Long Island Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

After a motorcycle crash on Long Island, the bias starts almost immediately. Even when a distracted driver makes an illegal left turn directly into your path, insurance adjusters will try to point the finger at you simply because you were on a motorcycle.

At Raphaelson & Levine Law Firm, our Long Island motorcycle accident lawyers represent riders across Nassau and Suffolk County and know exactly how to dismantle these tactics. We don't just accept the initial police report or the insurance company's lowball offer. We conduct independent investigations, reconstruct the crash, and fight back against comparative negligence arguments designed to reduce your payout.

Don't let the insurance company blame you for a crash that wasn't your fault.

Call (212) 268-3222 for a free case review available 24/7 in English · Español · 中文（普通话）

Why Long Island Riders Choose Raphaelson & Levine

• We hunt for hidden money. Many lawyers stop at the driver's basic auto policy. We know how to dig deeper to find hidden million‑dollar umbrella insurance policies that aren't listed on standard DMV printouts.
• Zero biker bias. We know the physics of riding and the realities of Long Island traffic. We use expert testimony to prove the other driver was at fault.
• No upfront costs. You pay nothing out of pocket. We only take a fee if we win financial compensation for your injuries.

Long Island roads — especially the Long Island Expressway (I‑495), Sunrise Highway (Route 27), and dense local routes — are notoriously dangerous for riders.

Long Island riders face serious risk on high‑speed corridors and congested intersections, where left‑turn conflicts, abrupt lane changes, and limited shoulder space can be especially dangerous for motorcyclists.

Because motorcycles lack the structural protection of a car, riders are exceptionally vulnerable to catastrophic injuries, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and severe concussions
• Road rash and permanent disfigurement
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Torn ligaments (such as meniscus tears) and shattered bones
• Crush injuries and amputations
• Traffic fatalities

Even if you were strictly adhering to New York Vehicle & Traffic Law § 381 by wearing a DOT‑approved helmet (FMVSS 218) and ANSI‑compliant eye protection, the sheer force of a collision caused by a negligent driver can still result in life‑altering trauma.

We ensure that your medical records, future care needs, and lost earning capacity are fully calculated before we ever demand a settlement.

“The Voice of the Injured” Serving All of Long Island

We represent Long Island residents, New York City commuters injured while riding to or from Long Island, and out‑of‑state riders hurt while visiting Long Island.

Our Long Island motorcycle accident lawyers handle cases across Nassau and Suffolk County, including Hempstead, Islip, Huntington, Brookhaven, and surrounding communities.

If your crash happened anywhere in Nassau or Suffolk County, our Long Island personal injury lawyers can review your case and explain your options.

Where Motorcycle Accidents Happen on Long Island

Motorcycle crashes on Long Island cluster along high‑speed corridors, busy intersections, and heavily traveled local roads in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

• Long Island Expressway (I‑495): Congestion, aggressive lane changes, and tight merge zones near on‑ and off‑ramps can lead to serious side‑swipe and rear‑end collisions.
• Sunrise Highway (Route 27): Fast‑moving traffic, frequent left turns, and limited shoulders make this a common corridor for severe motorcycle crashes.
• Northern and Southern State Parkways: Narrow lanes, short ramps, and heavy commuter traffic leave riders little room to avoid sudden braking or swerving vehicles.
• Hempstead Turnpike and Montauk Highway: Dense commercial traffic, turning vehicles, and pedestrian activity increase the risk of drivers cutting off motorcycles.
• Route 110 and Jericho Turnpike corridors: Busy intersections and multiple access points create frequent failure‑to‑yield and visibility‑related collisions.

Wherever your crash happened on Long Island, our team can investigate the scene, roadway conditions, and traffic patterns to help prove what really caused your injuries.

Quick Answers About Long Island Motorcycle Accident Claims

Here are quick answers to the questions riders most often ask after a Long Island motorcycle accident.

