Don’t Let a Clueless Lawyer Handle Your Motorcycle Crash

Motorcycle crashes are different. You know that—your body definitely knows that. So why do some lawyers treat your crash like it was just another fender bender on the LIE or a bumper tap in a Brooklyn intersection?

If you’re a rider in New York and you’ve been hit, you need someone who actually gets what you're dealing with. Not just the insurance chaos or the hospital bills—but the fear, the frustration, and the unfair assumptions that come with being on two wheels.

At Horn Wright, LLP, our motorcycle accident attorneys help injured riders across New York stand up for themselves. We know the law. We understand the ride. And we’re ready to fight for everything you’ve lost—on your terms.

Why You Need a Lawyer Who Actually Understands New York Riders

Not all attorneys are created equal—and not every “personal injury lawyer” has what it takes to handle a motorcycle case in New York. You deserve someone who knows how to dig into the details that make riding different.

The Unique Risks Riders Face

In New York, motorcyclists make up a small percentage of all road users but account for a disproportionately high number of serious injuries. According to the NY Department of Health, motorcyclists are nearly 10 times more likely to be seriously hurt in a crash than those in passenger vehicles.

Drivers don’t always see you. Road hazards are more dangerous for you. And one wrong move—yours or theirs—can lead to devastating consequences.

If a lawyer doesn’t understand those differences, how can they explain them to a jury? How can they hold an insurance company accountable when they treat you like just another driver?

You need someone who knows how fast things go wrong on a bike—and how hard it is to recover once they do.

Experience with Two-Wheel Physics and Dynamics

Riding isn’t just a hobby—it’s a craft. A good lawyer should understand the physics behind lane changes, stopping distances, countersteering, and low-siding.

If your attorney doesn’t grasp the difference between over-braking on a curve and being cut off mid-turn, that’s a red flag. These details are critical for reconstructing your crash and proving what actually happened.

In one real New York case, a rider went down avoiding a car that veered into his lane. The police report blamed the motorcyclist for “losing control.” But an experienced attorney brought in a motorcycle dynamics expert who explained that the crash was the result of evasive action. The rider won their case—and the full story finally came out.

That’s the difference a knowledgeable legal team makes.

Ask These 5 Questions Before You Hire Any Motorcycle Attorney

Don’t assume every lawyer is equipped to handle your case just because they say they “do accidents.” You’re allowed to ask questions. In fact, you should.

Here are five to start with:

1. Do They Ride or Represent Riders Regularly?

Riding isn’t something you can understand from a textbook. Ask if they’ve ever been on a bike—or if they regularly work with injured riders. A lawyer who’s familiar with New York’s riding culture, roads, and rider mindset brings more than just legal knowledge—they bring real-world understanding.

2. How Many Motorcycle Cases Have They Handled Recently?

Don’t just settle for “a few over the years.” Ask about recent cases. When was the last one? Where did it happen? What were the results?

New York’s motorcycle crash stats change every year. In 2023, more than 4,000 motorcycle crashes were reported statewide. A lawyer who’s in the trenches will be up to date on patterns, road conditions, and insurance tactics used in the last 6 to 12 months.

3. Have They Taken a Motorcycle Case to Trial?

Most cases settle. But if yours doesn’t, you want someone who’s been in a courtroom—and won. Trial experience matters, especially in motorcycle cases where juries may be biased.

4. Can They Break Down Fault and Comparative Negligence Clearly?

New York uses a pure comparative negligence rule. Your lawyer should be able to explain how this could affect your compensation. If they can’t break it down in plain English, that’s a problem.

5. Do They Know Local Road Conditions?

Ask about specific roads where riders often crash—places like Route 17 in Orange County or the BQE in Brooklyn. Lawyers who’ve worked on motorcycle cases in those areas should be familiar with common hazards like uneven pavement, blind curves, or construction issues.

Warning Signs: This Lawyer Has No Business Touching Your Case

You’ve got enough to deal with. You don’t need a lawyer who’s learning how to handle motorcycle cases on your time—and your dime. Watch out for these red flags.

They Generalize Your Case Like a Car Accident

If they start saying things like “these cases are basically the same,” you may want to walk away.

Motorcycle crashes are not like car accidents. There’s no no-fault coverage for riders in New York, so the legal path is entirely different. Injuries are often more severe, and biases against bikers can affect everything—from negotiations to trial outcomes.

A good motorcycle accident attorney will never treat your case like it’s just another “rear-ender.”

They Struggle to Explain Local Road Hazards for Bikers

Can they talk about how poor road design affects riders differently? Do they understand how steel plates, grooved pavement, or sand buildup can send a motorcycle skidding?

If not, they might not be ready to argue that a road hazard—not rider error—caused your crash.

In 2022, riders in New York filed over 200 claims related to unsafe road conditions. Cities and counties often settle these cases quietly, but only if the legal team knows how to prove public negligence. If your lawyer doesn’t even ask about road conditions, that’s a major concern.

Let’s Talk When You’re Ready

After a crash, you need more than just legal help—you need someone who understands what you’re really up against. That’s exactly what we bring.

At Horn Wright, LLP, our motorcycle accident attorneys represent riders across New York who’ve been knocked down and are ready to fight back. We know the roads. We know the risks. And we know how to build strong, rider-focused cases that stand up to the toughest opposition. When you’re ready to talk, we’re here.