Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

When the unthinkable happens on Western New York's busy roads, from the Kensington Expressway to the Peace Bridge, having a dedicated motorcycle accident lawyer by your side can make all the difference. At RK&L, we understand that riding through Buffalo's diverse landscapes – from the scenic routes along Lake Erie to the bustling streets of downtown – comes with unique challenges and risks. Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how we can help you move forward after your motorcycle accident.

How a Buffalo Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Maximize Your Financial Compensation

At RK&L, we understand that motorcycle accidents on Buffalo's busy streets can have devastating financial impacts. Our motorcycle accident lawyers work tirelessly to ensure you receive maximum compensation for your injuries. Here's how we help protect your financial future:

• Immediate Response and Evidence Collection: Our motorcycle accident attorneys begin working immediately after you contact us, documenting critical evidence before Buffalo's weather conditions can affect the accident scene and coordinating with local law enforcement and businesses to secure surveillance footage from areas like Transit Road or Elmwood Avenue.
• Comprehensive Medical and Financial Assessment: Our Buffalo personal injury lawyers meticulously analyze your medical records from ECMC or Buffalo General while calculating total financial losses, including missed work, motorcycle damage, and the impact on your ability to enjoy Western New York's riding season. Our motorcycle accident lawyers project future medical needs and rehabilitation costs specific to Buffalo's healthcare landscape.
• Strategic Negotiation and Legal Preparation: Our motorcycle accident attorneys develop robust negotiation strategies that account for Buffalo's unique factors, from seasonal riding conditions to local traffic patterns. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial in Erie County courts, strengthening our position with insurance companies and ensuring we're ready for litigation if necessary.
• Expert Coordination and Accident Analysis: We work with Buffalo's leading medical professionals and accident reconstruction specialists who understand local road conditions, from Skyway hazards to Peace Bridge complications. This collaboration helps establish the full impact of your injuries and builds a compelling case for maximum compensation.
• Complete Insurance Coverage Review: Our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers examine all available insurance policies, including supplemental coverage that may apply to accidents on Buffalo's high-traffic areas like the I-190 or Route 33. We ensure no potential source of compensation is overlooked.

Financial Compensation You May Be Entitled To After a Motorcycle Accident in Buffalo

As your motorcycle accident attorney, we work to secure every type of compensation you deserve. Here are the primary categories of compensation available to motorcycle accident victims in Western New York:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for all medical bills from emergency treatment at ECMC to ongoing rehabilitation at Buffalo-area facilities, including surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical bills your injuries may require.
• Lost Income and Earning Capacity: Compensation for missed work at your Buffalo employer, including overtime, bonuses, and benefits, plus any reduction in your future earning ability due to permanent injuries that affect your career prospects in Western New York.
• Property Damage: Full reimbursement for your damaged motorcycle, protective gear, and any personal property lost in accidents on local roads like the Kensington Expressway or Peace Bridge, including custom modifications and upgrades.
• Pain and Suffering: Monetary compensation for physical pain and emotional distress experienced after your accident, including the impact on your ability to enjoy Buffalo's riding season and participate in local motorcycle community events.
• Loss of Quality of Life: Compensation for how your injuries affect your daily life in Buffalo, from limiting your ability to enjoy Delaware Park activities to preventing participation in family events around Western New York.
• Rehabilitation Costs: Coverage for all therapy services needed to recover, including physical therapy at local clinics, occupational therapy, and any necessary modifications to your home or vehicle to accommodate permanent injuries.

