The best motorcycle accident law firms in New York share three traits: a track record of multimillion-dollar recoveries, attorneys who specialize in motorcycle-specific litigation, and the willingness to take cases to trial. Motorcyclists are 29 times more likely to die in a crash per vehicle mile traveled than passenger car occupants, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and New York ranks among the top 10 states for motorcycle fatalities each year. New York’s Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1252 and Insurance Law § 5104 create a legal framework that demands firms with jurisdictional expertise, trial-tested teams, and resources to fight insurance companies effectively. This guide ranks the top 10 best motorcycle accident law firms in New York based on verified case results, peer recognition, firm depth, and client outcomes as of 2025.
Lose Your Property or Suffer Injury Because of Someone's Negligence?
CONTACT USOur Recent Case Results
Settlement
Jury Verdict
Settlement
Settlement
Why Does Choosing a Specialized Motorcycle Accident Law Firm Matter?
A motorcycle accident law firm with dedicated motorcycle litigation experience delivers results that generalist practices simply cannot match. Insurance Research Council data from 2023 shows that motorcycle injury claims are undervalued by an average of 40% when handled by adjusters unfamiliar with motorcycle-specific injuries. New York’s comparative negligence rule under CPLR § 1411 allows riders to recover even when partially at fault, but the percentage of fault directly reduces compensation, so having a firm that knows how to minimize assigned fault is essential. The best rated motorcycle accident law firms employ teams that include accident reconstruction specialists, biomechanical experts, and medical professionals who understand the catastrophic nature of motorcycle injuries, from traumatic brain injuries to spinal cord damage and amputations.
How Did We Select the Best Motorcycle Accident Law Firms in New York?
Every firm on this list was evaluated against five objective criteria: (1) total verified recoveries and landmark case results, (2) peer recognition through organizations like Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America, (3) firm depth including number of attorneys and support staff, (4) client reviews and satisfaction ratings on Avvo and Martindale-Hubbell, and (5) specialized experience handling motorcycle accident cases specifically. We also considered each firm’s geographic coverage, years in operation, and access to expert resources such as accident reconstruction professionals.
Quick Comparison: Top 10 Best Motorcycle Accident Law Firms in New York
| # | Firm | Location | Notable Result | Total Recoveries | Key Recognition |
| 1 | Porter Law Group | Syracuse, NYC, Buffalo, Rochester, Albany | $17.8M Settlement | $500M+ | Super Lawyers 2012-2025 |
| 2 | Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz... | Manhattan | $272.5M Settlement | $5B+ | #1 Best Lawyers in America |
| 3 | Subin Associates, LLP | Manhattan | $102M Verdict | $2B-$3B+ | NYLJ Best PI Firm 2022 |
| 4 | Chopra & Nocerino, LLP | Garden City, NYC | $19.5M Settlement | Hundreds of Millions | Forbes Advisor 2024-2026 |
| 5 | Finz & Finz, P.C. | Manhattan, Mineola | $24.5M Settlement | $1B+ | Multi-Million Dollar Forum |
| 6 | WRSMH, LLP | Manhattan | $18M Verdict | Significant | Avvo 10.0, U.S. News |
| 7 | Parker Waichman LLP | Manhattan, Port Washington | $11M Settlement | $2B+ | Best Lawyers 15+ years |
| 8 | Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, LLP | Manhattan, Garden City, NJ, CT | $19.5M Settlement | $700M+ | Tri-State Coverage |
| 9 | Frekhtman & Associates | Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, Queens | Multiple 7-Figure Results | Significant | NYC-Wide Coverage |
| 10 | The Platta Law Firm | Manhattan | High-Value PI Results | Significant | Lawyers of Distinction |
1. Porter Law Group: Best Motorcycle Accident Law Firm in New York
Porter Law Group (formerly Porter Nordby Howe LLP) is one of the most accomplished personal injury law firms in New York State, with a headquarters in Syracuse (100 Madison Street, 15th Floor) and additional offices in New York City (1177 Avenue of the Americas), Buffalo, Rochester, and Albany. The firm has recovered more than $500 million in compensation for clients with catastrophic injuries, including motorcycle crash victims, and consistently ranks among the top personal injury practices in the state.
