Bronx Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If someone else caused your motorcycle crash, you have the right to seek financial compensation. Get the settlement you are owed by working with a Bronx motorcycle accident lawyer.
After a Bronx motorcycle accident, New York’s rules work differently for riders than for car drivers.
Motorcyclists are generally excluded from no-fault insurance, so you usually must prove the other driver’s negligence to recover compensation.
A Bronx motorcycle accident lawyer from Greenstein & Pittari can handle the insurance companies, prove who caused the crash, and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Our Bronx office is at 272 East 149th Street, and consultations are free.
| New York Rule | Car Accidents | Motorcycle Accidents |
|---|---|---|
| No-Fault Insurance | Your own policy pays up to $50,000 in medical bills and lost wages. | Motorcyclists are generally excluded from no-fault insurance. |
| Serious Injury Threshold | Required to sue for pain and suffering. | Generally does not apply, so injured riders can sue the negligent driver directly. |
| Proving Fault | Needed for a lawsuit beyond no-fault benefits. | Needed from the start, since riders must prove negligence to recover compensation. |
| Deadline to Sue | 3 years in most cases. | 3 years in most cases; 90-day Notice of Claim for City vehicles. |
How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in New York City?
Motorcycle crashes are among the deadliest accidents in New York City. In 2023, the city recorded 55 motorcyclist deaths, an all-time high, according to the NYC Department of Transportation.
Motorcyclist deaths fell 32% in 2025, but serious motorcycle accidents in the Bronx remain common. Riders have no protection from the impact, so even a low-speed crash can cause severe injuries.
Where Do Motorcycle Accidents Happen in the Bronx?
Many accidents in the Bronx happen on busy highways and wide corridors where riders share the road with cars, trucks, and buses in heavy traffic:
- The Cross Bronx Expressway
- The Major Deegan Expressway
- The Bruckner Expressway
- The Grand Concourse and Fordham Road
Intersections are also dangerous. Left-turn crashes are common in the Bronx, especially when drivers fail to yield to oncoming riders.
What Causes Motorcycle Accidents in the Bronx?
Most motorcycle crashes happen because car drivers don’t see riders or don’t give them enough space.
| Cause | How It Leads to a Motorcycle Crash |
|---|---|
| Left-Turn Collisions | Drivers fail to yield or misjudge a motorcycle’s speed at intersections. |
| Distracted Motorists | Drivers texting or changing radio stations fail to notice motorcycles in heavy traffic. |
| Unsafe Lane Changes | Drivers who skip mirror checks on roads like the Cross Bronx Expressway can force riders off the road. |
| Hazardous Road Conditions | Construction zones, potholes, and uneven pavement caused by poor maintenance. |
| Intoxication | Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol. |
| Equipment Malfunction | Defects in your motorcycle or the other vehicle, or cargo that came loose from a truck. |
How Does Insurance Work After a Bronx Motorcycle Accident?
Insurance works very differently for injured motorcyclists than for car drivers.
Are Motorcyclists Covered by No-Fault Insurance?
Generally, no. Motorcycles are excluded from the definition of “motor vehicle” in Insurance Law § 5102, so motorcyclists are usually left out of New York’s no-fault insurance system.
That means injured riders usually must pursue a claim against the at-fault party to cover their medical bills and lost wages.
Do Motorcyclists Have to Meet the Serious Injury Threshold?
Generally, no. Car accident victims must prove a “serious injury” to sue for pain and suffering, but motorcyclists generally don’t.
That’s one advantage for injured riders who can prove the other driver was negligent.
| New York Rule | Car Accidents | Motorcycle Accidents |
|---|---|---|
| No-Fault Insurance | Your own policy pays up to $50,000 in medical bills and lost wages. | Generally not available to motorcyclists. |
| Serious Injury Threshold | Required to sue for pain and suffering. | Generally does not apply. |
| Proving Fault | Needed for a lawsuit beyond no-fault benefits. | Needed from the start to recover compensation. |
What If the Driver Who Hit You Was Uninsured?
You may be able to file an uninsured motorist claim through your own insurance coverage. Your lawyer can review your policy and identify every possible source of insurance.
How Do Insurance Companies Shift Blame to Motorcycle Riders?
Insurance companies often rely on the misleading stereotype that motorcycle riders are reckless. They may point to helmet use or rider conduct to argue that you share the blame.
To prepare for these arguments, your Bronx motorcycle accident lawyer will ask about the moments before the crash:
- Were you wearing a helmet and other protective gear?
- Were you following posted traffic laws and signs?
- Were you under the influence of drugs or alcohol?
- Were you riding aggressively around other motorists?
Even if you share some fault, you can still recover compensation. Under New York’s pure comparative negligence rule (CPLR § 1411), your award is reduced by your share of fault, but it isn’t eliminated.
