Motorcycle accident injuries frequently cause long-term or permanent disabilities. If you’ve been severely injured in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else, it’s hard to know what to do next. A long-term or permanent disability can impact many facets of your life. They cause not only physical pain and emotional distress but also financial turmoil and an inability to enjoy your favorite activities. In these situations, you need an attorney who will aggressively fight for your rights and recover fair compensation for your injuries. Look no further than Harris Keenan & Goldfarb, a New York motorcycle accident firm with more than 25 years of experience.
Our record of winning compensation
Our team of lawyers, paralegals, investigators, medical professionals, and expert witnesses will work hard to maximize your compensation. We have a proven track record of going after the full value in each case rather than settling early, and we go to trial more often than our competitors. Our reputation for excellence, ethics, and compassion has earned us the respect of clients and the legal community throughout New York and the surrounding counties.
We understand that your priority is to resume your everyday life as quickly as possible, and we’re ready to meet you at your earliest convenience. Contact Harris Keenan & Goldfarb today for an initial consultation, and let us fight for your rights.
Compensation for a Long-Term or Permanent Disability from a New York Motorcycle Accident
If you sustained a long-term or permanent disability in a motorcycle crash, you have several options for recovering compensation. Your options may include:
Insurance Claim
If you have motorcycle insurance, your policy may cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses resulting from the accident. Check the details of your policy to verify your coverage. However, insurance companies are in the business of making a profit, and they may try to minimize the amount of compensation they pay to their policyholders.
Another complicating factor in New York motorcycle accident cases is that the state’s no-fault insurance laws don’t apply to motorcycles. Since the no-fault law doesn’t apply to motorcycles, you must file a claim against the other driver in the crash and secure a settlement from them or win your case at trial to recover compensation from the other driver’s insurer.
Our attorneys have extensive experience dealing with insurance companies, and we know how to negotiate effectively for the maximum compensation our clients deserve. We can review your policy and the accident details to determine the coverage available to you. We will then work with the insurance company to negotiate a settlement that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses resulting from the accident. If necessary, we will take your case to court to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Disability Benefits
If you have suffered a long-term or permanent disability due to a motorcycle accident, you might be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. The federal government provides these benefits, which can help cover your living expenses and medical costs. However, eligibility requirements and available benefits depend on your particular circumstances.
To qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s) definition of disability, which generally means your disability must be terminal, have already lasted for 12 months, or is expected to last at least 12 months. There are also two kinds of Social Security disability benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI benefits are tied to your work history, and you have to earn enough work credits to qualify for the program. SSI benefits are need-based and are available to anyone who is disabled and meets the program’s income limitations.
It’s crucial to work with an attorney to obtain Social Security disability benefits. Research shows that the SSA only approves about 20 percent of claims after the initial application and only 29 percent of claims overall, once you include claims approved after an appeal. Our attorneys can help you navigate the complex process of applying for disability benefits and ensure you receive the maximum compensation available. We will work with you to gather the necessary documentation and submit a strong application on your behalf. If the SSA denies your application, we will appeal the decision and fight for your rights in court.
Personal Injury Lawsuit
If a negligent driver or other party causes a motorcycle accident, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries. Typically, someone injured in a motor vehicle crash must prove they sustained a “serious injury” to pursue a lawsuit in New York. State law defines serious injuries as:
- Bone fractures
- Significant disfigurement
- Dismemberment
- Permanent limitation of a body organ
- Permanent limitation of a body function or system
- A full disability that lasts for at least 90 days
However, just like New York’s no-fault laws don’t cover motorcycles, injured riders don’t need to prove they sustained a serious injury to file a lawsuit. Eliminating this requirement makes it much easier for injured motorcycle riders to recover compensation since they typically can’t take advantage of no-fault insurance coverage.
Our attorneys have the experience and knowledge necessary to build a strong case on your behalf and fight for the compensation you deserve. We will investigate the details of your accident and gather evidence to prove that the other party was at fault. This may involve obtaining witness statements, reviewing police reports, and consulting accident reconstruction experts. We will also work with your medical providers to understand the extent of your injuries and their long-term impact on your life so we can present a compelling case for the compensation you need.
Our New York Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Will Protect Your Rights
We understand that the legal process can be daunting, especially when you are dealing with a long-term or permanent disability. That’s why we will be with you every step of the way, providing guidance and support to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your claim. We will negotiate with the other party’s insurance company to reach a fair settlement, and if necessary, we will take your case to court to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Still have questions about New York motorcycle accident cases? Call us today or visit our contact page for a consultation.
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