New Rochelle, NY Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Standing up for injured motorcyclists in New Rochelle and throughout Westchester County
Riding a motorcycle through the streets of New Rochelle can be exhilarating, but it also comes with risks. When drivers fail to look out for motorcyclists, accidents can happen suddenly and the consequences are often devastating. Giampa Law fights for the rights of injured riders across New Rochelle and Westchester County.
Motorcyclists deserve respect and protection on the road. Our legal team understands how serious these accidents can be and how difficult it is to recover physically, emotionally, and financially. If you were hurt in a motorcycle crash, we’re here to help you get the compensation you need to rebuild your life. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
FAQs About New Rochelle Motorcycle Accidents
- Where do motorcycle accidents happen in New Rochelle?
- What causes most motorcycle accidents?
- What types of injuries are common in motorcycle crashes?
- How much is a motorcycle accident case worth?
- What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
- How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a motorcycle crash?
- What if the driver who hit me was uninsured?
- Can I sue for pain and suffering after a motorcycle accident?
- What if I lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash?
- Will my motorcycle insurance cover medical bills?
Where do motorcycle accidents happen in New Rochelle?
New Rochelle may be a relatively compact city, but its mix of dense traffic, busy intersections, and high-speed corridors creates real dangers for motorcyclists. We have seen serious crashes in several problem areas, including:
- North Avenue at Eastchester Road, a high-traffic intersection where cars often turn without checking for oncoming motorcycles
- Main Street merging into the I-95 on-ramp, where sudden lane changes and merging vehicles pose a threat
- Pelham Road near the Hutchinson River, where curves, poor visibility, and aggressive driving increase risk
- Quaker Ridge Road, especially during rush hour traffic, when drivers are rushed and distracted
Whether your motorcycle accident occurred on one of these major roads or a quieter residential street, our team at Giampa Law knows how to thoroughly investigate your crash. We gather traffic camera footage, witness statements, police reports, and expert testimony to build the strongest possible case and prove who was at fault.
What causes most motorcycle accidents?
While motorcyclists often get blamed for being "reckless," the truth is that most motorcycle crashes are caused by drivers who fail to see or respect motorcycles on the road. Common causes include:
- Left turns in front of a motorcyclist, especially at intersections, where drivers misjudge the rider’s speed or simply fail to see them
- Unsafe lane changes, where drivers do not check their mirrors or blind spots and veer into the space a motorcyclist is occupying
- Speeding and reckless driving, which reduces reaction time and increases the severity of a crash when a driver cannot stop or swerve safely
- "Dooring" incidents, when someone in a parked car opens their door directly into a motorcyclist’s path without checking for traffic
- Distracted driving, such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting controls, or using navigation apps while behind the wheel
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, impairing a driver’s ability to react appropriately and follow traffic laws
Because motorcycles offer little protection in a crash, even a moment of driver negligence can lead to catastrophic injuries. Our New Rochelle motorcycle accident lawyers hold careless drivers fully accountable for the harm they cause, no matter how your crash occurred.
What types of injuries are common in motorcycle crashes?
Motorcycle accidents often result in severe, life-altering injuries due to the rider’s exposure and lack of protective barriers. Even with helmets and gear, riders are at high risk of suffering:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can lead to memory loss, cognitive issues, and long-term disability
- Spinal cord injuries, including partial or full paralysis
- Broken bones, often requiring surgeries and months of physical therapy
- Road rash, which can cause infections and scarring, and may require skin grafts
- Internal injuries, such as bleeding or organ damage that may not be immediately visible
- Amputations, crushed limbs, or disfigurement from impact or burns
These injuries can turn your life upside down and impact your ability to work, support your family, or enjoy daily activities. We fight to make sure your compensation reflects not only the medical costs but also the full emotional and financial toll of the crash.
How much is a motorcycle accident case worth?
