The neighborhood of Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn is home to over 158,000 residents. Some of this population enjoys, or relies on motorcycles as transportation. Riding a motorcycle has its advantages, such as ease of navigating heavy traffic areas, and the freedom of feeling the wind on your face. However, because of this kind of freedom, and lack of protection it contains, motorcycle riders are at risk of much more serious injury when involved in an accident. Collisions can result in multiple broken bones, brain injuries, as well as spinal damage such as paralysis, all of which require significant recovery efforts and the costs associated with that recovery. Bedford Stuyvesant motorcycle accident attorney Michael J. Redenburg helps victims who have suffered catastrophic injuries recover the compensation they need, and are entitled to, from those liable for causing their harm. Mr. Redenburg is committed to making sure victims of, or families who have lost loved ones in, a devastating motorcycle crash know their legal rights. If you have questions regarding your legal options in the aftermath of a BedStuy motorcycle accident, call our office at (212) 240-9465 or contact us online today to speak with an attorney.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Bedford Stuyvesant
Each year there are thousands of motorcycle accidents in New York City. Too many of these accidents result in fatalities for motorcyclists. In 2020, the average age of motorcycle accident fatalities was 43 years old. With 55 percent of residents of Bedford Stuyvesant being between the ages of 25 and 64, this demographic is higher than other areas. Busy streets such as Marcus Garvey Boulevard, Bedford Avenue, Nostrand Avenue, Stuyvesant Avenue, and Fulton Street can all be areas where motorcycle collisions occur. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle collision anywhere throughout Bedford Stuyvesant, contacting a knowledgeable injury attorney is advisable as soon as possible to explore your legal options.
Many factors can contribute to causing a motorcycle collision. However, more often than not, it is another motorist or driver’s careless actions that lead to these accidents. Drivers will fail to yield the right of way to motorcyclists or tailgate them on the road. Drivers distracted by cell phones or navigation devices can also result in injuries in motorcycle accidents. Speeding is a leading cause of these crashes as well. Under New York’s Insurance Law, motorcycles are not included within the definition of a “motor vehicle.” As such, they do not have to follow the state’s no-fault rule, requiring them to file a claim with their own insurance company in the event of an accident. Instead, motorcycle accident victims may pursue legal action against any party who has acted negligently in causing their injuries.
Liability for BedStuy Motorcycle Accidents
If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one due to a motorcycle crash, a seasoned Bedford Stuyvesant motorcycle accident lawyer can help you file a personal injury or wrongful death claim against the at-fault parties. In these cases, negligence must be shown. A defendant is negligent when they breach a duty of reasonable care owed to the victim, which causes the victim’s injury or death, and results in damages. Evidence must be presented to establish each element of negligence. For instance, injuries can be shown by producing medical records and other documentation. Causation often requires accident reconstruction to show what happened and what parties did what. Police reports are also vital in showing who is at fault for causing an accident. In Bedford Stuyvesant, either the 79th or 81st Precinct of the New York Police Department (NYPD) is responsible for investigating a motorcycle accident, depending on where it took place. Copies of these reports can be obtained from their headquarters. The 79th Precinct is located at 263 Tompkins Avenue, and serves the area west of Marcus Garvey Blvd, while the 81ST Precinct is located at 30 Ralph Avenue, and serves the area east of Marcus Garvey Blvd.
Once negligence is shown, victims of motorcycle accidents may be awarded compensation for past and future medical costs, loss of income, diminished earning capacity, as well as pain and suffering. In fatal collisions, certain relatives may be entitled to damages in the form of any outstanding medical bills, burial or funeral expenses, as well as loss of support. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in New York is three years, while wrongful death suits must be filed within two years of a victim’s death.
Motorcycle Accident Attorney in BedStuy
If you need legal assistance with legal action arising out of a motorcycle collision, Bedford Stuyvesant motorcycle accident lawyer Michael J. Redenburg is here to help. Mr. Redenburg provides compassionate and comprehensive legal representation to clients throughout Brooklyn and elsewhere in New York City. It is our goal to make sure you are secure knowing your legal rights are being adamantly advocated for while you focus on your recovery. Contact our office today at (212) 240-9465 or online to learn more about your legal options.