Hurt While Riding? What Every Motorcycle Passenger in New York Should Know

When a motorcycle accident happens, passengers often face the most serious consequences without having done anything wrong. 

Medical bills start piling up. Work gets missed. Recovery takes longer than anyone expects. And through it all, you’re stuck trying to make sense of a situation you didn’t create.

That’s where our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP, can offer dedicated support. We’re here to help you understand your rights and explore your legal options with clarity and confidence.

As a trusted personal injury law firm that puts clients first, we see you. You deserve expert assistance. And yes, you deserve compensation. Our team has your back. We’ve helped motorcycle passengers across New York fight back against unfair insurance companies and walk away with the financial recovery they needed to heal. 

If you're searching for local legal experts that truly understand what you're going through, you're in the right place.

Injured as a Passenger? Here’s How You Can Still Fight for Compensation

Just because you weren’t driving doesn’t mean you can’t file a claim. In New York, if someone else caused the crash - whether it was the bike operator, a car driver, or even a government agency that let the roads fall apart - you have the right to seek compensation.

New York has a no-fault system for car accidents. That system does not apply to motorcycles. So if you were hurt as a passenger, you don’t automatically get coverage for medical bills. You’ll need to go after the responsible party directly, or through your own insurance if the other driver didn’t have enough.

Here’s how passengers usually get compensated after a crash:

• You can file a claim against the motorcycle operator if they caused or contributed to the crash. Maybe they were speeding or weaving through traffic. Maybe they ran a red. In fact, 35% of New York motorcycle crashes in 2022 involved unsafe speed. 
• You can file a claim against another driver who caused the crash. Nationally, more than half of fatal motorcycle accidents involve another vehicle. If this sounds familiar, you may need motorbike crash legal representation to hold that driver accountable.
• You can use your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if the at-fault driver didn’t have insurance or didn’t have enough. In New York, about 14% of drivers are uninsured. 
• You can file a personal injury lawsuit if insurance doesn’t cover everything or if they try to lowball your claim. New York law lets you sue when you’ve suffered a serious injury, like a broken bone, permanent damage, or anything that keeps you from living your normal life.

Sometimes the motorcycle operator is someone close to you. A friend. A partner. A family member. That can make this feel even more uncomfortable. But remember, you’re not attacking them. You’re filing a claim against their insurance. And that’s exactly what insurance is for.

Why Motorcycle Passengers Get Hit Harder and Face Tougher Battles

As a motorcycle passenger, you’re exposed. No metal frame. No seatbelt. No airbags. Just a helmet and open air. When things go wrong, there’s little you can do to protect yourself.

The injuries we see? They’re often devastating. Brain trauma. Fractures. Torn ligaments. Internal bleeding. Some injuries heal. Others don’t.

Passengers face unique challenges that riders and car drivers don’t.

Insurance Gaps

No no-fault coverage. If you want medical bills paid, you’ll need to pursue another person’s insurance or your own.

Emotional Conflict

Is the rider a friend? A loved one? That makes it awkward. But that shouldn’t stop you from getting the care and compensation you deserve.

Disputed Liability

If no one admits fault, or both drivers blame each other, you could end up stuck while insurers argue. That’s where an experienced law firm in New York becomes essential.

Severe Injuries

We’ve worked with passengers injured in crashes on the BQE, the FDR, and throughout New York. These aren’t scrapes. We’re talking surgeries, long-term rehab, permanent limitations. Connecting your injuries directly to the crash is crucial.

Layered Insurance

Often, multiple insurance policies are in play. There’s the bike. The other driver. Your own policy. Even a homeowner’s policy in some cases. Knowing how to layer coverage can unlock the full value of your claim.

Get Professional Help from Horn Wright, LLP

You’ve already been through enough. Don’t go through the legal system alone. Our motorcycle accident lawyers at Horn Wright, LLP, understand the trauma, the confusion, and the pressure you’re under. 

We’ll fight for you and make sure the insurance companies don’t take advantage of your situation. If you need legal help after a motorcycle accident in New York, one of the best law firms in America is ready to stand up and fight for every dollar you deserve.

Call our office today to schedule your complimentary case evaluation.