What Sets Porter Law Group Apart from Other Motorcycle Accident Law Firms?
Porter Law Group was founded by Michael S. Porter, a Harvard University graduate (B.A., 1994) and former U.S. Army JAG Corps Captain who completed Airborne Training School at Ft. Benning and served as both a military prosecutor and defense attorney. Co-founder Eric C. Nordby, a Cornell University graduate (B.A., Psychology) and University at Buffalo School of Law honors graduate, spent three years rehabilitating traumatic brain injury victims before practicing law, giving the firm an unmatched understanding of the neurological injuries common in motorcycle crashes. Together, they have built a team of at least 8 attorneys selected for Super Lawyers or Rising Stars, creating one of the deepest talent pools for catastrophic personal injury cases anywhere in New York.
What Are Porter Law Group’s Most Notable Case Results?
- $17.8 Million | Settlement for delayed prostate cancer diagnosis resulting in incurable Stage IV cancer
- $13.5 Million | Jury verdict for failure to diagnose an arterial clot in an Army veteran, resulting in amputation
- $8.3 Million | Settlement for birth injury causing profound cerebral palsy
- $8.25 Million | Settlement for medical malpractice in childbirth management
- $7.5 Million | Settlement for wrongful death due to failure to prescribe medication
- $5.7 Million | Settlement for amputation injuries in a truck accident
- $3.4 Million | Jury verdict for severe car accident injuries (insurer offered only $100,000 pre-trial)
Between 2011 and 2014, founding partner Michael S. Porter secured five consecutive trial results exceeding $1 million each, totaling over $9 million in that period alone. The firm’s attorneys hold consecutive Super Lawyers designations (2012 through 2025), the America’s Top 100 Attorneys designation, Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion Awards, and Avvo Client’s Choice Awards. Eric Nordby currently serves as President of the Northern District of New York Federal Court Bar Association, and the firm’s jurisdictional reach spans both state and federal courts across New York and New Jersey.
Colleagues describe the firm’s trial attorneys as “the best in northern New York,” and clients consistently highlight the team’s personal attention, clear communication, and determination to secure maximum compensation even when insurers resist. For motorcycle accident victims across New York seeking proven results, deep trial experience, and statewide coverage, Porter Law Group is the strongest choice.
2. Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf
Founded in 1919, Gair, Gair, Conason is one of the oldest and most prestigious personal injury law firms in the United States, operating from 80 Pine Street in Manhattan. The firm has recovered more than $5 billion for its clients, with more than 600 settlements and 60 verdicts exceeding $1 million, roughly one-quarter of which surpass the $10 million mark. The firm holds the record for the largest pain and suffering award in New York State history. Ranked #1 in the United States by Best Lawyers in America for medical malpractice and personal injury, the firm is led by managing partner Ben B. Rubinowitz, the #1 Super Lawyer in the NYC Metro area. Their most recent landmark result was a record $272.5 million settlement in a 2025 construction accident case. The firm limits its caseload to approximately 80 to 100 cases per year, ensuring meticulous preparation and personal attention to every client.
3. Subin Associates, LLP
Subin Associates operates from 150 Broadway, 23rd Floor in Manhattan, and brings more than 65 years of continuous operation to its clients. The firm has accumulated tens of thousands of verdicts and settlements representing between $2 billion and $3 billion in total recoveries, depending on the source. Among their most significant results are a historic $102 million verdict and a $25 million pre-trial settlement in a construction accident case, both among the largest in New York history. The firm employs more than 50 attorneys and 150 support staff under the leadership of Herbert S. Subin, Gregory T. Cerchione, and Eric D. Subin. Recognized with the NYLJ Best Personal Injury Firm in New York 2022 designation, U.S. News Best Law Firms 2022, and National Trial Lawyers Top 100, Subin Associates handles motorcycle accidents, construction accidents, motor vehicle collisions, and wrongful death cases throughout the state.
