Motorcycle accidents often result in serious, life-changing injuries, leaving riders and their families facing overwhelming medical bills, lost income, and long-term uncertainty. When a crash is caused by a careless driver or another party’s negligence, working with an experienced Buffalo motorcycle accident attorney can make a difference in protecting your rights and securing fair compensation.
The Law Offices of Jeffrey E. Marion represents injured motorcyclists throughout Buffalo and Western New York. Our firm understands the unique risks riders face and the unfair bias that often follows motorcycle accident claims. We are committed to standing up for injured riders and holding negligent parties accountable.
The Unique Dangers of Motorcycle Accidents
Unlike occupants of passenger vehicles, motorcyclists have little protection during a collision. Even at lower speeds, a motorcycle accident can result in devastating injuries because the rider absorbs the full force of impact. In Buffalo, motorcycle crashes frequently occur when drivers fail to notice motorcycles in traffic, make unsafe left turns, change lanes without checking blind spots, or drive while distracted, impaired, or speeding. Poor road conditions, debris, and weather can also contribute to serious motorcycle accidents.
When another driver’s actions cause a crash, a skilled Buffalo motorcycle accident attorney can investigate what happened, determine who is responsible, and pursue compensation on your behalf.
Serious Injuries Common in Motorcycle Crashes
Motorcycle accident injuries are often far more severe than those suffered in typical car accidents. Riders may experience traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, severe road rash, internal organ injuries, or permanent disabilities. In some cases, injuries lead to long-term mobility issues, chronic pain, or an inability to return to work.
Because these injuries can require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care, it is essential that any settlement or verdict reflects the true scope of your losses. A Buffalo motorcycle accident attorney works with medical providers and experts to understand how your injuries will affect your future and to pursue compensation that accounts for both immediate and long-term needs.
Insurance Company Bias Against Motorcyclists
Insurance companies often approach motorcycle accident claims with unfair assumptions. Riders are frequently portrayed as reckless or irresponsible, even when the evidence clearly shows that another driver caused the accident. This bias can result in delayed claims, denied liability, or settlement offers that fail to cover the full cost of an injured rider’s damages.
Insurance adjusters may attempt to minimize injuries, pressure victims into giving recorded statements, or push for quick settlements before the full extent of medical treatment is known. Having a Buffalo motorcycle accident lawyer handle all communication with insurers helps level the playing field and protects you from tactics designed to reduce the value of your claim.
A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You Seek Compensation After a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accident victims may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages. This often includes medical expenses, lost wages, reduced future earning capacity, and the cost of ongoing care or rehabilitation. Compensation may also be available for pain and suffering, emotional distress, scarring, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.
In cases involving fatal motorcycle accidents, surviving family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. A motorcycle accident lawyer can help families seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional impact of losing a loved one.
Establishing Fault in a Buffalo Motorcycle Accident Case
Proving liability is a major part of any motorcycle accident claim. This process typically involves reviewing police reports, speaking with witnesses, analyzing traffic or surveillance footage, and, when necessary, working with accident reconstruction experts. Medical records and expert testimony are also used to clearly connect the accident to the injuries suffered.
New York follows a comparative negligence system, meaning that an injured motorcyclist can still recover compensation even if they are found partially at fault. However, the amount recovered may be reduced based on the rider’s share of responsibility. For this reason, working with a Buffalo motorcycle accident lawyer is especially important to protect your claim and challenge attempts to unfairly shift blame.
Accidents Involving Road Hazards or Defective Motorcycle Parts
Not every motorcycle accident is caused by another driver. Some crashes result from dangerous road conditions, poor maintenance, or defective motorcycle components. Potholes, uneven pavement, inadequate signage, or construction hazards can all pose serious risks to riders. In other cases, defective brakes, tires, or steering systems may contribute to a crash.
These cases may involve government entities, contractors, or manufacturers and often have strict notice requirements and shorter filing deadlines. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can identify all responsible parties and hold them responsible.
Time Limits for Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim in New York
New York law imposes strict deadlines for filing motorcycle accident lawsuits. If these deadlines are missed, you may lose your right to recover compensation entirely. Claims involving municipalities or other government entities often require formal notice within a much shorter period.
Consulting with a Buffalo motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible helps ensure that evidence is preserved, deadlines are met, and your case is positioned for success from the start.
The Buffalo Motorcycle Accident Attorneys at Our Law Firm Have Experience with Cases Just Like Yours
The outcome of a motorcycle accident case often depends on the quality of legal representation. At the Law Offices of Jeffrey E. Marion, we provide personalized attention and a strategic approach to every case we handle. Our firm is dedicated to thoroughly investigating motorcycle accidents, aggressively negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing cases for trial when necessary.
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a serious motorcycle accident can take. Our goal is to shoulder the legal burden while you focus on recovery.
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident in Western New York
After a motorcycle accident, your priority should always be your health. Seeking immediate medical care is key, even if injuries do not seem serious at first. Reporting the accident to law enforcement, documenting the scene when possible, and avoiding direct communication with insurance adjusters can also help protect your claim.
Speaking with a Buffalo motorcycle accident attorney early in the process can prevent mistakes that could harm your case and ensure your rights are fully protected.
Contact a Buffalo NY Motorcycle Accident Attorney for Your Free Case Evaluation Today
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Buffalo or the surrounding area, you do not have to face the legal process alone. The Law Offices of Jeffrey E. Marion offers free consultations to discuss your situation, explain your options, and help you understand the next steps.
Contact our office today to speak with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney and take the first step toward securing the compensation you deserve.