NYC Motorcycle, Scooter & Bicycle Accidents Caused by Poor Road Conditions
Top-Rated New York City Road Defect Injury Lawyers Serving Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx & Staten Island
New York City’s streets are some of the most heavily trafficked-and most dangerous-for riders. Potholes, uneven pavement, poor lighting, and construction debris cause hundreds of motorcycle, scooter, and bicycle accidents every year.
If you were injured because of dangerous road conditions or faulty roadway design, Greenstein & Pittari, LLP can help. Our NYC motorcycle accident lawyers fight to hold negligent government agencies, contractors, and property owners accountable so injured riders can recover full compensation.
Why Poor Road Conditions Are So Dangerous for NYC Riders
Motorcycles, scooters, and bicycles have no protective shell and rely on traction and stability. A defect that a car barely notices can throw a two-wheeled rider violently to the ground.
Common New York City Road Hazards:
- Potholes & Cracked Pavement – Cause tire blowouts and sudden ejections.
- Uneven Pavement & Utility Cuts – Sunken maintenance holes and raised plates destabilize bikes and scooters.
- Loose Gravel & Construction Debris – Reduce traction and cause skidding, especially in work zones.
- Standing Water & Poor Drainage – Conceal deep defects and cause hydroplaning or falls.
- Faded Markings & Missing Signs – Confuse riders and increase the risk of collisions.
- Poor Lighting & Obstructed Views – Hide hazards on dark streets and under bridges.
- Unsafe Road Design – Narrow lanes, inadequate drainage, and sharp turns put riders in danger.
Even the most experienced motorcyclist or cyclist can’t always avoid a defect hidden by traffic, shadows, or rain.
Who Can Be Held Liable for NYC Roadway Defects?
Determining responsibility depends on who maintains the road or created the hazard. Our New York road defect attorneys investigate every potential source of negligence:
- City of New York / NYC DOT – Responsible for most city streets, bike lanes, and pothole repairs.
- New York State / MTA Bridges & Tunnels – Maintain highways, bridges, and major approaches.
- Construction & Utility Contractors – Liable for leaving unsafe work zones, debris, or raised plates.
- Private Property Owners – Accountable for unsafe driveways, parking lots, and private roads.
- Engineers & Designers – Responsible for crashes caused by poor design or negligent planning.
We use maintenance records, inspection reports, and witness statements to pinpoint who caused or ignored the hazard.
Legal Deadlines for NYC Road Defect Claims
Claims against New York City or other public entities follow strict legal deadlines:
- Notice of Claim: Must be filed within 90 days of the accident.
- Lawsuit Deadline: Generally, 1 year and 90 days to file against a municipal agency.
- “Pothole Law” – NYC Admin. Code §7-201(c)(2): The City is liable only if it had prior written notice of the defect or created it through negligence.
Because these rules are technical and unforgiving, it’s critical to contact an NYC personal injury lawyer immediately after your crash.
How Poor Road Maintenance & Design Cause Crashes
Two-wheeled vehicles are susceptible to surface irregularities and design flaws. Common accident scenarios include:
- Loss of control from hitting a pothole or raised plate
- Skidding on loose gravel, oil, or rain-slicked surfaces
- Evasive maneuvers to avoid debris or construction zones
- Unmarked roadwork causing sudden lane shifts
- Abrupt braking leading to rear-end or rollover crashes
If your accident was caused by negligent road maintenance, poor drainage, or bad engineering, our firm will identify every responsible party.
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle, Scooter, or Bicycle Accident in NYC
- Seek medical care immediately – even minor pain can hide serious injury.
- Photograph the scene – show the defect, street signs, and lighting conditions.
- Report the hazard – call 311 or NYPD; request a reference number.
- Gather witnesses & video footage – nearby cameras or bystanders can confirm what happened.
- Preserve your bike, scooter, helmet, and gear – do not repair or discard anything yet.
- Call Greenstein & Pittari, LLP – our attorneys will investigate, collect evidence, and file all necessary claims.
Common Injuries from NYC Road Defect Crashes
Riders often suffer severe, life-altering injuries, including:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Severe road rash and scarring
- Internal injuries and organ damage
- Amputations or long-term disability
Our team works with medical and economic experts to fully value your claim.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Our New York motorcycle accident lawyers fight to recover every dollar you deserve, including:
- Medical expenses and ongoing care
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma and mental anguish
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Damage to your motorcycle, scooter, or bicycle
- Wrongful death damages for surviving families
We build strong, evidence-based claims to maximize compensation from all liable parties.
How Greenstein & Pittari, LLP Builds Your Case
We combine legal expertise with technical precision to uncover the truth behind every crash:
- On-Site Investigation: Measuring and documenting roadway defects.
- FOIL Requests: Obtaining City maintenance logs, prior complaints, and inspection reports.
- Expert Analysis: Engineers and accident reconstructionists establish causation.
- Liability Mapping: Identifying which government entity, contractor, or owner is responsible.
- Comprehensive Damages Assessment: Calculating full economic and non-economic losses.
We understand how to overcome common municipal defenses like “no prior notice” or rider fault.
Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP
- Local NYC offices for accessibility and personalized service.
- No fee unless we win – Our Fee Guarantee.
- Bilingual staff serving diverse New York communities.
- Award-winning attorneys recognized by Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers.
- Hundreds of positive client reviews reflecting dedication and results.
- We handle insurers and government agencies while you focus on recovery.
Our firm’s motto, “Don’t Be a Victim Twice,” reflects our commitment to protecting injured New Yorkers from being taken advantage of by the system.
Contact a New York City Road Defect Accident Lawyer
If poor road conditions or faulty design caused your motorcycle, scooter, or bicycle accident, contact Greenstein & Pittari, LLP today.
Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) for a free consultation.
We serve clients across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island, and you pay no legal fee unless we win.
Greenstein & Pittari, LLP – New York City’s trusted road defect and motorcycle accident attorneys.