Motorcycle Accident Lawyer New York, NY
A motorcycle accident can change your life in an instant — severe fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and long rehabilitation periods are common outcomes when a motorcyclist is struck by a larger vehicle. In New York City’s congested streets and busy expressways like the FDR Drive, West Side Highway, and the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, the margin for error is slim. After a crash, you may be facing medical bills, lost income, and an uphill battle with insurance carriers. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Concentrates its personal injury practice on helping injured riders recover fair compensation. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997, leads a team of Of Counsel who bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. We represent clients throughout New York’s five boroughs — Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island — as well as Nassau and Suffolk counties. For a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
What Motorcycle Accident Cases Mean in New York, NY
New York applies a pure comparative fault rule to personal injury claims. Under N.Y. C.P.L.R. Article 14‑A, your compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault you bear — but you can still recover even if you were partly at fault. Motorcycle riders must also understand a critical distinction in New York insurance law: unlike car occupants, an injured motorcyclist is not subject to the “serious injury” threshold of Insurance Law § 5102 because motorcycles are excluded from the state’s no‑fault coverage system. This means a motorcyclist can pursue a claim for pain and suffering without proving a particular degree of injury, a significant advantage when compared to auto‑accident claimants.
Civil injury claims arising from motorcycle crashes in New York City are typically filed in the Supreme Court of the appropriate county: New York County for Manhattan, Kings County for Brooklyn, Queens County, Richmond County for Staten Island, or Bronx County. Each courthouse has its own docket pace; for instance, the Supreme Court at 60 Centre Street in Manhattan handles a high volume of cases, while the Brooklyn Supreme Court at 360 Adams Street serves the most populous borough. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Appears in all five boroughs and in neighboring counties. Our attorneys are familiar with the local procedural nuances, from filing a summons and complaint to exchanging discovery and moving a case toward trial, and we leverage that knowledge to advance your claim.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Motorcycle Accident Cases
A motorcycle collision often requires rapid evidence preservation: scene photographs, witness statements, police reports, and the physical condition of both the motorcycle and the other vehicle. Our team coordinates with accident reconstruction attorneys to establish how the crash occurred — whether it involved a left‑turn violation, lane‑change error, rear‑end impact, or a vehicle striking a rider from behind in stop‑and‑go traffic. We also collect your medical records and work with treating physicians to document the scope and permanence of your injuries.
In New York, a personal injury lawsuit must be filed within three years under N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214(5). The timeline from filing to resolution depends on the complexity of the case and the court’s calendar. Our approach is to prepare each case for trial while simultaneously negotiating with insurers, so that you have the option of accepting a fair settlement or proceeding to a jury. Throughout the process, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel provide direct guidance and keep you informed of developments. We handle matters on a contingency‑fee basis; you pay no legal fees unless we obtain a recovery.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., brings the perspective of a former prosecutor to the firm’s personal injury practice. He understands how opposing counsel and insurance adjusters evaluate liability and damages, and he uses that insight to build a persuasive case on behalf of injured motorcyclists. Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, he has practiced since 1997. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
Mr. Sris is supported by a team of Of Counsel who concentrate in personal injury litigation. The collective experience of the team exceeds 120 years and includes 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. spanning investigation, negotiation, and trial advocacy. The firm’s structure — with no associates or partners — means that every matter receives attention from seasoned attorneys who are equipped to handle complex claims. Our New York location is available to serve you. To schedule a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do after a motorcycle accident in New York?
Seek medical attention immediately, even if you think your injuries are minor. Report the crash to the police and obtain a copy of the accident report. If you are able, take photographs of the scene, your motorcycle, and any visible injuries. Do not discuss fault with the other driver or the insurance representative. Then contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 — the sooner we can begin preserving evidence, the stronger your claim will be.
How does New York’s comparative fault rule affect my motorcycle accident claim?
New York follows a pure comparative fault rule: your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you may still recover even if you were more than 50 percent at fault. For a motorcyclist, that means even if an insurer argues you contributed to the accident — through speeding, lane-splitting, or another action — you can still pursue compensation for the other party’s share of responsibility. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to maximize the portion of damages attributed to the responsible party.
Does New York’s no‑fault insurance cover my medical bills after a motorcycle crash?
Motorcycles are excluded from New York’s no‑fault insurance system. Unlike car drivers and passengers, an injured motorcyclist must rely on his or her own health insurance, private disability coverage, or a liability claim against the at‑fault driver to recover medical expenses and lost wages. Because there is no no‑fault cap on pain‑and‑suffering damages, a motorcyclist can directly pursue full compensation against the liable party. We help you identify all available sources of recovery.
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in New York?
Under N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214(5), you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For a wrongful death claim, the period is two years from the date of death under N.Y. E.P.T.L. § 5‑4.1. If a government entity is involved — such as a municipal bus or a city‑owned vehicle — a notice of claim must be served within 90 days. Prompt consultation with an attorney is essential to protect your rights.
What damages can I recover in a New York motorcycle accident case?
A prevailing plaintiff may recover economic damages (medical bills, rehabilitation, lost earnings, future care costs) and non‑economic damages (pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life). New York imposes no statutory cap on compensatory damages in personal injury cases. In a wrongful death action, the representative of the decedent’s estate may seek compensation for the survivors’ pecuniary loss; New York does not currently permit recovery for grief or emotional loss in wrongful death actions, though legislative proposals on that issue are pending.
Why should I work with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. on my motorcycle injury claim?
Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997 and is admitted in five jurisdictions, including New York. He and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented firm-wide results to personal injury litigation. Results may vary. The firm operates on a contingency‑fee basis, so you pay no legal fees unless we obtain a recovery. Our team handles the investigation, the insurance negotiations, and, when necessary, trial preparation — so you can focus on recovery. To discuss your case, call (888) 437-7747.
Also serving:
New York County (Manhattan) Personal Injury Lawyer ·
Kings County (Brooklyn) Personal Injury Lawyer ·
Queens County Personal Injury Lawyer ·
Richmond County (Staten Island) Personal Injury Lawyer ·
Bronx County Personal Injury Lawyer
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented firm-wide results; prior outcomes do not guarantee a similar result