Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Brooklyn

Motorcycle accidents in Brooklyn often result in serious injuries, long recovery periods, and complex legal challenges. Brooklyn is one of the most densely populated boroughs in New York, with nonstop traffic, major highways, constant construction, busy commercial corridors, and residential neighborhoods packed closely together. Motorcyclists must navigate narrow lanes, aggressive drivers, delivery vehicles, buses, rideshares, and pedestrians—all while remaining highly visible in an environment where drivers frequently fail to look twice.

When a motorcycle crash happens, the consequences can be overwhelming. This page is for people searching for a motorcycle accident lawyer in Brooklyn. It explains why motorcycle accidents happen so often in Brooklyn, where they occur most frequently, the types of injuries riders commonly suffer, and how Segal & Lax helps injured motorcyclists protect their rights after a serious crash.

Why Motorcycle Accidents in Brooklyn Are Especially Dangerous

Brooklyn presents constant challenges for motorcyclists. Traffic congestion, double-parked vehicles, frequent intersections, and poorly maintained road surfaces all increase the risk of a serious accident. Unlike drivers in cars, motorcycle riders have little physical protection when a collision occurs.

Motorcycle accidents tend to be severe because:

• Riders lack the protection of a vehicle frame
• Even low-speed crashes can cause catastrophic injuries
• Drivers often fail to notice motorcycles in traffic
• Road hazards affect motorcycles far more than cars

In Brooklyn, a single careless lane change or failure to yield can cause a rider to be thrown from their motorcycle, leading to traumatic injuries and long-term medical needs.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Brooklyn

Most motorcycle accidents are preventable. In Brooklyn, crashes often occur due to driver negligence combined with crowded streets and ongoing construction.

Failure to Yield

Drivers frequently fail to yield to motorcycles when making left turns or entering intersections. This is common along busy roads like Atlantic Avenue and Flatbush Avenue, where traffic patterns change quickly.

Distracted Driving

Drivers distracted by mobile phones, navigation systems, or rideshare apps often overlook motorcycles. Distracted driving is a major cause of crashes throughout Brooklyn, especially in high-traffic areas like Fulton Street.

Unsafe Lane Changes

Motorcycles can easily disappear into blind spots. Unsafe lane changes frequently cause sideswipe collisions, especially on highways like Brooklyn-Queens Expressway.

Speeding

Speeding reduces reaction time and increases injury severity. Speed-related motorcycle crashes are common on highways and wide surface roads such as Gowanus Expressway.

Road Hazards and Construction Zones

Potholes, metal plates, loose gravel, and uneven pavement pose serious risks to motorcyclists. Brooklyn’s constant construction activity creates ongoing hazards that can cause riders to lose control.

Roads and Highways Where Motorcycle Accidents Commonly Occur in Brooklyn

Certain Brooklyn roads experience higher rates of motorcycle accidents due to traffic volume, design, and driver behavior.

Major Highways and Expressways

• Brooklyn-Queens Expressway – Congestion, aggressive driving, and frequent lane changes
• Gowanus Expressway – High speeds and merging traffic
• Belt Parkway – Speeding and truck restriction violations

Busy Local Roads

• Atlantic Avenue
• Flatbush Avenue
• Kings Highway

These roads are heavily traveled by commuters, delivery trucks, and rideshare vehicles, creating constant risks for motorcyclists.

Motorcycle Accidents Near Commercial Areas and Shopping Centers

Motorcycle accidents frequently occur near shopping centers and commercial districts where traffic congestion and delivery activity are constant. High-risk areas include locations near Kings Plaza Shopping Center and Atlantic Terminal Mall.

Vehicles entering and exiting parking garages, delivery trucks blocking lanes, and distracted drivers looking for parking spots all increase the danger for motorcycle riders in these areas.