The Serious Injuries Associated with a Motorcycle Accident

At RK&L, our personal injury attorneys have represented countless riders who've suffered severe injuries on Buffalo's roads, from high-speed motorcycle wrecks on the I-190 to collisions in downtown traffic. Here are the common serious injuries we see in motorcycle accidents:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries: Even with a helmet, the impact from a crash can cause severe brain trauma requiring intensive care at ECMC's Level 1 Trauma Center, often leading to long-term cognitive challenges and rehabilitation needs.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: High-impact collisions on roads like the Kensington Expressway can damage the spinal cord, potentially causing partial or complete paralysis requiring specialized care at Buffalo's leading rehabilitation facilities.
• Road Rash and Severe Abrasions: Sliding across Buffalo's varied road surfaces, from rough winter-damaged asphalt to construction zones, can cause deep tissue damage requiring multiple surgeries and leaving permanent scarring.
• Orthopedic Injuries: Complex fractures and joint injuries often occur when riders are thrown from their motorcycles, frequently requiring treatment at Buffalo General's orthopedic department and extensive physical therapy.
• Internal Organ Damage: The force of impact in motorcycle accidents can cause serious internal injuries, often requiring emergency surgery and ongoing monitoring at Western New York's trauma centers.
• Amputation Injuries: Severe accidents, particularly those involving guardrails or commercial vehicles on Buffalo's highways, can result in traumatic limb loss requiring lifelong medical care and prosthetic services.
• Facial and Dental Trauma: Even with protective gear, impacts can cause serious facial injuries requiring treatment from Buffalo's maxillofacial specialists and reconstructive surgeons.
• Psychological Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, many riders experience PTSD, anxiety, and depression after serious accidents, requiring ongoing mental health support from local healthcare providers.

High-Risk Roads and Intersections for Motorcycle Accidents in Buffalo

As motorcycle accident lawyers serving the Buffalo community, RK&L has observed patterns where serious motorcycle accidents occur most frequently. Our motorcycle accident attorneys have represented riders injured across Western New York and identified these particularly hazardous areas that require extra caution:

• The Kensington Expressway (NY-33): This major arterial sees frequent motorcycle accidents due to its sudden speed changes and merging traffic, particularly around the merge with the I-90 where visibility can be compromised during Buffalo's rush hours.
• Main Street and Transit Road Intersection: One of Erie County's busiest intersections experiences numerous motorcycle accidents due to heavy retail traffic, multiple turning lanes, and drivers often failing to notice motorcyclists during peak shopping hours.
• The Scajaquada Expressway (NY-198): This urban expressway's curved sections and frequent speed limit changes create hazardous conditions for motorcyclists, especially near the Delaware Park entrance where pedestrian traffic adds complexity.
• Peace Bridge Approach: The combination of international traffic, toll booth congestion, and frequent lane changes makes this area particularly dangerous for motorcyclists, especially during tourist season and Bills game days.
• Elmwood Avenue Corridor: This popular route sees numerous motorcycle accidents due to its mix of parallel parking, pedestrian crossings, and busy commercial activity, particularly in the stretch between Forest and Bryant.
• William Street and Fillmore Avenue: This intersection's unusual angle and heavy commercial traffic create blind spots that have contributed to several serious motorcycle accidents our firm has handled.
• The Buffalo Skyway (NY-5): High winds off Lake Erie and steep elevation changes make this elevated highway especially treacherous for motorcyclists, particularly during Buffalo's notorious weather changes.
• Walden Avenue and Dick Road: This major commercial intersection near the Galleria Mall experiences frequent motorcycle accidents due to distracted drivers and complex turning patterns during retail rush hours.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Buffalo

As motorcycle accident lawyers serving Western New York, RK&L has investigated countless motorcycle crashes throughout Buffalo and Erie County. Our motorcycle accident attorneys have identified these common causes of accidents that frequently impact riders on our local roads:

• Left-Turn Collisions: Drivers frequently fail to notice motorcyclists when turning left at busy Buffalo intersections like Main and Transit, particularly during rush hour when visibility may be compromised by heavy traffic and seasonal glare.
• Distracted Driving: The rise in mobile device use has led to numerous accidents on Buffalo's major thoroughfares, with drivers taking their eyes off the road near high-traffic areas like the Walden Galleria and Elmwood Village.
• Weather-Related Hazards: Buffalo's unique weather patterns create dangerous conditions for motorcyclists, from sudden lake effect snow on the Skyway to rain-slicked roads along the Scajaquada Expressway during unexpected storms.
• Road Maintenance Issues: Post-winter potholes and construction zones, particularly common on routes like William Street and Fillmore Avenue, can cause motorcyclists to lose control or make sudden maneuvers to avoid hazards.
• Lane Change Accidents: Drivers often fail to check their blind spots when merging on busy highways like the I-190 or Kensington Expressway, leading to dangerous collisions with motorcyclists in adjacent lanes.
• Impaired Driving: Despite strict enforcement, intoxicated drivers continue to cause serious accidents, especially during events like Bills games or concerts at KeyBank Center when traffic patterns change significantly.
• Speeding and Aggressive Driving: High-speed accidents frequently occur on Buffalo's expressways and major arteries, particularly during morning commutes when drivers rush to reach downtown offices or the Medical Campus.
• Intersection Violations: Drivers running red lights or rolling through stop signs, especially in busy areas near Delaware Park or the University at Buffalo campuses, create dangerous situations for motorcyclists who have the right of way.