Every motorcycle accident case is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Your case’s value depends on a wide range of factors, including:
- The severity and permanence of your injuries
- The extent of your medical treatment and future care needs
- Your lost income and any long-term impact on your ability to earn a living
- The emotional trauma and physical pain you have endured
- Damage to or loss of your motorcycle and riding gear
- How your quality of life has changed, such as the ability to enjoy hobbies, relationships, or independence
Giampa Law collaborates with medical experts, vocational specialists, and financial analysts to accurately calculate your damages. We pursue compensation for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Property damage, bike repairs or replacement
- Loss of enjoyment of life or activities you can no longer do
We never accept lowball offers from insurance companies. Our goal is to fight for the maximum compensation you are legally entitled to, so you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life.
What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
In New York, helmets are legally required for all motorcycle riders and passengers. However, failing to wear a helmet does not automatically disqualify you from filing a claim or recovering compensation. The insurance company may try to argue that your injuries, particularly head or facial injuries, were more severe because you did not have a helmet on.
This could lead to a reduction in your damages under New York’s comparative negligence rules. The New Rochelle motorcycle accident lawyers at Giampa Law do not let insurance companies use your helmet status as an excuse to deny or undervalue your claim. We work with medical experts and accident reconstructionists to prove that the driver’s negligence, not your gear, was the primary cause of your injuries.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a motorcycle crash?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the motorcycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York. However, if your crash involved a government vehicle, such as a city bus, police cruiser, or sanitation truck, the legal timeline is much shorter. You may be required to file a Notice of Claim within just 90 days, and the full lawsuit must be filed within one year and 90 days.
These deadlines are strict, and missing them could prevent you from recovering any compensation at all. That is why it is important to contact Giampa Law as soon as possible. We will make sure all paperwork is filed on time, preserve key evidence, and get to work building your case right away.
What if the driver who hit me was uninsured?
Being hit by an uninsured driver can be incredibly frustrating, but it does not mean you are out of options. If you carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage on your own motorcycle or auto insurance policy, that coverage can step in to pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Even if you were a passenger or do not own a car, you might still qualify under a household member’s policy or New York’s Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC) program. These claims can be complex and time-sensitive, but Giampa Law has the experience to explore every available path and fight for the compensation you need to recover.
Can I sue for pain and suffering after a motorcycle accident?
In New York, you can sue for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, but only if your injuries meet the state’s serious injury threshold under Insurance Law § 5102(d).
Qualifying injuries include fractures, significant disfigurement, permanent loss of use of a body organ or function, or any injury that prevents you from performing normal daily activities for at least 90 of the 180 days following the crash. Motorcycle accident victims often suffer injuries severe enough to meet this threshold, and Giampa Law can help you document your injuries properly to pursue maximum compensation for your suffering.
What if I lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash?
Losing a loved one in a motorcycle accident is a devastating experience, and no amount of money can ever replace that loss. However, you may have the legal right to file a wrongful death claim in New York if the crash was caused by someone else’s negligence.
These claims allow surviving family members to recover compensation for funeral and burial expenses, medical bills, loss of income and financial support, and the emotional loss of companionship and guidance. Giampa Law approaches these cases with compassion and determination. We work closely with your family to ensure justice is served and your financial future is protected.
Will my motorcycle insurance cover medical bills?
Unlike standard car insurance in New York, motorcycle insurance policies are not required to include Personal Injury Protection (PIP), also known as no-fault coverage. That means if you are injured in a motorcycle crash, you will need to rely on health insurance, the at-fault driver’s liability coverage, or your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage to pay for medical treatment. This can create gaps in coverage or confusion about who pays what.
Giampa Law knows how to track down every applicable policy and make sure your medical bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care needs are fully accounted for in your claim. You focus on healing and we will handle the rest.
Hurt in a motorcycle crash in New Rochelle? Contact Giampa Law today.
A motorcycle accident can change your life in seconds. One careless driver, one blind turn, and suddenly you’re facing serious injuries, medical bills, and time away from work. The New Rochelle motorcycle accident attorneys at Giampa Law know what you’re going through, and we know how to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Motorcyclists are often blamed unfairly after a crash, even when the driver was clearly at fault. That’s why you need a legal team that understands how to counter those biases and build a strong case from day one. We investigate thoroughly, negotiate aggressively, and go to court if needed.
If you were hit while riding in New Rochelle or anywhere in Westchester County, contact us online or call us. The sooner we get started, the stronger your case can be. We offer free consultations, and you don’t pay anything unless we win. Let us fight for your rights while you focus on healing.