June 20, 2025
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Reading Time: 5 min
Motorcycle accidents in New York are often caused by the negligent actions of drivers operating cars, trucks, or buses. However, crashes can also result from defective motorcycle parts, poor maintenance, adverse weather conditions, or even the motorcyclist’s own mistakes.
To stay safe, riders must be both defensive and responsible. Taking precautions—such as completing formal training, wearing protective gear, and avoiding illegal behaviors—can significantly reduce the risk of injury.
Still, even the most cautious motorcyclists can find themselves involved in an accident due to someone else’s negligence. If this happens, Cellino Law is here to help. Our experienced personal injury attorneys understand the complexities of motorcycle accident claims and can guide you through every step of the legal process.
1. Receive Formal Motorcycle Safety Training
One of the most important ways to prevent a motorcycle accident is to complete formal riding training. Certified training programs throughout New York provide essential instruction in safe motorcycle operation and help new riders understand the full capabilities of their bike.
Completing a training course is also a step toward earning a New York motorcycle license, which requires passing both a written and road test.
2. Wear the Appropriate Motorcycle Protective Gear
Wearing protective gear is not just smart—it’s legally required. New York law mandates that all motorcycle riders and passengers wear a helmet that meets state safety standards. Helmets can significantly reduce the risk of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) during an accident.
Other protective gear recommended for riders includes:
- A heavy-duty jacket and pants
- Gloves and eye protection
- Boots with ankle support
While not required, it is also beneficial to wear bright colors that stand out. This allows other drivers to clearly notice you on the street to prevent them from crashing into you.
3. Know Your Motorcycle Before Taking It Out for a Ride
Part of owning and operating a motorcycle is understanding the bike before taking it out for a ride. You should know the general basics about motorcycles, how they operate, and what makes your motorcycle stand out.
Read any documentation specific to your motorcycle that can be found in the owner’s manual or that you can find online. This can help you get a feel for how your specific motorcycle operates and what systems are important to keep track of.
Understanding your motorcycle and its features allows you to know when you may encounter a problem when riding. It can also help in your maintenance inspection, where you can check the systems to ensure your bike is safe to ride. Motorcycle riders should know their bike and properly lubricate, clean, and adjust to ensure their vehicle is safe to ride.
4. Use Defensive Riding Tactics to Avoid Accidents
New York motorcyclists must remain aware of their surroundings and anticipate the actions of other drivers on the road. Negligent behavior like distracted driving, speeding, and failure to yield can easily lead to collisions — especially if a car driver is not paying attention to the motorcyclist.
Defensive riding tactics can help prevent crashes. These include:
- Knowing your route to avoid mid-ride distractions
- Obeying speed limits and traffic control signals
- Maintaining a safe distance from larger vehicles
- Using headlights for visibility
- Always signaling your intentions
5. Don’t Engage in Lane Splitting
Lane splitting — riding between two lanes of traffic — is illegal in New York State and carries significant safety risks. While it may seem like a way to beat traffic, lane splitting puts motorcyclists at greater risk of being hit by vehicles that suddenly change lanes or open doors.
Risks of Lane Splitting Include:
- Reduced reaction time due to close proximity to vehicles
- Drivers not expecting a motorcycle to pass between lanes
- Limited escape routes if a vehicle moves unexpectedly
- Difficulty maintaining a consistent speed in tight spaces
To avoid serious accidents and legal trouble, always ride within your designated lane and avoid weaving between vehicles.
6. Avoid Riding in Adverse Weather Conditions
New York can get its fair share of poor weather, such as rain, snow, high fog, and heavy winds. These adverse weather conditions can affect the quality of roads and streets that motorcyclists have to ride on. Poor weather can create dangerous road conditions through heavy rain buildup, black ice, or unavoidable debris.
Slick roads can result in poor traction for motorcycle wheels, making it difficult for riders to maintain control of their vehicle. Motorcyclists should avoid riding during poor weather conditions and wait for a clear day to prevent suffering a severe motorcycle accident injury.
7. Stay Focused and Ride Responsibly
Motorcyclists, like all drivers, can contribute to accidents through their own negligence. It’s critical to stay focused, avoid distractions, and maintain self-control at all times.
Avoid behaviors such as:
- Using a mobile device while riding
- Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Speeding or tailgating
- Letting emotions dictate how you ride (e.g., road rage)
How Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help With Your Claim?
Following a motorcycle accident, you could file a motorcycle accident claim to pursue compensation for damages if you suffered a serious injury from another party’s negligence. Motorcycle accident victims can experience economic and non-economic damages like medical bills, property damage, and loss of consortium.
Negotiating motorcycle accident settlements without a lawyer can be challenging, as inexperienced victims could make mistakes that an insurance company can use against them. A motorcycle accident lawyer can safeguard against these mistakes and provide sound legal counsel to help with the process. They can gather tangible evidence to prove your claim and negotiate a fair settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
Contact Cellino Law for Help With Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
At Cellino Law, we have recovered over $2 billion for injured clients and have decades of experience handling motorcycle accident claims in New York. Our attorneys understand the unique legal and safety issues that motorcyclists face and will fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call us today at 888-888-8888 or fill out our online contact form for a free case evaluation.
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.