Getting involved in an accident is something no one wants to go through. Life gets unpredictable sometimes, though. When there's a reckless driver out there, hundreds of people are at risk of getting injured because of their actions.
What happens when people get into motorcycle accidents? They're different compared to others because of the stigma surrounding these vehicles. It may be hard for the victim to negotiate with their own insurance company, leaving them with out-of-pocket expenses that only make the pain worse.
That's when an experienced motorcycle accident attorney comes into the picture. These legal experts know all about motorcycle accidents and how to ensure everyone knows their rights from top to bottom. They can also advise on who pays for a truck accident in NY. New York follows a specific set of rules that everyone should be aware of.
Here is an overview of how to navigate a New York motorcycle accident and determine who pays after one.
Who Pays for the Victim's Medical Bills After a Motorcycle Accident?
Who pays for a motorcycle accident in NY? It depends. Victims with health insurance may cover their injuries with their policy. Most people heavily recommend riders to get a Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policy from a motorcycle insurance company.
Thanks to these policies that cover the most common motorcycle accident injuries in New York, victims could receive their medical treatment without dealing with the stress of having to look for the money to pay.
What happens when the motorcycle rider doesn't have insurance coverage? If they get into a motor vehicle accident, that's when things get tricky.
People with no coverage may still get compensated through a personal injury lawsuit. They have to find a reputable attorney, build a solid case, and negotiate with the at-fault driver. They can also assist with who pays for a bicycle accident in NY.
These legal processes take long. However, if the victim can prove they were not at fault for what happened, they may have a great chance of getting the medical coverage they deserve.
Is "No-Fault" Insurance Available for Motorcyclists?
New York works with "No-Fault" insurance coverage. It means that people can get reimbursed for their medical bills and lost wages regardless of who was at fault for the accident. There's a catch, though.
This law doesn't apply to motorcyclists. Motorcycle riders in New York won't have this kind of protection.
Which Other Options Do People Have Available?
Riders should get coverage from private insurers if they want to stay safe. Many options are available, including:
Comprehensive Coverage
Liability Motorcyclist Insurance
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Underinsured Motorist Coverage
While this involves an extra expense on the rider's behalf, it gives them a layer of protection during these cases. It's hard to know how a legal case will turn out, especially those where it's unclear who was at fault.
Those wanting to review their case from a legal perspective should get in touch with a law firm. The Law Office of Carl Maltese has professionals ready to take anyone's call or message.
How Can Victims File a Personal Injury Lawsuit to Seek Damages?
Filing a lawsuit is a lengthy process that takes patience. Even so, victims of a motorcycle accident are entitled to compensation.
The first step for building a case starts right after the accident happened. Everyone should get to safety and seek medical help for anyone injured. Once that's done, the victim can document the scene through photos and videos.
If there were any witnesses around, it's a great idea to try and get their contact information. It may come in handy later. Victims must also talk to the at-fault party and get their information for later.
Finally, the victim should get in touch with a motorcycle accident attorney in Long Island so that they can review their case with a professional. It's possible that the victim will be in shock by this point, so they should never talk to insurance companies in this state.
Anything the victim says from that point on could be used against them. An experienced lawyer will guide them throughout the entire process, advising them on what they should do to secure the best outcome for their case.
Why Is Hiring an Attorney the Right Strategy?
Victims of a motorcycle accident won't always be in their right mind or physical state to start a legal claim. It's not fair for them to deal with the complexities of a legal case on top of all the pain they're already going through.
When they hire a lawyer, they're leaving their case in the hands of a professional. Experienced lawyers can gather evidence, talk to witnesses, and negotiate with the responsible parties. They'll do anything necessary to secure the best results for their clients.
Going alone is always a bad strategy, as most insurance companies already have a big legal team behind them. They know what to say to deny claims, so they'll aim to minimize what happened to the victim. A lawyer will stand by their client and fight for their rights.
How Long Do Victims Have to File Their Claims?
Every state in the U.S. has a "statute of limitations." It sets how much time people have to file their legal claims. Missing the deadline essentially means forfeiting the right to get compensated.
In New York, victims have approximately three years to file a personal injury claim. Also, those who lost a loved one due to a motorcycle accident can file a wrongful death lawsuit within two years of the person's passing.
The best strategy is to file the claim fast. At the Law Office of Carl Maltese, there's a team of experienced attorneys willing to take the at-fault driver to justice. There's nothing better than giving victims the peace of mind they deserve.
Bottom Line
Any motorcycle crash is devastating. The lack of coverage that riders have while they're on the road leaves them vulnerable to many things. When they get involved in an accident, there are little to no options for them.
Thankfully, there's always the legal route to consider. The Law Office of Carl Maltese has powerful lawyers who are ready to build a strong case for whoever needs it. Anyone interested can get in touch with the team and give them a rundown of their case.
Comments