I know their playbook — and I know how to beat it.
My goal is simple: to secure a settlement that reflects the full value of your injuries, not just what the insurance company is willing to offer. And if they won’t play fair? We take them to court.
Available Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Victims
A motorcycle accident doesn’t just leave you physically hurt — it impacts nearly every part of your life. From mounting bills to emotional trauma, the toll is real. As a dedicated NYC motorcycle accident lawyer, my job is to make sure you’re compensated for all of it — not just what the insurance company deems convenient.
When we pursue your claim, we look at the full picture. That starts with economic damages — the measurable financial losses. These typically include:
- Medical expenses, both current and future
- Emergency transportation costs
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Lost wages from time off work
- Loss of future earning capacity if you’re unable to return to your job
But compensation doesn’t end there. You’re also entitled to non-economic damages, which reflect the personal toll of the accident:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement or permanent disability
- Loss of consortium — the impact your injuries have on your relationships
In cases involving reckless or intentional conduct — like a drunk driver — we may also pursue punitive damages. These are designed to punish the wrongdoer and send a message that this kind of behavior won’t be tolerated on NYC streets.
Whether we reach a settlement or take your case to trial, I ensure every category of compensation is explored and accounted for. Too many victims settle for less than they deserve because they don’t know what they’re entitled to. I make sure that doesn’t happen.
Importance of Hiring an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney
When you’re recovering from a motorcycle accident, choosing the right attorney is more than a legal decision — it’s a critical step in your healing process. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and attorneys working to protect their interests. You deserve someone just as dedicated to protecting yours. That’s where an experienced NYC motorcycle accident lawyer makes all the difference.
The legal landscape is complex. From proving fault to calculating future medical costs, there’s a lot at stake. A skilled attorney understands the unique risks riders face, the tactics insurers use to avoid paying out, and the strategies needed to counter them. With the right representation, you’re not just a case number — you’re a person whose story deserves to be heard.
Hiring a knowledgeable lawyer often leads to significantly higher compensation. Studies consistently show that victims who have legal representation recover more than those who go it alone. But it’s not just about the money — it’s about having someone in your corner who knows the law, knows NYC streets, and knows how to fight.
When you work with me, you get more than legal experience — you get personal attention. I handle your case directly, from start to finish. No passing off to paralegals or junior associates. Just one-on-one guidance, relentless advocacy, and clear communication every step of the way.