Syracuse Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Motorcycle accidents are among the most devastating types of vehicle collisions, and unfortunately, they are not uncommon on the streets of Syracuse. Heavily trafficked roads such as Erie Boulevard, South Salina Street, and Interstate 690 often see dense traffic and high speeds, making them hotspots for serious motorcycle crashes. In particular, intersections like those at Butternut Street and North State Street or Grant Boulevard and James Street present heightened dangers due to limited visibility and inattentive drivers. Motorcyclists, who already face greater risks due to the lack of protection offered by their vehicles, are particularly vulnerable on these roads, and when a collision occurs, the consequences can be life-altering. If you were injured in a Syracuse motorcycle accident, you may be owed damages, and you should talk to an attorney about your rights. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers, our seasoned Syracuse motorcycle accident attorneys possess the skills and knowledge needed to help people hurt in collisions obtain justice, and if we represent you, we will fight tirelessly on your behalf. We regularly advocate for injured motorcyclists in Syracuse and throughout Upstate New York.

Following a motorcycle accident in Syracuse, one of the first steps an injured rider should take is to obtain a copy of the official police report. This document contains critical information, such as the location of the crash, names of involved parties, witness statements, and the officer’s preliminary assessment of fault. 

In Syracuse, police reports for traffic accidents are typically prepared by the Syracuse Police Department or the New York State Police, depending on the location of the crash. To request a report, individuals can contact the Records Division of the Syracuse Police Department in person at 511 South State Street or visit their website to access the request form. Reports may also be available through the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles online portal. Having a copy of the police report is vital when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action, as it serves as an early record of the facts and may support a finding of liability.

Although motorcyclists often take great care to operate their bikes safely, they remain at the mercy of other drivers. Many accidents are caused by motor vehicle operators who fail to notice motorcycles in traffic or misjudge their speed. Common scenarios include drivers turning left at intersections without yielding, merging into occupied lanes, running red lights, or tailgating motorcycles. 

Because motorcycles lack the protective structures of enclosed vehicles, riders often sustain severe trauma, even in low-speed crashes. Injuries may include head and brain trauma, spinal cord injuries, multiple fractures, internal bleeding, road rash, and nerve damage. The physical recovery process can be long and painful, often requiring surgery, extensive rehabilitation, and lifelong care. In addition to physical suffering, many riders experience emotional distress and financial hardship from being unable to return to work or resume daily activities. Knowledgeable Syracuse motorcycle accident attorneys can ensure that these short- and long-term consequences are thoroughly accounted for in an injured party’s claim for compensation.

Under New York law, injured motorcyclists are not covered by the state’s no-fault insurance system, which typically applies to occupants of passenger vehicles. This means that injured riders have the right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver regardless of the severity of their injuries. This distinction provides greater access to compensation but also requires the injured party to prove that the other driver’s negligence caused the crash.

A plaintiff in a successful motorcycle accident lawsuit typically must establish that the defendant driver owed a duty of care to others on the road, breached that duty through negligent or reckless behavior, and directly caused the plaintiff’s injuries. Skilled Syracuse motorcycle accident attorneys will gather critical evidence such as eyewitness accounts, surveillance footage, accident reconstruction analyses, and medical reports to establish liability and damages.

Compensation available for people hurt in motorcycle accidents may include damages for the financial losses suffered, such as past and future medical expenses, lost income, and diminished earning capacity. It may include damages for intangible harm as well, like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving permanent disability or disfigurement, these damages can be significant. 

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Syracuse or anywhere in Upstate New York, you deserve an advocate who understands the unique challenges motorcyclists face. The experienced Syracuse motorcycle accident attorneys at DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers have a long-standing record of success representing riders and their families in complex personal injury cases, and if you retain our services, we will zealously pursue the maximum compensation available for your injuries, pain, and financial losses. Our main office is in Syracuse, and we serve clients in Syracuse, Rochester, and throughout Upstate New York. To schedule a free and confidential consultation, contact us online or call 833-200-2000.