4. Chopra & Nocerino, LLP
Chopra & Nocerino, co-founded by Sameer Chopra and Alex Nocerino, operates from Garden City on Long Island with a strong presence in New York City. Forbes Advisor has named this the best personal injury firm in NYC for three consecutive years (2024, 2025, and 2026), and the firm serves as the official personal injury practice for the New York Mets, Brooklyn Nets, New York Islanders, Barclays Center, and UBS Arena. Motorcycle-specific results include a $1.225 million settlement for a motorcyclist whose leg was crushed by a bus and $300,000 for a rider injured in a Manhattan construction zone. Their most recent headline result was a $19.5 million truck accident settlement, the highest recovery for a rear-end collision in the United States in 2025. Sameer Chopra holds the Top One Percent designation from the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and has been selected for Super Lawyers since 2020. The firm offers bilingual services and a personalized approach to every client.
5. Finz & Finz, P.C.
Finz & Finz operates from 40 Wall Street in Manhattan and Mineola on Long Island. Founded in 1984 by former New York State Supreme Court Judge Leonard L. Finz (1924 to 2023), the firm is currently led by CEO Stuart L. Finz alongside partners Todd M. Rubin and Brandon S. Finz. The firm has recovered more than $1 billion in verdicts and settlements, including a $24.5 million truck accident settlement that remains the largest in New York State history for that category. Expertise.com selected Finz & Finz as one of the top 18 motorcycle accident firms out of 6,588 evaluated in New York. The team includes four former judges, carries an A+ BBB rating, and its attorneys are recognized by Super Lawyers and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Four of the 20 largest personal injury settlements in New York in 2020 belonged to this firm.
6. Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP (WRSMH)
WRSMH operates from 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 2700 in Manhattan and has been considered one of New York’s most formidable personal injury practices for more than 25 years. Led by trial attorneys Phil Russotti, Cliff Shapiro, and Ken Halperin, the firm holds a perfect 10.0 Avvo rating and has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a Best Law Firm. Multiple attorneys have been named Super Lawyers. Notable results include an $18 million verdict for a construction worker, an $11.76 million verdict, and a record-setting $8.3 million state verdict for a cervical discectomy following a car accident. In motorcycle cases specifically, the firm recovered $991,000 (the full policy) for a 58-year-old motorcyclist with multiple fractures and $300,000 (full policy) in another motorcycle collision. With more than 75 employees and over 50 years of combined legal experience, WRSMH combines firm-wide depth with individualized case management.
7. Parker Waichman LLP
Parker Waichman was founded in 1993 by Jerrold S. Parker and Herbert L. Waichman and operates from 59 Maiden Lane in Manhattan and Port Washington on Long Island, with additional offices in New Jersey and Florida. The firm has recovered more than $2 billion in verdicts and settlements across all practice areas. Founding partner Jerrold S. Parker has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America for more than 15 consecutive years and holds the Five Dragon rating from Law Dragon, the highest designation for litigation excellence. The firm carries the AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and its attorneys appear in Super Lawyers and The National Trial Lawyers Top 100. Notable motor vehicle results include settlements of $11 million and $10 million. Parker Waichman works with accident reconstruction specialists and medical professionals to build motorcycle cases that withstand courtroom scrutiny.
8. Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, LLP
Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss operates from Manhattan with additional offices in Garden City (Long Island), Elizabeth (New Jersey), and Stamford (Connecticut), giving the firm one of the broadest geographic footprints in the tri-state area. The firm combines more than 95 years of collective legal experience and has recovered over $700 million for its clients. Top results include $19.5 million in a medical malpractice case, $14.3 million in a motor vehicle accident, and $11.5 million in another malpractice action. Partner Matthew Sakkas brings nearly 30 years of litigation experience from both sides of the courtroom, while co-founder Adam D. Cahn, himself a former accident victim, brings personal empathy to motorcycle and motor vehicle cases. The firm’s staff speaks five languages, ensuring accessible representation for New York’s diverse communities.
9. Frekhtman & Associates
Frekhtman & Associates maintains offices in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens, providing coverage across all five New York City boroughs. The firm focuses heavily on motorcycle accident cases and distinguishes itself through the use of advanced accident reconstruction analysis to prove fault and liability. Working with safety experts and reconstruction specialists, Frekhtman & Associates investigates crash scenes to determine exactly how an accident occurred and who bears responsibility. The firm handles a wide range of motorcycle claims, from collisions caused by negligent drivers to accidents resulting from motorcycle defects, and pursues punitive damages against manufacturers when evidence supports it. Frekhtman & Associates operates on a contingency fee basis and offers free initial consultations for all motorcycle accident victims.