Who May Be Liable for Your Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Here are the potential parties who may be responsible for your motorcycle accident injuries:

• Other Drivers: Passenger vehicle operators who violate traffic laws or drive carelessly on Buffalo's busy streets, from distracted drivers texting near Delaware Park to those running red lights on Elmwood Avenue, may be held liable for your injuries.
• Commercial Vehicle Companies: Trucking companies and their drivers operating on major routes like the I-190 or Peace Bridge may bear responsibility when their vehicles cause accidents, including situations where improper training or maintenance contributed to the crash.
• Government Entities: The City of Buffalo, Erie County, or New York State may be liable when poor road maintenance, inadequate signage, or hazardous construction zones on roads like the Kensington Expressway contribute to accidents.
• Construction Companies: Contractors working on Buffalo's numerous road projects may be responsible when their work sites create dangerous conditions, such as unmarked hazards or improper lane closures that lead to accidents.
• Vehicle Manufacturers: Companies that produce defective motorcycles or parts may be liable when equipment failures cause accidents, requiring our motorcycle accident attorneys to investigate complex product liability claims.
• Property Owners: Private businesses or landowners along Buffalo's thoroughfares may share responsibility when their property conditions, such as poorly maintained parking lot entrances or sight-blocking landscaping, contribute to accidents.
• Maintenance Contractors: Companies responsible for road maintenance, particularly those handling winter operations on routes like the Buffalo Skyway, may be liable when their work or negligence leads to dangerous conditions.

What To Do After Being Injured in a Motorcycle Accident

As motorcycle accident lawyers serving Buffalo and Western New York, RK&L wants to ensure you take the right steps after an accident to protect both your health and legal rights. Our motorcycle accident attorneys have compiled these critical steps to take following a motorcycle crash:

• Ensure Immediate Safety: Move to a safe location off the road if possible, such as the shoulder of the I-190 or a nearby parking lot, and activate your hazard lights to prevent secondary accidents in Buffalo's often heavy traffic.
• Call Emergency Services: Contact 911 immediately to report the accident and request medical assistance, ensuring Buffalo Police document the scene and that EMTs evaluate your injuries, even if they seem minor at first.
• Document the Scene: If you're able, take photos of all vehicles involved, road conditions, and any relevant traffic signs or signals, particularly noting any unique factors like construction on the Kensington Expressway or weather conditions on the Skyway.
• Gather Information: Collect names, contact details, and insurance information from all involved parties and witnesses, especially if the accident occurred in a busy area like downtown Buffalo where witnesses might quickly disperse.
• Seek Medical Treatment: Visit ECMC, Buffalo General, or another local emergency facility immediately, even if you feel fine, as motorcycle accidents often cause injuries that may not be immediately apparent.
• Report to Insurance: Notify your insurance company about the accident, but avoid giving detailed statements or accepting any settlement offers before consulting a motorcycle accident lawyer.
• Preserve Evidence: Keep your damaged motorcycle and gear in their post-accident condition, as our motorcycle accident attorneys may need to have them examined by accident reconstruction specialists.
• Track Your Recovery: Maintain detailed records of all medical treatments at Buffalo-area facilities, including documentation of appointments, medications, and how your injuries affect your daily activities.
• Avoid Social Media: Refrain from posting about your accident or injuries online, as insurance companies actively monitor social media and may use your posts to minimize your compensation.
• Contact Legal Representation: Reach out to a motorcycle accident lawyer at RK&L who understands Buffalo's roads, weather conditions, and legal landscape to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation.

Why Motorcyclists Should Always Wear a Helmet

As motorcycle accident lawyers serving Western New York, RK&L has seen firsthand how proper helmet use can mean the difference between life and death. Our motorcycle accident attorneys strongly advocate for helmet use for both safety and legal reasons, particularly given Buffalo's challenging weather conditions and busy urban streets.

