Manhattan Based Motorcycle Accident Attorneys, Representing NYC Riders for Over 45 Years

Our client was an experienced motorcyclist who followed every rule of the road. He was alert, visible, and cautious. Yet none of that could protect him from a reckless driver who made a high-speed turn directly into his path, without ever looking.

The collision was violent. Our client was ejected from his bike, suffering traumatic brain injury and multiple orthopedic fractures. The driver claimed, “I didn’t see him." But we knew the truth: this wasn’t poor visibility, it was negligence and indifference. With a thorough on scene investigation, we were able to obtain a surveillance videotape from an adjacent property owner which captured the high-speed impact.

This was not an accident. It was a failure to respect the rights of motorcyclists. And we held the driver accountable.

At De Caro & Kaplen LLP, we are nationally recognized for our advocacy on behalf of brain injury victims. With decades of litigation experience and a deep understanding of motorcycle crash dynamics, we’ve recovered substantial compensation for riders who suffered life-altering injuries due to driver carelessness.

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a motorcycle crash, we are prepared to fight for maximum compensation and full accountability.

Attorneys Shana De Caro and Michael Kaplen, our firm’s founding partners, have successfully represented motorcycle accident victims for over 45 years.

Unlike many firms, your case won’t be handed off to a paralegal or junior associate. You’ll work directly with Shana and Michael, who will personally handle your motorcycle accident case from start to finish.

We invite you to visit our bio pages (Shana, Michael) for more information on our credentials, or follow the links below.

• Shana and Michael are nationally recognized experts who are called upon frequently to comment on legal issues, particularly traumatic brain injury.
• Their insights have been featured in noted news outlets such as the New York Law Journal, the New York Times, and CBS News.
• They are preferred attorneys of The Brain Injury Association of America (link)
• Michael is a professorial lecturer at law, teaching a course in brain injury law at the George Washington University Law School (link)
• Shana De Caro served two terms as Chairwoman of The Brain Injury Association of America (link)
• Michael served two terms as Chair of the New York State Traumatic Brain Injury Services Coordinating Council (link)
• Both Shana and Michael have been selected as New York Super Lawyers (link, link)

If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident caused by:

• the negligence of another driver,
• inadequate or dangerous road conditions,
• defective equipment,
• or any other case where another party or parties may be responsible,

Our partners Shana De Caro & Michael Kaplen can represent you.

If you’re unsure whether another party is liable for your injuries contact us for a free consultation.

Below are some common types of motorcycle accidents our firm handles for our New York clients. But we should stress that this list is not exhaustive. If you believe negligence contributed to your accident and injuries, please contact us to discuss your case. We’re here to listen. And we’re here to help you get the justice you deserve.

Driver negligence which leads to motorcycle accidents includes:

• inattentive drivers who fail to see motorcyclists,
• sudden lane changes without signaling,
• drivers who follow too closely

These negligent behaviors can lead to serious injuries or tragically, fatalities for motorcyclists.

According to the New York State Triennial Highway Safety Plan (2024-2026) driver inattention or distraction was the leading contributor to 10.8% of motorcycle crashes statewide in 2021.

Left-turn accidents typically occur when drivers fail to yield, or properly check for oncoming motorcycles.

These incidents can be devastating and result in severe injuries, as motorcyclists have limited protection compared to other vehicle operators.

In 2021, around 1 in 5 motorcycle accidents which led to personal injury or fatality were caused by failure to yield right of way (NYS Triennial Highway Safety Plan).

Dangerous road conditions including:

• potholes,
• loose gravel,
• and poorly maintained surfaces

Frequently cause motorcycle accidents.

Municipalities can be held liable if inadequate road maintenance is proven to have caused, or contributed to, an accident.

Faulty components such as defective brakes, tires, or steering systems can severely compromise motorcycle safety.

If a defect contributes to an accident, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can be held accountable.

Accidents involving impaired drivers can be catastrophic for motorcyclists due to their vulnerability on the road.