Recent Motorcycle Accident Settlements on Long Island

Results from our motorcycle accident and motor vehicle injury practice on Long Island:

• $4.3 Million Motorcycle Accident Settlement — Suffolk CountyMotorcyclist struck at a dangerously designed Suffolk County intersection, suffering life‑changing injuries; we proved the road design defect and secured $4.3 million for his medical care, rehabilitation, and financial security.
• $1.9 Million Motorcycle–Truck Collision Settlement — New York
  A rider was thrown from his motorcycle when a delivery truck pulled out directly into his lane; we obtained video and witness proof of the truck’s illegal move and recovered $1.9 million for surgeries, rehab, and lost earnings.
• $991,000 Motorcycle Crash Settlement — Box Truck Illegal U‑Turn
  An MTA employee riding his motorcycle near the Lincoln Tunnel was hit when a box truck made an illegal U‑turn across multiple lanes; we used traffic‑camera footage and witnesses to win a $991K settlement for spine, shoulder, and leg injuries.
• Motorcycle Wrongful Death Verdict — Young Father Killed in Brooklyn
  We obtained a full‑liability jury verdict for the family of a young father killed when he was ejected from his motorcycle in a Brooklyn crash, providing critical financial support for his newborn daughter and fiancée.

See more of our verdicts and settlements for serious injury cases.

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is unique and depends on the specific facts, evidence, medical records, and applicable law.

What Our Long Island Motorcycle Clients Say

“Andrew Levine did a spectacular job on my behalf against difficult odds. His remarkable persistence...” — Michael R., Motorcycle Accident (Avvo)

“Outstanding Service and Results! I cannot thank this law firm enough for their support after my motor vehicle accident.” — Audrey R., Car Accident (Google Reviews)

“I was injured in a car accident, Andrew Levine took my case. From beginning to end, every step of the way Andrew guided me and was always reachable.” — Lauri L., Car Accident (Google Reviews)

Ready to discuss your case? Call (212) 268-3222 or fill out our contact form for a free, confidential case review.

Why Time Matters in Long Island Motorcycle Claims

Physical evidence fades, witnesses move or forget details, and medical records must be obtained and preserved. Insurance adjusters push quick settlements in hopes you'll accept far less than your case is worth. Within days of your accident, critical evidence — accident scene photos, traffic camera footage, maintenance records for the roadway — can disappear or be overwritten.

New York law gives you a deadline. Most motorcycle injury claims must be filed within three years of the date of injury, and some claims have shorter time limits. That may sound like plenty of time, but the strongest cases are built on evidence gathered in the first weeks, not months or years later.

If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident, call us today at (212) 268-3222 . In a life‑threatening emergency, always call 911 first.

What Happens After a Motorcycle Accident on Long Island

Our process is straightforward and designed to move your case forward without unnecessary delays.

Step 1: Free case review

Schedule a confidential consultation with one of our attorneys. We'll ask about your accident — when and where it happened, what injuries you sustained, what medical care you've received, and whether you're still treating. We review your medical records and insurance information at no cost and tell you plainly whether we think your case is a strong fit for our firm.

Step 2: Investigation & evidence gathering

If we take your case, we immediately begin preserving evidence. We request accident scene photos and traffic camera footage, obtain your medical records from every provider, inspect the accident site to document road conditions, and identify witnesses for statements. For motorcycle cases involving roadway defects or vehicle design, we retain expert engineers to analyze what went wrong.

Step 3: Negotiation or litigation

Once evidence is complete, we demand fair compensation from the at‑fault driver's insurance company. Adjusters will try to minimize your injuries and offer low settlements. We push back with evidence, expert opinions, and a clear picture of your damages — medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs. Most cases settle, but if the insurer will not offer fair value, we file a lawsuit and try your case in court.

How We Evaluate Motorcycle Accident Claims

We assess four main factors before committing to represent you:

• Liability clarity. Can we prove the other driver or property owner was at fault? Clear liability strengthens your settlement position.
• Injury severity. Did you suffer significant medical injury — broken bones, spinal damage, road rash requiring skin grafts, chronic pain — that will require ongoing treatment?
• Medical documentation. Do your medical records and imaging (X‑rays, MRIs, CT scans) show concrete injury? Objective evidence is stronger than subjective complaints alone.
• Insurance coverage. Does the at‑fault driver have adequate liability insurance to cover your damages? If coverage is low, we explore other sources (your own underinsured motorist coverage, commercial driver policies if a truck was involved).

Actions to take right now

Even before you call us, take these steps to protect your case:

• Do not post details of your accident on social media — anything you post can be used against you by insurance adjusters.
• Save all medical bills, receipts, and care records in a single folder (physical or digital).
• Keep a log of your injuries, pain levels, and how the injury is affecting your daily life and work.
• Do not sign any documents from the insurance company without speaking to an attorney first.
• Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company — refer them to us.