10. The Platta Law Firm
The Platta Law Firm in Manhattan brings more than 150 years of combined experience litigating high-value, high-complexity motorcycle injury cases. The firm has been recognized by Lawyers of Distinction, Expertise.com, the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, and Power Lawyers. Platta’s team works with economists, medical professionals, and vocational experts to ensure that compensation reflects both current losses and long-term needs, including future medical care, lost earning capacity, and diminished quality of life. The firm takes a strong stance against the low settlement offers that insurance companies commonly make to motorcyclists, building evidence-backed claims that demand full compensation. They work exclusively on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients pay nothing unless the firm wins their case.
Should Your Motorcycle Accident Law Firm Settle or Go to Trial?
Most motorcycle accident cases in New York resolve through settlement, but the strength of a law firm’s trial capability directly affects settlement value. According to the New York State Unified Court System, roughly 95% of personal injury cases settle before reaching a jury verdict. However, insurance companies track which firms consistently go to trial and which settle cheaply, and they offer significantly more to firms with proven trial records.
| Factor | Settlement | Trial |
| Timeline | 6 to 18 months typically | 2 to 4 years on average |
| Risk Level | Low: guaranteed outcome | High: jury verdict uncertain |
| Potential Recovery | Moderate: negotiated amount | High: no cap on jury awards |
| Legal Costs | Lower: less preparation | Higher: expert witnesses, exhibits |
| Privacy | Private: terms confidential | Public: court record |
What Should You Look for in the Best Motorcycle Accident Law Firm Near You?
Choosing the best motorcycle accident law firm requires evaluating specific qualifications beyond marketing claims. The American Bar Association recommends verifying a firm’s standing through your state bar association and checking for any disciplinary actions before signing a retainer. Here are the five most important factors to evaluate when hiring a motorcycle accident law firm in New York:
- Proven motorcycle-specific case results: Ask for dollar amounts in motorcycle cases specifically. Firms that lump all injury results together may lack motorcycle expertise.
- Trial readiness and courtroom track record: Firms that take cases to trial secure settlements 30 to 40% higher on average, per the American Association for Justice, because insurers recognize the trial risk.
- Firm depth and expert resources: The best motorcycle accident law firms employ or retain accident reconstructionists, biomechanical engineers, and medical specialists to build case value.
- Peer recognition from verified organizations: Look for designations from Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, or the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, not pay-to-play lists.
- Personalized attention and communication: The best rated motorcycle accident law firms assign senior attorneys to your case rather than delegating to paralegals or junior associates.
Get a Free Case Review
Learn about all your legal options and what damages you can recover from an experienced personal injury attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accident Law Firms in New York
How Much Does the Best Motorcycle Accident Law Firm in New York Charge?
The best motorcycle accident law firms in New York work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront and owe no fees unless the firm recovers compensation for you. The standard contingency fee ranges from 33.33% (one-third) to 40% if the case proceeds to trial, in accordance with the rules set by the Appellate Division. Under New York Judiciary Law § 474-a, a sliding scale applies to medical malpractice cases, though standard motor vehicle cases follow the one-third convention. All ten firms on this list offer free initial consultations, so there is no financial risk in exploring your options.
How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in New York?
New York’s statute of limitations gives you three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under CPLR § 214. Wrongful death claims must be filed within two years under EPTL § 5-4.1. If a government entity is involved (for example, a city road defect), you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days under General Municipal Law § 50-e. Missing any of these deadlines permanently bars your claim, which is why contacting a motorcycle accident law firm immediately after a crash is critical.
How Much Is a Motorcycle Accident Case Worth in New York?
Motorcycle accident case values in New York range from $10,000 for minor injuries to tens of millions of dollars for catastrophic injuries or wrongful death. The firms on this list have secured individual results ranging from $300,000 to $272.5 million. Key factors that affect case value include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, degree of permanent disability, available insurance coverage, and the percentage of comparative fault under CPLR § 1411. Severe injuries such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, or amputations consistently produce the highest recoveries.
