Rochester Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Motorcycle accidents can occur in an instant but leave lasting consequences. In Rochester, high-traffic thoroughfares like West Ridge Road, East Main Street, and the Inner Loop are common sites of motorcycle collisions due to congestion, frequent lane changes, and distracted driving. Accidents also occur along the Lake Avenue corridor and at intersections near Monroe Avenue, where visibility issues and driver inattention often lead to devastating outcomes. For motorcyclists, even a seemingly minor crash can result in catastrophic injuries due to the lack of structural protection on a bike. When another driver’s negligence causes such harm, victims have the legal right to pursue compensation. If you were hurt in a motorcycle collision, the seasoned Rochester motorcycle accident attorneys at DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers can advise you of your options and help you to seek the damages needed to move forward with your life. We regularly represent people hurt in motorcycle accidents in lawsuits in Rochester, Syracuse, and Upstate New York. 

One of the most important documents following a motorcycle accident is the official police report, which contains the responding officer’s observations, witness statements, and an initial assessment of fault. In Rochester, police reports for traffic accidents are typically created by the Rochester Police Department or the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, depending on the jurisdiction. 

To obtain a copy, individuals can visit the Records Unit of the Rochester Police Department located at the City Public Safety Building on Exchange Boulevard or submit a request online through the city’s official website. Reports may also be available through the New York State DMV’s crash report portal. A police report can play a crucial role in substantiating claims for compensation, especially when insurance companies or opposing parties dispute liability.

Motorcycle accidents in Rochester are frequently the result of careless or inattentive driving by those in larger vehicles. One of the most dangerous scenarios involves drivers who fail to yield to motorcycles while turning left at intersections. Other common causes include failure to check blind spots during lane changes, running red lights, excessive speeding, and distracted driving. These negligent actions are particularly hazardous in urban areas where traffic is dense and maneuvering space is limited.

The physical consequences of a motorcycle crash can be severe and often life-changing. Riders may suffer from traumatic brain injuries, crushed limbs, spinal cord damage, or extensive lacerations and burns from contact with the road. Recovery may require multiple surgeries, long-term rehabilitation, and ongoing pain management. In addition to the physical toll, victims frequently experience emotional trauma, financial strain from medical bills, and the inability to return to work. In lawsuits arising from such collisions, knowledgeable Rochester motorcycle accident attorneys can help ensure that every aspect of the victims’ harm is considered when seeking compensation.

Unlike drivers of passenger vehicles, motorcyclists in New York are not subject to the state's no-fault insurance rules. This means that injured riders can immediately bring a claim against an at-fault driver without needing to prove that they sustained a “serious injury” under the no-fault threshold. However, this also places the burden on the injured party to establish liability and damages through a traditional negligence claim.

To succeed in a motorcycle accident lawsuit, the plaintiff must show that the defendant owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused the accident and resulting injuries. This typically involves collecting and analyzing evidence such as traffic camera footage, black box data from vehicles, accident reconstruction reports, and medical documentation. Testimony from eyewitnesses and expert witnesses, including medical professionals and vocational experts, can be critical to demonstrating the scope of injuries and long-term losses.

Damages available in a Rochester motorcycle accident case may include compensation for emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, ongoing medical care lost wages, and loss of earning capacity. It may also include compensation for harm that is not easily quantified, like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Motorcycle accident claims are often met with skepticism by insurance companies that unfairly stereotype riders as reckless or at fault. Insurance adjusters may attempt to downplay injuries or offer quick, inadequate settlements before the full extent of the harm is known. Seasoned Rochester motorcycle accident attorneys understand how to counter these tactics by building a well-documented, strategic case. From the initial investigation through negotiations and, if necessary, trial, experienced legal counsel ensures that injured riders are treated fairly and receive the compensation they are entitled to.

If you or a loved one were hurt in a motorcycle crash in Rochester or the surrounding region, you deserve a legal team that understands both the law and the unique challenges riders face. The assertive Rochester motorcycle accident attorneys at DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers understand the devastating impact collisions can have, and if we represent you, we will craft compelling arguments on your behalf to provide you with a strong chance of prevailing. Our primary office is in Syracuse, and we proudly serve clients in Rochester, Syracuse, and communities throughout Upstate New York. To schedule a free and confidential consultation, contact us online or call 833-200-2000.