Long Island
Motorcycle Accident Lawyer on Long Island
Injured in a motorcycle crash that was not your fault? Winkler Kurtz LLP fights the bias and gets riders the compensation they deserve. Free consultation.
DO YOU HAVE A CASE?
Signs you need a motorcycle accident lawyer
A car or truck turned left in front of you or pulled out without checking.
You suffered road rash, broken bones, or a traumatic brain injury
The insurance adjuster is blaming you for the crash because you were on a motorcycle
The other driver's insurance company is offering a low settlement
Your injuries require surgery, long-term rehab, or have left you unable to work
You were wearing a helmet and full gear but still got seriously hurt
The road surface, signage, or construction zone contributed to the crash
A passenger vehicle driver claimed they "didn't see" you
If any of these apply, call 631-928-8000. Motorcycle accident cases require a lawyer who knows how to counter rider bias.
WHY CHOOSE US
Why Winkler Kurtz LLP for your motorcycle accident case
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We Fight Rider BiasInsurance companies and juries often assume motorcyclists are reckless. We build evidence-driven cases that put the focus on the negligent driver, not on your choice of vehicle.
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We Understand Severe Injury ClaimsMotorcycle crashes cause disproportionately severe injuries. TBIs, spinal injuries, amputations, and extensive orthopedic damage require attorneys who know how to calculate long-term medical costs and lost earning capacity.
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We Know New York Motorcycle LawNew York requires helmets for all riders (VTL Section 381). Lane splitting is illegal. We know the specific rules that apply to your case and how to use them to your advantage.
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38 Years of Trial ExperienceWhen insurance companies refuse to pay fair value, we take motorcycle cases to trial. Our attorneys appear regularly in Suffolk County Supreme Court and Nassau County Supreme Court.
How we handle truck accident cases
OUR PROCESS
From crash to compensation
Free Case Evaluation
Call 631-928-8000. We review your crash, your injuries, and your insurance situation at no charge.
Accident Investigation
We obtain the police report, interview witnesses, gather road condition evidence, pull traffic camera footage, and document the at-fault driver's negligence.
Document Your Full Damages
We work with your medical team to project future treatment costs, calculate your lost wages and reduced earning capacity, and quantify your pain and suffering.
Negotiate or Litigate
We demand the full value of your case. If the insurance company will not pay what you deserve, we file suit and prepare for trial. You pay nothing unless we win.
HOW WE GET PAID
What does a motorcycle accident lawyer cost?
Nothing upfront. Contingency fee basis. No retainer, no hourly billing, no out-of-pocket costs. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
CASE TYPES
Common motorcycle accident cases on Long Island
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The most common motorcycle accident. A car or truck turns left at an intersection without seeing the oncoming motorcycle. These crashes cause T-bone impacts and are frequently catastrophic.
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Drivers fail to check blind spots before merging. Motorcycles are smaller and harder to see, especially on multi-lane highways like the LIE and Northern State Parkway.
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A distracted or inattentive driver strikes a motorcycle from behind, often at a stoplight or in slow traffic. Without the protection of a vehicle frame, riders absorb the full force of impact.
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A parked driver opens a car door into the path of a passing motorcycle. Common on commercial streets and in downtown areas of Smithtown, Patchogue, and Port Jefferson.
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Potholes, gravel, oil slicks, uneven pavement, and construction debris are more dangerous for motorcycles than for cars. Government entities and construction companies can be held liable for unsafe road conditions.
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If the driver fled, your uninsured motorist coverage may apply. We help you file the claim and work with law enforcement to identify the driver.
INJURIES
Injuries we see in motorcycle accident cases
Motorcycle riders have no vehicle frame, airbags, or seatbelts to protect them. Common injuries include:
Traumatic brain injuries (even with a helmet)
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Broken bones, including compound fractures
Road rash requiring skin grafts
Internal organ damage
Shoulder, knee, and hip injuries requiring surgical repair
Amputations
Disfigurement and scarring
These injuries often require multiple surgeries, months of physical therapy, and permanent lifestyle changes. We calculate the full lifetime cost of your injuries, not just the bills you have today.
Common questions about truck accident claims
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New York requires helmets for all motorcycle riders. If you were not wearing one and suffered a head injury, the defense may argue your injuries would have been less severe. However, you can still pursue a claim for your other injuries, and the failure to wear a helmet does not eliminate the other driver's negligence.
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They often try. Insurance adjusters use rider bias to reduce settlements. We counter this by focusing on the negligent driver's actions, the police report, witness testimony, and objective evidence.
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3 years from the date of the accident. But evidence and witnesses fade fast. Contact us as soon as possible.
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Government entities and private contractors can be held liable for unsafe road conditions. A Notice of Claim against a government entity must be filed within 90 days. Time is critical in these cases.
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Lane splitting is illegal in New York. If you were lane splitting at the time of the accident, it could affect your claim. But under comparative negligence, you may still recover damages if the other driver was also negligent.
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Medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of earning capacity, future medical treatment, and in fatal crashes, wrongful death damages. Motorcycle injury cases often involve high medical costs due to the severity of injuries.
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Distracted driving is negligence. We subpoena cell phone records and analyze timestamps to prove the other driver was texting, browsing, or on a call at the time of the crash.
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No. You are not required to, and anything you say will be used to reduce your claim. Direct all communication to our office.
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Yes. Your passenger can file a claim against the at-fault driver. They may also have a claim against you if your actions contributed to the crash. We handle these multi-party situations regularly.
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It depends on the severity of your injuries, your medical costs, your lost income, and the impact on your daily life. We evaluate your case during a free consultation and give you an honest assessment.
FAQ