Were you hurt on a motorcycle accident? Watch this video to learn 4 ways to get ahead on your motorcycle case. Call our Buffalo lawyers now.
1) No Fault Insurance
I get a number of calls from people who have been injured in motorcycle accidents either operating the motorcycle, being a passenger – or sometimes even as a pedestrian who has been struck by one. The answer to their question, “What benefits are available to me?” differs depending on the questioner’s role in that accident. New York State exempts motorcycle drivers and passengers from receiving no-fault medical insurance benefits because the activity itself is considered to be inherently dangerous. However, motorcyclists are allowed to purchase certain amounts of medical payment coverage on their policy of insurance for a motorcycle, but those amounts are typically very small – generally totaling around $5,000 in medical payments for a rider – as opposed to the basic no-fault medical benefit available to a car operator of $50,000.
There is, however, a specific exception if you’re a pedestrian. In the rare case when a pedestrian is struck by a motorcycle, they actually do have access to New York State’s no-fault benefit. That means a pedestrian’s medical benefits, wages, and mileage to visit the doctor are covered through the insurance company that covers the involved motorcycle.
2) During a Motorcycle Accident
Often times as a Buffalo NY Motorcycle Accident Attorney I get asked about what happens in a motorcycle accident compared to that of a car. In NYS, because driving a motorcycle is known to be dangerous, you are not covered under No Fault. I advise clients as a Buffalo NY Motorcycle Accident Attorney that if they must have a strong insurance provider because treatment could be expensive and difficult without the proper care.
3) Important Things to Know About Motorcycle Accidents
As a Buffalo Motorcycle Accident Attorney I often advise clients about the important things to know about motorcycle accidents. Motorcycle accidents are the most tragic and traumatic injuries with a motor vehicle. I advise clients as a Buffalo Motorcycle Accident Attorney that because of the small size of motorcycles, they can be harder to see. It is extremely important that you take notice if you see a motorcycle in your daily commute.
4) Poorly Maintained Roads
If somebody is injured in a motorcycle accident as a result of uneven roads or conditions that are in disrepair on a roadway, those are tricky accidents when you look to a municipality to step in and take some fault. It really has to be something that should have been repaired, that they knew about and that they had notice of prior to the accident.
A lot of towns, and villages and cities have a prior written notice statute. You have to look to the City Clerk’s office and see if they had written notice of this. If they simply failed to repair it and it was a contributing factor in causing the accident, then you have a potential claim against that municipality.
Were you hurt on a motorcycle accident? Watch this video to learn 4 ways to get ahead on your motorcycle case. The Personal Injury Lawyers at Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC fight for the rights of persons who are injured or disabled. We approach each case on an individual basis and personally assist each client with their unique needs. We are involved in every step of the legal process, and ensure that each case receives the time and effort necessary for success.
Read Our Motorcycle Accident Guide
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