A ride along Hylan Boulevard or a commute across the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge shouldn’t end at Staten Island University Hospital. But for riders on the Island, one driver’s “looked-but-failed-to-see” error at a busy intersection like New Dorp Lane or Richmond Avenue can change everything in an instant.
The Hard Truth for Staten Island Riders
Unlike car drivers, motorcyclists in New York are generally excluded from No-Fault insurance benefits. This means your own insurance won’t automatically pay for your medical bills or lost wages. You are on your own unless you hold the negligent driver accountable.
At Michael J. Redenburg, Esq. P.C., we don’t just “handle cases”—we protect the Staten Island riding community. For over 15 years, Attorney Michael Redenburg has secured multiple six-figure settlements for riders facing catastrophic injuries.
You will never be passed off to a case manager or assistant. When you call, you speak directly with Michael Redenburg—a trial-tested attorney who knows the Richmond County courts and exactly how to beat the insurance companies at their own game.
Staten Island’s Most Dangerous Roads for Motorcyclists
Motorcycle crashes on Staten Island are alarmingly common due to dense traffic and aging infrastructure. According to NYPD and NYC DOT data, dozens of riders are injured here every year—many requiring emergency transport to Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH) or Richmond University Medical Center.
While a crash can happen anywhere, our firm has identified five “danger zones” where Staten Island riders are most at risk:
- The Staten Island Expressway (SIE) at Fingerboard Rd: The stop-and-go traffic near the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge creates a “blind spot nightmare” for riders during evening rush hour.
- Hylan Boulevard & New Dorp Lane: Known for high-speed traffic and dangerous left turns, this intersection is a frequent site of “looked-but-failed-to-see” collisions.
- Richmond Avenue & Victory Boulevard: The borough’s compact design and heavy commercial traffic leave zero margin for error when drivers switch lanes without signaling.
- The West Shore Expressway (near Goethals Bridge): High-speed trucking traffic and road debris make this stretch particularly treacherous for two-wheeled vehicles.
- Bay Street (St. George Area): Between the Staten Island Ferry traffic and poorly timed signals, visibility is often compromised for riders navigating the North Shore.
Recent Staten Island Motorcycle Accident Trends (2024–2025)
Despite citywide initiatives, Staten Island remains a high-risk borough for riders. While other boroughs saw declines in 2025, Staten Island traffic fatalities remained flat (roughly 12–13 per year), proving that our local roads are not becoming safer for motorcyclists at the same rate as the rest of the city.
Recent Reported Incidents on the Island:
- June 2025: A 35-year-old rider was left in critical condition following a violent collision on the Staten Island Expressway during the morning commute.
- November 2024: A 34-year-old motorcyclist was hospitalized after a crash at the intersection of Hylan Boulevard and Reid Avenue.
- July 2024: A tragic left-turn collision at Hylan Boulevard and Dongan Hills Avenue claimed the life of a 31-year-old rider after he was struck by a minivan.
The Data Says: According to NYPD and DOT reports, driver inattention and failure to yield the right-of-way remain the top causes of crashes on the Island. If you were injured in a similar scenario, you aren’t just a statistic—you have a right to hold the distracted driver accountable.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Most motorcycle collisions stem from preventable mistakes. Whether it’s a distracted motorist checking a phone or a city agency neglecting to fix a dangerous pothole, negligence plays a central role in nearly every crash.
In Staten Island, several recurring factors contribute to serious motorcycle injuries, including reckless driving, poor maintenance, and driver inattention at intersections. Below are some of the most frequent causes our firm encounters when investigating local cases.
Staten Island’s High-Risk Corridors for Riders
We know where these accidents happen because we’ve seen the reports and litigated the cases. Staten Island presents unique dangers that require a local understanding of traffic patterns:
- The Verrazzano-Narrows Merge: Distracted commuters merging onto the Staten Island Expressway often fail to check blind spots for smaller profiles like motorcycles.
- The Hylan Boulevard “Left-Turn” Trap: Drivers trying to beat the light at busy intersections like New Dorp Lane or Richmond Ave frequently turn directly into the path of oncoming riders.
- The West Shore “Speed Zone”: Heavy trucking traffic near the Goethals Bridge creates wind turbulence and debris-filled lanes that can be fatal for bikers.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Speeding shortens reaction time and amplifies impact. Aggressive drivers who tailgate or weave through lanes on Richmond Avenue or the West Shore Expressway leave riders no room to escape. Excessive speed remains one of the strongest predictors of fatal motorcycle crashes in New York City.
