April 4, 2025
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As a motorcycle accident attorney at Cellino Law, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact a crash can have on riders. Riding a motorcycle offers the thrill of the open road, but in New York, accidents are all too common during peak riding months. Without the protection of a car, motorcyclists face a higher risk of severe injuries. If you’ve been injured, understanding your legal rights is crucial. At Cellino Law, we’re here to help you navigate the claims process and pursue the compensation you deserve for the injuries outlined below.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Head injuries are some of the most common injuries in motorcycle crashes, but they can also be the most serious if not properly treated. Even though riding with a DOT-approved helmet significantly decreases your risk for head injuries, there is still a chance of a TBI in an accident.
Common types of TBIs include:
- Concussions
- Contusions (bruising of the brain)
- Coup-contrecoup injuries (damage to both sides of the brain)
- Skull fractures
In New York, TBIs often qualify as “serious injuries” under Insurance Law § 5102(d), allowing you to pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault party’s liability insurance. These claims can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, which are not covered by New York’s No-Fault insurance for motorcyclists.
If you suspect a TBI after a motorcycle accident, seek medical attention and contact Cellino Law for a free consultation. Our attorneys can assess your case and help you pursue compensation for long-term medical needs.
Spinal Cord Injuries
In the event of a motorcycle crash, the spinal cord is at risk for injury. Unlike passenger vehicles, motorcycles offer no external protection for the spine, which means serious injuries can occur upon impact.
Some common spinal cord injuries in motorcycle accidents include:
- Herniated or ruptured discs
- Loss of sensation or motor function
- Partial or full paralysis
New York law allows victims of spinal cord injuries to seek compensation for both economic damages (e.g., medical bills and lost income) and non-economic damages (e.g., pain and suffering). Proving the at-fault party’s negligence, such as a driver’s failure to yield (Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1141), is essential to a successful claim.
Recovering from a spinal cord injury can be a long and arduous road, as your recovery plan may include visits to specialists, surgery, and long-term rehabilitation.
At Cellino Law, we understand the lifelong impact of spinal cord injuries. If you’re facing mounting medical costs or disability, contact us for a free consultation to explore your legal options and secure the compensation you need.
Whiplash & Soft Tissue Injuries
Much like in a car accident, whiplash occurs when the rider is thrown or jolted forward from the impact of a collision. The head snaps back and forth rapidly, which strains the muscles and ligaments in the neck.
Signs of whiplash or soft tissue injuries after a motorcycle accident include:
- Neck or head stiffness
- Persistent headaches
- Limited mobility or range of motion in the neck
- Pain in the shoulders and upper back
Due to the adrenaline rush that happens after an accident, you may not feel the effects of these injuries immediately. If you suspect you have whiplash or soft tissue injuries, even after a seemingly minor collision, it’s important to see a doctor for an assessment.
Our experienced attorneys at Cellino Law can help you document soft tissue injuries to strengthen your claim. If you’re experiencing symptoms of whiplash, reach out for a free consultation to discuss how we can pursue compensation for your pain and medical expenses.
Internal Injuries
Unlike external injuries like broken bones and fractures, internal injuries are not always immediately apparent. Blunt force trauma or impact with objects like handlebars, debris, or other vehicles can cause serious internal harm.
Commonly seen internal injuries include:
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage, particularly to the kidneys, spleen, or liver
- Punctured lungs
Internal injuries may require expert medical testimony to link them to the accident, especially if symptoms appear days later. New York’s comparative negligence rule (CPLR § 1411) means any shared fault could reduce your compensation, making thorough evidence collection critical.
Symptoms can be delayed, and in some cases, life-threatening if not caught in time. If you feel dizzy, faint, or have abdominal pain after a crash, go to the ER immediately.
If you’ve suffered internal injuries, Cellino Law can help you build a strong case with medical records and expert testimony. Contact us for a free consultation to ensure your claim accounts for all damages.