If your accident involved a driver who was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, we can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

Motorcycle riders have minimal protection from impact forces, and can suffer serious injuries when struck from behind. Common causes of rear-end collisions include driver inattentiveness and failure to maintain safe following distances.

According to the New York State Triennial Highway Safety Plan, 8.8% of motorcycle accidents that led to personal injury or death were caused by drivers following too closely.

Additional motorcycle accident scenarios we can provide legal representation for include:

• Single-bike accidents caused by evasive maneuvers
• Accidents involving motorcycles and large commercial vehicles
• Collisions due to visibility issues, such as blind spots
• Motorcycle crashes resulting from aggressive driving behaviors by other motorists

If negligence contributed to your motorcycle accident injury, you deserve compensation.

Contact us today for a free consultation.

The preparation of your case begins with a comprehensive investigation of the accident that caused your injuries. Our goal is to find out how the motorcycle crash happened and whether it could have been prevented. This may involve the following steps:

• Working with accident reconstruction professionals
• Reviewing any traffic camera footage that's available
• Interviewing bystanders and other witnesses
• Reviewing your medical records and consulting with your treating physician(s)
• Examining cell phone records to determine if the other drivers were texting or talking on the phone when the accident occurred

We seek compensation on your behalf for your pain and suffering, present and future loss of wages, hospital and doctor bills, rehabilitation costs, and even emotional distress.

Navigating the aftermath of a motorcycle accident requires understanding New York's specific laws and regulations. Here are some key points:

• Helmet Laws: New York State requires all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear DOT-approved helmets. Failure to comply can result in a traffic ticket and may affect your ability to recover damages in an accident claim.
• Insurance Requirements: Motorcycle owners in New York must carry minimum liability insurance coverage, including bodily injury and property damage liability. Uninsured motorist coverage is also essential to protect you if you're hit by an uninsured driver, and medium length coverage is essential to cover your medical bills.
• Motorcycle Endorsements: To legally operate a motorcycle in New York, you must have a motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license. This requires passing a written and road test. In 2023, only 27% of riders who suffered fatal collisions had the proper license to operate a motorcycle.
• Lane Splitting: New York law prohibits lane splitting, which is the practice of riding a motorcycle between lanes of traffic.

At De Caro & Kaplen we understand these laws and how they impact your case. It’s our job to help you navigate the complexities of motorcycle accident law, protect your rights, and ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection for the rider. Some of the most common injuries we see include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Even with a helmet, riders can suffer concussions, skull fractures, and other TBIs that can have life-long consequences. There is no such thing as a mild traumatic brain injury.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries can lead to paralysis or other permanent disabilities.
• Fractures: Broken bones are common, especially fractured legs, arms, and ribs.
• Road Rash: This occurs when skin is scraped against the pavement, leading to painful wounds and the potential for serious infections and scarring if not treated adequately.
• Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
• Amputations: In severe cases, limbs may need to be amputated due to the extent of injury.

To ensure you receive individualized attention, our attorneys take on a limited number of cases. You work and communicate directly with Shana or Michael, not a paralegal, associate, or assistant who screens their calls.

De Caro & Kaplen, LLP lawyers provide representation on a contingency basis, which means there are no up-front charges to you. They receive legal fees only when Shana or Michael obtains a favorable motorcycle accident settlement or verdict for you.

Our motorcycle accident attorneys serve the entire State of New York including New York City, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island and Queens. We also serve Nassau and Suffolk, Rockland, Westchester Counties, Albany, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and surrounding areas.

Your motorcycle accident case starts with one conversation, directly with one of our partners, Shana De Caro or Michael Kaplen.

Why act today?

Because the earlier you file a claim, the better. Missing deadlines will mean you will be unable to commence a lawsuit.

• No upfront cost – We’re paid only if we win for you.
• Personal attention – Your case is handled start-to-finish by our partners, not passed to a junior associate.
• Proven results – Multi-million-dollar recoveries for New Yorkers injured in motorcycle accidents.

Don’t let evidence disappear or deadlines expire. Reach out now, and let’s start building the strongest claim possible, together.