Dooring and Sideswipe Accidents
In dense neighborhoods like St. George or Tottenville, a driver opening a door into traffic can knock a passing motorcyclist to the ground instantly. Dooring incidents cause numerous fractured legs, wrist injuries, and concussions each year, and are entirely preventable with reasonable care.
The Staten Island Biker’s Disadvantage: Why “No-Fault” Doesn’t Apply to You
Most Staten Island drivers assume that if they are injured, “No-Fault” insurance will automatically cover their medical bills and lost wages. This is a dangerous misconception for motorcyclists.
In New York, motorcycles are generally excluded from No-Fault benefits. This means:
- Your medical bills are not automatically paid by your own insurance.
- You do not receive the standard $50,000 in personal injury protection.
- You may be personally responsible for hospital costs at SIUH or Richmond University Medical Center unless you take immediate legal action.
Because you are “outside” the No-Fault system, you have the right to sue for “pain and suffering” without meeting the “serious injury” threshold required of car drivers—but you must act fast to secure your recovery.
Common Injuries in Staten Island Motorcycle Crashes
The aftermath of a motorcycle crash often involves months of rehabilitation and emotional distress. Even with proper gear, riders are exposed to direct impact, sliding asphalt, and secondary collisions with other vehicles. These injuries can permanently change a person’s ability to work, walk, or live independently.
Recovery is only part of the challenge. Many riders experience lingering anxiety or depression that makes returning to the road difficult. Insurance companies rarely acknowledge these invisible injuries, which is why comprehensive legal representation matters. We work closely with medical professionals, vocational experts, and economists to capture the full extent of harm.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions
- Spinal cord damage or paralysis
- Multiple fractures and shattered bones
- Severe road rash and nerve damage
- Internal bleeding and organ trauma
- Facial disfigurement or loss of mobility
Each of these injuries carries long-term costs, from surgeries to lifelong care, that must be reflected in any settlement or verdict.
Determining Liability in a Motorcycle Accident
Liability in motorcycle crashes can involve several parties, and proving fault requires a careful investigation. Under New York’s comparative negligence law, you can still recover damages even if you share partial responsibility, though your compensation may be reduced according to your percentage of fault.
Attorney Michael Redenburg builds every case from the ground up, obtaining police reports, traffic-camera footage, and witness statements to uncover the truth behind each crash. His approach has led to outstanding results, including a $900,000 settlement for a Brooklyn e-bike rider struck by a Hummer and a $510,000 recovery for a Suffolk County client injured by a truck. These outcomes reflect his persistence in proving liability, even in complex cases.
Potentially responsible parties may include:
- Negligent or distracted motorists
- Employers of commercial drivers involved in crashes
- Construction companies are leaving debris or unsafe detours
- Manufacturers of defective tires, brakes, or helmets
- City agencies that fail to maintain safe road conditions
Every successful claim begins with identifying all responsible entities,an essential step in maximizing recovery.
Don’t Let “Partial Fault” Stop You From Seeking Justice
A common myth is that if you were speeding or lane-splitting, you cannot recover money. New York follows Comparative Negligence rules. Even if you were partially responsible, you can still collect a significant settlement.
| Total Value of Case | Your Percentage of Fault | Your Final Recovery |
| $500,000 | 0% (Other driver’s total fault) | $500,000 |
| $500,000 | 10% (You were slightly speeding) | $450,000 |
| $500,000 | 25% (Failure to signal) | $375,000 |
What Compensation Covers
The financial impact of a motorcycle crash extends far beyond hospital bills. Victims often lose months of income, face ongoing rehabilitation, and must adjust to a new physical reality. Compensation is meant to restore what has been lost and provide stability for the future.
Our firm carefully evaluates both economic and non-economic damages, just as we do in serious slip and fall cases, to ensure no loss goes uncounted. Attorney Redenburg works directly with clients to project future medical needs and quantify the total impact of their injuries.
You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning potential
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Property damage to your motorcycle or gear
- Long-term rehabilitation or home modifications
- Loss of consortium or enjoyment of life
Insurance companies often undervalue motorcycle claims due to misconceptions that riders take unnecessary risks. We challenge those biases with evidence, expert testimony, and a record of proven results.
Why Choose Michael J. Redenburg, Esq. P.C.
When your health and livelihood are at stake, experience matters. Attorney Michael Redenburg has spent his career protecting the rights of injury victims across New York City. He has been recognized as a SuperLawyers NY Metro Rising Star (2014–2017) and named among the Top 40 Under 40 by both The National Trial Lawyers and the American Society of Legal Advocates.
What truly sets the firm apart is its personal attention. From your first consultation to your final settlement, you work directly with Attorney Redenburg, not a case manager or paralegal. He knows the Staten Island Supreme Court system, local judges, and opposing counsel, allowing him to anticipate tactics and negotiate from a position of strength.