Lower Extremity Injuries
Leg and pelvic injuries are among the most common in motorcycle accidents, especially if you’re pinned under the bike. Common injuries include broken legs or ankles, knee injuries, hip fractures, and pelvic injuries. Recovery often requires surgery, physical therapy, and prolonged rehabilitation.
At Cellino Law, we fight for compensation to cover your medical costs and lost income from lower extremity injuries. If you’re struggling with recovery, contact us for a free consultation to learn how we can help you pursue justice.
Upper Extremity Injuries
When riders are thrown from their bikes, the natural instinct is often to try to catch themselves with their hands, arms, or shoulders. While this reflex may be an attempt to protect the body, it can often lead to serious injuries.
Some of the common upper body injuries include:
- Arm, wrist, shoulder, and rib fractures
- Shoulder dislocations
- Broken fingers or hands
Our team at Cellino Law understands the impact of upper extremity injuries on daily life. If you’re facing mobility challenges, reach out for a free consultation to discuss your claim and recovery options.
Fractures
Motorcycle crashes often result in fractures, sometimes multiple. Since the body is exposed on a motorcycle in comparison to a passenger vehicle, the likelihood of multiple fractures from a collision increases.
The most commonly broken bones include:
- Wrists
- Arms
- Legs
- Ribs
These fractures can range from simple to complex. Recovery times vary depending on the severity of the injury, but some fractures may take months to heal fully. Surgery or physical therapy may be needed to help regain full function.
Cellino Law can help you pursue compensation for medical expenses and lost wages caused by fractures. If you’re dealing with complex fractures, contact us for a free consultation to protect your rights.
Road Rash
Road rash is a term often used to describe skin abrasions and friction burns that are caused by sliding or scraping against a hard surface, like asphalt or concrete. While road rash may not seem serious, it can lead to serious injuries that involve deep tissue damage and scarring.
Road rash, especially third-degree, can qualify as a “serious injury” under New York law if it results in significant disfigurement or permanent scarring, enabling a personal injury claim. Documenting the injury with photos and medical records is crucial for proving damages.
There are three degrees of road rash:
- First-degree: Surface-level redness and irritation
- Second-degree: Deeper abrasion, sometimes with bleeding
- Third-degree: Skin is completely removed, exposing muscle or bone
Severe cases of road rash carry a high risk of infection, which can make healing more difficult. In some cases, skin grafts may be needed to repair the damage, and scarring can be permanent. Proper medical care is important for preventing complications.
If you’re suffering from road rash, Cellino Law can help you seek compensation for medical treatment and scarring. Contact us for a free consultation to evaluate your claim.
When to Talk to a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If someone else caused your motorcycle accident, you may face significant pain, medical bills, and lost income. New York’s No-Fault insurance doesn’t cover motorcyclists, so your health insurance or med-pay coverage must cover initial medical expenses. However, you can pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault party’s liability insurance. You have three years from the accident to file (CPLR § 214), but acting quickly preserves evidence and strengthens your case.
New York’s pure comparative negligence rule allows you to recover damages even if partially at fault, though your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. An attorney can help minimize your liability and maximize your recovery.
Don’t wait to protect your rights. Contact Cellino Law for a free consultation to review your accident and ensure your claim is filed on time.
Cellino Law Is Here to Help
At Cellino Law, our team of experienced personal injury attorneys are committed to helping injured motorcyclists understand their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a motorcycle accident, don’t navigate this challenging time alone.
We’re here to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way. Contact us today for a free case consultation at 888-888-8888 or fill out our web form to get in touch.
Content checked by the personal injury attorney Ross Cellino. As a family man and a trial attorney, I pride myself on winning cases and serving the community. With over 35 years of experience, I understand the function of a jury, how juries arrive at conclusions, and the role that the jury plays in administering justice. I know how to win cases. You can find us in Manhattan, Buffalo, Melville, Rochester, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens and other locations throughout New York.