Garden City Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Garden City, NY

If you were injured in a motorcycle crash in Garden City or anywhere in Nassau County, you are facing a very different legal situation than someone hurt in a typical car accident.

Motorcyclists in New York are not protected by the no-fault insurance system. That means there are no automatic medical benefits paying your bills while you recover. Instead, you may need to pursue a claim directly against the driver who caused the crash.

At our firm, we represent injured riders throughout Garden City and across Nassau County. We understand how serious motorcycle injuries are, how insurance companies treat riders, and how to build cases that stand up in court.

If you were hit by a careless driver, call us today for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we win your case.

Why Motorcycle Accidents in Garden City Are So Serious

Motorcycle crashes in Garden City and surrounding communities often involve high speeds and dense traffic. Riders have little physical protection, which makes even “minor” collisions potentially life-altering.

We frequently see serious crashes on:

* Meadowbrook State Parkway
* Northern State Parkway
* Old Country Road
* Stewart Avenue

Congestion near Roosevelt Field and commuter traffic through Mineola and Westbury also contribute to unsafe lane changes and left-turn collisions.

Unlike drivers in passenger vehicles, motorcyclists absorb the full force of impact. Even a low-speed crash can result in hospitalization, surgery, and months of rehabilitation.

Motorcycle Accidents Are Legally Different in New York

This is one of the most important things injured riders need to understand.

Motorcycles Are Not Covered by No-Fault Insurance

In New York, drivers of cars receive Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits through no-fault insurance. Motorcycle riders do not.

That means:

* No automatic medical coverage
* No automatic wage replacement
* You must prove fault to recover compensation

This legal distinction dramatically changes how your case must be handled.

You Must Pursue the At-Fault Driver

Most motorcycle injury claims involve filing a bodily injury claim against the negligent driver’s insurance policy. If the insurer refuses to pay fairly, the case may be filed in the Nassau County Supreme Court.

Comparative Negligence Applies

New York follows a comparative negligence rule. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation — though your award can be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Insurance companies frequently attempt to blame riders. We work to prevent that from happening.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Nassau County

Motorcycle crashes are rarely “accidents.” They are usually caused by driver negligence.

Common causes include:

* Drivers making unsafe left turns in front of riders
* Sudden lane changes without checking blind spots
* Distracted driving (texting, GPS use)
* Speeding on parkways
* Drunk or impaired driving
* Failure to yield at intersections
* Road hazards that affect motorcycles more severely than cars

Motorcycles are smaller and less visible. Many crashes occur because drivers claim they “didn’t see” the rider. That does not excuse negligence.

The Severe Injuries Motorcycle Riders Suffer

Motorcycle accidents often result in catastrophic injuries requiring treatment at facilities such as NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island or Nassau University Medical Center.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Even with a helmet, riders can suffer concussions or severe traumatic brain injuries. These injuries may affect memory, personality, and long-term cognitive function.

Spinal Cord Damage

Spinal trauma can result in herniated discs, chronic nerve pain, or permanent paralysis.

Road Rash and Degloving Injuries

When a rider is thrown from a motorcycle, sliding across pavement can cause severe skin and tissue damage. These injuries often require skin grafts and leave permanent scarring.

Fractures and Crush Injuries

Broken arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis fractures are common. Surgical repair and hardware implantation may be required.

Fatal Motorcycle Accidents

Tragically, some crashes result in death. In those cases, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim.

Motorcycle injuries are rarely minor. The legal strategy must reflect the seriousness of the harm.

What Is Your Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?

Every case is different, but compensation may include:

* Emergency medical expenses
* Surgery and hospitalization
* Physical therapy and rehabilitation
* Future medical care
* Lost income
* Loss of earning capacity
* Pain and suffering
* Permanent disability
* Emotional distress
* Wrongful death damages (if applicable)

Insurance companies often undervalue motorcycle claims. They may argue that riders “assume the risk” of injury. That is not the law.

The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, the available insurance coverage, and the long-term impact on your life.

We carefully evaluate each case to pursue full and fair compensation.

How Insurance Companies Treat Motorcycle Riders

Insurance companies frequently apply bias against motorcyclists.

We regularly see tactics such as:

* Claiming the rider was speeding
* Arguing the rider was weaving between lanes
* Suggesting the rider was reckless
* Offering quick, low settlements
* Requesting recorded statements designed to hurt your claim

Major insurers such as GEICO, State Farm, Allstate, and Progressive Corporation handle motorcycle cases differently than car accidents.

Before speaking to any insurance adjuster, consult with an attorney who understands how to protect your rights.

What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Garden City

If you have been involved in a crash, take these steps:

1. Call 911 and request emergency assistance.
2. Seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries seem minor.
3. Obtain an accident report from the Nassau County Police Department.
4. Document the scene with photographs if possible.
5. Avoid admitting fault or speculating about what happened.
6. Contact a motorcycle accident attorney promptly.

The sooner we begin investigating, the stronger your case can be.

How We Build a Strong Motorcycle Injury Case

Motorcycle cases require aggressive investigation and preparation.

Our process typically includes:

* Securing police reports and witness statements
* Reviewing traffic camera or surveillance footage
* Inspecting vehicle damage
* Analyzing roadway conditions
* Consulting accident reconstruction experts
* Gathering complete medical documentation
* Calculating long-term damages

If the insurance company refuses to negotiate fairly, we are prepared to litigate in Nassau County courts.

Preparation matters. Insurance companies pay more when they know a firm is ready for trial.

Serving Riders Throughout Garden City and Nassau County

We represent motorcycle accident victims throughout:

* Garden City
* Mineola
* Westbury
* Hempstead
* East Meadow
* Surrounding Nassau County communities

Our familiarity with local roads, courts, and medical providers allows us to move cases forward efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recover compensation if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?

New York requires most riders to wear helmets. If you were not wearing one, the insurance company may argue that your injuries were worsened. However, you may still recover compensation. The impact depends on how the lack of a helmet relates to your specific injuries.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

In most cases, the statute of limitations for personal injury in New York is three years from the date of the accident. Certain exceptions may apply, especially if a government entity is involved. It is important to speak with a lawyer promptly.

What if I was partially at fault?

Under New York’s comparative negligence rule, you may still recover damages even if you were partially responsible. Your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Why aren’t motorcycles covered by no-fault insurance?

New York law excludes motorcycles from no-fault coverage. That means riders must pursue claims directly against the at-fault driver rather than receiving automatic PIP benefits.

Do I have to go to court?

Many cases settle without trial. However, preparing every case as if it will go to court often results in stronger settlement offers.

Speak With a Garden City Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

After a serious motorcycle crash, you may be facing medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about your future.

You do not have to handle this alone.

Our firm represents injured riders throughout Garden City and Nassau County. We understand the legal challenges unique to motorcycle accidents, including the absence of no-fault coverage and the bias riders often face.

We offer:

* Free consultations
* No upfront fees
* No fee unless we win
* Direct access to an attorney
* Aggressive representation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, call Sackstein Sackstein & Lee, LLC today to discuss your case. The sooner you act, the better we can protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.