• Legal Requirement in New York: State law mandates that all motorcyclists and their passengers must wear approved helmets when riding, with violations resulting in significant fines and potential insurance complications if an accident occurs on roads like the Kensington Expressway.
• Brain Injury Prevention: A properly fitted DOT-approved helmet reduces the risk of traumatic brain injuries by up to 67%, which our motorcycle accident lawyers have found crucial when riding on high-speed routes like the I-190 or Buffalo Skyway.
• Insurance Implications: Failing to wear a helmet can significantly impact your ability to recover full compensation after an accident, as insurance companies often use this to argue contributory negligence, particularly in Western New York claims.
• Weather Protection: Beyond crash protection, helmets shield riders from Buffalo's intense weather conditions, from blinding lake-effect snow to heavy rain, helping maintain visibility and control on challenging roads.
• Compensation Impact: Our motorcycle accident attorneys have observed that helmet use significantly strengthens injury claims, as it demonstrates responsible riding behavior and compliance with state safety laws.
• Emergency Response Advantage: Helmeted riders typically receive more favorable initial assessments from first responders and emergency room staff at facilities like ECMC, potentially leading to faster and more comprehensive treatment.
• Vision and Hearing Protection: Quality helmets protect against road debris, wind noise, and visual distractions common on busy Buffalo streets, particularly during construction season or winter weather conditions.
• Evidence Preservation: In accident cases, helmets often preserve crucial evidence that our motorcycle accident lawyers can use to demonstrate impact forces and accident dynamics, strengthening your personal injury lawsuit for compensation.

Get the Legal Support You Deserve

After a motorcycle accident on Buffalo's busy streets, you need a local legal team who understands both the law and our unique community. At RK&L, our motorcycle accident lawyers have helped countless Western New York riders rebuild their lives after serious crashes. Let us put our experience, dedication, and deep knowledge of Buffalo's legal landscape to work for you. Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how we can help you move forward after your motorcycle accident.

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Motorcycle Accident Lawyer FAQs

As motorcycle accident lawyers serving Buffalo and Western New York, RK&L frequently receives questions about motorcycle accident cases. Our motorcycle accident attorneys have compiled these common questions to help you better understand your rights and options after an accident.

How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in Buffalo?

Under New York State law, you typically have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, if a government entity is involved, such as accidents caused by poor road maintenance on city streets, you may have as little as 90 days to file a notice of claim. We recommend contacting our motorcycle accident lawyers as soon as possible to ensure all deadlines are met.

What if I was partially at fault for the motorcycle accident?

New York follows comparative negligence laws, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. Our motorcycle accident attorneys will work to minimize your assigned percentage of fault and maximize your compensation, especially important in complex cases involving multiple vehicles or hazardous conditions on roads like the Kensington Expressway.

Will my motorcycle accident case have to go to trial?

Most motorcycle accident cases in Buffalo settle out of court through negotiations. However, our motorcycle accident lawyers prepare every case as if it will go to trial to ensure the strongest possible position during settlement talks. We have extensive experience in Erie County courts if trial becomes necessary.

What if the other driver was uninsured?

If an uninsured driver hits you on Buffalo's roads, you may be able to file a claim under your own uninsured motorist coverage. Our motorcycle accident attorneys can help explore all possible sources of compensation, including your own insurance policies and potentially other liable parties.

How much is my motorcycle accident case worth?

Each case's value depends on factors like injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and long-term impact on your life. Our motorcycle accident lawyers will evaluate your specific situation, including treatment at local facilities like ECMC or Buffalo General, to determine fair compensation.

Should I accept the insurance company's first offer?

Initial settlement offers from insurance companies are typically well below the true value of your claim. Our motorcycle accident attorneys recommend having any offers reviewed before accepting, as you cannot seek additional compensation once a settlement is accepted.

Can I recover compensation if my loved one died in a motorcycle accident?

Yes, immediate family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim. Our motorcycle accident lawyers can help pursue compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and other damages related to your loss.

What if my accident was caused by poor road conditions?

Government entities responsible for maintaining Buffalo's roads may be liable for accidents caused by potholes, inadequate signage, or other maintenance issues. Our motorcycle accident attorneys know how to navigate claims against municipal entities throughout Western New York.