Hit by a Drunk Driver While Riding Across New York? 

Here’s What to Do After

A drunk driver hitting you while you’re on your motorcycle doesn’t just mess up your bike. It disrupts your life in ways you didn’t ask for. No warning. No control. Just impact and chaos.

Motorcyclists, unlike drivers in cars or trucks, don’t have steel frames or airbags to protect them. It’s your body taking the hit. And if alcohol was involved, the stakes get even higher. The physical injuries? Brutal. The financial toll? Huge. The emotional aftermath? It lingers.

Our motorcycle accident attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP, have helped injured riders all over New York who are dealing with the fallout of DUI-related motorcycle crashes. Our team knows how devastating these wrecks are, and how to pursue real results. 

If you’re in pain, dealing with medical bills, or unsure what to do next, our trusted personal injury law firm is here to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

You Can File a Personal Injury Claim For:

• Medical bills now and later. Motorcycle accidents often leave you dealing with emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, prescriptions, and long-term care. You can pursue compensation for every expense tied to the crash, including future treatments your recovery might require.
• Income lost because of the crash. If you had to miss work or can’t return to your job because of your injuries, you can claim those losses. A motorcycle injury law firm can calculate both current and future income impact to make sure you’re fully covered.
• The physical and emotional toll. Injuries affect more than your body. You may be struggling with chronic pain, anxiety, or trauma after the crash. That suffering counts and you can include it in your claim.
• Long-term physical changes.  If the accident left you with permanent damage like scarring, disability, spinal damage, or mobility loss, you can seek additional compensation. These effects impact your daily life, your independence, and your mental health.
• Lifestyle loss. If you can’t ride anymore, hike, work out, or enjoy life the way you did before the crash, that’s a real loss and it can be included in your motorcycle wreck compensation claim.

What Evidence Helps Strengthen a Motorcycle DUI Case?

• Police reports. An officer’s observations, like slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, or open containers, can confirm the other driver was under the influence. A driving while intoxicated citation or arrest strengthens your claim significantly.
• Chemical test results. A blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is legally intoxicated in New York. Test results (or a refusal to test) are key pieces of documentation in drunk driving cases.
• Witness statements. Bystanders or other drivers may have seen erratic behavior before the crash. These accounts can validate your version of what happened.
• Visual documentation. Photos of the crash site, your injuries, damage to your motorcycle, and anything unusual, like a visible beer bottle, are extremely useful. Footage from traffic cameras or nearby businesses can also be secured by a legal team offering motorbike crash legal representation.
• Medical records. Treatment documentation provides a clear record of your injuries. From ER evaluations to follow-up care and rehab logs, this paperwork connects your physical condition directly to the crash.

Ways the Drunk Driver May Be Held Financially Responsible

• Auto insurance coverage. In New York, drivers must carry at least $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage. Unfortunately, that amount rarely covers serious injuries, but it’s the first source of compensation.
• Third-party liability under dram shop laws. If a bar, club, or restaurant served the driver while they were visibly drunk, that business might share legal responsibility under New York’s Dram Shop Law (General Obligations Law Section 11-101). This opens the door to additional compensation.
• Personal financial liability. If the drunk driver has assets like real estate, savings, or a steady income, those can be pursued through a judgment in civil court. A lien or wage garnishment may apply.
• Your own insurance policy. If the other driver was uninsured or carried too little coverage, your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) protection may fill in the gaps. Many motorcyclists carry this as a safety net. You’ll want to speak with an experienced lawyer to review your coverage and identify every available path to recovery.

Timing Matters in New York Motorcycle Accident Cases

Under state law, you typically have three years to file a personal injury claim. That countdown starts on the date of the accident. 

While it may sound like a long time, evidence can disappear quickly. Witnesses move, memories fade, and security footage gets deleted. 

The earlier you act, the more control you’ll have over the outcome.

Get Dedicated Legal Help After a Motorcycle Accident Caused by a Drunk Driver

You’ve already been through more than anyone should have to deal with. 

Let our motorcycle accident lawyers at Horn Wright, LLP, handle the legal pressure, deal with the insurance companies, and push for the full compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing.

Contact our office today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with one of the best law firms in America. Let’s talk about your story, your options, and what justice could look like for you.