Who Is Liable for a Bronx Motorcycle Crash?
A motorcycle crash can have more than one responsible party. Depending on what happened, motorcycle accident cases may involve:
- A negligent driver
- The driver’s employer, if they were working
- The manufacturer of a defective part
- A government agency responsible for unsafe road conditions
Claims against New York City or other government agencies have much shorter deadlines. In most cases, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days under General Municipal Law § 50-e.
What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident in the Bronx?
The steps you take right after a motorcycle crash can protect both your health and your claim:
- Call 911 and get medical assistance right away.
- Gather evidence at the scene, including photos and witness contact information.
- Don’t admit fault or discuss the details of the crash with the other driver.
- File an MV-104 report with the DMV within 10 days if anyone was injured.
- Avoid recorded statements with the other driver’s insurance company.
Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible so evidence like accident reports and witness statements can be secured.
What Compensation Can Injured Riders Recover?
Motorcycle accident victims can recover both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical bills, including rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering and emotional distress
- Decreased quality of life
- Property damage to your motorcycle and gear
The value of a claim depends heavily on the injuries involved. Severe injuries and catastrophic injuries often increase a claim’s value.
What Are Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
| Injury | How It Can Affect Injured Riders |
|---|---|
| Traumatic Brain Injuries | Some riders suffer traumatic brain injuries even with a helmet. |
| Spinal Cord Injuries | Can lead to paralysis and permanent disability. |
| Fractures | Often require surgery and extensive medical treatment. |
| Road Rash | Can require significant medical treatment and may cause infection or scarring. |
| Internal Injuries | May require emergency surgery and may not show symptoms right away. |
Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari for Your Bronx Motorcycle Accident Case?
Greenstein & Pittari is a New York City personal injury law firm with an office in the Bronx.
Our attorneys meet injured riders at home or in the hospital, and you speak directly with a lawyer, not an automated system.
We prepare every case for trial instead of assuming it will settle quickly. In 2025, we secured a $1,000,000 settlement for a man struck by an NYPD vehicle.
Managing Partner Robert J. Greenstein has been selected to Super Lawyers every year since 2020. Read what our clients say on our reviews page.
Contact a Bronx Motorcycle Crash Attorney
A motorcycle accident is hard enough without handling the legal process on your own.
You generally have 3 years to file a lawsuit under CPLR § 214, but only 90 days to file a Notice of Claim against the City, and 2 years for a wrongful death claim.
Call us today at 1-800-VICTIM2 (842-8462) or fill out the form below for a free consultation.
We work on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront attorney’s fees, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
Get a Bronx Motorcycle Crash attorney today:
272 East 149th Street
Bronx, NY 10451
(646) 850-2600
Citations:
DOT: Motorcycle fatalities on the rise in NYC, Bronx News 12
https://bronx.news12.com/dot-motorcycle-fatalities-on-the-rise-in-nyc
Bronx Motorcycle Accident FAQ
Answers to the questions injured riders in the Bronx ask most after a motorcycle crash.
How much are most motorcycle accident settlements?
There isn’t a standard amount for motorcycle accident settlements. The outcome depends on how serious your injuries are, your medical bills, lost wages, who was at fault, and what insurance is available. More severe accidents usually mean higher settlements. A lawyer can give you an estimate after looking at your medical records.
Does no-fault insurance cover motorcycle accidents in New York?
Usually not. In New York, motorcycles aren’t considered "motor vehicles" under the no-fault law, so riders typically can’t get no-fault benefits. Instead, injured motorcyclists seek compensation from the at-fault driver and usually don’t need to meet the serious injury threshold to file a lawsuit.
Can I still recover compensation if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
It’s possible. In New York, you must wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle. If you weren’t wearing one, the insurance company might say your injuries are worse because of that. Under New York’s pure comparative negligence rule, this could lower your compensation, but it won’t stop you from making a claim.
Is it worth getting a lawyer after a motorcycle accident in New York?
Yes, especially if your injuries are serious. Since motorcyclists don’t get no-fault insurance, you’ll need to show the other driver was at fault to get compensation. Insurance companies often try to blame riders. A Bronx motorcycle accident lawyer can collect evidence, keep track of deadlines, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
How do I find the best motorcycle accident lawyer in the Bronx?
Find a lawyer who specializes in personal injury, understands the Bronx courts, has proven results, and is ready to go to trial if needed. Check client reviews, ask who will handle your case daily, and make sure you understand the fee arrangement. Most motorcycle accident lawyers work on contingency and offer free consultations.
What should I avoid saying after a motorcycle accident?
Always be honest with your lawyer. Your talks are confidential, and your lawyer needs all the facts. Be careful when dealing with the other driver’s insurance company. Don’t admit fault, guess about the accident, or give a recorded statement before talking to your lawyer.