Riding a motorcycle offers a unique sense of freedom and connection with the road. The wind in your face, the hum of the engine, and the excitement of navigating the streets and highways create an experience unlike any other. But as thrilling as motorcycle riding can be, it also comes with risks—many of which are caused by the actions of other drivers, not motorcyclists themselves.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in New York, understanding the laws, your rights, and the responsibilities of all motorists on the road can help shed light on what might have gone wrong and how justice can be pursued. In such cases, consulting experienced New York motorcycle accident attorneys can provide the legal guidance and support needed to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Motorcyclists Have Equal Rights on New York Roads
First and foremost, it’s important to remind you, as an injured motorcyclist, that you have the same rights as drivers of cars and trucks. Under New York traffic law, motorcycles are treated like any other vehicle. This means that other drivers are obligated to share the road with you, respect your space, and follow the same rules to ensure safety for everyone.
Unfortunately, not all drivers uphold their legal responsibilities. Whether due to negligence, distraction, or simple disregard for motorcycles, these violations can lead to devastating accidents. Below, we’ll walk through some of the laws governing New York roadways and highlight common violations by other motorists that often contribute to motorcycle crashes.
Lane Sharing and the Right to Space
Did you know New York law explicitly allows motorcycles to use a full lane? Motorcyclists are entitled to the entire width of a lane, just like any other vehicle. While two motorcycles may legally ride side by side in a single lane, cars, and larger vehicles are prohibited from encroaching on a motorcyclist’s space.
Unfortunately, some motorists fail to recognize this. “Lane squeezing” occurs when a vehicle tries to share a lane with a motorcycle or passes too closely. This behavior can force a motorcyclist into unsafe positions or off the road entirely. Such reckless and illegal actions easily lead to serious side-swipe collisions, often leaving riders with catastrophic injuries.
Quick Tip for Drivers:
When passing a motorcyclist, always leave plenty of space—at least half a lane’s width—and never try to share the lane. Respecting a motorcyclist’s right to their own lane can be the small step that prevents a major disaster.
Turning Violations at Intersections
Intersections are a common site for accidents between motorcycles and other vehicles. Often, these crashes occur when a driver makes an improper turn. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), one of the most frequent types of fatal motorcycle collisions involves a vehicle turning left in front of a motorcyclist.
Why does this happen? Many drivers claim they never saw the motorcycle. This can occur because of the motorcycle’s smaller size or because the driver wasn’t looking out for bikes in the first place. But the law is clear. Before making a turn, drivers are required to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic—including motorcycles. Failure to do so puts motorcycle riders in grave danger.
If your accident happened like this—perhaps near Queens Boulevard or around Columbus Circle—it’s likely the other driver violated this basic rule of the road.
Distracted Drivers Are a Threat to Motorcyclists
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of all motor vehicle accidents, and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable. With smaller vehicles and less visibility compared to cars or trucks, motorcycles are often overlooked by drivers who are more focused on their phones or other distractions than the road ahead.
Consider scenarios where a driver is scrolling through social media, typing out a text, or adjusting their GPS—and ends up rear-ending a stopped motorcyclist at a red light on the FDR Drive or merging into a motorcyclist on the Long Island Expressway. These avoidable tragedies happen too often, and they’re a clear violation of New York’s distracted driving laws.
Under state law, texting, browsing, or even talking on a handheld cell phone while driving is illegal. These actions take eyes and attention away from the road, creating conditions ripe for collisions with motorcycles.
Keeping Motorcyclists Safe:
Drivers should make a habit of checking blind spots carefully before changing lanes and taking special care in high-traffic areas where motorcycles are more likely.
Speeding and Following Too Closely
Excessive speed and tailgating are dangerous behaviors that can ruin lives in the blink of an eye. Motorcycles often need to maneuver quickly to avoid road hazards, and the last thing any rider wants is an impatient driver riding too closely behind them.
Speeding only amplifies the risk. Larger vehicles are harder to stop at high speeds, and if a motorcycle suddenly slows to avoid debris or a pothole—perhaps on the Brooklyn Bridge or near Times Square—a speeding, impatient driver behind them leaves little time to react.
The law mandates that all drivers must leave adequate space between their vehicle and the one in front. For motorcycles, this is even more critical given their shorter stopping distances and more delicate balance.
Vision and Obstruction Laws
Did you know poor visibility is often cited as a factor in accidents involving motorcycles? When you think about it, motorcycles, due to their size, are more likely to “disappear” in a driver’s blind spot. But that’s no excuse for failing to see them.
Per traffic laws, motorists are required to ensure they have a clear, unobstructed line of sight before turning, merging, or changing lanes. Drivers violating this rule—whether they fail to check mirrors or don’t look over their shoulder—may end up crashing into a motorcyclist riding alongside them.
This situation often plays out in busy intersections around Union Square or in the tight lanes along Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. Such neglect is entirely preventable, yet it leaves victims like you with life-altering injuries.
Ignoring Motorcycle Laws at Night
Driving at night adds another element of risk for motorcyclists. While motorcycles are required to have headlights and taillights illuminated at all times, many vehicles today are equipped with daytime running lights that diminish the contrast of motorcycle lighting. This makes motorcycles even harder to see after dark.