Factors That Determine Your Motorcycle Accident Compensation

Not all motorcycle accident cases are worth the same amount. Compensation depends on several concrete factors:

• Severity of injury. Broken bones, spinal fractures, and amputations command higher settlements than soft‑tissue injuries. Permanent scarring, chronic pain, and loss of limb function multiply your damages substantially.
• Medical costs. Every surgery, hospitalization, X‑ray, and therapy session is documented in your medical records. We tally all past medical bills and project future costs.
• Lost income. We calculate the wages you’ve already lost and any reduction in your future earning capacity, often with expert vocational testimony.
• Pain and suffering. New York law allows recovery for physical pain, emotional trauma, and loss of life enjoyment. Catastrophic injuries justify substantial pain‑and‑suffering awards.
• Liability strength. Clear liability (the other driver ran a red light, failed to yield, or swerved into your lane) accelerates settlement and supports higher demands.
• Insurance coverage available. The at‑fault driver's policy limits cap what their insurer must pay. If limits are low, we look for additional coverage under your own policy, the driver’s employer, or commercial policies.

A critical note about comparative fault

New York follows a “pure” comparative negligence rule, meaning that even if you are partially at fault for an accident, you may still be entitled to recover compensation (NY CPLR § 1411). Your total recovery is reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you. For example, if you are found 30% at fault and your total damages are $100,000, your recovery may be reduced to $70,000.

Motorcycle riders and no‑fault insurance

A critical rule that many riders don't know: motorcycles in New York are exempt from the no‑fault insurance requirement (NY Insurance Law § 5102). This means that even though you carry liability insurance on your bike, you do not receive automatic no‑fault coverage (medical payments and lost wage reimbursement) from your own policy. You must recover directly from the at‑fault driver's liability insurance.

This makes it even more critical that the at‑fault driver carried adequate insurance. If they did not, we explore recovery through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and any applicable commercial or employer coverage.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries We Handle on Long Island

Motorcycle accidents on Long Island happen on every road type, from Sunrise Highway corridors to Long Island Expressway merge zones to quiet residential streets.

Our Long Island motorcycle accident lawyers have litigated many types of motorcycle accident claims throughout Nassau and Suffolk County, including:

• Intersection T‑bone collisions: Another vehicle fails to yield at a stop sign or red light, striking your motorcycle perpendicular to its travel.
• Lane‑change and merge accidents: A car merges into your lane on the LIE or Northern State Parkway without checking blind spots, or due to distracted driving.
• Rear‑end collisions: A distracted or tailgating driver strikes your rear wheel or saddlebag, often throwing you from the bike.
• Road‑defect accidents: A pothole, missing pavement, debris field, or unmaintained gravel shoulder causes you to lose control.
• Delivery and commercial vehicle accidents: A food delivery bike, commercial truck, or contractor vehicle strikes your motorcycle.
• Hit‑and‑run accidents: The at‑fault driver flees the scene; we pursue your uninsured motorist coverage and work with police where possible.
• Motorcycle‑versus‑motorcycle accidents: Collisions between riders often require careful reconstruction and right‑of‑way analysis.

Motorcycle Accident Claim Rules in New York

New York law creates specific rules for motorcycle injury claims. Understanding these rules protects your right to compensation:

• Filing deadline: Most motorcycle injury claims must be filed within three years of the date of injury (NY CPLR § 214). Wrongful death claims must generally be filed within two years. Claims against government entities must be filed within one year and 90 days.
• Notice of Claim: If your accident involved a municipality, town, county, or public authority, you must serve a formal Notice of Claim within 90 days of the incident (NY GML § 50‑e). Missing this deadline may permanently bar your claim.
• Comparative fault: Even if you are found partially at fault, you may recover compensation reduced by your percentage of fault (NY CPLR § 1411).
• No‑fault exemption: Motorcycles are exempt from New York's no‑fault insurance system (NY Insurance Law § 5102). You cannot recover automatic medical payments from your own insurer; you must pursue the at‑fault driver's liability policy.
• Vehicle owner liability: The registered owner of a vehicle may be held liable for injuries caused by anyone operating it with the owner's consent (NY VTL § 388).

Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accident Claims on Long Island

Meet the Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Behind Your Case

Founding partner Howard Raphaelson and partner Andrew Levine, have spent decades litigating serious injury cases in Nassau and Suffolk County courts.​ Meet our attorneys→

“Motorcycle riders often face severe injuries and unfair assumptions from insurers from day one. Our job is to move fast, document the truth, and make sure the evidence, not bias, drives the outcome.” — Andrew Levine, Partner

Howard Raphaelson — Founding Partner

Howard Raphaelson founded Raphaelson & Levine in 1992 with a mission to recover full and fair compensation for injured clients across New York. For over 30 years, he has represented numerous Long Island riders injured on the LIE, Northern State, and Sunrise Highway, and has led complex personal injury cases to settlement and trial.

Andrew Levine — Partner

Andrew Levine brings detailed case analysis and client‑first service to every motorcycle accident claim. Clients consistently praise his responsiveness, clarity, and ability to explain complex legal issues in plain English. Andrew handles investigations, depositions, and settlement negotiations for many Long Island clients each year.

Serving All of Long Island

Our office is centrally located on Long Island in Woodbury, just minutes from the Long Island Expressway and Northern State Parkway. We serve injured clients throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties, including Hempstead, Babylon, Islip, Huntington, Oyster Bay, Brookhaven, Smithtown, Garden City, Massapequa, Bay Shore, Patchogue, and Commack.

Whether your accident happened on Sunrise Highway, the LIE, a local road, or a residential street, our attorneys can help.

Call (212) 268-3222 for a free consultation with a Long Island motorcycle accident lawyer.

Resources for Long Island Motorcycle Accident Victims

After a motorcycle accident on Long Island, you may need help from multiple sources.

Here's where to turn:

Medical care: Stony Brook University Hospital (Suffolk), North Shore University Hospital (Nassau), Long Island Jewish Medical Center (Nassau), and NYU Langone Hospital – Long Island provide trauma and emergency care for serious motorcycle injuries.

Courts: Nassau County Supreme Court and Suffolk County Supreme Court handle personal injury lawsuits on Long Island. Most cases resolve by settlement, but these courts are where we try cases when necessary.

Police & reporting: Always call 911 immediately after a motorcycle accident to report the incident and request police and medical response. Request a copy of the accident report from Nassau or Suffolk County police; the report documents liability and witness information.

Legal help: Contact Raphaelson & Levine at (212) 268-3222 to discuss your claim with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney.

Visit Our Long Island Law Office

Our Long Island office is in Woodbury, NY, with convenient access for clients across Nassau and Suffolk Counties.​

Directions from major routes

• From the Long Island Expressway (I‑495): Exit 44N to Route 135 North. Continue north, then turn west on Route 25. Crossways Park is accessible from Route 25. Free on‑site parking is available at the complex.
• From the Northern State Parkway: Take Route 135 North, then turn west on Route 25 toward Crossways Park.
• From the Southern State Parkway: Head north on Route 135, then west on Route 25 to Crossways Park.
• By LIRR: Syosset Station is about a 5‑minute drive; Hicksville Station is about a 10‑minute drive.

Walk‑ins are welcome, but we recommend scheduling by phone firs.

Injured and Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer on Long Island?

You shouldn't have to fight a billion‑dollar insurance company while trying to heal from a catastrophic injury. Let the experienced legal team at Raphaelson & Levine handle the adjusters, the paperwork, and the legal strategy.

Here's what you get when you hire Raphaelson & Levine:

• Detailed investigation: We preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and retain expert engineers when road defects are involved.
• Medical case management: We coordinate your care, collect records, and work with life care planners to document how your injury is and will affect your daily life.
• Aggressive negotiation: We demand fair compensation from insurers and are not afraid to file a lawsuit if necessary.
• No upfront cost: We work on contingency; you pay nothing unless we win.
• Access to a dedicated team: As a client, you get direct access to a legal team assigned to your case, including a paralegal, motorcycle accident lawyer, and firm partner.

Some riders worry they'll be charged even if we don't win, or that hiring an attorney will slow down their case. In reality, skilled attorneys move cases forward faster by knowing which evidence to prioritize and how to overcome insurer objections. Adjusters count on unrepresented riders accepting low offers.

The sooner we begin investigating, the better your outcome. New York law gives you three years to file in most cases, but the cases that settle fastest and for the most money are often those where we gather evidence in the first weeks, not months later.

As one client, Lauri L., told us: “I was injured in a car accident, Andrew Levine took my case. From beginning to end, every step of the way Andrew guided me and was always reachable.”

Call (212) 268-3222 for your free case review.