Motorcycle accident
Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Rochester, New York
The firms in this guide
- Faraci Lange, LLP Call Faraci Lange, LLP: (888) 997-4110
- The Kantor Gullo Law Firm
- DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers Call DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers: 833-200-2000
- John Wright Law Firm Call John Wright Law Firm: (585) 632-2222
- Horn Wright, LLP Call Horn Wright, LLP: (855) 465-4622
1. Faraci Lange, LLP
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, personal injury, medical malpractice, wrongful death claims arising from motorcycle collisions
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle versus car accidents, motorcycle versus truck accidents, intersection accidents, lane change accidents, left-turn accidents, accidents caused by driver negligence, fatal motorcycle accidents, accidents involving traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, road rash, broken bones
Legal Services: Case investigation, evidence gathering, liability determination, medical resource coordination, insurance claim handling, settlement negotiations, third-party claims against at-fault drivers, litigation, trial representation
Background: The firm has been handling motorcycle accident cases since its founding in 1968. Attorneys have more than 55 years of experience focused purely on personal injury law. Multiple attorneys are recognized by Upstate New York Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America. The firm prioritizes client communication and personalized legal support.
Location: Rochester, NY
Contact: (888) 997-4110 | https://www.faraci.com
Consultation: Free and confidential consultation
2. The Kantor Gullo Law Firm
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, catastrophic injuries
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle collisions caused by driver negligence, intersection accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions, hit-and-run accidents, accidents involving serious bodily injury, wrongful death motorcycle cases
Legal Services: Case review and analysis, evidence gathering including photographs and medical reports, witness contact information collection, legal strategy development, New York motorcycle law guidance, insurance claim handling, settlement negotiations, litigation, trial representation
Background: The firm has a proven track record of securing substantial settlements and judgments in motorcycle accident cases across New York State. Attorneys have deep understanding of New York motorcycle law and provide strategic approaches to each case. Free initial consultations include thorough case review.
Location: Rochester, NY
Contact: Contact via website | https://www.kantorgullolaw.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation
3. DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, personal injury, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries including traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle collisions on West Ridge Road, East Main Street, and the Inner Loop, left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions, accidents caused by distracted drivers, wrongful death motorcycle cases
Legal Services: Accident investigation, evidence gathering, liability determination, well-documented case building, insurance company negotiations, counter-tactics against unfair settlement offers, litigation, trial representation
Background: The firm has experienced trial lawyers including Jeff DeFrancisco, Charles Falgiatano, Anna Badalian, James Donigan, and Lisa Robinson. The firm serves clients in Rochester, Syracuse, and throughout Upstate New York. Attorneys understand the unique challenges motorcycle riders face in accident claims.
Location: Primary office in Syracuse with service to Rochester; multiple locations throughout Upstate New York
Contact: 833-200-2000 | https://www.defranciscolaw.com
Consultation: Free and confidential consultation
4. John Wright Law Firm
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, personal injury, truck accidents, wrongful death
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle accidents caused by negligent drivers, intersection accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions, accidents involving wage loss, medical bills recovery, pain and suffering claims, loss of enjoyment of life claims
Legal Services: Evidence gathering, liability determination, economic damages calculation, non-economic damages assessment, insurance company negotiations, settlement negotiations, litigation, trial representation
Background: Attorney John K. Wright is a nationally recognized personal injury trial lawyer with over 20 years of experience. He is also a motorcycle rider himself. The firm has recovered over $100 million in settlements and verdicts. The firm handles motorcycle accident cases throughout Rochester and the surrounding areas.
Location: Rochester, NY
Contact: (585) 632-2222 | https://www.johnwrightlawfirm.com
Consultation: Free consultation, no attorney fee unless case is won
5. Horn Wright, LLP
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, personal injury, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle accidents caused by negligent drivers, distracted driving accidents, drunk driving accidents, speeding accidents, failure to yield accidents, rear-end collisions, accidents involving all liable parties
Legal Services: Thorough accident investigation, evidence gathering, liability identification, police report collection, medical record gathering, witness statement collection, insurance company negotiations, settlement negotiations, litigation, trial representation
Background: The firm’s Rochester motorcycle accident lawyers have been representing severely injured accident victims for decades. Attorneys know how to determine liability and prove it in court. The firm handles cases on contingency with no fees unless compensation is recovered.
Location: Rochester, NY
Contact: (855) 465-4622 | https://www.hornwright.com
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee arrangement
Helmet Rules, Motorcycles Under the No-Fault Law and State Claims for Rochester Motorcycle Crashes
A Rochester motorcycle crash claim can raise New York’s helmet and goggle rules, how the no-fault article treats motorcycles, and when the owner of the vehicle that hit the rider is liable. A claim against the State over a state employee’s driving follows a separate ninety-day filing rule.
Helmets and Goggles
Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law 381(6), no person may operate or ride upon a motorcycle without a protective helmet meeting 49 CFR 571.218, with a police permit exception for members of organizations conducting parades or public exhibitions while participating. Under 381(7), no person may operate a motorcycle without goggles or a face shield of a type approved by the commissioner.
Motorcycles Under the No-Fault Law
Under Insurance Law 5102(f), the no-fault article’s definition of motor vehicle does not include a motorcycle. Under 5104(a), the owner, operator or occupant of a motorcycle carrying the required financial security is not subject to an action by or on behalf of a covered person for non-economic loss, except in the case of a serious injury, or for basic economic loss, and under 5102(d) a serious injury includes death, dismemberment, significant disfigurement, a fracture and the other listed injuries.
The Vehicle Owner’s Liability
Under Vehicle and Traffic Law 388(1), every owner of a vehicle used or operated in New York is liable for death or injuries to person or property resulting from negligence in its use or operation by any person using or operating it with the owner’s express or implied permission.
A State Vehicle
Under Court of Claims Act 10(3), a claim for personal injuries caused by the negligence of a state officer or employee acting as such must be filed and served on the attorney general within ninety days after accrual, unless a written notice of intention to file a claim is served within that time, in which case the claim must be filed and served within two years after accrual.
Rochester Motorcycle Accident Questions
How long do I have to sue?
Three years for personal injury under CPLR 214(5), except as provided in the sections it lists, and two years after the death for a wrongful death action brought by the personal representative under EPTL 5-4.1(1).
Can I recover if I was partly at fault?
Yes, reduced by your share. Under CPLR 1411(a), damages are diminished in proportion to the claimant’s culpable conduct, and under 1411(b), added in 2026, a claimant in an action subject to Insurance Law article 51 is barred only if the claimant’s conduct is greater than the defendants’. For example, imagine $65,000 in damages and 15 percent of the culpable conduct on the rider: the recovery would be $55,250. Because the 2026 change took effect on May 26, 2026, a rider hurt before that date should ask counsel which version governs.
What does a wrongful death recovery include?
Under EPTL 5-4.3(a), fair and just compensation for the pecuniary injuries resulting from the death to the persons for whose benefit the action is brought, plus reasonable medical, nursing and funeral expenses and interest from the date of death; under (b), punitive damages if the decedent could have recovered them.