Additionally, some drivers fail to properly use their headlights—either keeping them off or using brights inappropriately—further reducing visibility. If an accident happened to you on a poorly lit stretch of the Hutchinson River Parkway or in a dimly lit area near the Bronx Zoo, it could be linked to unsafe practices by another driver.
The Responsibility to Protect Vulnerable Road Users
Every roadway user has the responsibility to act with care, but certain groups—including motorcyclists—require extra awareness. New York emphasizes the importance of protecting vulnerable road users, and motorists are encouraged to follow defensive driving practices to prevent harm to those most at risk.
Despite these goals, as you may have experienced firsthand, carelessness remains rampant. Whether it’s failure to yield, blind spot errors, or improper passing, these lapses can—and do—lead to devastating outcomes for motorcyclists like yourself.
What Happens When Other Drivers Violate the Law?
When another driver neglects their responsibilities and disregards the law, you’re left to bear the brunt of their actions. The physical pain, the mountain of medical bills, the emotional toll—it’s an unfair burden to carry. But it’s important to remember that you have rights, and there are legal paths to holding negligent drivers accountable.
Some common legal claims for motorcyclists injured due to another driver’s violations include:
- Failure to yield: Turning left into a motorcyclist’s path at an intersection.
- Distracted driving: Texting, eating, or being otherwise inattentive behind the wheel.
- Improper lane usage: Encroaching on a motorcycle’s lane or passing dangerously.
- Reckless driving: Speeding, tailgating, or engaging in dangerous driving behaviors.
If any of the above sounds familiar, it might explain what led to your accident.
Equipment Violations in Other Vehicles
Sometimes an accident isn’t caused solely by a driver’s behavior but also by unsafe or illegal equipment. For example, a vehicle with poor brake lights might fail to signal a stop, leading to a rear-end collision with a motorcyclist. Or imagine a truck with oversized or improperly secured cargo—posing a serious hazard to nearby riders.
New York law requires all vehicles on the road, including motorcycles, to maintain proper equipment according to safety standards. When another vehicle fails to meet these standards and causes an accident, this is yet another example of preventable harm that you shouldn’t have to endure.
Steps You Can Take After a Motorcycle Accident
If you’ve been hurt in an accident and suspect another driver violated the law, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your claim:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Even if you feel OK, it’s important to be evaluated by a doctor. Your health and safety come first.
- Collect evidence if you’re able. Photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and injuries can be valuable.
- Report the accident to the police. The official report may document any violations by the other driver.
- Avoid admitting fault. Even saying “sorry” could be twisted against you later.
- Consult a legal professional. Understanding your rights is crucial in pursuing fair compensation.
What’s at Stake?
The repercussions of a motorcycle accident can be life-altering. Beyond the physical pain, injuries can ripple through every aspect of your life—your ability to work, your financial stability, and even your relationships. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed, but understanding what you may be entitled to after such a traumatic event can be a step toward rebuilding your life.
As a motorcycle accident victim, you have the right to seek compensation for all the losses you’ve endured because of someone else’s negligence. Those financial damages extend far beyond the immediate medical bills. Here’s what could be at stake:
- Medical Expenses: Motorcycle accidents often cause severe injuries, like broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. Medical care for these can be extensive and ongoing. You may need surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, physical therapy, or assistive devices. Compensation includes current and future medical expenses to ensure you don’t shoulder this burden alone.
- Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Potential: An injury might force you to take time off work—or keep you from returning to the job you had before. Whether you’ve lost wages during recovery or your injuries have permanently affected your ability to earn, the law allows you to recover those financial losses. Damages can even cover training or education for a new occupation if your accident changes your career path.
- Pain and Suffering: The physical pain of injury is undeniable, but the emotional toll can be just as significant. The trauma, anxiety, and loss of quality of life you’re facing matter, and the law recognizes that. Damages for pain, suffering, and emotional distress acknowledge the non-financial toll your accident has taken on your well-being.
- Property Damage: After an accident, your motorcycle is often left heavily damaged or entirely destroyed. Repairing or replacing your bike can be expensive, but these costs are included in your right to compensation. Any other belongings damaged in the crash—like helmets, riding gear, or electronic devices—may also be covered.
- Wrongful Death Damages: Families who lose a loved one in a motorcycle accident may be eligible to seek compensation through a wrongful death claim. These damages may include the costs of funeral and burial expenses, the income your loved one would have provided for your family, and the loss of emotional support and guidance they offered.
When you’ve been through such a tragic experience, it’s hard to think about what comes next. But pursuing the compensation you deserve is a vital step—not only for your own recovery but for ensuring justice is served. Every dollar recovered is another step toward rebuilding your life, restoring stability, and protecting your future.
Committing to Your Recovery and Justice
An accident changes your life in an instant. Our personal injury lawyers know the road ahead can feel overwhelming, but it’s also important to remember that accountability matters and the law is on your side.
At The Perecman Firm, we are deeply committed to helping injured motorcyclists like you rebuild their lives. With a relationship-centered approach, we fight to hold negligent drivers accountable, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Whether your accident occurred crossing the Staten Island Ferry Terminal’s traffic circle or on quieter streets in Long Island, know that justice is within reach.
Are you ready to claim the compensation you need to recover? Contact us today at (212) 977-7033 or through our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation. Your path to justice starts here.