Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Manhattan

Motorcycle accidents in Manhattan often result in serious, life-altering injuries. Unlike drivers in cars or trucks, motorcyclists have little physical protection when a crash occurs. In a borough as busy and congested as Manhattan—where taxis, rideshare vehicles, delivery trucks, buses, cyclists, and pedestrians all compete for space—motorcyclists face constant risk.

This page is intended for individuals searching for a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Manhattan. It explains why motorcycle accidents happen so frequently in Manhattan, where they occur most often, 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 Manhattan Are Especially Dangerous

Manhattan’s traffic environment is uniquely challenging for motorcyclists. Narrow lanes, frequent lane changes, aggressive driving, double-parked vehicles, and constant construction all increase the likelihood of collisions.

Motorcycle accidents tend to be severe because:

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

A single moment of inattention by a driver can result in a rider being thrown from their bike, leading to devastating injuries.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Manhattan

Most motorcycle accidents are preventable. In Manhattan, crashes often result from driver negligence combined with dense traffic and challenging road conditions.

Failure to Yield

Drivers frequently fail to yield to motorcycles when making left turns or changing lanes. This is common at busy intersections along Broadway and Lexington Avenue.

Distracted Driving

Drivers distracted by phones, navigation apps, or passengers may overlook motorcycles entirely. In high-traffic corridors like 42nd Street, distractions are a leading cause of motorcycle crashes.

Unsafe Lane Changes

Motorcycles are smaller and easier to miss in mirrors. Unsafe lane changes frequently occur on roads such as FDR Drive and West Side Highway.

Speeding

Speeding drivers reduce reaction time and increase the severity of motorcycle injuries. High speeds are a major factor in crashes along major avenues and express routes.

Road Hazards

Potholes, uneven pavement, metal plates, and construction debris pose serious risks to motorcyclists. These hazards are common throughout Manhattan due to ongoing construction projects.

Roads and Highways Where Motorcycle Accidents Commonly Occur in Manhattan

Certain Manhattan roads see higher numbers of motorcycle crashes due to traffic volume and design.

Major Highways

• FDR Drive – High speeds, limited shoulders, and sudden congestion
• West Side Highway – Lane changes and aggressive driving
• Harlem River Drive – Curves and limited visibility

   

Busy Streets and Avenues

• Broadway
• Canal Street
• 14th Street

These areas experience heavy traffic, frequent stops, and increased risk for riders.

Motorcycle Accidents Near Commercial Areas and Shopping Districts

Motorcycle accidents often occur near busy retail and commercial zones where traffic congestion and delivery activity are constant. Areas around Times Square and Herald Square see frequent motorcycle crashes due to distracted drivers, rideshare drop-offs, and pedestrian traffic.

Parking maneuvers, sudden stops, and vehicles pulling in and out of loading zones increase risks for riders.

Common Injuries in Manhattan Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents frequently result in severe injuries, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries (even with helmets)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Neck and back injuries
• Road rash and severe lacerations
• Broken bones and joint injuries
• Internal organ damage

Many injured riders are treated at major Manhattan hospitals such as NYU Langone Health, Mount Sinai Hospital, or NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, followed by surgery and long-term rehabilitation.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Manhattan

The actions you take after a motorcycle accident can directly affect your recovery and legal options.

1. Seek immediate medical care – Some injuries are not immediately visible.
2. Call the police – A police report is critical evidence.
3. Document the scene – Photos of the bike, vehicles, road conditions, and injuries matter.
4. Avoid recorded statements – Insurance companies may try to shift blame.
5. Talk with one of our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers at Segal & Lax – Early legal guidance helps protect your rights.

Why Motorcycle Accident Claims Are Different From Car Accident Cases

Motorcycle accident claims often involve additional challenges, including:

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

Insurance companies frequently argue that riders were reckless, even when the crash was caused by a negligent driver. Having legal representation helps counter these tactics.

Who May Be Liable for a Motorcycle Accident in Manhattan?

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
• Contractors responsible for unsafe construction zones
• 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 help recover compensation for:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Hospitalization and rehabilitation
• 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

Manhattan’s streets are shared by pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Complex interactions at intersections increase the risk of multi-party accidents, particularly in neighborhoods such as Midtown Manhattan, SoHo, and Upper West Side.

Construction Zones and Motorcycle Accidents

Construction zones present serious hazards for motorcyclists, including loose gravel, steel plates, narrowed lanes, and sudden detours. Manhattan’s constant construction activity significantly increases motorcycle accident risks.

How Segal & Lax Helps After a Manhattan Motorcycle Accident

At Segal & Lax, the focus is on protecting injured motorcyclists and helping them navigate 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 includes:

• Thorough investigation of the accident
• Securing traffic camera and surveillance footage
• Reviewing police reports and medical records
• Working with accident reconstruction professionals
• Handling all insurance communications

Early involvement is especially important in motorcycle cases where evidence and witness accounts can fade quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents in Manhattan

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

New York law imposes strict deadlines. Acting promptly helps preserve evidence.

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 when necessary.

Can I still 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 Manhattan Matters

Motorcycle accident cases benefit from familiarity with Manhattan’s traffic patterns, accident-prone roads, and construction zones. Understanding crashes on FDR Drive, along Broadway, or near Times Square helps build stronger, fact-based claims.

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

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Manhattan, clear guidance and local experience matter. Motorcycle crashes often involve severe 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 intended to help individuals searching for a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Manhattan understand their options, learn what steps to take next, and find trusted legal support after a serious motorcycle accident.