Over the years, the firm has achieved numerous six-figure settlements and verdicts in complex motor-vehicle cases across the five boroughs. Each result represents more than just financial recovery; it’s a chance for clients to rebuild their lives with dignity and security.
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident
The moments after a motorcycle crash are chaotic, but what you do next can shape your recovery. Acting quickly protects both your health and your legal rights. Many clients initially feel “fine” after a collision, only to discover serious internal injuries later. Always treat every accident as potentially serious.
After ensuring safety, follow a calm and deliberate plan. These actions preserve critical evidence and lay the groundwork for a successful claim.
Here’s what to do after a motorcycle crash in Staten Island:
- Seek emergency medical attention. Visit Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH) or the nearest trauma center, even if injuries seem minor.
- Call 911 and report the crash. Police from the 120th–123rd Precincts will file an official report vital for proving liability.
- Document everything. Photograph vehicles, road conditions, and visible injuries.
- Collect contact details. Obtain information from drivers and witnesses at the scene.
- Avoid recorded statements to insurers until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
- Contact a Staten Island motorcycle accident lawyer immediately to begin your claim investigation.
These steps may seem simple, but they can be the difference between a strong case and an insurer’s attempt to dismiss. If you’re unsure what to do next, contact us today to speak directly with an attorney.
⚠️ Warning: The 90-Day Deadline for Staten Island Bridge Accidents
If your accident involved a city bus, a government vehicle, or occurred due to poor road maintenance on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge (MTA), you do not have three years to act. You may have as little as 90 days to file a “Notice of Claim.” If you miss this window, you lose your right to sue forever. We recommend calling an attorney the moment you are medically stable to ensure no deadlines are missed.
Why Local Representation Matters
Each New York City borough has its own personality and pace, and Staten Island is no exception. Its courts, insurers, and juries operate differently from those in Manhattan or Brooklyn. Hiring a lawyer familiar with these local dynamics can directly affect how your case is presented and resolved.
Attorney Michael Redenburg has represented clients in the Staten Island Supreme Court and throughout the five boroughs. His understanding of local traffic patterns, accident data, and court procedures allows him to build persuasive cases grounded in regional facts.
Local representation also means accessibility. You can reach your attorney easily, get timely updates, and speak directly with the person handling your case. This proximity builds trust, an essential ingredient when rebuilding after a serious motorcycle accident.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim on Staten Island?
Generally, you have three years from the date of the accident. However, if your accident involved a city bus, a DOT vehicle, or occurred on a bridge (like the Verrazzano or Goethals), you must file a “Notice of Claim” within 90 days. Staten Island riders often miss this crucial deadline because they assume the three-year rule always applies. We recommend calling us immediately to preserve your rights.
2. Can I still recover money if I wasn’t wearing a helmet at the time of the crash?
Yes. While New York law requires helmets, not wearing one does not automatically disqualify you from a settlement. Under Comparative Negligence, you can still recover damages for your injuries. The insurance company will try to use your lack of a helmet to lower your payout—we are here to fight back and ensure you are treated fairly regardless of your gear.
3. What if I was lane-splitting or the insurance company says I was speeding?
On Staten Island, insurance adjusters often have a bias against motorcyclists, assuming we are “reckless.” Even if you were lane-splitting or slightly over the speed limit, you are still entitled to compensation if the other driver was also negligent (such as making an illegal left turn on Hylan Blvd). We use accident reconstruction experts to prove the other driver’s fault and maximize your check.
4. I have “No-Fault” insurance on my car; will it cover my motorcycle crash?
No. This is a common trap. Your car’s No-Fault policy does not cover you while you are on a motorcycle. Because motorcyclists are excluded from the New York No-Fault system, you won’t get automatic payments for medical bills or lost wages. This is why a personal injury lawsuit is often the only way to get your bills paid and recover for your pain and suffering.
Schedule a Free Consultation
Recovering from a motorcycle accident is about more than medical care; it’s about restoring stability and peace of mind. The process can feel overwhelming: doctor visits, vehicle repairs, time off work, and uncooperative insurers. You don’t have to face it alone.
At Michael J. Redenburg, Esq. P.C., we handle every aspect of your claim so you can focus on healing. Consultations are free and confidential, and you pay no fees unless we win compensation on your behalf. Michael Redenburg reviews every case, explains your options, and helps you make informed decisions.
If you or someone you love was injured in a motorcycle accident on Staten Island, call today or reach out through our contact page. We’ll listen to your story, investigate the facts, and fight for the justice you deserve. When the road ahead feels uncertain, we’re here to guide you, one step at a time.