Common Injuries in Brooklyn Motorcycle Accidents

Because motorcycles provide minimal protection, injuries are often severe and life-altering, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries, even with helmet use
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Neck, back, and shoulder injuries
• Road rash and severe skin damage
• Broken bones and joint injuries
• Internal organ injuries

Many injured riders receive emergency care at hospitals such as NYU Langone Hospital – Brooklyn, Kings County Hospital Center, or Maimonides Medical Center, followed by surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term medical treatment.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Brooklyn

The steps you take after a motorcycle accident can significantly affect your recovery and your legal options.

1. Seek immediate medical attention – Some injuries may not be obvious right away.
2. Call the police – A police report helps document fault and accident details.
3. Document the scene – Take photos of vehicles, road conditions, and injuries if possible.
4. Avoid recorded statements – Insurance companies may attempt to blame the rider.
5. Talk with one of our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers at Segal & Lax – Early legal guidance helps preserve evidence and protect your rights.

Why Motorcycle Accident Claims Are Different From Car Accident Cases

Motorcycle accident claims present unique challenges, including:

• Bias against motorcyclists
• Disputes over visibility and speed
• Severe injury valuations
• Complex liability issues

Insurance companies often attempt to portray riders as reckless, even when the crash was caused by a negligent driver. Strong legal representation helps counter these tactics and ensure fair treatment.

Who May Be Liable for a Motorcycle Accident in Brooklyn?

Liability may extend beyond the driver who struck the motorcycle. Responsible parties may include:

• Negligent drivers
• Employers of commercial drivers
• Government entities responsible for road maintenance
• Construction contractors responsible for unsafe conditions
• Manufacturers of defective motorcycle parts

Identifying all liable parties is essential to pursuing full compensation.

Compensation That May Be Available After a Motorcycle Accident

A motorcycle accident claim may allow recovery for:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Hospitalization and rehabilitation
• Ongoing and future medical care
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability or disfigurement

Each case is unique, and compensation depends on the severity of injuries and circumstances of the crash.

Motorcycle Accidents Involving Pedestrians and Cyclists

Brooklyn streets are shared by pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Complex intersections and crowded traffic increase the risk of multi-party crashes, particularly in neighborhoods such as Downtown Brooklyn, Williamsburg, and Sunset Park.

Construction Zones and Motorcycle Accidents in Brooklyn

Construction zones are especially dangerous for motorcyclists. Loose gravel, steel plates, uneven pavement, narrowed lanes, and sudden detours can cause riders to lose control. Ongoing construction projects throughout Brooklyn significantly increase motorcycle accident risks.

How Segal & Lax Helps After a Brooklyn Motorcycle Accident

At Segal & Lax, the focus is on protecting injured motorcyclists and guiding them through the legal process after a serious crash. When you speak with one of our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers at Segal & Lax, your case receives careful attention and local insight.

Our approach may include:

• A thorough investigation of the accident
• Securing traffic camera and surveillance footage
• Reviewing police reports and medical records
• Consulting with accident reconstruction professionals
• Handling all communication with insurance companies

Early involvement is critical, as evidence can disappear quickly and insurance companies often move fast to protect their interests.

Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents in Brooklyn

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

New York law imposes strict deadlines. Acting promptly helps preserve evidence and protect your claim.

What if the driver claims they didn’t see me?

Failure to see a motorcycle does not excuse negligence. Drivers are required to remain alert and yield appropriately.

Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

New York follows comparative fault rules, which may still allow recovery even if you share some responsibility.

Why Local Knowledge of Brooklyn Matters

Motorcycle accident cases benefit from familiarity with Brooklyn’s traffic patterns, road conditions, and accident-prone locations. Understanding crashes on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, along Atlantic Avenue, or near Kings Plaza Shopping Center helps build stronger, fact-based claims.

Speak With a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Brooklyn at Segal & Lax

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Brooklyn, experienced legal guidance and local knowledge matter. Motorcycle crashes often involve serious injuries, insurance disputes, and unfair assumptions about riders. When you talk with one of our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers at Segal & Lax, you gain an advocate focused on protecting your rights and helping you move forward.

This page is designed to help individuals searching for a motorcycle accident lawyer in Brooklyn understand their options, take the next steps with confidence, and find trusted legal support after a serious motorcycle accident.