New York City Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Are You in Need of a NYC Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

Heavy traffic, distracted drivers, and road hazards make motorcyclists especially vulnerable to serious injuries. When a motorcycle crash happens due to another party’s negligence, the consequences can be catastrophic.

If you have been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident in NYC, you deserve strong legal representation. At Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, we are committed to helping riders recover full compensation. Our legal team knows how to protect your rights and pursue the results you need to move forward.

Why Choose Us Over Other Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in NYC?

Motorcycle accident claims require attorneys who understand the unique challenges riders face. At WRSMH, we combine aggressive advocacy with compassionate service. Here's why injured motorcyclists trust us:

Over 50 years of experience representing injured New Yorkers
More than $2 billion recovered for our clients
Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best Law Firms
Multiple attorneys named to Super Lawyers based on peer reviews and independent research
Several WRSMH Attorneys are members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Avvo rating of 10.0/10.0 Superb

Notable NY Motorcycle Accident Cases

$2.65 Million Motorcyclist Thrown Off Bike in Parking Garage

$991,000: Motorcycle Hit by Driver Exiting Driveway

$300,000: Motorcycle Struck by Van

Injured on a Motorcycle in NYC?

Call (212) 986-7353 now for a free consultation with a New York City motorcycle accident attorney.

What’s the Legal Process for a NYC Motorcycle Accident Case?

Motorcycle accident cases can be complex, but our legal team is here to guide you through every step. Here’s what to expect when working with WRSMH:

Free Consultation. We begin with a no-cost consultation to understand your accident, injuries, and how your life has been impacted.
Case Investigation. Our team gathers all relevant evidence, including police reports, eyewitness accounts, surveillance footage, and medical records. We may also consult with accident reconstruction specialists and medical experts.
Filing Claims. We notify insurance companies of the claim and begin handling all communications on your behalf, protecting you from tactics meant to minimize your compensation.
Negotiation. We calculate the full value of your losses and negotiate with insurers for a fair settlement. If the offer isn't acceptable, we prepare for trial.
Litigation. If necessary, we file a lawsuit and bring your case to court. Our attorneys are experienced New York City personal injury lawyers who know how to present a compelling case to a jury.

We handle all of the details, and are prepared to help our clients get through the hardships and stress created by a NYC motorcycle crash.

How Unsafe Drivers Cause Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents are often caused by the carelessness of others on the road. Due to a motorcycle’s smaller size and reduced visibility, riders are especially at risk when other drivers are negligent. Common causes include:

Failure to yield when turning left across a motorcyclist's path
Distracted driving, including texting or using GPS
Unsafe lane changes without checking blind spots
Speeding or reckless driving in traffic
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Tailgating or following too closely
Opening car doors in traffic ("dooring")

Drivers often claim they "didn't see" the motorcyclist. But visibility is no excuse for ignoring the rules of the road. When another driver causes a crash, they should be held accountable.

Types of Compensation Available

Motorcycle accident injuries can be severe and life-altering. Victims may face long hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and permanent disability. If your accident was caused by someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
Lost income and loss of future earning potential
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life
Permanent disability or disfigurement
Property damage, including repair or replacement of your motorcycle and gear

What Is the Statute of Limitations in New York?

Under New York law, the statute of limitations for a motorcycle accident personal injury case is generally three years from the date of the crash. However, there are important exceptions:

If your case involves a government entity, such as a city vehicle or a roadway hazard, you may have as little as 90 days to file a Notice of Claim.
If the accident results in a wrongful death, the deadline is typically two years from the date of death.

Who Can Be Liable for Your Injuries?

Motorcycle accident cases often involve more than just the other driver. Depending on the circumstances, multiple parties may share responsibility for your injuries:

Negligent drivers who caused the collision
Employers of commercial drivers who were on duty
Government agencies responsible for road maintenance and signage
Manufacturers of defective motorcycle parts or safety equipment
Property owners who contributed to hazardous conditions near the road

Your Recovery Starts Here

Speak with a top NYC motorcycle accident lawyer at (212) 986-7353. No fee unless we win.

Motorcycle Accident Injuries

While the specific nature of any accident will dictate the exact injuries that occur, some are more common than others. These include:

Road rash. While not as serious as a spinal or head injury, road rash can cause tremendous pain and require extensive treatment. This type of injury occurs when a biker is thrown from a motorcycle and the road scrapes away skin, leaving cuts and surface nerve damage. Infections are quite common due to road rash, so medical treatment and antibiotics are often necessary.
Degloving. Despite the seemingly harmless name, degloving refers to an injury in which a large section of skin is completely removed from the tissue beneath it. Such an injury can be fatal or require extensive surgical treatment. Skin grafts may be required, and amputation is necessary in some situations. In almost all cases, long-term physical therapy is prescribed.
Spinal cord injuries. Damage to the spinal column can have tremendous, life-long consequences. Depending on where the injury occurs, a motorcyclist can suffer chronic back or neck pain, partial or full-body paralysis, or death. Little protection can be offered to the spine of a motorcyclist, which makes these injuries all too common.
Head injuries. While many motorcyclists wear helmets to protect their heads, injuries to the head and brain still happen. These types of injuries are often fatal, or result in loss of sensory perception, brain damage, and time lost to a coma.
Arm injuries. When a motorcyclist is thrown from his bike, his arms and shoulders take the brunt. In an accident, many bikers try to brace for impact on landing using their arms, which leads to broken bones, nerve damage, and other injuries that can require long-term care and recovery.
Leg injuries. In a motorcycle collision, injuries to the hips, knees, and feet are quite common. These can occur at the time of impact or just afterward, especially when a biker is thrown from the motorcycle. Bone fractures, muscle damage, and other trauma can require physical therapy and treatment to recover.