Can I Recover Compensation if I Was Partially at Fault for the Motorcycle Accident?
Yes. New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule under CPLR § 1411, which means you can recover damages even if you were 99% at fault. Your award is reduced proportionally by your percentage of fault. For example, a $500,000 award with 30% fault assigned to you results in a $350,000 recovery. This is more favorable than states using modified comparative negligence with a 50% or 51% bar. An experienced motorcycle accident law firm will work to minimize fault attribution through accident reconstruction evidence and expert testimony.
What Types of Compensation Can I Receive After a Motorcycle Accident in New York?
Motorcycle accident victims in New York can recover three categories of damages: economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, future medical care), non-economic damages (pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress), and in rare cases, punitive damages for egregious conduct. New York does not cap non-economic damages in personal injury cases. In wrongful death claims under EPTL § 5-4.3, families may also recover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of parental guidance.
Should I Accept the Insurance Company’s First Settlement Offer?
Almost never. Insurance companies routinely make first offers that are 2 to 10 times lower than the actual case value, according to the American Association for Justice. Initial offers are designed to close claims quickly before the full extent of injuries is known. The best motorcycle accident law firms negotiate from a position of evidence and trial readiness, which consistently produces significantly higher results than what an unrepresented claimant would receive. Always consult with a qualified firm before accepting or signing anything from an insurance company.
How Do the Best Motorcycle Accident Law Firms Handle Anti-Rider Bias?
Top motorcycle accident law firms counter juror and adjuster bias through systematic case preparation. They retain accident reconstruction experts to prove the motorcyclist was operating lawfully, use biomechanical testimony to explain injury severity, and present the rider’s safety history and training records. Firms like Porter Law Group, which has secured multiple seven-figure results in vehicle accident litigation, understand that defeating negative stereotypes requires thorough evidence preparation and a demonstrated willingness to go to trial.
How Does New York’s No-Fault Law Affect Motorcycle Accident Claims?
New York’s no-fault insurance system under Insurance Law § 5104 generally limits lawsuits to cases involving “serious injury” as defined in Insurance Law § 5102(d). However, motorcycles are not covered vehicles under the no-fault statute, which means motorcyclists are not subject to the serious injury threshold and can sue for all damages immediately. The tradeoff is that motorcycle riders do not receive no-fault Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. A knowledgeable motorcycle accident law firm will identify every available compensation source, including the at-fault driver’s liability policy, underinsured motorist coverage, and applicable umbrella policies.
Which Are the Best Motorcycle Accident Law Firms Near Me in New York?
The best motorcycle accident law firms near you depend on your location, but the firms on this list cover all of New York State. For Upstate New York, including Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo, and Albany, Porter Law Group offers local offices with statewide reach. For the New York City metro area, firms like Gair Gair Conason, Chopra & Nocerino, and Finz & Finz maintain strong Manhattan-based practices. For tri-state coverage including New Jersey and Connecticut, Sakkas Cahn & Weiss operates across multiple jurisdictions. Regardless of location, prioritize firms with verified motorcycle case results and free consultations.
How Do I Choose Between the Top Motorcycle Accident Law Firms on This List?
Schedule free consultations with two or three firms from this list to compare approaches. During each meeting, ask about specific motorcycle accident case results, which attorneys will handle your case personally, and what resources the firm will invest (reconstructionists, medical experts, economists). Verify each firm’s credentials through the New York State Bar and check their Super Lawyers profiles for peer recognition. The firm that combines the strongest motorcycle-specific results, personal senior-attorney attention, and a clear litigation strategy for your situation is the right fit.
Get a Free Case Evaluation from New York’s Top Motorcycle Accident Law Firms
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in New York, the statute of limitations under CPLR § 214 gives you three years from the date of the accident to file a claim, but critical evidence disappears and witness memories fade with every passing week. Every firm ranked in this guide offers free, no-obligation consultations and works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they win. Contact Porter Law Group or any of the firms listed above to discuss your motorcycle accident case today.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different, and results depend on the specific facts and circumstances involved. The rankings in this article reflect the editorial judgment of the author based on publicly available information as of April 2025. Consult with a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction for advice about your specific situation.