Reasons to Contact an Experienced NYC Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Right Away

Time is critical after a NYC motorcycle accident. Here are just a few reasons why you should reach out to WRSMH immediately:

Preserve vital evidence before it disappears
Protect yourself from insurance companies looking to undervalue your claim
Meet strict legal deadlines, including the statute of limitations
Get help coordinating medical care and documenting your injuries
Strengthen your case early by capturing accurate witness statements and accident details

Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and attorneys working to protect their interests. You deserve a team working just as hard to protect yours.

What Clients Are Saying About Us

The results were incredible, and they treated me like family- Alpha Barry (5-Star Google Review)

I had a fantastic experience with this law firm. The results were incredible, and they treated me like family as well as being incredibly professional. I can highly recommend WRSMH and attorney Douglas Milch. I hope you never have an accident, but if you do, you are in excellent hands with attorney Milch and WRSMH. They will fight tirelessly for you!

I definitely recommend this firm- Realrare Scott (5-Star Google Review)

It was such a pleasure working with this firm! My attorney was so tentative to all of my needs from the beginning to the end. This firm made sure that I was accompanied to all necessary appointments, they advocated on my behalf when needed, and it was overall amazing. My attorney and his team reassured me every step of my case that they were confident and prepared to begin trial after obtaining all of the facts pertaining to my case. We were offered several settlement proposals, but they refused until I was awarded the full amount allotted. If you’re looking for an attorney who will answer your calls via email, text or phone at any time, then look no further. Each and every question was answered promptly. Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, is the best in the business. I definitely recommend this firm.

Case Results

$991,000 Recovery - New York Motorcycle Accident

Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP attorney Michael Fitzpatrick obtained a settlement for a 58-year-old man who was riding his motorcycle when he was struck by the defendant's vehicle exiting a driveway. The plaintiff suffered multiple fractures, requiring multiple surgeries. He had to undergo multiple lumbar sympathetic nerve blocks and the implantation of both a temporary and permanent spinal cord stimulator. The matter was on the trial calendar in Rockland County when it settled, one month prior to trial. Michael successfully settled this case for $991,000, the entire policy amount minus what was paid out already for property damage to the plaintiff’s motorcycle.

$300,000.00 Recovery in New York Motorcycle Accident

Cliff Shapiro obtained the full amount of an insurance policy in a $300,000.00 settlement for a 28 year old man who was operating a motorcycle when he was struck by a van. As a result of the accident he sustained an open humerus fracture with right shoulder impingement syndrome as well as open ankle dislocation with chip fracture of the fibula and tibial nerve involvement. The attorneys for the owner and driver of the van argued that the plaintiff caused the accident. We obtained statements from witnesses and conducted depositions of eyewitnesses to the accident. This convinced the insurance company for the owner and operator of the van that they would lose at trial and they surrendered their entire insurance policy to settle the case.

Other Locations We Serve in New York

Speak With a Trusted NYC Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in New York City, don’t wait. Contact Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP today at (212) 986-7353 for a free consultation.

We are ready to advocate for you and help you recover the compensation you need to move forward with confidence.

Motorcycle Accident FAQs

Do I need an attorney after a motorcycle accident?

Yes. Motorcycle accident claims can be complex and are often undervalued by insurance companies. An experienced attorney at WRSMH can help protect your rights, gather critical evidence, and pursue full compensation for your injuries and losses.

How much does it cost to hire WRSMH for my case?

There is no upfront cost. WRSMH works on a contingency fee basis. That means we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.

What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident?

Seek medical care right away, report the accident to the police, gather contact information from witnesses, and take photos if possible. Do not speak to insurance adjusters until you’ve consulted with an attorney.

What kinds of compensation can I recover?

You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, property damage, and long-term disability. WRSMH will calculate the full value of your claim.

How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in New York?

In most cases, the deadline is three years from the date of the accident. However, if a government entity is involved, you may have as little as 90 days to act. Contact WRSMH promptly to avoid missing critical deadlines.

Will my case go to trial?

Most cases settle out of court, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This trial-ready approach helps us negotiate from a position of strength and ensures we’re ready if litigation becomes necessary.

Meet Our NYC Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Philip Anthony Russotti

Philip A. Russotti is a partner at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP. In his role at the firm, Phil ensures that every case he handles is prepared with the same rigor, leveraging a full complement of expert witnesses and trial resources. Phil has been a driving force at WRSMH.

Kenneth J. Halperin

Kenneth J. Halperin is a partner at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP. He handles a broad spectrum of cases. Ken is known for his rigorous case management and trial ready approach, working personally with clients from the start through resolution or verdict. He has obtained significant verdicts and settlements in high stakes construction and premises cases.

Bryce Moses

Bryce Moses is a partner at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, where he represents people who have been seriously injured. He has secured numerous multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements on behalf of clients throughout New York City. Ken has built a reputation as a tenacious courtroom advocate and a strategic negotiator.

Clifford H. Shapiro

Clifford Harlan Shapiro is a partner at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, where he has practices personal injury law. Cliff handles a broad range of serious injury and wrongful death cases. Known for his skill in negotiation, he plays an active role in resolving cases through early settlement when possible.